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« Last post by Rundltrain on August 28, 2025, 12:28:45 PM »
I've watched with interest; both videos posted on this new forum...Jack Neary-All things Benchrest. The opening comments are relevant in an important way. They are trying to make available their vast knowledge so that folks interested in shooting Benchrest for Group; will have a wealth of information to help those ew to our incredible shooting sport. Hopefully limiting the concerns one might have about getting started. When I was young, it seemed that I could find nothing more fascinating and addicting as it pertains to shooting; than shooting a group of 2 shots that actually touched each other. Perhaps it was in an Era of less avaliable TV to watch, or maybe more folks liked hunting " groundhogs", and maybe other so called Varmints from a long distance. There really wasn't even that many cartridges and rifles appropriate for this venture. As a young lad, I went with my dad to a home where the father and son had built rifles from falling block single shot actions. Chambered in .218 Bee, and 219 Zipper. Wilcatting cartridges was not uncommon. And if you hosted a Benchrest shoot, the turnouts were such that new ranges were being built to accommodate the increasing numbers of Benchrest participants. So what happened? Flash forward to today. In Ontario, at least 4 or 5 ranges that hosted big shoots..are no more. Our numbers are dwindling because the participants are aging. I'm sure Jack and hosting friends are noticing too. But yet; F-class seems to be growing. And for that I'm sure we are all pleased. It has its challenges, and rewards, similar very sophisticated equipment etc. Kelblys builds far more F-class actions than Benchrest actions. Not even close. Is it that there is no longer an interest in what some consider the apex of accuracy. Benchrest shooters are for sure very serious about shooting groups that measure less than .200" out of round. And many of us want to and do shoot groups even half that size. Regardless; I don't see much interest anymore.
So I see a club such as the Rosebud range in Alberta, hosting clinics and teaching sessions. And sometimes they even get a new participant. I know having shot there, that those folks took me "under their wing" and I was made to feel welcome. Shooters with significant Hall of Fame points, supplied and put out my wind flags. It works I think. And Jack and friends are trying to help feed whatever interest there is.
I'm concerned. But I'm old!!! I'm just hoping we can continue to host shoots in this part of Ontario! I can say with certainty; that if Benchrest shooting dies here, it will leave a hole in my world that would swallow the Titanic. I can also say, that when I started shooting in competitions not more than 8 years ago, I did not know why the shooters were loading at the range. I knew nothing!!! I believed for at least a year, that it must be because the brass is hard to make, they only make a few so they can't preload. I had the desire but not the knowledge. Perhaps the greatest blessing was, I did not mind being in last place. As long as I was there. Folks started noticing I guess, and one fellow in particular, spent hours answering emails. Letters so long and detailed, that I have binder full and still refer to them. Tony Boyer's book I have read 8 times and counting. Every spring I still go back to certain chapters.
So if you "lurk" on this site, please consider reaching out to us. Visit a shoot and watch. Oh sure, we are busy and all serious looking when you see us at our loading benches. But we don't often have a lot if time between relays....however lunch is going to occur. And there are times when we can visit about stuff .Some of us even have guns and equipment to get a person started. I know that happened to me. Dave gave me everything I needed to start!!!!! And really reasonably priced too.
In summary. I want to apologize for this long winded treatise. But I won't. I really want those folks with interest, to think about trying! I'll leave it at that. Stan Walter.
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