Benchrest Shooting

In Benchrest shooting, competitors fire from a stable bench using a front rest and a rear sandbag to support the rifle.

The sport caters for both Centrefire and .22LR Rimfire rifles across 11 different classes.

• Group classes: Shooters aim for the tightest possible grouping at distances of 100, 200, and 300 yards for Centrefire, and 50 metres and 100 yards for Rimfire.
• Benchrest for Score: Fired for points at 100 and 200 yards (Centrefire) and 50 metres and 100 yards (.22LR Rimfire).
• International Rifle Benchrest (IRB): A score-based class shot exclusively at 50 metres.

This is a sport of fine tolerances, where fractions of a millimetre can separate first from second place.

Most Benchrest rifles are custom-built precision tools, often designed by specialist gunsmiths right here in Australia.

• Rimfire rifles must use commercially available lead .22LR ammunition.
• Centrefire rifles are generally hand-loaded for optimal consistency and accuracy.

Full specifications for each rifle class can be found in the SSAA Benchrest Rule Book (Parts A & B). The books are linked at the bottom of the page.

Almost every SSAA NSW range has a dedicated Benchrest section. If you’re curious, start by visiting your nearest club, meeting the Benchrest captain, and watching a match. You’ll find the community friendly, welcoming, and passionate about precision shooting.

Many clubs offer opportunities for newcomers to “have a go” under supervision - the perfect way to experience Benchrest for the first time.

• Centrefire Group National Championships: Held every Easter over four days on a rotating basis around Australia.
• .22LR Rimfire Group & IRB Nationals: Annually on the October long weekend, also rotating between states.
• Benchrest for Score Nationals: Hosted yearly at a venue selected by the host state and Benchrest Chair.
• Australia Day Matches (Canberra): Light and heavy Benchrest rifles over two days.
• Banana Coast Championships (Coffs Harbour): Held every August.
• NSW State Championships: Separate events for Centrefire Group, Benchrest for Score, and .22LR/IRB, typically across June–August.

A full schedule of matches can be found on state websites and the SSAA National Benchrest page.

• Group shooting: Measured from the centre of the two widest shots. A perfect “.000” group has never been achieved - though shooters are always chasing it.
• Benchrest for Score / IRB: One shot per bull. “Best edge” scoring means any shot touching the line gets the higher value.

Benchrest targets vary by class, but all are designed for absolute precision measurement.

• Group targets: Feature separate record and sighter sections.
• Score targets: Include six bulls - one reserved for sighting.
• IRB targets: Consist of 25 scoring bulls (“rondels”), each with eight rings and a 1mm X-ring.

Official rule book fo registered Benchrest matches:

• Benchrest Rule Book Part A
• Benchrest Rule Book Part B

Benchrest Rule Book No. 10.0 (Rev Nov 2022)

Benchrest

SSAA Standard Rules No 9.2 Rev Nov 2022

Record Application Form

SSAA official practice targets

Benchrest Discipline posters 2019

Protest Application Form

SSAA-Group-Medal-Awards- Aug 2024

Benchrest Records

Rimfire Benchrest Hall of Fame

Hunter Benchrest Class Hall of Fame

Centrefire Benchrest Hall of Fame

Benchrest Group Medal Awards

National Rimfire Benchrest Group Championship

National Rimfire Benchrest IRB Championship

IRB World Benchrest Qualifying Shoot

World Benchrest Championship 2017

2017 Australia Day Benchrest Matches

2017 SSAA National Centrefire Benchrest Championships

2017 SSAA NSW Benchrest Centrefire 4-Gun State Championships

Aussie medal-fest at Benchrest Worlds

Newcastle celebrates 50 years

Two more shooters earn Benchrest Hall of Fame accolade

National Benchrest Championships

National Benchrest Centrefire Championships

2025 CF Group Nationals

2025 CF Score Nationals

National Rimfire Benchrest Score Championship

Australia Day 2025

AUSTRALIA DAY BENCHREST MATCHES 2023

Australia Day Benchrest shoot marks 40th anniversary

Hunter Class nationals mark golden milestone

Australia Day Matches 2019

Australia Day 2018 Benchrest Matches

2017 SSAA Bananacoast Benchrest Centrefire Championships

2017 SSAA NSW Benchrest Hunter State Championships

2017 SSAA National Rimfire Benchrest Championships

2016 SSAA Benchrest Super Shoot

SSAA NSW Rimfire State Championships

SSAA Bananacoast Benchrest Championships

SSAA National Junior Challenge

SSAA National Junior Challenge

SSAA NSW Hunter State Titles

SSAA National Centrefire Benchrest Championships

SSAA Bananacoast IRB Championships

Australia Day 2016 Benchrest Competition

2015 Bananacoast Championships

SSAA Queensland Hunter Benchrest State Championships

SSAA Sarina 33rd Anzac Interclub Memorial Shoot

Australia Day 2015 Benchrest Competition