Today saw the EBR 2026 Extreme Big Bore competition at Extreme Benchrest. This annual event is AoA stalwart Kip Perow’s baby. That’s Kip keeping a watchful eye on proceedings from on high!
There’s two classes:
Production Class guns cannot be modified, all components must be as presented from the manufacturer with no alterations. There’s a 240 Ft/Lbs minimum power level required to compete.
In Open Class, gun can be modified from standard. But they still need to meet the 240 Ft/Lbs minimum.
Thayne Simmons was shooting a YSSEL Sturgeon. This is a beautiful-looking big bore air rifle that I have not seen before. YSSEL airguns are manufactured in the Netherlands, although their web site is not exactly replete with product details.
More conventional big bore PCPs are the AirForce Texan range.
Some with aftermarket stocks and weights like this one below.
BinTac MCARS were also a popular choice among competitors.
While Team Umarex was debuting the company’s new .357 caliber Tuck model.
Extreme Big Bore rules stipulate target distances between 35 and 400 Yards.
Competitors shoot from a total of seven stations,. Each station has a required shooting position, including forced shooting with shooting sticks, prone, off hand, and bench.
There’s a six minute time limit per station and shooters – with all their equipment must be mobile to move from station to station.
Below, sure, the close targets are easy to see. But those far away ones, not so much…
As with the 2025 competition, high and gusting wind was a big issue. The spotters were kept busy scoring the hits!
These big bore guns are loud! Hearing protection is definitely required.
The other main event today was at the other end of the shooting spectrum as the EBR 2026 Extreme Big Bore. It was the 50 Yard Benchrest competition and we will cover this next…
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