Benchrest Which Bench Rest Rifle $2500-$3000?

[Billm]

I recently got into PCP airguns about six months ago because my grandkids struggled to cock my Diana 48. I’ve owned springers and Co2 for 50+ years. I learned to shoot in England as teenager, so I always shot offhand including 10 m match with a Feinwerkbau 300s. I don’t really hunt anymore and I have powder burners for hunting. I shoot almost daily now in my backyard. I have up to 115yds shooting distance. I started with a .177 Beeman regulated under lever and then purchased the Barra 250z .22. I’ve had a blast shooting and modifying the 250z. But now that I shoot at targets that are mostly between 50-100yds while seated, I think I might like to purchase something more suitable for target shooting. I might never try a formal match, but I wouldn’t want my rifle to limit me from doing so in the future. I was considering the Red Panda, but I think it might be too limiting. Then I thought the FX DRS might be a good option. I’m thinking that it would be best to keep it at .22 or .25 for my needs. I have a titanium plate in my neck and so I don’t think Field Target or PRS is an option lol. I’m curious what experienced bench rest shooters might recommend? I live in Florida and so I’m not looking for a sub-12 rifle. I would like to keep it under $2500, but I’m flexible. I also considered waiting for a Black Wolf.

 

[Joey 69]

Black Wolf, Sounds like the future of Daystate.

 

[jps2486]

Formal bench rest shooting is done ar 25M, 50 and 100 yards generally. At 25 and 50, .177 is most popular since power limits are 12 fpe for light varmint class and 20 fpe for heavy varmint. Some use .22s here. .30 cal is most popular for 100 yd, but many do well with .22s if winds aren’t too bad. For SERIOUS competition, RAW and Thomas dominate 25/50 and FX Impacts or Pantheras for 100. I guess your’re not at that point yet. For something all around, a .22 Daystate Red Wolf, BRK Ghost, or RAW HM1000x are good rifles within your price range. AOA has some nice stuff on sale now. I suggest going to some matches and see what they are using there.

 

[Danman]

You say the Red Panda may be too limiting....how so?...curious! If shooting bench and bench only with that budget, I'd go for it. Stick with .22, since your shooting every day, cheaper ammo would be good vs .25/.30. I would also look at the Skout Evo (although I HATE electronics guns and won't own one, ever) they would be a good bench option, too. The Blackwolf SHOULD be killer, but being new, I'd wait a few months till everyone who ordered one has it in their hands and can give feedback.

 

[Florida_Man]

This will get you many many hours of delightful shooting and learning.

Daystate Red Wolf Laminate .22 – USED: Airguns of Arizona | Premier Airgun Store

 

[Billm]

Formal bench rest shooting is done ar 25M, 50 and 100 yards generally. At 25 and 50, .177 is most popular since power limits are 12 fpe for light varmint class and 20 fpe for heavy varmint. Some use .22s here. .30 cal is most popular for 100 yd, but many do well with .22s if winds aren’t too bad. For SERIOUS competition, RAW and Thomas dominate 25/50 and FX Impacts or Pantheras for 100. I guess your’re not at that point yet. For something all around, a .22 Daystate Red Wolf, BRK Ghost, or RAW HM1000x are good rifles within your price range. AOA has some nice stuff on sale now. I suggest going to some matches and see what they are using there.

Thanks. I’ll have to try and find the nearest airgun competition and check it out. I didn’t realize that there was an equipment divide between 50 and 100yds. I also didn’t know that there was a power limit. Obviously I have more research to do. There doesn’t seem to be much organized airguns activity in NW Florida.

 

[Billm]

You say the Red Panda may be too limiting....how so?...curious! If shooting bench and bench only with that budget, I'd go for it. Stick with .22, since your shooting every day, cheaper ammo would be good vs .25/.30. I would also look at the Skout Evo (although I HATE electronics guns and won't own one, ever) they would be a good bench option, too. The Blackwolf SHOULD be killer, but being new, I'd wait a few months till everyone who ordered one has it in their hands and can give feedback.

Thanks. The weight was the only real concern with the Red Panda. I was guessing that once it is scoped and any accessories are added it will probably be a 20lb rifle. At that weight I’m envisioning a belt fed M60 lol.

 

[Billm]

This will get you many many hours of delightful shooting and learning.

Daystate Red Wolf Laminate .22 – USED: Airguns of Arizona | Premier Airgun Store

I’ll take a look. I sure wish I could walk into a local store and see some of these rifles up close.

 

[jps2486]

Thanks. I’ll have to try and find the nearest airgun competition and check it out. I didn’t realize that there was an equipment divide between 50 and 100yds. I also didn’t know that there was a power limit. Obviously I have more research to do. There doesn’t seem to be much organized airguns activity in NW Florida.

SPAW is located in upper NE Florida in Yulee. Call Ken and ask where the competition is. Also, go on usairriflebenchrest.com, the website for United States Air Rifle Benchrest and see what's going on there. You can also check out their rulebook. Many matches are informal and may not follow the rules to the letter, but sanctioned matches do. There's also the National 50 Benchrest league that pits air rifles agains 22 rimfires. Interesting. National 50 Benchrest League

 

[Billm]

SPAW is located in upper NE Florida in Yulee. Call Ken and ask where the competition is. Also, go on usairriflebenchrest.com, the website for United States Air Rifle Benchrest and see what's going on there. You can also check out their rulebook. Many matches are informal and may not follow the rules to the letter, but sanctioned matches do. There's also the National 50 Benchrest league that pits air rifles agains 22 rimfires. Interesting. National 50 Benchrest League

I will check these resources out. Years ago I lived in Jax and hunted near Yulee. Thanks again for all of the info.

 

[Solo1]

Don’t discount field target cause of your neck. If you can shoot from the bench you can shoot bucket and styx for field target! I shoot bolt upright no elbows on knees and do very well. If there are a lot of matches near by i think ft is a lot of fun and in a different way than paper punching though i like that to!
Gun of choice

 

[pan60]

what about a we the plinker package for a savings?
would these do good for both? and hunting?
I havnt done the competitions but there is no way on Gods free earth I would that a 20 lbs gun even from the car to the bench LOL any gun I have will have to serve me not me it.

Daystate We the Plinkers Daystate Revere Regulated Package - We The Plinkers

"We The Plinkers" combos feature top-quality products curated into the finest qualiy package deal possible by fellow airgun plinkers! The Daystate Revere Regulated is a very highly regarded "classic" sporting air rifle, and its quality of build and elegant lines warrant a few upgrades to...

www.airgunsofarizona.com

 

[jps2486]

what about a we the plinker package for a savings?
would these do good for both? and hunting?
I havnt done the competitions but there is no way on Gods free earth I would that a 20 lbs gun even from the car to the bench LOL any gun I have will have to serve me not me it.

Daystate We the Plinkers Daystate Revere Regulated Package - We The Plinkers

"We The Plinkers" combos feature top-quality products curated into the finest qualiy package deal possible by fellow airgun plinkers! The Daystate Revere Regulated is a very highly regarded "classic" sporting air rifle, and its quality of build and elegant lines warrant a few upgrades to...

www.airgunsofarizona.com

The Daystate Revere is an excellent rifle. Don't know much about the scope, but I think it's a rather cheap one. AOA has a great sale on the Daystate Wolverine for $1479. I would jump on that one, in fact I did. For a scope, I recommend and Athlon Heras 4-20 or 6-24. I like SFP scopes especially for FT, otherwise, go to the Helos or Midas-Tac. If you are a vet with a DD214 there are substantial discounts on Athlon products. Go to www.guidefitter.com and apply.

 

[Solo1]

1 nice thing about the ghost is changing calibers. I shoot 25 cal for bench and 177 for ft and if we ever get slug barrels?my 28” 177 shoots slugs very well. Something to think about versatility is nice and cheaper than a 2 nd or 3rd gun cause once you start down the rabbit hole it gets pretty deep!

 

[Billm]

Don’t discount field target cause of your neck. If you can shoot from the bench you can shoot bucket and styx for field target! I shoot bolt upright no elbows on knees and do very well. If there are a lot of matches near by i think ft is a lot of fun and in a different way than paper punching though i like that to!
Gun of choice

Good to know. I’ve always liked the idea of Field Target. It kind of reminds me of 3d archery. Used a lot of good comments about the Ghost.

The Daystate Revere is an excellent rifle. Don't know much about the scope, but I think it's a rather cheap one. AOA has a great sale on the Daystate Wolverine for $1479. I would jump on that one, in fact I did. For a scope, I recommend and Athlon Heras 4-20 or 6-24. I like SFP scopes especially for FT, otherwise, go to the Helos or Midas-Tac. If you are a vet with a DD214 there are substantial discounts on Athlon products. Go to www.guidefitter.com and apply.

i am a vet.

 

[jps2486]

1 nice thing about the ghost is changing calibers. I shoot 25 cal for bench and 177 for ft and if we ever get slug barrels?my 28” 177 shoots slugs very well. Something to think about versatility is nice and cheaper than a 2 nd or 3rd gun cause once you start down the rabbit hole it gets pretty deep!

The idea is good and FX kinda started that with all the interchangeability. When I set up a rifle for a specific use, it stays that way, otherwise, when you change barrels and calibers, you have to retune the gun. That's why I have so many rifles.

 

[Solo1]

Its surprising what i can do with the ghost though 25- 177 slugs just a change of barrel probe and power wheel takes all of 2 min
I should add i do have 2 1 of them is my ft rifle and stays that way the 2 nd is my hp rifle i shoot 22-25 @177 slugs. My bench & hp ft gun

 

[pan60]

The Daystate Revere is an excellent rifle. Don't know much about the scope, but I think it's a rather cheap one. AOA has a great sale on the Daystate Wolverine for $1479. I would jump on that one, in fact I did. For a scope, I recommend and Athlon Heras 4-20 or 6-24. I like SFP scopes especially for FT, otherwise, go to the Helos or Midas-Tac. If you are a vet with a DD214 there are substantial discounts on Athlon products. Go to www.guidefitter.com and apply.

yea most every knows I am a very big fan of the Athlon scopes I LOVE them!

 

[Billm]

Well, I am super pleased with the BRK Ghost .25 HP. It is very accurate and fun to shoot. Thanks for all the recommendations.

 

[igolfat8]

If you are a vet Sightron gives nice discounts. Look at the SII 36x scope for BR.

Can you see 22 holes at 100? I can’t, even with a 50x scope. Because that may influence your caliber choice.