Issue 6 2015

A quarterly journal for all Rimfire & Air Rifle Benchrest enthusiasts.
In conjunction with the WRABF and ERABSF
Welcome to the Sixth Issue of
‘The Benchrest Shooter’

41 Rimfire &
Air Rifle
Benchrest -
Mirage by Carl
Boswell
Well only a few short weeks to go to the 2015 World Championships. I am
sure you are all getting ready. It will be great to just be there, as I know that is
all my mind is on right now. See you soon!

G’day and welcome

“No age limit, no size requirement, no gender preference, no

language barriers. . . just one big family of shooters enjoying the spirit of
competition and camaraderie.” Ron Robles 2013

Disclaimer
The Benchrest Shooter magazine with all contents of electronic media is copyrighted. No reproduction is permitted unless written authorisation is provided.
Information, prices and data is believed to be correct at the time of publication. Advertisements that are firearm related are from companies or individuals that The
Benchrest Shooter magazine believes are licensed to hold such firearms and accepts no responsibility if companies or individuals are not so licensed.
Letters and photographs submitted by members of the public or are in the public domain to The Benchrest Shooter magazine will be accepted on the basis that the
writer/ author has agreed to publication, they are/ were in the public domain or promised to the writer. The Benchrest Shooter magazine has no control over the content
or ownership of photographs submitted.
The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers and relate to specific circumstances within each article. These are the opinions
and experiences of writers using specific equipment, firearms, components and data under controlled conditions. Information contained in the electronic magazine or in
any other media is intended to be used as a guide only and in specific circumstances caution should be used. The Benchrest Shooter magazine does not except any
responsibility for individuals attempting to recreate such testing using any information, data or other materials in its electronic pages.
Publishers of The Benchrest Shooter magazine
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 Batch testing at
Eley is a rimfire ammunition manufacturer that
is synonymous with the term ‘accuracy’. The
company has a long history associated with the
development of rimfire ammunition and a few of
their breakthrough ideas in ammunition
manufacture have been adopted by other
companies in their endeavours to make more
accurate ammunition.
More recently, the company has launched
another new range, taking old brands out and
introducing some new ones like the recent Eley
Edge, Force and Contact. I believe that this is a
serious attempt to develop ammunition
further and commit to the target shooter,
bringing in the "Tenex" bullet ‘design’ to a new
model of ammunition that is more accessible to
the club shooter. The latter semi auto
Fred, our guide for the day.
ammunition is another story I am getting into,
but that will described elsewhere. As raw
materials continue to escalate in price and Eley
brands are used by target shooters around the
world, this is quite a significant development.
I first wrote about the benefits of batch-testing
ammunition back in 2008. This was sadly a
few months before the untimely death of Bert
Brookes, the customer range officer at the
factory. I only met him the once but the bits of
information I gleaned from him have stayed with
me years later.
As most of you know batch testing has
expanded for many of the 'big three'
manufacturers, extending beyond continents
now. Eley specifically has a testing range in
Germany with Denis as the range officer. Many
5
of you met him in Plzen or subsequently on the
test range in Germany. Our American cousins
obviously have a new range with Mr Benchrest
himself, Dan Killough.

Martyn Buttery is in charge of the customer

range at the main Eley factory. His aid to me
personally over the years has been exceptional.
On this occasion Martyn was not available, so
Fred Sage replaced him for the day's testing.
Fred is the Product Performance Manager at
Eley and has both the experience and expertise
to run the batch testing as well. (Obviously as
his role does entail lots of testing). What was
informative about the day is the way Eley
analyse each test to develop performance of
the product. Having Fred there with us was a
window into this process, which was more than
a little bit interesting.

Having written about batch testing a number of

times since 2008 I have promoted the merits
of such testing to gain an understanding and
practical need of matching ammunition to rifle. If
anything within this article I want to promote an
even more determined view that batch testing is
the only way to go, if you have the resources to
do it. Whether the process is positive or
negative related to the ammunition available, it
is worth doing to determine many things about
the rifle you own. More appropriately you will go
away with something better than you are

6
 A number of Team GB attended on the
currently shooting. day I tested

I have produced a variety of articles on

rimfire ammunition over the last few issues. This
has included the number of ways of preparing
ammunition and testing them for competition.
When it comes down to it, we are talking mostly
about ‘off the shelf’ ammunition of ‘very good’ to
the ‘cheaper’ qualities and the one thing I would
always do is batch-test ammunition for specific
competitions - including what I will shoot over
the coming year, as I take my sport seriously.
This article lends itself to those of like mind who
are prone, three positional or benchrest
shooters and generally all who shoot .22LR
ammunition in competition.

Each specific batch of ammunition may or may

not ‘shoot’ in your rifle. You can easily see this
if you batch test. Some batches will open up to
a 24mm group over 40 shots, whilst others will
group as low as 13mm. A huge difference,
especially if you are aiming to knock out a
target-ring no bigger than a pin head at 50
metres.

7
For those that have never experienced batch
testing, please take my word for it - it is
staggering to see the difference between one
batch of ammunition and another. I think in
this one statement we come to the real point
of batch-testing. It allows you to test a good
number of different sample batches in clinical
conditions, without the expense of buying lots
of different boxes yourself and trying to test on
range. Let’s face it, you are lucky if a firearms
dealer will actually let you buy one box at a time
to test. You are much more likely to be sold 500
rounds at a time. This may or may not shoot
well, so this process is a bit of a gamble and
could be very expensive. Batch-testing at the
facilities Eley offer takes any ‘ad hoc’ methods
out of the process. It also costs a mere £50
for the test, which uses at least four hundred
rounds. As Eley have invested over £3 million
pounds in the last five years to ensure
standards, you are in good hands.
On arrival we are always met with obviously
heavy security but it is done with a sincere
good will. On this occasion Fred escorted us
into the test-range facility. This looks small, but
good things come in small packages. The place
has been heavily refurbished over the last four
years. After sorting out details of the rifles and
having a chat – the other hobby that goes along
with shooting – we moved into the testing area
to make a start.
For years, shooters have discussed the merits
of locking down a rifle to a test-bed or letting the
natural recoil of the rifle determine the accuracy
of the rifle/ammunition combination. I can see
the merits in both methods. Free-recoil testing
from a bench should be capable of producing a
tighter a group than a fixed/locked bench but of
course, many of the shooters who test at Eley
shoot off-hand and don’t have the benefit of a
good benchrest set-up. I guess it depends how
many variables we want put into a testing
process, each one must be taken into account if
you want good empirical evidence.
Rifle harmonics may be different to your normal
stock when using the system at Eley but we
are testing ammunition consistency and results
show that the process works. If you look at the
scores of the top shooters who have tested this
8
way, most if not all would come to this same
conclusion. Although I tested with the barrel
clamped this time, Eley are in the process of
making a Gemini rig for the Turbo type action in
the two weeks following this test in April 2015.
This brings these rarer American actions in line
with other rifle brands tested at the Eley ranges.
Certainly it is my belief the test groups would be
better with is rig, but as they are good
anyway I am happy with the process I
personally followed. After all the other two
popular match quality rimfire manufacturers test
by clamping the barrel as a standard procedure.
Before we started, both turbo actioned rifles
were placed into the testing bed as shown in
the pictures. These were locked into the testing
bed and we started the initial firing sequences.
The first part of the process is to trial the
ammunition that we were currently using as
a control test. This can then be compared to
those that are offered during the day, in the
same conditions. Twenty shots were therefore
fired then we were ready to go through a further
20 batches of the ammunition which were
9 9
available to us on the day we tested.
As previously stated, the fascinating thing I find
when batch-testing is the different group sizes
that the barrelled-action will shoot. In past years
using an Anschutz factory barrel I had shot up
to a 24mm 40 shot group. However, that was
one batch and a 40 shot group can go as low
as 13mm - the current range record. The best
batch tested in both rifles produced groups of
about 16mm but more on that later.
From some of the pictures within this article you
can see the way each shot and ten-shot group
comes up on the computer screen for the shoot-
er to review as they proceed. Although you get
all this information at the end, this is quite an
important feature of the process. I tend to
analyse and judge what each batch is
doing throughout the process. The range officer
looks at this data either on range or in his office,
where everything is displayed on his computer
screen as it happens.
The testing process took a fair few hours and
finally he was allowed in to
test.
over 800 rounds were fired, with one
coffee break in the middle for another
chat with Fred. By early afternoon we
had a variety of data to look at and
compare. The one that best suited
my needs was slightly higher
velocity than the others but there
was very little in it to be honest. The
one thing to remember about 22 LR
ammunition is that is does perform
differently than other ammunition in
one simple fact - the lower the
velocity the better this is for
accuracy, theoretically!!! If the bullet
is moving slower it creates less drag
in the air and thus lower drift. I chose
mine batch and it was very close
between two specific tests which was
excellent.

Standard calculations of the best

batch can be determined in a number
of ways;

• 40 shot group size in millimetres

• Distribution of 40 shoot score
• Consolidated 40 shot score -
Expected and Actual
• Each 10 shot test group in
millimetres X 4 tests
• Average of the 10 shot test groups
in millimetres
• Radial Deviation

From this information, shooters can

choose the batch that best suits their
needs. In most cases the above data
will match one another.

However, and here is the rub. This

time we went for the new 60 shot test
which provides a great deal more
data for the shooter. One thing to
remember is the more we shoot the
greater the group size is going to be.
This is just statistics. A 60 shot group
is going to be larger than a 40 shot
group. A hundred shot group is going
to be larger that a sixty shot group.
What we are looking for is
consistency!!! In 2008 I was happy
to go away with a 40 shot test that
gave me an average 16mm ten shot

10
groups. In this most recent test I was getting
picky and not choosing anything that was
giving me anything over 14.5 mm to finalise with
an average group size of 12.8mm. (Reminder
this is over a 60 shot test not 40 shots). This is
how both Eley and professional shooters have
developed. We have become more exacting
and expecting of the tools we use.

So with a 60 shot test calculations are

determined in a number of ways:

• 60 shot group size in millimetres

• Distribution of 60 shoot score
• Consolidated 60 shot score -
Expected and Actual
• Each 10 shot test group in millimetres X 6
tests
• Average of the 10 shot test groups in
millimetres
• Radial Deviation

Now if you ask nicely there is another

examination you can see, which is the
distribution of individual shots. On the report
issued to the shooter, this comes out as a bar
graph. Seeing the raw data of individual shots
across the test. As I deal with this type of raw
data in my 'real life' I found this especially
interesting, as it shows everything even the bad
shots. Visually it creates an interesting picture
of dispersal patterns, even though all the batch-
es I tested remained in very close groups.

At the end of the day this is just another tool for

selection and I feel most will be happy to see
the bar chart only, with associated
potential scores. As this is a proprietary analysis
tool developed by Eley I cannot show you here,
but it is available on the test range so do ask if
you are interested.

Finally about the test, having experienced a

number of them over the years. My advice is
to go for the 60 consolidated shot test, as it
provides a lot more data to help with selection.
It takes more time, but I personally would say
this should be the new 'standard' test. Basically
because from one ten shot group to another
you will get anything from 10.5mm to 24mm. If
you get some nice tight groups but then a flyer
making one or more group size much bigger,
then this might not be the batch for you. I tend
to view batch testing as if I am on the range and
if I get consistent flyers it is not the batch for
me - consistency!!! The 60 shot test gives for
50% more data to make a decision. I would like
to see the software provide data for both the 40
and 60 consolidated shots as a comparative
tool for current analysis and from past 40 shot
tests with the same rifle. As I stated earlier,
the statistical reality is the overall consolidated
group will grow from 40 to 60 shots.
After all this, lots of chats with Sian Griffiths
(Eley Sales and Marketing Manager) and Fred,
coupled with some chores for the GB Benchrest
team, we said our goodbyes to Eley staff and
fellow GB team members. We left the Eley
range happy but a lot heavier than when we
came. Overall a great day! (One note here is
GB team members were sponsored for this test
and a subsequent amount of ammunition for the
world championship in July this year).
The quality of Eley’s service is always
exemplary, even if you don't find a batch that
really fits your rifle as well as you want. It
happens very rarely, based on your own control
ammunition. Another facility at the main factory
is a barrel testing service, where a slug
(bullet) is run through the barrel to test the
lands, grooves, straightness and pressure
points inside the barrel. In affect this is a
machine system of slugging a barrel by hand.
Thus taking out personal skill and providing
very accurate empirical data about your
barrel. Absolutely fabulous, as it tells you how
good your barrel is. This is currently one of
the many services Eley are developing with
more being contemplated in the near future,
so watch out for further information!!! My
thanks to all at Eley for putting up with me –
yet again! It is much appreciated.
So there you have it. Eley have the facilities
to test your rifle and match it to the best
ammunition available. Where you go to from
here is up to you! Maybe few future national or
international champions out there will start to
develop testing processes for themselves. What
make of ammunition you use is down to you,
at the end of the day batch testing is not only a
requirement it is vital. However, when you have
a world class ammunition manufacturer on your
doorstep it is slightly easier, for which I make no
apologies. I need all the help I can get!!
I hope the last number of articles have been
informative and does help people, even if some
of the ‘processes’ I describe are a little fussy.
Unfortunately consistency is the ‘name of the
game’ and all shooters are aiming towards this
goal. If anything I want to reiterate that batch
testing is the only way to go if you can do it,
saving incredible amounts of time, money and
energy. All of which we all do not have huge
amounts of!!
If you wish to book as slot at the Eley customer
range then you will need to book this via the
Eley website at www.eley.co.uk where there is
an online request form to fill out. All I would say
is book well in advance as it is becoming very
popular. Shoot well and see you on the range
soon.
12
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The wailing wall - when joy or pain arrives!
Air rifle Tuner
As some of you may have recently seen on
Facebook (the font of all knowledge), I received
the prototype variable air rifle tuner I hinted at a
few issues ago. This was designed and made
by Matjaz Svetek, based on a rimfire tuner he
had designed. It is something I have wanted to
see happen for a long time, so I passed on all
the research I have done to Matjaz last year.
At that point there was literally no one with the
facilities to make such a tuner or to take it on
board as a long term project. I know, having
tried for months the year before. So all kudos to
Matjaz.
15
Where Matjaz's original collate design works is
on an air rifle which has a barrel extending
beyond the air cylinder, as many of them do.
While others which have barrels that are flush
with the air cylinder, this original design will not
fit. Thus we use the term prototype, as Matjaz
has worked hard to develop this model 'number
1A'.
Having received this initial prototype I discussed
modification solutions with Matjaz. This was
because a fair bit of money and time had been
invested in production already. These
modifications were:
Top view of the modified
tuner.
• The collet mounting was removed.
• Added carbon fibre barrel mount with grub
screw securing system.
• Added Delrin compression sleeve into
• carbon fibre mount - 1mm gauge bored to
barrel diameter.
• Added Delrin barrel stop into barrel
• mount - 25mm depth setting.
• Collet outer sleeve is thread locked
• permanently into place.
• Glued and pinned barrel mount onto main
body.
• Smaller gauge O ring added - for ease of
testing - I will use yours to lock into adjusted
setting
• Engraved a simple a Vernier scale for ease
of noting adjustment.
• Breech tuner chamber has been machine
thinner.
• Carbon fibre tuner chamber has been
• added.
• Rubber knurled grip has been added.
• The tuner is now lighter - 115 grams to 89
grams.
• Bloop tube interior sanded to fine finish.
• Suggestion of Stainless Steel weight
• washers to be considered as modular
• system - all threaded male and female.
I then took about the task of modifying the
16

prototype, so testing could proceed in a variety
of conditions, with both naked barrel and the
bloop tube I use as the controls for the test. So
apologies at the time of reporting that this is
only a partial review with initial stages of
qualitative data. With modifications, other
projects and a world championship to get ready
for, time has literally run out. Testing wise I am a
least a month behind schedule.
While we see a number of different tests in this
issue, they are not exhaustive and indeed need
to be completed when the World Championship
is over and we are all back from Australia. What
the tests do show is a pattern of how the tuner
The variety of carbon fibre
tubes supplied by Matjaz and
adapted for testing.
affects accuracy. Some initial tests with a
variety of tubes with the same moment value
equilibrium, provided different outcomes. Two
specific tube extensions gave a number of
groups with vertical stringing, as seen in the
photographs.
While these tubes may be worth pursuing and
tuning further, I decided to pursue one that gave
good results relatively easily. The other longer
tubes had been through a number of settings,
with only reasonable results. Thus we have a
base to test against, my reliable and balance
bloop tube and the new variable tuner with short
extension bloop tube. So the best laid plans of
experimenting with a variety of longer tubes and
adjustable tuner are still in their infancy.
The tube chosen for further testing shows a
great deal of promise and I would go as far
as to say at this point in time, it works!! A bold
statement I know, but balance outcome against
what I know does work, we are nor far from a
final outcome. It is just about testing and tuning
my selected pellets to get things right. However,
the variable tuner seems to respond quite well
to my selected pellets already - it is all about the
perfect setting. Secondly I want to tune a variety
of pellets, with tuner and without to compare. I
have some real humdinger pellets that are not
accurate at all, so let's see if we can get them to
achieve more of their potential.
These tests will be in a later article, due to time
and the modifications taking some effort and
time. Matjaz now has the notes for these
modification, but whether the tuners will go into
The additional rubber
sleeving allows better grip to
turn the weight. The internal
rubber washer takes
adjustment reasonably stiff,
but this is what you want to
get setting to stay in place.
 The tuner adapted to fit
shorter barrels, flush with the
air cylinder. This is now help
on with two grub screws.

Initial testing.

19
The standard bloop tube at the top, with
the selected tuner tube - No1. Others
are giving too much vertical stringing in
initial tests.

20
 full or partial production depends on a number of factors. Whether he can fit this into other projects
he has on the go - windflags, stocks, actions, etc - and if there is enough interest in the product.
Only time will tell and if you the reader will take this onboard.
Sometimes the weather can be a bit...... severe!!!!

Bloop tube in the first two rows

and tuner in the two last rows. We
are getting closer but more testing
is needed.

The bloop tube and tuner on test.

21
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Using Wind Flags
Basics - Part 3
Last issue we left off looking at using windflags,
generalised directions of wind and hold off. This
issue we continue to develop this theme with
some other theories that may be of use to the
shooter.
Remember the wind is never 'pure' and these
diagrams provide an indication of where the
bullet will go with a pure wind direction. All
ranges provide a more erratic picture.
Consider methods used by other shooting
disciplines, such as imagining a wind clock to
estimate the amount of compensation needed,
by value factor for windage. Simple corrections
can be made by using the exterior values on
the diagram where, full value wind is between 8
-10 O'clock and 2 - 4 O'clock. (It will affect the
wind significantly). 0.87 value is between 1-2
O'clock, 4-5 O'clock, 7-8 O'clock and
10-11 O'clock. Half value wind will be between
11 - 1 O'clock and 5 - 7 O'clock. (It will affect
the bullet half as much). 12 and 6 O'clock have
no value for windage, but will move the bullet
vertically.
Therefore we know;
• The wind will displace a bullet 29.1mm
at 50m. Divide this by the value on the clock
for wind direction and you have the wind drift in
millimeters.
• 29.1 ÷ Clock value (0.5 or 0.87 or 1) =
wind drift in millimeters.
Finer calculations can be made using the
smaller 0.25 values up to 1, 5, 7 and 11 O'clock
directions and 0.71 up to 2, 4, 8 and 10 O'clock
directions.
Use the previous diagrams to estimate point
of impact (POA). The value is regarded as the
amount of correction or compensation. Full
value is 100% correction, while half value is
50% correction.
These values are very close to those used in
Minute of Angle 'clicks' on you scope,
depending on what scope you have. A scope
with 1/8 clicks minimum is recommended.
24
 However, as we are dealing with only 25m and
50m shooting, it would be better to dope the
wind using millimetres as indications of
elevation and windage.
It is often assumed the wind pushes the bullet in
it trajectory. The fact is the bullet turns into the
wind shortly after exiting the muzzle of the
barrel. If the wind is strong, the angle the
bullet assumes in the wind is more dramatic.
The effects of the wind current on the nose and
drag on the base of the bullet force the bullet
along the path of the base. Thus drags the
bullet in that direction.
The table below lists the constraints for Light
Breeze on the Beaufort scale (4-7 mph) and
could theoretically be used to plot the Point of
Impact (POI) of bullets – see diagram. Wind
deflection is all about reading the flags and the
information listed below are at best reasonable
25
‘estimates’.
When actually shooting however, you will need
to consider other issues like barometric
pressure and temperature. Ballistic programs
will take these into account, but use a good
one! Remember that with 10mph cross wind a
bullet will displace 25.4mm at 50 Yards.
However, at 50m it will displace 29.1mm, as this
distance is further.
If you have time to practice and ascertain what
the conditions of the day are, you can correct
your shooting accordingly. Each range and day
will have its own features that will increase or
decrease muzzle velocity and energy -
depending if it is hot or not, for instance. This
increase or decrease may not be that much, but
it could be significant enough to alter figures on
the wind deflection grid below.

Shooting rimfire and air rifle benchrest is a lot
about looking at what the wind is doing and
trying to interpret that via whatever ‘indicator’
is being used. Clearly, we all get ‘caught out’
otherwise there would be lots of perfect scores
around!
Using Wind Indicators
Wind indicators, whether lateral 180 degree or
360 degree are extremely useful devices.
Newer designs allow these to be placed with/
under the wind flags, as in the picture.
Therefore, you can have a number of 'wind
devices' to observe in one place.
The lateral 180 wind indicator is very beneficial
as it provides information about the 'full value'
3 and 9 O'clock winds. They are simple to use
and can be set up to indicate wind speed or the
amount of rings a shooter should aim off. The
arrow points to the reverse of the wind direction.
Below:
• Diagram A shows a 0 wind velocity so
little if no compensation needed.
• Diagram B shows a 9 O’clock wind at
26
 about #1 – so about a 2 MPH wind, so dope about #11/2 – so a 3/4 MPH wind, so dope
accordingly. accordingly.

• Diagram C shows a 9 O’clock wind at • Diagram D shows a 3 O’clock wind at

27
about #21/2 – so a 7/8 MPH wind, so dope
accordingly.
• Diagram E shows a 3 O’clock wind at
about #4 – so a 13+ MPH wind, so WAIT!!!!
Opposite is a picture of how wind flags and
wind indicators can be set up at a match,
showing a variety of information about the wind.
Flags and wind indicators together are much
easier to view to shoot successfully.
One aspect of using light wind flags and wind
indicators like those shown is travel. From
experience the lighter the better, especially if
shooters do intend to travel to matches abroad,
as well as at home? Flying with heavy
equipment can get expensive. These do the job
and a suggestion is practice what you will shoot
with.
Reading the Wind tasks!
1. Wind patterns constantly change within a
20 minute competition period, even from
second to second. During a match select one,
two or three wind patterns which you can
easily identify by watching the wind flags. Shoot
as many shots as possible in the same wind
pattern.
2. When a change in wind happens – and
28
 it will - STOP: Second guessing a shot can be
counterproductive!!! Either wait for a wind
pattern you have identified/ previously shot or
take a sighter!!
3. If you ‘feel’ unsure about the stability of a
wind pattern, check it with a sighter!!
4. Taking a sighter is a tool to determine the
effect of any particular wind pattern. Take lots
and lots of sighter's.
5. Have a good understanding of the
Bernoulli and Magnus Effects.
6. Part of competition is using what you
know - always aim of for a safe ten score.
These count as points first!!!!
7. PRACTICE, practice and then practice
some more. Shooting in the wind is difficult, it
constantly changes. Therefore shoot in all
conditions and learn from mistakes.
8. Shoot on a number of ranges to gain
experience of different wind patterns and
29
'seeing' what is not there!
9. Record your experiences by drawing
your own diagrams after shooting on a
particular range with particular conditions. This
will act as a reminder.
10. Memorise flag positions related to POI,
especially as you are dealing with more than
one of them. Multiple flags will each provide
different information about the wind between
you and the target.
Remember to consider the following about s
ub-sonic ammunition, as most target brand
ammunition is subsonic;
“Those unfamiliar with smallbore rifle
competition are often surprised to learn that
target shooters almost universally use standard
velocity ammunition in preference to the many
varieties of high and hyper-velocity rounds
available. The reason given is the low-velocity
ammunitions resistance to wind deflection.
Despite what might seem at first to be the case,
wind deflection is not proportional to the time of
flight. Instead, it is proportional to the amount of
delay in the flight caused by air resistance. The
1145 f.p.s. standard velocity .22 long rifle round
takes .287 seconds to go 100 yds., but would
take only .262 seconds to cover the same
distance in a vacuum. The latter figure is easily
found by dividing 300 ft. by the speed of the
bullet (1145 f.p.s.), which would remain the
same throughout its flight if it were in a vacuum.
Thus the delay caused by air resistance is .025
second with the standard velocity ammunition.
The 1335 f.p.s. high velocity ammunition, which
will take .259 second to cover 100 yds., would
take only .225 second in a vacuum. Thus, the
delay for this bullet is .035 second or 37%
greater than that of the standard velocity round
.22. The high speed round, then, suffers about
37% more wind deflection than the standard
velocity.
This remarkable result is due to the very rapid
rate at which air resistance increases with
increase in bullet speed in the region near the
speed of sound. The .22 rimfires are the only
important rifle cartridges that occupy this speed
range, and they are the only ones that show
more wind deflection as velocity is increased.
While air resistance always increases when the
bullet is shot faster, the rate of this increase is
less steep at supersonic velocities. Rifle bullets
in general, contrary to the case of rimfires, are
made less sensitive to the wind by raising their
velocities”.
Quotation from the NRA Firearms Fact Book
There are a lots of factors to take on board
in reading the wind. Like everything,
learning to shoot in the wind is about
keeping notes, records, experimenting and
gaining vast amounts of experience. There
is no overnight solution! Range time is
essential.
Further help
Use the diagram below as an aid to place bullet
impact. All show the same information in differ-
ent ways. Reading the wind and compensating
for it is generally considered as a fraction of the
wind’s 3:00 or 9:00 o’clock effect, like a 'clock'.
Halving these increments again for instance to
12:30, 1:30, 2:30, etc, can provide finer
compensation for a shot.
32
Use the diagrams below as an aid to
place bullet impact.
Placement is based on direction and a
wind speed of approximately 4-7 MPH,
but are for illustrative purposes only.
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 Tapani Rest
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Contact - tapani4@luukku.com
The Humble Rear Bag
We often talk about what the next best front
rest will be, but how often do we discuss the
other side of one of our most important pieces
of equipment, the humble rear bag. Since 2004,
when I first started benchrest, many types of
new bag design have become available, so it’s
important to choose the right one. Having
started with a Caldwell bag there was a need for
me to move on quickly. If you have owned one,
you will know why!! Thankfully 'Globalisation'
has saved all of us in this sport, even though
products are sometimes still hard to get hold of.
Consider what we want from our rear bag!! It
has to contribute to the very stable support of
the front rest and allow a 'snug' fit for the butt of
the rifle, so we will only achieve 'perfect recoil'.
Buying the right bag in the first place helps.
Having had a few that do not do the job I can tell
you getting one that does makes all the
difference! Cordura ‘ears’ on the bag
significantly helps the rifle slide smoothly under
recoil. I would say to avoid a bag with leather
ears and go for a bag with Condura 'ears'; with
a choice of either a Condura or leather body. If
you require more lubrication for smoother
tracking on Cordura, use silicone spray or try a
high slick stock tape.
If you stay at home you have your choice of
fillings for the bag. I personally use fine sand
I bought from a child's toy shop. I baked this
in the oven to remove moisture and it works
extremely well. Travelling abroad is a whole
other story. Firstly we need to empty bags due
to weight - up to 4kg just with sand. If a heavier
material like Zircon is used then you will be
paying a lot of fees for your journey. Secondly
not all countries like 'soil particles' passing their
borders, so you have to empty your filler
anyway. We are then reliant on what material
is available at the championship to fill you bag.
Sometimes beggars cannot be choosers!!
Think about how you fill your bag, as it has to be
done properly. Your bag has got to be stable
enough so it does not shift, so personally I
would suggest it to be packed very firmly. This
36

would include the ears! Weight is important,
but I would suggest that the bag ears and base
moving as little as possible is more important.
Some of you may use a technique called
'squeezing' but for our sport it is not useful,
leads to poor technique and I would not suggest
its use. Let's face it we have a very fancy and
expensive front rest to help move to a perfect,
fixed position so why use a technique that is
subjective at best?! Consider also how your
37
My old Cicognani bag.
needs are best serviced by a bag that has a
thick flat base. One that is thin and curls into a
convex form will not help you a great deal,
possibly even rocking on the bench. This will
deviate shots away from your intended POI.
Fine sand is a very dense substance. The finer
and dryer the better!! See my previous
statement on the sand I suggest using and
drying. Finer particles will inevitably give you a
Protektor rear bag, but is it
stable enough??
 In perfect alignment.
heavier bag. Zircon was used a lot in centerfire
benchrest, as was foundry sand. Both will give
you good results. Personally the child's play
sand has always serviced me well, as I look for
stability of the bag structure first and weight as
secondary feature.
To fill you bag you will need a small funnel with
a fine nozzle, a rod, pencil or pen to help stuff
the sand, a teaspoon and quite a bit of time!! Fill
the ears first and pack them as tightly as you
can, allowing for you rifle to fit in snugly. You
may need to test at this point. Filling one ear at
a time, pour as much sand into the ear as you
can. Whatever rod you choose to use will help
compact the sand, making room for more. So
don't be delicate and ram the sand down and
build up the volume over time. Once you have
38
 got the 'fill' correct, tuck the fill tail back in and
move onto the next ear. The fill tails are on each
of the ears and the main bag. They are tight for
obvious reasons and the only way to put sand
into each compartment.
As already stated, I like my bag very tight and
Caldwell are cheap and for some are the
only easy option.
compressed. You will have to decide what best
suites you and your rifle. As the materials used
for the bag generally stretch, I would suggest
filling at tight as you can, possibly slamming on
a flat hard surface to distribute the sand. Leave
for a few days, going back to see if it needs
topping up. This is often not a luxury at a
 championship, so we have to get it right first
time!!
To fill the main body of your bag follow the
same process, possibly slamming it on a flat
surface to distribute the sand and pushing the
sand around with your hands from the outside.
This is a relatively long job, so do not expect
miracles straight away. The teaspoon can be
used to scoop in the last few amounts into the
filler tail and ramming into place with the rod.
Once done tuck-in the filler tails and ensure this
is done on all compartments so no sand
escapes. Now go through a full checking
procedure, tracking your rifle in the bag and
rest, altering the state of each compartment
(ears and main bag) according to your needs
and the fit if your rifle. The last test is obviously
shooting your rifle and checking tracking and
the stability of your equipment. Look through
your scope and ensure the crosshairs return to
the same point of aim. If they do then tracking
on your rifle is good. If they don't, move sand
in your bag with you hands until the rifle does
not travel from side to side. Add more sand if
needed. Again a long process which sounds like
a recipe for a cake, but it is worth it to have a
prefect stable setup for your equipment. Your
rifle may be the best, but all your pieces of
equipment are symbiotic. Each one relies on
the next to create the perfect shot.
The testing procedure to ensure a correct bag
The ‘Rolls Royce’ of
bags - the Edgewood.
setup is vital, so try to spend some time doing
this. Everything else, rifle, rest, bench
technique, et al...... Well that is another story!!
Lastly on this topic I want to mention the use of
'Doughnuts' which are used to heighten the rear
bag in specific situations. There is an occa-
sional need where elevation adjustment on the
front rest is not enough on a specific range. We
would need to use a 'spacer' on the rear bag
to fix issues. This 'spacer' is called a doughnut.
These come in a range of forms, but are usu-
ally a thin bag or base similar to the base of the
rear bag. There are often made of thick leather
which will raise the rifle at the butt about an
inch, possibly less.
They are needed rarely, but if you do require
one for your home range then consider
emulating the base of your own rear bag,
possibly obtaining the doughnut from the
original manufacturer of your rear bag.
If you notice I have not reviewed any bags in
this article and that has been a deliberate
decision to this point of writing this article. There
are lots of bags out there: Protektor, Caldwell,
Cicognani, Bald Eagle, Edgewood, etc.
The only one I would personally not do without
is the SEB rear bag. This is for a number of
reasons: it is one of the cheapest, it is designed
and made extremely well, it has a flat non slip
base, the materials are first rate, the body is
leather, the ears are made of a fine Condura,
etc, etc ......... I could go on, but the value for
money is exceptional. If you are new to the
sport, get one and do not waste money on
other models. I will be very surprised if you
are not happy with your purchase.
This sport is not the easiest as there is a lot
of technical development you need achieve
A standard match setup, with
windicators, flagsand tails.

and this changes over time. Benchrest also consumes a lot of that time, so good hunting for your
prefect bag and setup!

A top of the line benchrest

setup.

41
Proud to sponsor the 2015 WRABF World Championship

http://sportdefence.cz/

Czech Republic

42
43
 GB Team Training
I know, by looking around Facebook, that a
number of countries are running individual and
team training sessions or competitions. For me
this is always good news, as time at the bench
is basically a learning process. Each time we
visit the range and shoot we learn something,
even if it is when not to shoot - which is actually
a really important skill to develop.
How ever you approach your individual training
we just need to be aware how invaluable it is.
My own training involves various layers of
It looks calm but it wasn’t!!
44
 Glevum can be a challenging
range at the best of times.

Colin Evans, Team GB Captain.

The unstoppable Ron Harding.

equipment drills, shooting techniques, mental

training and mental wellbeing. Sounds
complex and it is, as all this takes up
considerable time and energy. So much so it
often gets in the way of other things we want
to do!!

Recently in merry olde England we have held

team training days for the British team. My
belief is we get out of this what we put into it.
Personally I found it quite difficult as people
want a number of things from me on the first
day. Colin Evans must feel more stressed as
the Team Captain and host for these events. It
is not easy trying to balance a variety of
responsibilities, especially when you are trying
to train yourself. Yes he is the chef de
excellence, chief bottle washer and dryer up!!
So kudos to him.

As with all of these types of days there is a bit

of competitiveness and both days did not let
us down, with side competitions to move us
along a little.The second of these involved a
visit from Dave Frogget, the NSRA and Team
GB coach. His session for me, was absolutely
invaluable, as he approached a number of
issues from different angles. Through
discussion and referencing a number of key Yes, we have a few
points for all shooters were raised and I know youngsters too - but not
John (Right)!!
46
 the years.

Glevum is the range we chose

to train at because it's..... well....
not an easy range to shoot on. I
have had my worst scores ever

I will be taking these with me to the

world championship. With the NSRA
as the new Great Britain national
association, having access to people
like Dave who are both interested
in us as a team and willing to give
something to the team, is worth the
hardship of battling for this sport over

Focus, focus, focus!!!

47
 Extremely good preparation
for Brisbane - from what we
have heard anyway!!

at this range which helps keep us all modest! I one another with equipment development and
think the two days were not extremely arduous repair, organised team uniforms, supported
in comparison, but it made us all focus and we shooting development, equipment drills and
were kept on our toes. After all this is the game setup, etc, etc. In fact so many things it is
we are in and mental focus is key to success. difficult to go through everything here. All in all
our team captains have been very supportive
During the training days we have organised as they have a lot of weight on their shoulders,
support teams for the championship, supported including the dreaded paperwork. It is worth
At just over 20 ounces this scope fits the bill! A fixed 45x45

Your scribe left - finding

something intersting other
than shooting!! 48
 Left - and you can only just
see his head - Dave Frogget
(national coach) came down
for the two days.

doing these activities with your

team, as you still have time.

Obviously training continues on

our own home ranges, where you
will see us all on weekdays and at
the weekends firing a considerable
amount of lead into the back stops.
I hate to think of the cost just in
practice. However, as I have said,
we learn something ever time we
shoot.

Lastly, I have put pictures of the

Team GB ranking system in the
article to emphasis how three
person teams and the larger full
fifteen team is selected. It is
something to consider as and when
national teams grow
inevitably there will come a day
when someone may not make it to
the full team, or indeed the smaller
three person team. Hopefully the
selection process is clear and
transparent, not being bound by
the odd 'bad' match. Fifteen targets
are nominated and averaged for
score and X count, to one decimal
place. In this way it is clear who, on
49
average, has the better scores over a period of
time, thus achieving a specific level of
consistency. If countries do not have a selection
process in place this is a process worth
considering. Let's face it, travel does depend
on who has the money to do it, but people still
have to shoot well to be in a nations first or
second team!

With only weeks to go until we see friends and

competitors again I hope you have abundance
of good training sessions and get yourself
prepared for the next world championship. See
you there.

50
 World Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation

As a FEDERATION, we service International rimfire and air

benchrest competitions in association with the partners around
the globe.

Please use our website to learn and understand more about this
addictive shooting sport.

www.wrabf.com
or country representatives contact us at:
president@wrabf.com or secretary@wrabf.com

Your WRABF Executive Committee:

Bill Collaros Nick Schoonwinkle Carl Boswell

President - AUS Vice President - RSA Secretary - GBR

Jens Lagas Markus Feldmann Craig Young Richard Fernandez

Executive Officer - FIN Executive Officer - GER Executive Officer - USA Executive Officer - PHL
51
MIRAGE!!

Dealing with the affects of mirage is one of the most difficult and exhausting things most
sportspeople have to deal with during a match or even in testing/ training. Each person sees
differently, each individual match is different, each range provides different conditions - this can be
generally or from minute to minute, just like reading the wind.

There is no simple answer, as it is about gaining experience and formulating this and the
equipment you use into a logical way of dealing with the issue of mirage. Stating equipment, as
this is extremely important. The way a rifle and scope interact together and in specific
environmental conditions will be different from one to another!! Scopes used in benchrest tend to
be high magnification. What are the pros and cons to this?? Possibly setting up for potential
mirage issues at a match is something to consider in future planning to achieve success.

We are lucky in both rimfire and air rifle disciplines, as we have as many sighters as we want in the
20 minutes of a match. This aids us in the event of mirage to check the Point of Impact (POI). Our
disadvantage is the 20 minutes to complete a match. In reality no 'condition' can be waited out!!

What can 'mirage' look like through your scope? In the worst possible case it can look like
shooting through fast-moving water and even the rings on your target may not be visible – let alone
your 'shot' holes! The two videos below show a great deal:
http://youtu.be/h2Dm-lV5BCc
http://youtu.be/SGBz0H4zX-U

When dealing with any compensation or correction for mirage, or indeed wind flags, we take the
view of 'aiming off' or wind doping.
1. Because we are shooting at relatively short distances
2. Because rimfire and air rifle benchrest are timed events for a match card - 20 minutes so
time is of the essence.
3. Because conditions will change from second to second.
Experience and accurate logs of shooting in mirage will enable the shooter to compensate
according using the theories below, many of which have been re-drafted to deal specifically with
rimfire and air rifle benchrest.

52
Flag type can help you determine winds
from lateral and frontal positions.

How it may look to you

through a high powered
scope

Naturally scopes can be dialled in to compensate, but experience shows with this sport it will
potentially create more confusion than it alleviates, especially for the beginner.

Reading the wind and compensating for it is generally considered as a fraction of the wind’s 3:00
or 9:00 o’clock effect, like a 'clock' - see the wind reading cards In the wind flag section. The same
can be said for 'mirage'. Mentally halving these increments again for instance, to 12:30, 1:30, 2:30,
etc, so halfway in between 12 and 1 o'clock, can provide finer compensation for a shot. (Refer to
wind clock in the Using Wind Flags section).

This is often easier said than done, as any small changes in wind direction specifically related to
mirage is often very difficult to detect. However, if secondary heat wave lines begin to appear in
the mirage and have the appearance of just leaning away from vertical, this is a defining indication
to the shooter that a change in wind direction has occurred.

Dealing with Mirage

Psychologically and practically mirage is a difficult condition to cope with for some reasons listed
below.
1. We train using flags to indicate the speed and direction of the wind and rely on our
wind-flags to tell us what is happening between rifle and target. The operative word here is ‘rely’.
Most of us were 'brought up' or trained to use wind-flags so it’s difficult not to.
2. Seeing mirage is not always easy and depends on the individual’s eyesight. Mirage is often
described as a ‘wind you cannot see’. We are looking for waves of air changing and shifting the
sight picture through the lens of our optics. If this is observed through a high-power scope it will
also allow the shooter to estimate the speed and direction.
3. The indications the wind flags provide will continue to have some relevance. Balancing this
with mirage is difficult. Which will have the greatest effect on our bullet?
4. Consider the fact that becoming frustrated with mirage creates negative thoughts for the
shooter, so try to create an understanding of mirage and use it as a tool to achieve greater
accuracy. Dealing with mirage positively does depend on the shooters own psychological
53
disposition!!!!

What causes mirage is possibly not necessarily important to some, just how to deal with it. Yes, we
could go into a detailed and mathematical explanation about cold and hot air pressure, that light
rays bend as they move from lighter (warm) to denser (cold) air and visa versa, etc, etc. What is
important is knowing:

• If the ground and air are warmer than that higher up, light 'bends' or more correctly refracts
upwards, displacing the image being viewed by the shooter.
• If the ground and air is cooler than higher up, light 'bends' or more correctly refracts
downwards, displacing the image being viewed by the shooter

Therefore we are not necessarily dealing with the true sense of the word 'mirage' in shooting. We
are dealing with heat waves and the refraction of light as it is bent passing through air layers of
different density and velocity.

Heat waves can certainly be seen with the naked eye and absolutely through a high powered
scope. Therefore, a 'mirage' condition is not necessarily a disadvantage, as it can provide the
shooter with very real information about wind changes. A high magnification rifle scope will
certainly show some movement or haze that shifts. If in doubt about wind flag indication, shoot
with the mirage!! The illustration above indicates the 'mirage' is proving the shooter a false image
of the target higher than it is in reality. In this case compensation by aiming lower will allow for this
displacement.

54
 Let us consider how to classify the intensity of 'mirage' into categories and the direction into
classes of mirage. These are principles discussed in an excellent article on the SouthTexasShoot-
ing.org website and South Texas Marksmanship Training Center. Here, they are related specifically
to rimfire and air rifle benchrest. We can and should utilise them!! If I para-phrase or take 'lumps'
from this article my apologies, but the principles are logical, reasonable and stated very well.

Let's assume then, that there are three main Categories of Mirage - these are distinctive when
looking through a scope (taking into account in benchrest we tend to use high magnification
scopes), in the sense of how dense the heat waves look to the viewer, as seen in the diagram
below.

Categories of Mirage

• Light - will be present on a cool day, possibly cloudy, with little sun which is filtered by the
clouds. The sun is not heating the ground, or not significantly enough, so any mirage seen through
the scope is a series of fine, faint lines. Target distortion is therefore minimal. This category of
mirage is very useful to the shooter in detecting slight wind changes which require the extremely
slight amounts of windage compensation. The mirage compensation is effectively negligible.

• Intermediate - will be present on a good shooting day with 21 to 24 degrees Celsius

temperature and normal humidity (45 to 55 percent). The mirage is easily seen through the scope
as distinct lines. Target distortion begins to be apparent. Each major change in wind velocity will
also require compensation for the change in mirage. This compensation would be more than for
the light category. Again this category of mirage is very useful to the shooter to determine windage
compensation (doping).

• Heavy - will be present on hot days where temperatures reach 25+ degrees Celsius (with
60+ percent humidity). The heat wave will be noticeable as very dense lines viewed through the
scope. Target distortion can be extreme and compensation (doping) can potentially range from
approximately 6mm to 21.8mm at 50 metres, depending on wind speed. Any change in the wind
velocity will require that the shooter compensate for the mirage.

In addition to the three categories noted above, there are four distinct classes of mirage in each
category from each side of the target, plus the vertical mirage. Therefore we have a minimum of
twenty-five mirage conditions that the shooter may use in detecting wind changes. As the wind
blows the heat waves rise, causing them to move vertically, obliquely, or laterally across the target.
The amount that they vary from the vertical depends on the cross wind velocity, 0 to 12 miles per
hour. (This includes a wind from 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock). Mirage classification here gives the wind
velocity up to about 12 mph. Like shooting in high winds, doping gets proportionally more difficult.

55
Classes of Mirage

Boiling Mirage
Boiling Mirage is where heat waves rise vertically as wind would be calm and/ or where the wind
could be blowing from 6 o'clock or from 12 o'clock. For the shooter this class of mirage requires
them to 'aim off' lower or dope to hit the 10/ X. The shooter also needs to determine the category
of the mirage for the amount of compensation needed.
Boiling mirage can fluctuate as the heat wave’s rise, with movement if these waves slightly to the
left of the right - 5:30 or 6:30. This can mean compensating or doping. Developing experience is
key!! A left to right compensation for this class of mirage, if it fluctuates, can be between 3-5mm.

Slow Mirage
Slow mirage is the second class of mirage and this is where a light air of 1 to 3 mph blows from
3 o’clock or 9 o’clock. Heat waves will be slightly angled as they move across the target from 7
o’clock to 1 o’clock or from 5 o’clock to 11 o’clock. Target displacement with this class requires
both an elevation and windage compensation (doping). As with the boiling mirage, the crosshair is
lowered to compensate for vertical component of the apparent displacement. The horizontal
56
 component requires a wind correction which will be into the wind, in addition to the correction for
wind drift of the bullet.
Since the heat waves are crossing from 7 o’clock to 1 o’clock or 5 o’clock to 11 o’clock, they are
making an angle of approximately 30 degrees from 12 o'clock.

This can be calculated in relation to the total apparent displacement:

• P = total apparent displacement

• V = Vertical Displacement
• H = Horizontal Displacement
Then:
V = D cosine 30 degrees = 0.87 Deviation = D = 12.7mm at 50m
and
H = sine 30 degrees = 0.50 Deviation = D = 7.3mm at 50m
However, these really need to be considered as approximations or good estimates for Rimfire and
Air Rifle benchrest.

57
Medium Mirage

Medium mirage is third class and evident as the 3 or 9 o’clock wind rises to a light breeze of 4 to
7 mph, the heat waves will make a greater angle with the vertical and will have the appearance of
crossing from 8 o’clock to 2 o’clock or 4 o’clock to 10 o’clock. The medium mirage will also require
both elevation and windage compensation of different amounts than for slow mirage. Changing the
angle from 30 degrees to 60 degrees because of the increased inclination, the calculations
become:

V = D cosine 60 degrees = 0.50 value Deviation = D = 7.3mm at 50m

and
H = D sine 60 degrees = 0.87 value Deviation = D = 12.7mm at 50m

However, these really need to be considered as approximations or good estimates for Rimfire
and Air Rifle benchrest. Refer to the wind clock in the Using Wind Flags section for values in wing
deviation.

58
 Referring to rimfire 50m shooting only and thinking back to the total displacement of 21.8mm
caused by the heavy mirage, the vertical correction for a heavy-medium mirage could be as much
as 0.75 MOA or 10.9mm and the horizontal correction could be as much as 1.31 MOA or 19.1mm.
Again the sight is lowered and the windage compensation is added to that required for wind drift.

Fast Mirage
Fast mirage is the fourth class of mirage and will be visible when the wind velocity is a gentle
breeze stage of 8 to 12 mph from 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock. The heat waves will only move
horizontally across the target and the target displacement will be only horizontal. The fast mirage
therefore only requires windage compensation (doping). Wind velocities over 12 m.p.h. are
indicated by the heat waves having the appearance of being 'stretched straight', and changes can
be detected by slight waves beginning to appear on the mirage lines.

The Effect at 50m with Rimfire

Consider the mirage effect of heavy mirage during a match. Initially a wind starts at a 1 to 3 mph
(slow mirage) increasing to 4 to 7 mph (medium mirage). Elevation must be doped to compensate
1.25 MOA or 18.2mm and 0.75 MOA or 10.9mm windage doped for the horizontal mirage.

59
Therefore, during the match, the mirage picture changes from heavy-slow to heavy-medium
mirage indicating an increase in wind velocity. The necessary wind doping is made and an
additional 0.5 MOA or 7.3mm is applied to give a total horizontal correction of 1.25 MOA or
18.2mm for mirage. Compensating or doping for the vertical mirage is accomplished in a similar
manner. The sight was originally lowered 1.25 MOA or 18.2mm and the mirage picture now

60
 indicates that only 0.75 MOA or 10.9mm is needed, so the sight is raised the difference, which is
0.5 MOA or 7.3mm. A lot to think about so all shooters should practice mentally.

The Effect at 25m with Air Rifle

Consider the mirage effect of heavy mirage during a match. Initially a wind starts at a 1 to 3 mph
(slow mirage) increasing to 4 to 7 mph (medium mirage). Elevation must be doped to compensate
1.25 MOA or 9.1mm and 0.75 MOA or 5.5mm windage doped for the horizontal mirage. Therefore,
during the match, the mirage picture changes from heavy-slow to heavy-medium mirage
indicating an increase in wind velocity. The necessary wind doping is made and an additional 0.5
MOA or 3.6mm is applied to give a total horizontal correction of 1.25 MOA or 9.1mm for mirage.
Compensating or doping for the vertical mirage is accomplished in a similar manner. The sight was
originally lowered 1.25 MOA or 9.1mm and the mirage picture now indicates that only 0.75 MOA or
5.5mm is needed, so the sight is raised the difference, which is 0.5 MOA or 3.6mm. A lot to think
about so all shooters should practice mentally. These are, like the other data here, very
reasonable and logical 'estimations', but are a good basis to develop further data, taking into
account most mirage research is done with centerfire rifles at long range.

This is taking into account the same scenario as in the rimfire example, however for very light air
rifle pellets. What follows is an estimation based on Minute Of Arc calculations for 25 Metres in the
grid below:

Compensation Factors
The table below is a series of compensation factors in minutes of arc (MOA), which will aid anyone
learning the effect that mirage can have on the target image. Do keep in mind that intensity of the
mirage you see will vary according to the individual’s vision, so each person will potentially
compensate or dope differently.

The table is extracted from the aforementioned article which relied on information from
experienced shooters. Values given here are 'estimations' and will have to be modified for mirage
pictures specific to geographical position and vision of the individual.
Finally please remember:

Mirage 3 Categories = Mirage Dynamic Density = Observed through density of mirage 'lines'

61 61
Mirage 4 Classification = Mirage Angular Velocity = Observed through direction of mirage
'lines'

Task 1
Creating an artificial mirage.

This can be achieved by having a heat source under you target, creating hot air which cools as it
gains height.

A simple way of producing this, if your range allows, is by using a tea light hot plate when no
mirage conditions are available. (Tea lights in a fireproof container and a metal plate held above
them to heat).
Experiment with shooting mirage using this simple, easily made solution.
Disclaimer - the author is not responsible for the design or implementation of this idea at the read-
ers range. The reader takes sole responsibility for using this concept as a training process. The
author excepts no responsibility or liability.
Please remember, open flames are potentially a fire hazard and hot surfaces can cause burns.

Task 2
Use the MOA chart to estimate the amount of wind doping required for Categories and Classes of
Mirage for 25m air rifle.

Task 3
During a shooting exercise where mirage is observed record mirage patterns in a score book.

Draw wavy lines to notes mirage classification.

Putting L = Light, I = Intermediate and H = Heavy can denote category changes

This will need to be practiced on days where mirage is evident or indeed available. It is worth the
practice and seeing the changes to POI, noting these down for future reference.

62
 Possible Aids to help with Mirage

Mirage Shield - this is a long strip of material that sits along the length and on top of the barrel. It
usually has a concave shape which reflects heat from the barrel, so this heats around the barrel
surface does not interfere with the sight picture through the scope.

Optical Booster - The BulzEyePro™ Optical Booster™

63
 Minutes of Arc (MOA) to Millimetres

Decimal mm at 25 mm at 50 mm at
MOA Metres Metres 100
Metres These are made from an enhance polymer that
from manufacturer notes, first, disperses the target
0.125 0.91 1.82 3.64 moving effects of mirage. Second, allow the shooter
to see the leading edge of each wave of mirage
0.25 1.82 3.64 7.28 (so that we could see wind speed and direction).
And third, discover the differences in air densities
0.375 2.73 5.46 10.92 throughout the mirage (adjust for bullet drop). The
booster also increases magnification considerably.
0.50 3.64 7.28 14.56

0.625 4.55 9.10 18.20

0.75 5.46 10.92 21.84

0.875 6.37 12.74 25.48

1.00 7.28 14.56 29.12

1.125 8.19 16.38 32.76

1.25 9.1 18.2 36.4

1.375 9.99 19.98 39.97

1.50 10.9 21.8 43.6

1.625 11.82 23.63 47.26

1.75 12.73 25.45 50.9

Scope Lens Shade
1.875 13.64 27.28 54.56 The main purpose of the lens shade is to protect
against glare from the sun or reflection. However
2.00 14.55 29.1 58.2 they can be custom made or factory models can be
screwed together to create custom lengths to
2.125 15.44 30.89 61.77
create in affect another form of mirage shield.
2.25 16.40 32.7 65.4
References
2.375 17.27 34.54 69.07
SouthTexasShooting.org and South Texas Marks-
manship Training Center
2.50 18.20 36.4 72.7
Reading Mirage by Gail McMillan
2.625 19.09 38.18 76.36 http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/reading-wind-and-
mirage/
2.75 20.00 40.0 80.0 http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/tag/mirage/
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2014/02/read-
2.875 20.90 41.7 83.5 sights-wind-and-mirage-in-march-shooting-sports-
usa/
3.00 21.83 43.6 87.3
See MOA to mm chart left to 4 MOA.
3.25 23.62 47.3 94.5

3.50 25.45 50.9 101.8

3.75 27.27 54.5 109.1

64
4.00 29.10 58.2 116.4
European Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Shooting Federation
As a FEDERATION, we service European rimfire and air
benchrest competitions in association with the partners around
the globe.
Please use our website to learn and understand more about this
addictive shooting sport.

www.erabsf.org
or country representatives contact us at:
wwbr22@yahoo.co.uk

Your ERABSF Executive Committee 2013-2017:

Tomi Korpi Pavel Cink John O’Sullivan Alex Soldatov

President - FIN Vice President - CZE Secretary - IRE Executive Officer - RUS

Markus Feldmann Matjaz Svetek

Executive Officer - GER Executive Officer - SLO
66
CZ 452
Benchrest Customisation
Part 1
Originally writtern in four parts, an old'y but gold'y
that I wrote as I started my interest in Benchrest
follows. It does not show how you can produce
a rifle that will win accolades at the variety of
localised and centralised benchrest matches that
are now springing up. What it does show is how
to start on a budget and possibly for countries to
develop shooting divisions for different grades
of rifle, so anyone can afford to start and also

Trigger Spring

67
 Sear Collate/ Sleeve
win their division. We don't always need a 'race
gun', and a few countries have recognised this,
which is brilliant. So onwards, but not
necessarily upwards, what follows is a story of
my first benchrest rifle and UK nationals winner.
Shows where we started from back in 2004/5!!!
This article is based around the customisation
of the CZ 452 specifically for rimfire benchrest
shooting. This is moving on significantly from
tests previously completed with a Ruger 10/22.
We start with the trigger using the Eric Brooks
trigger kit. I had this trigger kit already on the
rifle but I managed to get time to lower the
trigger pull to about 1lb. The kit can be obtained
from a number of sources if you search the
Internet. (Addendum there is now a number of
aftermarket trigger units and kits for the 452,
including Timney and Rifle Basix).
The Brooks kit is relatively easy to install and he
supplies online instructions you can follow
easily. There is a safety warning, so be aware
of this. The kit comes with four springs and two
collate like sleeves for the trigger and sear
respectively. You can choose the weight of
trigger pull by combining the springs with the
two thicknesses of collate. As my rifle is meant
for Benchrest I went for one of the lower
trigger pulls. When set it comes out very clean
and crisp with little or no creep in the trigger
pull.
Eric also does hex action screws, inch pound
torque screwdrivers cleaning rod guides (which
I hope to try out) and a host of other CZ
goodies. I bought new hex action screws a
while ago to ensure I get accurate torque each
time I disassemble the rifle, using a set torque
screwdriver fixed at 20lb in, which is a
common setting for the CZ rifle with barrel lug.
More can be found on torque settings on Eric
Brooks website. To achieve consistent accuracy
with your rifle it is well worth reading.
I also made a set screw to try out for the barrel
lug on the varmint. This retains the lug in a fixed
position so it does not move. (Do be careful
when tightening this as with lighter/ thinner
barrels it could distort the barrel and rifling. It
does not need to be too tight. If unsure leave
it.) The CZ 452 does differ in design from one
model to another, some actions having a barrel
lug with a retaining bolt, plus one action screw.
Others, like the American, have two action
68
Barrel retaining nut, which
can help to tune the rifle - or
so they say!!
screws. The Varmint model has the former
design and there is much debate over the
usefulness of the barrel lug, (some throw it
away just relying on the one action screw).
Having read a bit about bedding I believe the
barrel lug works well, as it acts like a basic
pillar bed on the barrel. If you read the article at
http://riflestocks.tripod.com/ things make sense
as the barrel should be bedded in some way up
to the balance point of the action and barrel.
The barrel lug does this in part. There are
various articles on the web and rimfire
central on this theme and it is worth taking a
look before you start overhauling your rifle. You
need to decide for yourself what method you
will use. After talking to Eric Brooks, who is the
US guru for CZ rimfire rifles, I did a bit of
reflection.
69
I asked if the
barrel lug should
be removed.
Although he does
not favour the
barrel lug design,
as it can give rise
to inconsistent
reassembly, he
recommends setting it in the way described.
However, do experiment with the torque
applied when setting the action and screws
back in place. (Remember CZ usually set the
action screws between 20 and 24 in lbs).
Bedding the action into the stock is part of this
process and I will get around to that when the
stock arrives. I have some parts ready for this
which I will deal with in a later part.
Next I hope to get the bolt jewelled, as I have
 been experimenting with patterns over
the last month.
(I did manage to prepare the bolt by
polishing to a near mirror sheen).

Before/ After - (left)

It is time now to bite the bullet, not
literally, and get on with it. Bill Shehane
has started to make my stock, so I hope
this will be with me in next month to
six weeks. Once that is with me I can
finished the lacquer on the wood and
begin bedding the rifle. His stocks can
be found at; http://www.scopeusout.
com/

I also hope to get the extension of the

bolt arm started, but we will see how
long the above takes me.

Part 2

Quite a few things have spurred me on

with the next part of the project. Not
least the arrival of the Shehane Tracker
stock, which is a thing to behold.
More of that later! I will have to wait to
bed the action and finish the stock as
I am still waiting for parts to convert

A journal is a good idea to start the training process

70
the CZ to single shot only. (The part is from the
Walther KK100 target rifle, which uses the same
receiver as the CZ 452).
The bolt jewelling went well, all be it the pattern
turned out slightly different to what I wanted.
Instead of going into details here about how it is
done, the following website has ample
instruction. http://www272.pair.com/stevewag/
71
jb/jb.html
I suggest using a very abrasive compound on
steel, about 120 grit. For a finer finish like mine
400 to 600 grit. It depends what you want? The
Brownells brushes shown in the web article can
be bought from any hardware shop for between
£2.50 and £4.
With the bolt suitably polished and cleaned
the next part for the equation was the make an
extended bolt arm. Two reasons for this; one,
the CZ bolt knob is very close to the wood work
and hard to grip from a bench position. It does
not protrude out for an easy grip. Two, I wanted
more leverage when working the bolt, to try and
reduce movement between shots. Firstly the
original knob has to be removed. Do look at the
amount of metal you are leaving yourself to put
a thread on the metal that is left.
The part of the arm that is left will vary from rifle
74
to rifle, but the smallest diameter on mine was
5mm, which is ample to turn a thread. (It
actually varied from 7mm to 5mm, thus some
filing was necessary to form a round of 5mm. If
you wish you could build up the metal to 7mm
by using a mig welder, but protect the rest of the
bolt from splatter if you take this route).
The new bolt knob has been turned from
aircraft grade aluminium, as I love this metal as
it gives a great finish. The design is similar to
some Italian ones I have seen and liked in the
past. Both bolt knob and arm had 5mm threads
turned using a tap and die; the knob whilst still
on the lathe to ensure a straight thread was cut.
When all cutting has been done, finishing the
bolt arm and knob with silicon carbide cloth is
a must to get a fine finish. The steel arm needs
200 to 400 grit to accept new bluing, whilst the
aluminium needs 600 to 800 grit. After bluing
the steel both are then married together
using a thread lock adhesive; I used the
medium strength adhesive just in case I want
to change at a later date. After all polishing and
finishing I was very happy with this part of the
conversion. The handle is now about 115
degrees from the vertical , giving a much better
grip and access to work the bolt.
Lastly, for this session, I decided to adapt a
BSA Martini trigger shoe to give a better feel
to the CZ trigger. The original is hard to feel at
times and I wanted something better. The shoe
was shaped to fit the profile of the CZ trigger
better, using an epoxy putty to mould the shape
of the trigger to the shoe. The putty is very
strong and takes the shape of both easily. This
was them reduced and finished with a sparing
amount of aluminium black. (This was also used
on the bolt arm extension). Aluminium black is
best sealed using clear enamel, acrylic varnish
or gun stock oil!
Part 3
At the time of writing most of the furniture for
the new rifle is now done. I have a few bits to
finish off, but these are minor and next stage is
the final one of bedding the rifle and fitting
everything together. However, let’s get back to
how far I have come thus far!
One of the things I have found, like most, is
when you get good service keep going back to
the place you get it. Try as I might to get one
part for the rifle refit, a new single shot shell
plate, I could not. I forgot that a local supplier
I use a lot did business with Walther. Why
Walther when I am developing a CZ 452? Well
the Walther KK100 prone rifle uses the same
receiver as the CZ 452. BRNO even makes it
for Walther, who add a new trigger, barrel, etc.
Therefore everything that fits the KK100
receiver will fit the CZ 452 receiver, with a little
adaptation. (This includes the far superior
trigger they have on the KK100, but check all
this out for yourself first and it costs!)
Anyway, after having a chat with My local
retailer, they asked me to leave the request with
them for a week or so, as I had tried
literally everywhere else (and had the wrong
piece sent), including by Walther themselves.
Within a week Bill telephoned me to say they
had got it – amazing! Now that is support from
your local gun shop. Many thanks to them!
Once obtained the new metal shell plate was fit-
ted. However, this did involve pinning to the re-
ceiver, so you may want to get a gunsmith to do
this for you. This new adaptation has a spring at
the base which lifts the .22 round to the breech
allowing the bolt to squarely insert the round
into the breach.
Much better that the plastic single shot
magazine adapter we get over here! This also
promotes the fact that this rifle will be single
shot only, so a magazine well does not have to
be taken out of the stock.
With this bit finished, and after getting hold of
an aluminium billet via a friend at my club, I
started on the new trigger guard. This can be
made in a variety of ways, CNC milling, manual
milling or crafted by hand. I went for the latter
method to see if I could do it. This took a lot of
cutting filing and reducing, with a little help from
a multi-speed dremel tool and sanding drums.
However, it worked well and I am satisfied with
the results. This was then tapped at the rear
to take a cap hex set screw that will act as a
trigger stop. (Some ideas on the web for trigger
stops include using resins to build up mate-
rial on the sear. However, I like to see what is
happening and control it, which is why I went
76
this way). The set screw can then be taken out
each time the bolt is removed and put back
ready for shooting, after the bolt is back in the
receiver.

Other parts adapted or made this session

were the scope rings and two levels. This
included the manufacture of both levels us-
ing basic equipment, but I wanted them silver
in colour and with a blue level, matching the
stock colour. Therefore I had to make them!
The scope rings were just altered in colour by
taking off some of the black finish with
abrasive cloth. New stainless steel socket
screws were added to finish the effect. Not
everyone’s taste, but I like it.

My last, completed work, for this time was

adding the new Cicognani barrel tuner I
purchased. This is an excellent product and I
went for a European model rather than as a
US made version. There are a variety of types
out there and it is worth having a look around.
Varide Cicognani made mine for me especially
as I wanted it in silver, to keep with the look
of the rifle. At £105, with postage, it comes in
at around the same price as most US made
versions. Many thanks to Varide Cicognani for
an excellent product and service! If you want
to visit the Cicognani website, which contains
benchrest and ISSF standard equipment, it
can be found at; http://www.varidecicognani.
com/
(Addendum, prices of components have

77
increased over the last ten years, so do your
research).
One point about getting hold of metals if you
don’t have a local stockist, try Ebay, as there
is loads of bits for small work. You don’t have
to go for 3 meter lengths; you can order from
30cm onwards and get all grades of metal. I
needed a small amount of aluminium for this
rifle development and could not always get what
I wanted at local stores, which is why I mention
it. The next part I am doing I needed a ½” billet
to make the butt plate, which is easy enough
to form using the end of the formed stock as a
template. A bit of cutting, grinding and reducing
with carbide paper will give you nicely formed
butt plate. This I have yet to finish and produce
a brushed aluminium effect. I would like to show
this next time, where I also hope to show you
the completed work.
Part 4
Well it is finished, finally! It has taken me about
six months, on and off, to complete this project.
80
During this time I have waited for parts and
more importantly the time to do it. If anything,
writing this article has moved me on a bit
faster, as I would have been at it for another six
months.
Last time I was just finishing the butt plate,
which was cut and ground by hand, matching
up to the stock at each stage. Once the shape
was achieved the plate was drilled and finished
off with different grades of aluminium carbide
paper, then 000 fine wire wool. The bolts
holding the stock are 6mm socket head bolts,
with threaded inserts glued with resin into the
stock. If attempted, be careful at this stage as
the butt is the end grain of the wood and can be
82
How it looked at the end - I was
so proud and also a little naive!!
damaged easily. The threaded columns do not
need to be long, as they are not stress bearing.
Also ensure the hole for them is drilled slightly
oversized for the resin to bind to the wood.) The
aluminium I used was obtained from a UK
supplier on Ebay. It is amazing what you can
get out there! When finished I used a strong
epoxy compound to seat the plate flush against
83
the stock as I wanted no reassesses at all.
Release agent was used so the plate was not
fixed permanently. I am extremely happy with
the results of this part of the project.
The concluding parts of this project were final
inletting of the stock, bedding (the part I dislike
the most) and final finishing. Final inletting was
slow and testing to ensure that the action and
barrel fitted just right in the stock. The barrel
had to be fully floated. This is only achieved
through carefully reduction, using grit papers
wrapped around a piece of wooden dowel that
is the exact diameter of the barrel channel. If
you sand using no former at all, the edges of
the barrel channel, and receiver channel for that
matter, will bevel and the finish will not look as
good. A good website to visit that explains all of
these procedures in detail is; http://riflestocks.
tripod.com/
Bedding was achieved using ‘Acraglas’ from
Brownells. This is readily available in this
country and I had some from a previous project.
Others use 'Hysol' on centre fire rifles.
(Addendum Devcon is a more modern
compound and widely accepted as excellent for
the bedding process). The quality of this Hysol
is probably better than 'Acraglas', but the one I
used is probably all a rimfire needs. A number
of shooters on Rimfire Central use this and who
am I to argue. One thing though, dam up all
recesses, tape up all parts and put on release
agent everywhere. You don’t want the action
glued into the stock for good at this point. For
those using 'Acraglas', the Brownells website
has detailed instructions on its download page,
and the products shelf life is well over 20 years.
A good website to visit for bedding is the tripod
one above and Eric Brookes website, as he has
notes specifically related to bedding a CZ
action. http://cz452.com/
Like everything else he does there is excellent
information and products. One product related

to this is the 'Delrin' bore guide he sells. I use
this and it the best one I have ever used for the
CZ. It is specifically made for the CZ action
only and it aids cleaning and protection of the
breech. It is a shame that you cannot get many
of these products over here, as that is
something worth remedying in light of the CZ’s
A test session
popularity at the range - above the
in the UK.
trigger unit
The final part for this project was the finishing
of the stock, after everything had been cleared
up from the bedding of the action. Mask off all
bedding that has been done, as the lacquer will
build up and destroy all your hard work.
For this it was suggested by Bill Shehane that
automotive clear lacquer be used, (or colour
if you prefer). Several ways around this, using
aerosol cans or if you have a compressor and
air gun use this. Whichever you go for you will
need quite a few layers of lacquer. I personally
built up each layer, polishing at each stage with
000 fine wire wool. The lacquer really needs to
get into every pore of the wood grain and there
is no skimping here. With the final layer polish
with the fine wire wool again and then polish
with a cloth until you have the required brilliance
you want in the lacquer. Then it is down
to reassembly and testing and I hope the
photos give the rifle justice. There is a CZ
in there somewhere. In fact the
action and barrel are the same, so I have
ended up with a good entry level rimfire
benchrest rifle.
I did need to become familiar with the
new stock, as shooting the rifle is very
different than the standard stock.
Saying that, this weekend I tested it and
shot a 246 ex 250 with a lot more ease
than usual. As normal it is the ‘nut behind
the butt’ that messed things up. The cost
of the project is down to you, as the original CZ
stock can be customised easily and the barrel
stabiliser is not essential. In effect the CZ could
be customised for as little as £100 if you did it
yourself. It depends what you want, as I could
have gone a lot further.
Overall I was very chuffed with the final results
and you never know it may help those scores.
(Addendum it did help the scores, as the rifle
helped win the 2006 nationals).
However, consolidating scores over the years
it was apparent it would not average beyond
a 245 in practice towards the end of the rifles
life with me. Although, the rifle could get the
248/249 on occasion!! The choice was to
re-barrel or to trade up if I wanted to compete
in the developing international matches. As I
have previously stated, an entry level rifle that
was a lot of fun to do at the time. There should
be more 'local' divisions for this type of rifle,
with ammunition provided by the match director.
Now that would be fun!
85
Winning is a state of mind - its achieving the state in the first place
Range Safety at a
Championship
Standard Range commands – First Match
General Instructions:
Prior to each relay of the first match of the day,
general instructions shall be announced by
the Range Officer. They should be the same
or similar to the following, acknowledging
local requirements:
▪ “During the match, should an emergency
arise which requires an immediate
ceasefire, I shall command
▪ Rimfire - “Emergency – cease fire – unlock
your bolts”
▪ Air Rifles - “Emergency – cease fire - open
your firing mechanisms”
▪ This will permit all rifles to be in a safe
condition without extracting the case from
the chamber. This command will only be
given in cases of such emergency that
we cannot permit you to clear your rifle by
firing.
▪ If a condition should arise which requires
temporary suspension of firing, I shall
command
▪ “Hold your fire – clear your rifle by firing
or by removing your bolt/ inserting breech
flag”
▪ Do not place any ammunition in the action
until the command ‘Commence Firing”
Standard Range Commands – Each Match:
To ensure the championship is conducted
without confusion, the following range
86
 commands are to be used.
1) This is Relay n° XXX Match n°XXX Class
XXX : Shooters Make Ready!
Competitors called to Benches 5 minutes before
start to set up rifle and rests, all rifles
to be safe, either magazines removed or bolts
depending on action.
2) Are Shooters Ready?
Competitors do have the facility to ask Range
Officers additional time to set up (no more
than three minutes) if they are experiencing
trouble with equipment. Such facility will
only be granted once time during a match.
3) Insert Bolt in Your Rifle/ Remove Breech
Flag!
4) You have 20 minutes to complete this match:
commence fire will be a whistle start
NO Competitor to leave the bench seating
position the line until Match completed.
No competitor to enter the firing line once
the Relay has started. They will forfeit that
Relay if they are late. Any shots fired before
whistle start will results in the shooter being
disqualified from.
5) Ten Minutes
6) Five Minutes
7) Thirty seconds
8) Cease Fire will be a whistle stop. Remove
bolts from Rifles/ insert Yellow Breech Flag
and leave benches.
All equipment to be removed from bench after
guns put in custody or rack. Any shots fired
after whistle stop will results in the shooter
being disqualified.
to recommencement of firing, the Range
Officer will allow 5 minutes additional
time and advise the shooters accordingly,
however this allowance cannot exceed the
original time for the match.
If match is stopped, three things will have to
happen, all guns made safe, remove bolt /
magazine/ insert yellow safety breech flag,
etc and checked. Match either abandoned
or re-started. If to be restarted no one
leaves the Bench except competitor with
the problem, an additional 5 minutes is
added to the time remaining for
re-setting up rests etc. If abandoned then the
Match to be re-scheduled after a break of
30 MINUTES minimum. Any shots fired
after whistle stop firing will results in the
shooter being disqualified.
Note - Voice commands are preferable over a
whistle. However Range Officer to have
a whistle in case a stop to the match is
required - Cross fire or mechanical fault
with a competitor, (or even stray animal,
people wandering into range etc, etc.). This
will permit all rifles to be in a safe condition
without extracting the case from the
chamber. This command will only be given
in cases of such emergency that we cannot
permit you to clear your rifle by firing.

Interpretations
a) No live ammunition may be placed in the
rifle until the Commence Fire command is
given.
b) Timing commences at the beginning of the
word “commence”.
c) Timing ceases at the end of the blowing of
the whistle.
d) Any shots fired before the command
“Commence Fire” or after the “Blowing of
the whistle” for ceasefire, will result in the
shooter being disqualified from, and not
taking part in the rest of the days shooting.
Emergency Commands:
In the event of an emergency, the Range Officer
will issue a “cease fire” command per
above. Such command must be obeyed
immediately and no further shots fired. Prior

87
 Issue 7

A quarterly journal for all Rimfire & Air Rifle Benchrest enthusiasts.
In conjunction with the WRABF and ERABSF