LONG RANGE HANDCANONS
Long range benchrest shooting with handguns is a relatively new competition. Some shoot paper—others shoot steel at targets ranging from 300 to over 1000 yards. Rules are flexible—some places don’t have them and you can shoot whatever you bring. The guns are legally handguns. Mostly they resemble a short rifle with the stock cut off. Calibers run the gamut of long range cartridges from 22 through 338 and maybe larger cartridges. Mostly 6 MM through 6.5 are the most popular with some opting for the Short Magnum cartridges. The most competitive rigs feature high velocity VLD bullets producing minimal recoil. Rifle optics are used—the 5.5X22X50 Nightforce is an excellent choice. Shoot ‘em off sandbags; bipods, prone or whatever.
You can start with a Contender, Encore, MOA XP 100 and build from there. Or go with a Savage match action or one of the custom actions.
Don’t expect it to be easy—there is definitely a learning curve in long range shooting. Just have fun. This is real and new challenge. I find it considerably more difficult than with a rifle. Call if you want to discuss—740-264-0176 JD
