New for 2023 will be the Tactical Bench Rest Division.
There is a great amount of interest in participation in the MARS rimfire matches. Some of these individuals didn’t want to buy a bunch of new gear, have a hard time moving around, or have injuries that prevent them from moving around on obstacles safely.
Tactical Bench Rest is also a great way to help juniors get started, as well as new shooters to get comfortable, learn to use their equipment, and to get a feel of the sport. Michael McCourt came up to us at the end of the 2022 season with this idea and concept. We kicked off the trial matches at the start of the 2023 season in Quinton, NJ hosted by Michael as well as Bridgeville DE, ran by Steve Jesatko. This has been a huge success.
I am happy to officially announce that we are going to actively track and have a 2023 Tactical Bench Rest division and Championship this season.
So what is tactical bench rest? – The Tactical Bench Rest format allows shooters to shoot the same course of fire as a precision rimfire match, just from the bench. A standardized set of rules is being established and published in the coming days.
Our hope for this division is to give shooters who do not want to, or are unable to shoot from props a place to have some friendly competition. We see this type match to be less intimidating and a starting point for more shooters to enter rimfire competition. It provides a space for shooters to learn their reticle, holdovers, and develop their d.o.p.e., and to establish confidence. New shooters can develop better shooting fundamentals from a stable platform instead of building bad habits from an unstable barricade. Juniors can better enjoy the sport without having to move a heavy rifle or shoot off of a barricade the is to high for them.
2023 matches that have been shot- Anyone who has already participated in one or more Tactical Bench Rest Matches has until February 28, 2023 to join the Modern American Rimfire Series (MARS). Shooters joining MARS prior to the February deadline will receive series points earned from all matches shot in 2023. Shooter who join MARS after February 28, 2023 will forfeit all previous scores.
Series standings will be based on your top three scores using scores from at least two different clubs. Division champion will be determined by your top 3 scores plus your end of the year championship score. To crown the 2023 MARS TBR Champion.
The Tactical Bench Rest Championship
Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol Club on September 2, 2023
2023 TBR Rules
