I took my DIY benchrest, some handloads, and my warm clothes out to the shooting range this morning. This was the first day that I would be using the rest, and the second outing with the rifle.

[img width=600 height=393]http://pic0.picsorlinks.com/ph_or_63409_8994c1a.jpg[/img]

The rest worked surprisingly well. It's not 100% solid, like a pro, high-end BR rifle rest. But as stiff as the type of rest that'd cost significantly more. More than the $6 in nuts and bolts I needed to buy to put it together.

[img width=600 height=449]http://pic0.picsorlinks.com/ph_or_63410_d365d7d.jpg[/img]

These were my first two groups. On target #2, which was first 5-shot string fired, using my #2 set of loads. The group was pretty good. But the flyer on the top was the first round down the bore. I probably should have fired a fouling shot, but whatever. Ignoring the flyer, the distance between the widest holes of that main group was 0.55". The grid is 1"x1", so after shooting those 5, I adjusted the point of impact down and moved to target/load #3.

[img width=600 height=449]http://pic0.picsorlinks.com/ph_or_63411_063abaf.jpg[/img]

This was my best group of the day. Of the 5 I shot, each was pretty good. But none as good as this one. The other 3 averaged slightly less than 1"

[img width=600 height=449]http://pic0.picsorlinks.com/ph_or_63412_12e181b.jpg[/img]

0.52" at 100 yards. 36F, with a 15 mph wind coming directly towards me from the north.

.223, Lake City brass, 24 gr of Varget, 69gr Speer MatchKing HPBT.

I was shocked when I walked to the target and saw it. I'm extremely impressed with the rifle, and also pretty happy with my benchrest.

Ain't too shabby for a $300 gun, $70 simmons scope, and some 2x4's bolted to a truck scissor jack. Amazing rifle.