In our opinion, bench shooting is one of the most enjoyable airgun shooting disciplines. Maybe it’s because you can do it anywhere. You can bench shoot in your backyard, garage, basement, or at the range. It’s just you and the target and seeing how accurate you can be. In this article, we are going to explore some of our top “bench rest” airguns. Let’s get started.
FX Impact M3
Topping our list is the FX Impact M3. If you are into airguns, then you already know all about the Impact. The feature set and adjustability are extensive. Where most airguns brag about having a regulator, the Impact M3 has 2. Hammer spring adjustment? Yeah, it’s got that too, but it takes it to another level with both coarse and fine hammer spring adjustments. Want to change calibers? No Problem.
The bottom line is that the FX Impact M3 has really set the bar for bench rest shooters. It’s expensive, but it delivers. With the proper setup, the impact can deliver Sub-MOA groups out to 100 yards. It’s the gold standard when it comes to competitive benchrest.
Air Venturi Avenger / Avenge-X
The Air Venturi Avenger and the new Avenge-X are both great options for those getting started in benchrest. The original Avenger comes in rifle and bullpup form factors and has an externally adjustable hammer spring and regulator. The new Avenge-X takes things to the “Xtreme” and adds total customizability between stocks, calibers, and air reservoirs.
Even though the Avenger line of airguns is on the affordable side of the scale, the level of customizability and performance has them poised to make their mark in the airgun benchrest world. And, they prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to be truly competitive.
RAW HW1000X
Made in the USA and built from the ground up for exceptional performance and accuracy, the RAW HM1000x is a multifaceted airgun platform. Some of the key features are the regulated 480cc carbon fiber air cylinder, adjustable match trigger, Lothar Walther polygonal rifled barrel, two-piece barrel shroud, and easy hammer spring adjustment.
The HM1000X is able to push impressive power as well, with up to 50 FPE in .22, 60 FPE in .25, and 75 FPE in .30 caliber. But it’s not all about power, it’s about accuracy too, and that’s where the RAW airguns truly shine.
Benjamin Gunnar
If shooting AR-style tactical airguns is your thing, then you’ll want to take a look at the Benjamin Gunnar. We’ve spent a lot of time testing and shooting the .25 cal Gunnar, and simply put, it outperforms its price point.
It features an adjustable regulator, a 500cc air cylinder that operates at 3000 PSI, smooth side lever action, 5-position external power adjuster, a shrouded barrel with an integrated moderator, an AR grip, and an AR buttstock. Capable of 100-yard accuracy, the Gunnar is a joy to shoot.
Air Arms Ultimate Sporter and Air Arms Tactical
Last but certainly not least are two great offerings from Air Arms. Let’s start with the Air Arms Tactical. This new rifle from Air Arms features the regulated S510 action, available in .177, .22, and .25 calibers, that’s been placed into a precision-crafted aluminum AR-style chassis. It features an m-lok compatible forearm, AR Grip, and AR Stock, all fitted together to create a lightweight yet stable shooting platform.
For more traditional shooters, there’s the Air Arms Ultimate Sporter, which has all the same precision features as the S510XS. But instead of being fitted to an aluminum tactical frame, it’s married to a simply amazing, fully customizable sporter stock.
As mentioned, both models share the same S510XS action, which features a Lothar Walther match barrel, regulated air cylinder, and fully adjustable match trigger. The S510XS platform has been an exceptional performer for Air Arms for many years and continues to perform right alongside more expensive and more modern airguns.
That’s a wrap.
If you want to know more about benchrest airguns and the other gear needed to make the most of the discipline, please give us a call. We are pleased to help you get set up for benchrest success.
