Benchrest Rules.
Please read carefully
Competing at sanctioned National 50 Benchrest League (N50) matches
General Rules
Target Distance: 50 yards
Match Times: 20 minutes per target
Target: Only targets produced and distributed by N50
Scoring Plugs: Only those supplied by N50
Aggregate Score: Cumulative score of 3 targets shot in sequence on same day
Attendance: Minimum of 2 competitors
Scoring: No competitor shall score their own target
Scopes: Any
Trigger: Any, but must always function safely.
Single shot trays are allowed.
2024 finds a new Class that allows entry level Factory 22 rimfires to compete head to head apart from the traditional factory target rifles (Sportsman). Note: Factory 22 Class will not be a sanctioned competition at the 2024 N50 Nationals at Raton for the present time.
N50 Rifle Rules
Note, the following six rifle rules are requirements for each unique rifle type used in the four N50 classes, Pellet, Factory 22, Sportsman/Slug, and Pro/Slug.
Any .177 though .30 caliber Pellet rifles can participate in the Sportsman/Slug Class and will be scored with Sportsman rules.
Any .177 though .22 caliber Pellet rifles can participate in the Pro/Slug Class and will be scored with Pro/Slug rules.
Any .177, .20, or .22 Sportsman Slug, as well as Sportsman 22 Rimfire rifles can participate in the Pro Class and will be scored with Pro/Slug rules.
Pro rifles cannot participate in any other Class.
Pellet Rifle Requirements
Pellet: Any commercial Diabolo pellet design in .177, .20, .22, .25 and .30 caliber.
Barrel: Custom barrels and barrel attachments are allowed.
FPE: Maximum 100 foot-pounds of energy.
Air Tanks: Tethered air tanks are allowed but tank must be secured. Tethered tanks are not allowed on top of benches.
Stock: Any. Bedding allowed.
Weight: Unlimited.
Rests: Any.
Note: Pellet Rifle is scored with the .350 plug head.
2. Factory 22 Rimfire Rifle Requirements
Current, readily available, factory production, magazine fed, rifle with MSRP of less than $1250.00 or those included on the approved “out of production” factory rifle list (see below).
Cartridges: Commercial 22LR. No reloads allowed.
Barrel: Factory rolled stamped identified only. No aftermarket custom barrels and no barrel attachments. A factory thread protector may remain and must be flush with the end of the barrel. A factory supplied muzzle brake that extends past the barrel end may not be used.
Stock: No rifle stock modifications are permitted other than to attach bi-pod using picatinny rail.
Weight: Factory.
Rests: Two-piece rest, sandbags, or any bipod (only two touch points on the bench top) is allowed and may be attached to the rifle stock using an attached picatinny rail for the sole purpose of mounting the bipod. If the attached rail is wider than a standard picatinny rail (~1”) it cannot be used.
Note: Factory 22 RF is scored with the .350 plug head.
3. Sportsman Slug Air Rifle Requirements
Factory air rifles.
Slug: Any commercial cylindrical slug design, in .177, .20, .22, .25 and .30 caliber
Barrel: Factory.
FPE: Maximum 100 foot-pounds of energy.
Air Tanks: Tethered air tanks are allowed but tank must be secured. Tethered tanks are not allowed on top of benches.
Stock: Any. Bedding allowed.
Weight: Unlimited.
Rests: Any.
Note: Sportsman Slug Air Rifle is scored with the .350 plug head.
4. Sportsman 22 Rimfire Rifle Requirements
All past and present factory target rifles.
Cartridges: Commercial 22LR. No reloads allowed.
Barrel: Factory rolled stamped identified only. No aftermarket custom barrels and no barrel attachments.
Stock: Any. Bedding allowed.
Weight: Unlimited.
Rests: Any.
Note: Sportsman 22 RF is scored with the .350 plug head.
5. Pro .177, .20, & .22 Slug Air Rifle Requirements
Pro Slug Class allows unlimited use of highly modified air rifles that exceeds precision of typical factory rifles.
Rifle: Any, including custom-made slug rifles
Slugs: Any cylindrical slug design, including custom or handmade.
FPE: Maximum 100 foot-pounds of energy.
Barrel: Custom barrels and barrel attachments are allowed.
Air Tanks: Tethered air tanks are allowed but tank must be secured. Tethered tanks are not allowed on top of benches.
Stock: Any. Bedding allowed.
Weight: Unlimited.
Rests: Any.
Note: Pro .177, .20, & .22 Slug is scored with the .224 plug head.
6. Pro 22 Rimfire Rifle Requirements
Pro 22 RF Class allows unlimited use of highly modified rifles that exceeds precision of typical factory rifles.
Rifle: Any, including traditional custom-made Unlimited Class Rimfire.
Cartridges: Commercial 22LR. No reloads allowed.
Barrel: Custom barrels and barrel attachments are allowed.
Stock: Any. Bedding allowed.
Weight: Unlimited.
Rests: Any.
Note: Pro 22 Rimfire is scored with the .224 plug head.
Factory 22 Out of Production Approved List
The Approved Factory Rifle list is ONLY for rifles not in current production.
Browning: All Models except the Model 52
CZ: All factory variants of 452,453,455,512, Discontinued 457 Models: LRP-Gray, Training
Henry: All Models
Husqvarna: 1622
Marlin: All Models EXCEPT all variations of Model 2000
Mossberg; All Model 46 Variations, Model 340B, All Models US 44C w/magazine, 240c w/magazine
Norinco: NS522
Remington: All Models EXCEPT All variations of Model 37, 40X, 504, 513, 540, 541
Ruger: All Models
Savage: All Models EXCEPT any that are Savage/Anschutz
Sears: Ted Williams Model 34, 42-103-2840
Smith & Wesson: All Models
Thompson Center: R55 Benchmark
Weatherby: Mark XXII (auto)
Winchester: All Models EXCEPT Model 52 and Model 75