Tony Allinson (14)

Where do you live and what is your home range?

Lake Macquarie area and shoot at the Newcastle Branch’s J & W Bruce Range at Seaham

When did you first start benchrest?

First registered match was at Silverdale in 1975

Who helped you in the early days?

Ron Marsden & Fred Lawler

What was your first BR rifle?

My first registered match was with a Tikka 22/250, my first BR rifle was a second hand L/V wood thumbhole stocked Sako L461 in 222mag.

When did you get your first HOF point?

Canberra 1981

What year did you qualify?

Silverdale 1991, I think. I was stuck on 9 points for 7 years.

Where do you shoot most?

Apart from Seaham, most of my registered matches are at Silverdale

Which ranges do you like and dislike and why?

I have always liked the old Roma range and the Springsure range because of their honesty. I don’t dislike any range as I find them all very challenging.

Which matches do you like most each year?

I really enjoy matches with larger competitor numbers. They have better atmosphere and are more of a challenge and you usually meet up with distant friends.

Have you shot overseas, when, where, how did you go?

WBC 1991 France – 18/96, WBC 1997 USA – 13/120, USA Super Shoot 1999 – 110/330.

What is your current equipment?

6PPC BAT L/V (my first ever new B/R rifle)

What is your philosophy for benchrest?

You get from it that which you are willing to put in to it.

What advice would you give to new shooters?

Work hard, listen to the experienced competitors but don’t forget to enjoy the people and the atmosphere. If you forget to enjoy yourself, you may not continue in this great sport. Never be afraid to help out at any match you attend.