Shoot ARA
American Rimfire Association
Shoot ARA
Ready to step onto the benchrest line? Here's everything you need to know to get registered, find a club, and start competing.
Step by Step
How to Join & Compete
Getting into ARA benchrest competition is straightforward — no annual membership fee, no gatekeeping. Just register your Competitor ID and find a match near you.
🔖 Your ARA Competitor ID
The Competitor ID you register with will be your permanent identity across all ARA matches. It will be associated with every score you ever shoot — so pick it once and stick with it. You must use the same ID every time you compete.
Your ID is 4 numbers + 3 initials. Many shooters use the last 4 digits of their SSN and their initials, but any combination works as long as it's memorable and not already taken by another competitor.
Choose Your ID
Pick your 4-number + 3-initial Competitor ID. Print it out from your dashboard — you'll use it at every single match you attend for life.
Register Your ID
Register online with your chosen Competitor ID to make sure it's unique and on record before you show up to your first match.
Find or Start a Club
Find an ARA Club in your area — or if there isn't one nearby, start one! ARA makes it possible for shooters to bring competition to their local range.
Show Up & Shoot
Check the club details online for any registration requirements. Pay the club's match entry fee, bring your gear, and shoot your first ARA score.
Know the Game
Competition Rules & Classes
ARA benchrest competitions are governed by a clear rulebook. Knowing the rules before you arrive keeps things smooth for you and the match director.
General Competition Rules
- All rifles will be either Unlimited or Factory Class
- Factory Rifles must be used as manufactured — no modifications beyond allowed exceptions. Check the rule book!
- Scores are tied to your permanent Competitor ID
- Official Scoring may be computerized electronic scoring or manual scoring
- Scoring is based on the worst edge. A scoring rubric is found on the top left of each target
- A class must have at least two competitors to be eligible for official match status
Match Format
- Targets are official ARA blue bulls printed on 11"×17" paper
- 25 bulls per target
- 20-minute firing period per target
- Shoot from a bench (benchrest) with sandbag or rest support (check the rule book for details on what's allowed)
- The number of targets per match varies — check the club schedule
- All targets are shot at 50 yards
Shooter Classes
- Factory — under $1,450 MSRP or rifles on the approved factory list; limited modifications allowed. 2-piece rest only. Check the full list of rules for all the details.
- Unlimited — any firearm chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge may be used
- Junior — for competitors under 18 years of age as of Jan 1st of the current year
- Check the posted club schedule for classes offered at each match
Safety Rules
- All firearms must be unloaded with bolts and magazines out during ceasefires and if not being actively used on the line
- Follow all commands from the Range Officer without delay
- Range safety rules supersede ARA safety rules
- Report any unsafe conditions to the Range Officer immediately
Come Prepared
Equipment Requirements
ARA keeps equipment requirements approachable for new shooters. All .22 LR rifles will fit into Unlimited or Factory Class.
Required Gear
- Unlimited or ARA-approved Factory rimfire rifle
- Official ARA targets (provided by the club)
- .22 LR rimfire ammunition (we love ELEY!)
- Shooting rest / sandbags (check Factory class requirements)
Helpful to Bring
- Spotting scope
- Wind flags (highly recommended for precision benchrest)
- Extra ammunition — matches can use more rounds than expected
- Cleaning equipment for between-relay maintenance
Official ARA Targets
Official ARA targets are blue bulls printed on 11"×17" paper. Using the official targets is required. The club will provide official targets for the match. Purchase official targets at KilloughShootingSports.com.