ranges/public-land
Arizona Bench Rest Shooters
Phoenix
0Arizona Bench Rest Shooters runs its entire match schedule at Ben Avery Shooting Facility, a 1,650-acre public shooting range in northern Phoenix—the largest operated public facility in the United States. The range is operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and designated as one of the Phoe...
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01 // OVERVIEW
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Overview
Location details and information
Arizona Bench Rest Shooters runs its entire match schedule at Ben Avery Shooting Facility, a 1,650-acre public shooting range in northern Phoenix—the largest operated public facility in the United States. The range is operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and designated as one of the Phoenix Points of Pride.
Ben Avery provides exactly what competitive shooters need: - 65 bench rest firing positions for organized competition - 5 dedicated handicap benches on the East side of the firing line - Ample reloading space for competitors - Camping facilities (both with and without amenities) - Large open areas for equipment setup and staging
Location: 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85086 | Phone: 623-582-8313
The AZBRS season runs October through April with seven matches across multiple disciplines and yardages:
| Match Type | Format | Categories |
|---|---|---|
| State Championships | 20 matches (5-shot groups) | Light Varmint, Heavy Varmint, Sporter, Unlimited |
| Nationals | 18 matches (5-shot groups) | Unlimited, Light Varmint, Heavy Varmint |
| Invitationals | 20 matches (5-shot groups) | Unlimited 5-Gun class |
| Specialty Events | 30 matches (3-Gun format) | Teams + Individual awards |
All matches shoot at 100 yards and/or 200 yards, with bench rotation between yardages to eliminate position advantage.
- •2025 Freedom Group Nationals (October 31 – November 2)
- •Minimum two relays for Unlimited class on Friday morning
- •Six individual matches across three days
- •100-yard and 200-yard competitions
- •2026 Walt Berger Memorial Match (January 30 – February 1)
- •30 total matches across three days
- •3-Gun format: Light Varmint, Heavy Varmint, Unlimited
- •2-man team event with random partner drawing
- •Practice days: January 28-29 ($8/day)
- •2026 Cactus Classic (March 7-8)
- •20 matches: Light Varmint and Heavy Varmint at 100 and 200 yards
- •Free banquet dinner with prize drawings from sponsors
- •Practice days: March 3-6 ($10/day)
- •Shooters assigned to specific benches for consistent practice
Register for Practice: If you register before practice days begin, you'll be assigned your exact match bench so you can practice on the same position you'll shoot from during competition.
Practice availability varies by match: - State Championships: 2 practice days before competition - Nationals: 3 practice days before competition - Cactus Classic: 4 extended practice days (March 3-6) - Walt Berger Memorial: 2 practice days with extended hours
All practice sessions require sign-in. Registration is available during practice days, and competitors can register at any time during the schedule.
AZBRS runs two State Championship matches that combine for a 4-Gun Grand Aggregate: - LV-HV State Championship (October): Light Varmint and Heavy Varmint categories - SP-Unl5 State Championship (January): Sporter and Unlimited 5-Gun categories
Winners are crowned in individual category, 2-Gun aggregate, 3-Gun aggregate, and 4-Gun aggregate divisions.
- •April Match: Unl5-Unl5 Season Closing (20 matches across two days)
- •December Invitational: Combined with 2025 Visalia Invitational for a cross-state Grand Aggregate in the Unlimited 5-Gun class.
Email: [email protected] Range Website: https://www.azgfd.com/shooting/basf/ Weather/Wind Tracking: Weather Underground (Ben Avery Shooting Range forecast available)
Arizona Bench Rest Shooters is hosted by sponsors including Berger Bullets, which also provides website hosting for the organization.
- •October 3-4, 2026 – LV-HV State Championship
- •November 7-8, 2026 – SP-UNL State Championship
- •December 12-13, 2026 – AZ-CA UNL Invitational
Full details on future matches posted as season approaches.
Restrictions
- •Hosted matches require registration and fees
- •Practice days limited to specific dates for competitions
- •Cease fire periods enforced during organized events
- •Bench rotation required on match days
- •No shooting during non-organized times without authorization
- •Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations apply
Pro Tips for Visiting
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65 bench rest firing positions for organized competition
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5 dedicated handicap benches on the East side of the firing line
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Ample reloading space for competitors
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Camping facilities (both with and without amenities)
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Large open areas for equipment setup and staging
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Minimum two relays for Unlimited class on Friday morning
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