Freedom Benchrest Returns for 2026 — And a New Opportunity with M-Tac
- columbussportsmans
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As winter begins to loosen its grip here in Wisconsin, many shooters start thinking about the same thing: getting back out to the range and stretching things out to distance again.
At the Columbus Sportsman’s Association, that means the return of Freedom Benchrest, one of the club’s most respected long-range traditions. Year after year, these matches bring together shooters who appreciate the challenge of precision, the discipline that comes with it, and the simple satisfaction of seeing what both rifle and marksman can do when everything comes together at 600 yards.
The match schedule for the 2026 season has been set:
April 4, 2026
May 2, 2026
June 6, 2026
July 4, 2026
August 1, 2026
August 2, 2026
These matches will continue to feature the traditional classes many shooters are familiar with—Light Gun, Heavy Gun, and Tactical—each offering its own balance of equipment, skill, and strategy. For those who enjoy fine-tuning loads, carefully reading conditions, and watching tight groups form on paper a long way downrange, Freedom Benchrest remains one of the most rewarding disciplines in the shooting sports.
But this season also brings something new.
A New Match for Shooters Who Want to Try Long Range
For many people who are curious about long-range shooting, benchrest and other disciplines can seem a little intimidating at first glance. Specialized rifles, carefully built equipment, and years of experience on the line can make it feel like a sport that’s difficult to step into.
That’s exactly why CSA is introducing a new format this year called M-Tac.
The idea behind M-Tac is simple: make long-range shooting more approachable without sacrificing the challenge that makes it enjoyable. Shooters don’t need a purpose-built benchrest rifle or specialized equipment to participate. Instead, the format is designed for the kind of rifles many people already own—practical, capable firearms that are ready to stretch their legs at distance.
In other words, if you’ve ever wondered what your rifle could really do at 600 yards, this is a chance to find out.
More importantly, it’s a chance to do it alongside experienced shooters who enjoy helping others learn the ropes. One of the things that makes the Columbus Sportsman’s Association special is the willingness of members to share knowledge, offer guidance, and welcome newcomers to the line.
A Season Built on Precision and Community
While the competition itself is serious—targets don’t measure themselves after all—the atmosphere around Freedom Benchrest has always been something a little more relaxed. Shooters gather early in the morning, trade stories while setting up equipment, and spend the day focusing on the quiet concentration that long-range shooting demands.
By the end of the match, there are usually a few new friendships formed and more than a few conversations about wind calls, bullet selection, and the eternal search for that perfect group.
For 2026, match fees will be:
Members:
$35 for the first class entered
$10 for each additional class
Non-Members:
$45 for the first class entered
$10 for each additional class
The matches remain open to both members and non-members, though many shooters find that after spending a season at the range, becoming part of the club simply makes sense.
Looking Ahead to Spring
As April approaches, the benches will start filling again and the long-range targets will come back into focus. Whether you’ve been shooting benchrest for years or you’re simply curious about stepping into the sport for the first time, the upcoming season promises plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and enjoy a day on the range.
And if you’ve ever wanted to try long-range shooting but weren’t sure where to begin, M-Tac may be the perfect place to start.
We’ll see you on the line.
Interested in participating in Freedom Benchrest or the new M-Tac League?
Visit the Freedom Benchrest page on the CSA website for match information and registration details.