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2025 Centrefire Benchrest Nationals – Captain’s Mountain Range, QLD

The 2025 Centrefire Nationals were successfully held over Easter weekend at the newly established Captain’s Mountain Range near Millmerran, Queensland. This was the first-ever benchrest match hosted at this facility, and it ran smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of all involved in organizing and preparing the range—special thanks to everyone who contributed before and during the event.

The competition ran from April 11th to 14th, with two days of practice preceding four full days of intense shooting. Conditions at this new range proved more challenging than expected, adding an exciting layer to an already competitive field.

Friday – Unlimited Class

The event kicked off with the 10-shot Unlimited Class. John Babic claimed victory with a sharp .2951 aggregate, followed by Michael Thompson (.3164) and Ean Parsons (.3276). A standout performance came from Hall of Famer Ron Sinclair (HoF 32), who won the 100-yard event shooting a bag gun with a .2654 agg—outshooting all the rail guns.

Smallest Groups:

  • 100 yards: Steve Blaine – .162

  • 200 yards: Michael Thompson – .412

Saturday – Light Benchrest

Saturday brought tougher conditions for many shooters. John Gnech topped the 100-yard field with a .2182 agg, while Josh Russell took the 200-yard win, also with a .2182 agg. The Grand Aggregate was won by Paul “Sully” Sullivan (.2306), followed by Josh Russell (.2458) and Annie Elliott (.2598).

Smallest Groups:

  • 100 yards: Richard Winckel – .122

  • 200 yards: Les Fraser – .278

Sunday – Heavy Benchrest

Sunday’s Heavy Benchrest event saw Ean Parsons secure first place with a stellar .2219 agg, earning him his final point for Hall of Fame induction. Annie Elliott (.2288) took second, and Michael Thompson (.2373) placed third. Ean also won the 100-yard with a remarkable .1652 agg, and David McKillop took the 200-yard with a .2107 agg.

Smallest Groups:

  • 100 yards: Ean Parsons – .090 Screamer group

  • 200 yards: Kerry Moore – .203

Monday – Sporter Class

The final day featured the Sporter Class. Mitchell Tallar led the 100-yard match with a .2546 agg, while Ean Parsons won the 200-yard leg with a .2503. Michael Thompson clinched the Grand Aggregate with a .2693 agg.

Smallest Groups:

  • 100 yards: David McKillop – .152

  • 200 yards: Sully – .269

Multi-Gun Results

2-Gun Aggregate (Light + Heavy)

Champion: Annie Elliott – .2443
Followed by Paul Sullivan (.2531) and Ean Parsons (.2547)

3-Gun Aggregate (Light + Heavy + Sporter)

Champion: Ean Parsons – .2658
Second: Michael Thompson (.2665)
Third: Paul Sullivan (.2725)

4-Gun Champion (Unlimited + Light + Heavy + Sporter)

Champion: Michael Thompson – .2790
With this result, Michael secured the final points needed for Hall of Fame induction.
Second: Ean Parsons (.2812)
Third: Paul Sullivan (.2869)

Additional Notes

The annual National Delegates Meeting was held on Saturday evening, where David McKillop stepped down as National Chairman. Congratulations to Les Fraser on his election as the new National Chairman—we wish him every success in his new role.

A heartfelt thank you to Gavin for his immense efforts leading up to this event. The development of the Captain’s Mountain Range is a tremendous achievement for the benchrest community, and we look forward to many future competitions at this excellent facility.

By Michael Thompson

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