if you go against the benchrest guys...this is what you are facing. One of the main rules concerns bags. They can not be connected. See the pic I attached for the correct set up. Adding a wider forend and all the other pointers will help. You will also have to spend some time at the range practicing and doing some serious load development.
Most clubs have a hunter division that might interest you. It allows you to shoot with what you have and not tangle with BR shooters head to head. If you can beat them with a target or two, or even "keep them honest", you will get all kinds of kudos. They will come up and tell you as much and heckle the tar out of the guys you beat. I have a 222 I do that with some time to time.
Competition is also one of the best ways to learn to shoot correctly. You are more aware of what is going on and way more critical of what you do. The other competitors will help you too. I don't know one that wouldn't hand you their rifle to try. When mine died in the middle of a relay, the fellow beside me lent me his and ammo to complete my target. I would do the same for whoever is next to me. BTW, we hate to be interrupted though when practising or load developing, I think that is where the "holier then though" reputation got started. My average scores for a day of group shooting (aggregate or average group size) for 25 shots in 5 shot strings at 100 yards and the same repeated at 200 yards is .28" for the day. That is not easy to maintain. Score shooting is the same except you are shooting at a bulls eye. I have never placed well, my best score was 497-23X out of a possible 500-50X.
If you are serious about shooting, get a set of wind flags. If you don't, you will never be able to properly adjust your loading or shooting. Some people claim they read the grass and tree movement, that will get you close -kinda/sorta. To really find out, you need to know what the wind is doing all the way down the range. I attached a picture of them too, so you will know what I mean. Because I shoot competition, I also have a cross wind indicator (Windicator they are called) just to point out how bad the wind is. I still get caught occasionally...pull the trigger just as the flags move! Darn and shucks! (well ,maybe I say a little more)
If you want to try it, go out to the range and watch. It will be an education. Be careful, it is as addictive as Handi's! It just took one and your hooked. When you see what you can really do, improving your shooting - and knowing how to- is addictive.
Guess that is why I never stood a chance?!
Have fun,
Chris
