Bench riser legal?

I'm 80. My shoulder's bothering me. - -I can hold the pistol leveled at target (±4"-6") OK, but raising & lowering from/to the bench is painful. --Would it be legal to use an 8"-10"± box? on the bench to rest the pistol on between shots- as long as my arm/hand/ pistol is clearly free (several inches minimum) of any support during firing?

We had one shooter who did that.  Should be okay.

I'm not sure about NRA Precision, but here is an extract from the ISSF book.

8.6.3 Pistol Support Stands
Athletes may place pistol support stands or boxes on the bench or table to
rest their pistols between shots. The total height of the bench or table with
a support stand or box on it may not exceed 1.00m (see Rule 6.4.11.10,
maximum bench height is 1.00m). During Elimination or Qualification
competitions, a pistol transport box (Rule 8.6.2) may be used as a pistol
support stand, provided the total height of the bench or table plus the box does
not exceed 1.00m. During Finals, a pistol transport box may not be used as a
pistol support stand.

My reading of the rules from CMP would be that it would be allowed.  If not by no rule prohibiting it per se OR under the rules for special equipment to aid and assist people with disabilities.  The only thing I can think of affecting you would be the rule requiring a 45 degree “Ready” position for 22 EIC matches.  

I myself use a 4x4x4 wood block to allow resting the pistol on the trigger guard rather than the muzzle during while resting between shots or before shooting.  This way the lockup of my pistol isn’t affected.

I recall hearing a story at Perry last year or maybe the year before, about a shooter with initials J.H. using an object on the bench to support the pistol in rest position. This competitor was told by a range officer that it wasn't legal and said something along the lines of "Show me in the rule book where it's prohibited, because I wrote the rulebook". It was allowed.

Yes

Legal as long as it's clear when you pull the trigger that there is no artificial support.

The exception is International and 22 Rimfire EIC matches which require starting at the low ready (45 degrees) position.

For all normal NRA and CMP bullseye and precision pistol matches it should be allowed.

As long as it is evident that there is no artificial support when you pull the trigger, the answer is yes, it is legal.

I feel there is a disconnect between  the letter and spirit of the rules as interpreted by some individuals.  I would have no complaint with allowing people with physical limitations slide by (after all I get to play in spite of a few odd personal traits).

I have seen competitors in wheel chairs at the firing line. The disabled shooters were always accommodated. No one should complain over that.

All I did in 1993 was submit a Doctor's note, along with pictures and an explanation, to NRA Competitions to get an accommodation (see my avitar).  They will send an embossed certificate and keep a copy on file.  I carry mine with me and have never been questioned. 

In addition, I request to be seated on the left end of the line when I register for a match.  It was suggested when I first shot at Perry to give me more room and also because I do not have to go down range to score since I have no one shooting to my left.  The only additional consideration is that someone has to repair my target for me.

FYI, I have not raised this with the CMP but have shot the NTI and President's 100 at Perry without any problems (other than my own performance).

Russ OR wrote:I'm 80. My shoulder's bothering me. - -I can hold the pistol leveled at target (±4"-6") OK, but raising & lowering from/to the bench is painful. --Would it be legal to use an 8"-10"± box? on the bench to rest the pistol on between shots- as long as my arm/hand/ pistol is clearly free (several inches minimum) of any support during firing?

My wife has shot regional level NRA matches for years.  She uses a 4" roll of foam to rest the gun on between shots and it has never been mentioned and it has never prohibited her from receiving awards.