I shoot off the bench to adjust my sights as precisely as possible for 100 yards. Once I have sighted a rifle in, I almost never shoot it off the bench again.
Here is a target I shot off the bench (edit: with OEM open iron sights) while sighting in a Winchester Model 94. It shows two groups (indicated by colored marks) in a 3" Target Dot shot at 100 yards. I used a six-o'clock hold (target dot on top of front sight) which makes this sight in 2 & 1/2" high at 100 yards.
![Image](http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9240/target1azl0.jpg)
The rifle that shot this group will probably never be shot off the bench again but by getting this initial sight in, I am confident (no, sure) that off the bench shooting off-hand that at any distance from point-blank out to at least 150 yards, I'll be able to place any shot within a six inch circle and with a little guess work an eight inch circle at 200 yards and I'll not only be able to do it with the brand/weight ammo I sighted in with but any brand/same weight ammo I use.
I will say this about shooting off-hand. If it is possible to use a rest while hunting/shooting in the field (fence post, tree trunk/limb) I will use it which will help me make more precise shots.
I am not concerned with small groups (i.e., 1" MOA or less). You'll note that the two groups on the target dot are not tiny. I don't care if they are tiny or not. I just care that at 100 yards, off the bench, that I can consistently hit a 3" diameter target dot.