Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Shooting rest for load testing…..what’s working for you?

I've been using them for years...nothing better for testing a sporter stock from a rest.

The second best part is seeing the 'Ah-Ha' look in their eyes when they use one of mine and connect the dots..... -Al

Being a Tool & Diemaker I made my own rest several years ago, used it for zeroing and load development for many years. For the last several years I have been using an inexpensive Midway plastic front rest with Protector bags front and rear. I can see no difference in group size using either rest.

So Al, what’s the purpose of paying for a 3” bag + adapter if you don’t have a rifle with 2 3/4 - 3” forend instead of buying a a front bag that fits for 90% of your firearms used off of said rest?
Dr. Mann used a wooden V block with sand bag IIRC. Ever tired that.

I have been through a lot of rests over 30 years, and have decided to use for target practice whatever the rifle will be hunted with.

That is dog-gone-good shooting bags for rodents.

That is a bipod and light rear bag for ruminants.

I bought Sinclair's version of the "accuracy asset" and sold it. Not needed if you get a front bag that fits your rifle's stock / fore end and it works much better than the gizmo.

The adapter fits virtually every fore end and gives amazing stability to sporter style stocks. Why have a bag that's a compromise for everything you put in it? You have to buy a bag anyway so why not get a 3" and the adapter? Trying to do meaningful testing with a stock that fits in the bag like a saddle on a sow is like pushing a rope...lots of effort and with no repeatable results.



They used to start cars with cranks, too.

This 3" bag is what gets used with the adapter. The black bag and top is for 2.25" fore ends and will go about 1/4" each way and still work decently.

Good shootin'. -Al

Nice AL you learn something every day....
I need a new top for my old Hart rest

Al,
my compliments to the range chairman. That bench looks mighty stout.
Looks well secured to the Earth.

Bull bag filled with non scented kitty litter.

I use a Buddy Bag for the front (cradles the whole front end) with a Rabbit Ear leather sandbag rear. I have a smaller home made sandbag that makes fine adjustments under the forearm. I can put this on a truck hood, tailgate, corner of a truck bed, heck, about anywhere and my zero will still be on when I just use the Sit or Shooting Sticks, etc.

Hey Al, all the bullsh*t aside, going back to the OP question about the rest you used, my pick was the Bald Eagle as best value Per se on the market today. Funny how in a previous post you came to the same conclusion. Now it’s cow dung.

Yep...the Bald Eagle BE1128 rest is a fine choice. As a matter of fact, on page 2 of this recent thread , I recommended it:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/16732421/1

Where did you get the idea I didn't think so? -Al

+1

The forearm adapter mitigates the torque effect on the stock when firing a rifle. A round forearm on a rounded bag is like a drunk trying to stand up in a canoe...

IMO the aluminum rest is a compromise. They were designed by F-Open (F-Class) shooters who flew to matches (especially international travel) to save weight on their checked baggage so they could bring their ammo along with them on the flight.
The Other Al.

Yep...when it comes to a front rest, the heavier the better. I think the aluminum Bald Eagle is a pretty good compromise for the majority of shooters. A good pal of mine uses one for his hunting rings and lays some steel shot bags across each leg...actually works pretty good.

The classic Hart cast iron like I have is still available. It comes with a top and pillow-style bag that works pretty decent on most guns and the price is pretty reasonable since the bag is included. I have one of those tops/bag setups also and use it in certain situations.

https://www.hartcustomrifles.com/product/competition-1-front-rifle-rest-with-bag/

The adapter really is nice on narrow fore arms like on my Mini Mark X:



Good shootin' -Al

I use a Ransom rest.

I don't use a rest with metal ears or any metal on top due to heavy recoiling rifles. What goes up, must come down, and I don't want any stock damage when it does. I have some sort of rest I forget the brand that I throw a few sandbags on and lett'er buck. Hardly feel a thing. Seems to work.

You guys need to pay attention to Al. He has been around several turnip patches and hasn't fallen off the turnip truck.He ain't one that got his knowledge on the "innerneck".
I have had several rests through the years and like the cast iron Bald Eagle best and I use my own rest top that I mfg and sell.
www.shadetreeea.com.
If you are serious you will have a heavy and stable base. You need a top and bag that securely holds your rifle and resists torque. I did chuckle at the feller that went from one rest to another and shot .1xxx groups.

but can you guys use your fancy rests to change a flat in the parking lot afterwards?.....

Chuckle chuckle Does a rifle fall off of it like a car does?

Caldwell The Rock BR. Get smooth leather bags for it.

https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Adj...l+the+rock&qid=1641691363&sr=8-2

A rabbit ear rear bag:

https://www.amazon.com/Protektor-Model-Rabbit-Rear-Bottom/dp/B006MFYQ5C/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2HWDALFZVNDVW&keywords=rabbit+ear+shooting+rest&qid=1641691525&sprefix=rabbit+ear+shooting+rest%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-4
Owl ear front:

https://www.amazon.com/Protektor-Model-Owl-Front-Medium/dp/B00JD56CFA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A6X9LVX8SXB9&keywords=Protektor&qid=1641691612&sprefix=protektor%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1