Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Shooting bags vs. rest

I've used bags in the past, but they have to be replaced now.

Do you prefer bags or a rest? Pros/cons?

These will be used for load development and sighting in scopes.

I like bags on rests . Pics will explain:



I'd stay away from the lead sled.

I've used both. Prefer a rest but, like anything else, it's more about the shooter than his equipment.

O

Like others, bags up fron certainly work in a pinch but a front rest helps me keep it consistent. In the rear I generally use a Protecktor (sp) bag. This is a Hart front rest.......

Rest with a bag up front and rear bag for me too.

That's the set up I have in mind.

Who makes the rear rest?

Thanks

herschel34, the front is a protektor and the rear is a stoney point. The height is perfect for all the rifles I use. I'd get a nice front rest like lawdwaz has or a cheaper one like what I use is sufficient. I'm kind of cheap I guess because I didn't want to spend $72.00 for the rear protektor bag. The stoney point is much cheaper and works very well.

Didn't pay anywhere near $72 for my rear Protektor (not shown above) when I got it. It is a #13 rear bag that can be had for a decent (YMMV) price...............

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=35216/Product/Protektor_Rabbit_Ear_Rear_Bag

The front rest (Hart) was not cheap but as in many things, you get what you pay for.

1+ This is the set up I use. Love it. Tried the lead sled. Did not like it.

Just looked up the price on a protektor rear bag. I think it's the "rabbit ears" for $37.

What do you all use to fill the bags?

Thats an excellent deal on that rear bag. Didn't know what bag you were talking about since your using a bag of lead shot in the pic (damn that is $40.00 worth anyway ). The one I'd like to have is $72.00 at midway, but the one I use now is working great so I can't see spendind the money. Although the one you show for $29.00 would be worth looking at for sure. Here's the one I'd like to have some day when I'm rich:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=180263

Hate to burst your bubble but the rear bag in my picture is loaded with sand from my kids last sand box!!

That lead shot is Toooooooo toxic for me!!

I hear you. Don't know if I'd rather sniff lead or the sand from the sand box (damn cats anyways )

The OP question is a good one anyways. I know we've all been there and done that. We've probably experimented to find the exact height or stability. From the pic I think Lawdawz has . In all seriousness though, I like using sand or a mix of sand and corn cob media. Here's what I used to use for bags or bags and rest combos:


As you can see with the rifle in the back that combo works pretty good, but you are limited with adjustment.

I used to use this setup too, but I don't like it as much as the original pic:


I like the tie on protektor front bag because it is more stable and the rear stoney point works good even though it is meant to be a "front" bag. I may just have to try the rabbit ear rear protektor like lawdawz posted from sinclair.

That's the way I do it.

Anybody care to elaborate more on the rests? Makes/models?

From what I can tell, elevation and windage adjustments are very helpful, and I assume heavier (eg. cast iron, etc.) would be steadier.

I have my eye on this one
Natchezss Smartreloader Granite

Veddy nice, I think you'd be happy with it. A little heavy, but it would work if you didn't have to carry it too far What ever you decide on make sure it doesn't have any plastic parts that will wear out fast. Mine is a cheaper one, but I'm very happy with it. Even one of the cheaper all metal construction models like this are good:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=477308

Just keep an eye on product reviews and you should be pretty safe.

Stick shifts beat bag sqeezing.....
Just sayen.

dave

I've always preferred rests and have used the setup in the first pic for a long time. Lately, I've been using a caldwell bag which works just as well for me.

I prefer the bags I make myself. I can't shoot off a rest.