Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Okay then, a Lead Sled Poll

I have been a regular shooter for well over 60 years and have never even SEEN a lead sled.

So then, It's safe to say that you've never broken a synthetic stock or blown a scope due to using one...

GWB,

Thanks for posting more pics, Great Hog.

Best to you on your hunt tomorrow..!

I hope you have success with that awesome 35, I too love my Whelen..!!!

358wsm,
Thanks for the kind words.
Had hoped to get away today but that didn't work out. Will stay through Monday though. Dove Season opens the 9/1 so I'm taking a shotgun, some bacon and some jalepenos. Hard to beat bacon wrapped, jalapeno stuffed dove breasts grilled over mesquite coals. Do a little varmint calling, maybe bust a hog or two. We also trap and snare hogs and that can be fun also. All and all, hoping to cure the symptoms of SDD (Shooting Deficit Disorder).

Best

GWB

If I said I didn't envy every aspect of that, more than just a little, I'd be lying.

We all should be so lucky.

How so Swampy, and why..?

Seriously, I've conducted a little Campfire poll here to gain honest information based upon experiences of members, and guess what.

Here's the facts that have come in so far..

(1) Not one report of any solid stock (other than wood which is often broken, split, or cracked when simply shot from the shoulder) being damaged.

(2) Not one report of a quality scope being damaged due to the Sled.

............Answer to #1...........No scopes lost!

Answer to #2..........Never damaged a stock.

Why?.........Because I have never used nor will I ever use any lead (pussy) sled.

If anyone needs a lead sled to enjoy bench shooting and/or to tighten up the groupings because of flinching, then that cartridge really isn`t for that individual.

Bigsqueeze,

That philosophy would also suggest to include that,

".... if anyone needs a recoil pad, a PAST pad, and even hearing protection to enjoy bench shooting and/or to tighten up the groups because of flinching, then that cartridge really isn't for that individual..."

............Well I`ll disagree with your analogy comparison.

Recoil pads are usually built in to the stock butt and come with the rifle. Slip on recoil pads and padded shooting vests are additional options for those who wish to own a heavier recoiling cartridge, which as aids will help with any recoil or flinching issues.

Compared to the simpler and far more convenient aids I mention above, lead sleds are bulky, inconvenient, a PIA to tote around, and do diminish imo the development of better shooting skills (eliminating bad habits) either with shooting positions or to correct flinching.

And regardless of whatever centerfire round is being fired, hearing protection should always be worn anyway.

Using a slip on pad, a shooting vest or both to correct flinching and to reduce felt recoil is all well and good. But if one has to use a lead sled to better enjoy bench shooting his particular cartridge, to reduce flinching and/or to achieve better groups, then that cartridge imo isn`t for that person.

I guess sand bags and shooting bags are for puzzies too? Only way to shoot is free handed or from the hip like the "dead man"
The sled is merely a rest if you choose to load it up with weight and use it as a recoil suppressor then take what ya get

And no to broken scope or stock but I don't load her up with weight

................Hey Georgie! I never mentioned anything about not using shooting bags, sand bags or a tripod. I use them.

Those are shooting rests which shouldn`t be equated entirely to a lead sled. A lead sled is not only a rest, but it is also a complete recoil nullifier for the most part.

And to suggest from my posts that I meant any type free hand shooting from the bench is idiocy on your part.

But anyway, getting back to the OP....

Put 20 rounds downrange from a bench with my 500 Jeffery without a sissy pad or other aid, and I guarantee you'll have either an epic bruise or flinch or both ...

............That`s why just about all of us including me don`t own and would not own a a 500 Jeffy.

For the heaviest recoiling bigs, then I suppose the puzzy sleds would have their place.

No, they are for people who actually want to touch their rifle when shooting it.

Sooooooooo Swampy, when it comes to "touching," what part of the firearm do the sand bags contact, that the sled doesn't..?

this this

I can scarcely touch the rifle in one of those Rube Goldberg contraptions.

Oh... I see. Thanks for the response.