Front rest recommendations

[SGK]

Howdy

Looking for a very good quality front rest that won't leave me wishing I'd bought a better model shortly thereafter. I don't shoot competition yet. Were I to do so it would more likely be F class than Benchrest. I'm principally focused on something for load development and fun but which would hold me in good stead if I went further. Are the Bald Eagle http://www.grizzly.com/products/Bald-Eagle-Triangle-Windage-Rest-Cast-Iron/BE1153 still recommended? What about Joe Cowan's? Or should I focus on Sinclair Benchrest Varmint?

TIA

Steve

 

[nmkid]

I went with the Bald Eagle that you mentioned and later bought the Shadetree top for it. I use mine for sighting in and sometimes just, "paper punching" and it has never failed me. Honestly, more "rest" then I need. Kinda wish I had gone with the B E model with the cable for adjustments. But, I had read that they were a little quirky when making adjustments. But, as with everything, I guess there is a fix for the "quirkiness". There is also nothing wrong with the B. E. as it comes from the dealer. I had thought of getting on the list for a SEB but, thought better of it as I didn't need anything like that for my shooting.

 

[Falfan2017]

Started with the bald eagle, added the shade tree top, sold it and bought a seb. Wished I'd started with the seb.

 

[swd]

JJ for a standard rest and Seb for a joystick. Neither will leave you wanting.

 

[newbieshooter]

Who's JJ

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/tag/jj-industries/

 

[snert]

I have an original BE and a new Grizzly BE. I seldom shoot matches, and found that in a score match I lost points to "rest manners" while i moved from taget to target. In group match i did not feel the BE gave up anything.
My primary use has been load development, paper punching and varmint shooting from a table. In that regard the BE has served extremely well for 20 years.

I would think that a Cowan or Sinclair would be similar. I just liked the BE slingshot (it has an original windage top on it) so I stuck with it. The new one is for my kid, since she grew up on using mine.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these rests, for the purposes you mention. If you go to F class or score shooting, a joystick or SEB is a good move.

 

[JFrank]

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/tag/jj-industries/

Nice rest, a bit past my budget

 

[rjtfroggy]

I have one of these http://drgreenlawmachining.com/_e__style_rest . it is relegated to a spare. with hard case and front bag $ 550 tyd, look it over very well made.
And no you can't try it out to see if you like it as some members want to do.

 

[swd]

Nice rest, a bit past my budget

Watch the classifieds, they come up used now and then. You did say "very nice"

 

[TIMO]

Anyone know how much the Cowan weighs

I think my Cowan rest weight is 14 or 15 pounds with bag. I purchased it used here on AS, it is quality made and didn't bust the bank.

Tim

 

[Pete Roberson]

You'll never go wrong with the Cowen for anything you decide to do.

 

[chkunz]

I have a Sinclair front rest with the windage adjustable head that I use of bench rest load development testing that works very well. I do not shoot F Class so I do not know how versatile it would be for other uses.

 

[billlarson]

SEB NEO.....cry once.....
bill

 

[JRS]

Find something that fits in your budget. If/when you decide to shoot in F-Class, sell the budget rest and upgrade to something more suitable.

 

[Peebles24]

I have the bald eagle and i am very seriously considering the shadetree topper for it that cost more than the rest. Buy the best you can, on the line i see lots of seb neo and farley in that order.

The bald eagle isnt terrible. They are difficult to get now and the windage adjustment isnt great.

 

[sawcarver]

To not be wishing you had bought a better rest buy a SEB NEO or a SEB mini.

However the bald eagle would work well for what you're intended purpose at this time. See how much you use it and get out there and try some F-class matches, you'll want F-class feet for it on grass. At matches check out what other guys are using and see if you can get behind them to see what you like and don't like

I have a SEB NEO that I use once or twice a month and a bald eagle my son uses

 

[dsculley]

Too many stress on the necessity to have "the best"! Get a rest in your budget. Use it now, and find somewhere to shoot F-Class as soon as you can. Take it to the F-Class matches and use it there. You don't have to buy a SEB to learn the game. When you decide the rest is holding you back, then you can figure out how to upgrade. I started shooting in F Open this year and I am shooting off a Harris bipod. Everyone else is shooting off a high end rest. Am I at a disadvantage? Maybe, but right now I am only trying to improve my score from match to match. Since you will be just starting in competition as well I believe that is the best strategy. Still, I finish in the middle of the pack. I plan to have a rest for next season, but I have a lot of irons in the fire right now so if I don't get one I will continue to shoot off the bipod. The "Buy once, cry once" mantra is for those who either have the necessary discretionary income or who don't have to balance their hobby expenses with family needs. I see nothing wrong with buying within your budget now and saving for an upgrade for later if you decide it is necessary.

As an aside, where I shoot we have a sea breeze first thing in the morning that changes to a land breeze later in the day. There will be times during a match when you will see wind flags flying in 4 different directions. I have been told by the match director that there are some good shooters in the area that will not come to this match because of the difficult winds. I know that monitoring the changing wind is my major issue, so just how much is the bipod holding me back compared to the rests used by the others?

And finally, fwiw, shooting and competition is supposed to be fun! Just go have fun with whatever equipment you have. When your scores stop improving then it may be time for better equipment. By this time, you will have a better idea of what you want in your equipment. Equipment can be bought but skills have to be learned. Until your skill level is such that your scores are substantially better shooting off an $850+ rest than a $200 rest then the expensive rest is just bling.

 

[Chris Covell]

JJ all the way for a conventional rest.

 

[SGK]

Thanks all. While I could, I don't think dropping close to a grand (or more?) for a JJ or Neo makes sense for me right now. I think I will go with the Cowan as it seems it is a quality product. Is it the be-all and end-all? No. But it seems like it is well made and fit for purpose. The Sebs are very cool but I am far from needing 'top competitor' kit right now. (I would build a dedicated F-class rifle first.) I just don't want to buy something that ends up in the junk pile after 6 months of frustrating use. Tell me now if this may well be the case with the Cowan, but it seems not. If I decide to sell it because I am becoming very serious about competition then that's another thing. Hopefully then I will be selling a respected and quality product that's been well looked after.

 

[butchlambert]

If you shoot mostly FClass a joystick is he ticket. You can be behind your rifle looking through your scope and make your adjustments. You don't have to reach up and make an adjustment and then get behind it to check your adjustment and shoot.