Front rest recommendations

[butchlambert]

So....after much mulling I went for a Bald Eagle base and Shadetree top. Still need to get a bag. Do those that have this combo just cut the rear spike screw? I think I'd still like some spike (and the ability to retract it) but clearly there isn't a need for significant adjustment there.

Sir, you have your rough vertical adjustment withe the Bald Eagle base rack and pinion and the marineer wheel. Just put a set screw in the rear with a sharpened tip. You don't want anything in the way of the joystick.

 

[SGK]

Hi Butch. Do you know the thread? I was thinking a set screw would be a bit of a pain in that I'd have to carry a hex key around to extend it/retract it (and sharpen the point on the screw albeit I've seen cone point ones). I bought the F-class feet for the base and so need a decent amount of length to be able to thread those on. I'd been thinking about simply taking a hacksaw to the rear spike and cutting the top of it off (leaving just a 1/4" of the plastic top)!

* My interest in retracting it is not for height adjustment but merely for ease of transportation/storage - so I don't inadvertently spike a hole in something.

 

[SGK]

Just checked Grizzly - 1/2" x 13 tpi

 

[urbanrifleman]

I have a Butch Lambert top on an old Bad Eagle that I made a 1/2" steel plate to increase the weight. To say I am happy with my joystick rest would be an understatement.

 

[SGK]

So I bought an Edgewood front bag. (Since it needed to be a custom width, I ordered the tall ears.) How much sand do you guys stuff in these? If I pack it very tightly the bag is almost an inch and a quarter tall at the base where the stock rests and the fore-end stop of the Shadetree will have to be elevated to the absolute limit to be effective if it is at all. So pack it hard or just comfy?

 

[butchlambert]

So I bought an Edgewood front bag. (Since it needed to be a custom width, I ordered the tall ears.) How much sand do you guys stuff in these? If I pack it very tightly the bag is almost an inch and a quarter tall at the base where the stock rests and the fore-end stop of the Shadetree will have to be elevated to the absolute limit to be effective if it is at all. So pack it hard or just comfy?

I want my front bag soft. I believe a hard front bag gives a little vertical.

 

[SGK]

Ok I've taken a bunch of the sand out. I think it is better. This chromite sand from Sinclair sits down pretty firmly though. I do wish that fore-end stop had a silicon or similar jacket...

 

[butchlambert]

Ok I've taken a bunch of the sand out. I think it is better. This chromite sand from Sinclair sits down pretty firmly though. I do wish that fore-end stop had a silicon or similar jacket...

Go to Home Depot and buy 2" of 3/8" surgical tubing and slide it on.

 

[Dub]

Nice rest, a bit past my budget

It was a stretch on my budget too, but after 3 years of owning it, could not be happier. Don't leave yourself wanting

 

[KenOath]

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

SEB or Farley you won’t be disappointed, I started with a cheap Caldwell and worked my way to finally buying a Farley. I was told to buy the Farley or SEB straight up...wish I’d listened would of saved money and the Farley is a pleasure to use Varminting, FClass or BR..

 

[SGK]

Go to Home Depot and buy 2" of 3/8" surgical tubing and slide it on.

Ah - I actually have some here! Thanks. I may try clear Plastidip at some point. I only want to prevent little dings on one particular stock.


Guys, I bought Butch's Shadetree top to fit on a Bald Eagle base. Plus the Edgewood bag.

 

[boltman13]

SGK, there is no doubt the SEB, full size or mini are great machines and probably worth their cost. That said the Bald Eagle and Shadetree set up you have with the Edgewood bag is also a fine way to go. I have done the same system and it has not held me back at all. To lower the set screw on the back, first remove it, then saw the plastic top off. Next put the spike back in, put a correct diameter hole size washer, then lock washer, and finally nut on. That will lower the upward protrusion considerably. The rear screw will not really be adjustable but I find that not to be a problem. Now go have some fun. Favor center. Urbanriflemans suggestion of a heavy steel plate below is also a good idea if you want. With all of that you almost have the same system as a SEB.

 

[SGK]

I just cut the knob off the rear screw. I left enough of it to have something to grip between thumb and forefinger but cut enough off so that the Shadetree rod clears it at the lowest setting and minimal spike. Can still screw it down further. Job done. Now I have the bag fitted I’m looking forward to using it!

 

[Puzzaz01]

Ah - I actually have some here! Thanks. I may try clear Plastidip at some point. I only want to prevent little dings on one particular stock.


Guys, I bought Butch's Shadetree top to fit on a Bald Eagle base. Plus the Edgewood bag.

You can never go wrong with Butch's Shade Tree top! First Class.

Darrin

 

[Peebles24]

Im picking up a shadetree very soon, still contemplating getting on the list for a neo then my son and i will both have a joystick