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Looking for suggestions on a front rest

Well im finally deciding it might be time for an adjustable stable front rest for load development. I’ve always just used a bipod but last time I was at the range doing a 300 yard ocw test the guy next too me offered up his front rest to try. Well my results were significantly easier to read, much more consistent across the board and really helped reduce shooter error. Now I’m not sure what his was, but would like something for this purpose to help with load work up before moving back to a bipod field shooting. I don’t want to spend tons of money as I’m not an fclass/br shooter but would like something pretty decent. Any suggestions where to start, what to look for?
 
I have a Hart base with a Shadetree top. Not sure of the current prices but you should be able to get the setup for about $700 give or take. Or you could just use the Hart setup complete Top and Base for $400 give or take.
 
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I am happy with my Bald Eagle Y-Rest from Grizzly. I modified the windage adjustment.
Here is a link to my madification:
It is a very solid rest and not expensive.
 
I second the BE rest, I've got several of them for different purposes, but use one every time I go to the range. Avoid the cable version if all possible, the mods to delete the cable are easy, but avoid it if you can. Protektor bag company offers one as well but no first hand experience.
 
I have had a bunch, including the Bald Eagle, and most of them work fine. For a non competition rifle I like the Sinclair Heavy Varmint rest with a good tall rear bag.
 
For doing load workups, before switching back to a bipod, and some local matches, a Caldwell Rock, may be just the thing.
Been using mine almost 2 years for local bench rest matches.
And the kicker, is they are about $100.

If your serious into match shooting, yeah i'd look at something better.
 
Matt,
I too am just getting started shooting off of a bench and almost had decided on the bald eagle rest.
I looked at Protektor and they seemed OK but I was going back and forth between them and Bald Eagle.
Just on a whim I checked E-Bay and there was a Protektor with front and a rear bag for $150.
The Protektor had the windage option so I bought it and it should be getting here today or tomorrow.
I'm starting from scratch so between a Savage and Sightron and all the gages,dies, the rest I will be
Pretty well set up when good weather gets to NE in the spring.
 
Well im finally deciding it might be time for an adjustable stable front rest for load development. I’ve always just used a bipod but last time I was at the range doing a 300 yard ocw test the guy next too me offered up his front rest to try. Well my results were significantly easier to read, much more consistent across the board and really helped reduce shooter error. Now I’m not sure what his was, but would like something for this purpose to help with load work up before moving back to a bipod field shooting. I don’t want to spend tons of money as I’m not an fclass/br shooter but would like something pretty decent. Any suggestions where to start, what to look for?
Caldwell Rock base around 100 bucks. Shadetree Butch Lambert joystick around 400. and you are set. Just my two cents Tommy Call Butch 972-524-2247. For the curent price
 
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I have a Hart base with a Shadetree top. Not sure of the current prices but you should be able to get the setup for about $700 give or take. Or you could just use the Hart setup complete Top and Base for $400 give or take.
I have a bald eagle front rest with a shade tree coaxial joystick top that I custom painted dark metallic blue. It’s a backup rest for me but I’d sell it for $675 plus shipping. The shadetree top alone is over $400 now and it’s in perfect condition and I only used it for less than 5 months. PM me if interested.
dave m
 
I have a bald eagle front rest with a shade tree coaxial joystick top that I custom painted dark metallic blue. It’s a backup rest for me but I’d sell it for $675 plus shipping. The shadetree top alone is over $400 now and it’s in perfect condition and I only used it for less than 5 months. PM me if interested.
dave m
Butch makes a GREAT Top.
 
For me, shooting with a bipod off a bench is an exercise in futility - especially if I am trying to tune a rifle. If you are just using the rest to "tune/sight-in" then the standard version of the Bald Eagle is a great value. It's heavy and a great value - buy the right front bag for your forearm. If you are going to compete, buy a Shadetree Engineering top and you will be all set.
 
I have a bald eagle front rest with a shade tree coaxial joystick top that I custom painted dark metallic blue. It’s a backup rest for me but I’d sell it for $675 plus shipping. The shadetree top alone is over $400 now and it’s in perfect condition and I only used it for less than 5 months. PM me if interested.
dave m
Not over $400 yet. My CNC shop just went up 8%, but I won't increase prices yet.
 
I have had a bunch, including the Bald Eagle, and most of them work fine. For a non competition rifle I like the Sinclair Heavy Varmint rest with a good tall rear bag.
I’ve had a few also, until you get to a coax style or Sinclair comp, there isn’t a great deal of difference in the three point of contact design weather wishbone, triangle or slingshot. I do like the windage adjustable tops vs non adjustable.
 
I’ve had a few also, until you get to a coax style or Sinclair comp, there isn’t a great deal of difference in the three point of contact design weather wishbone, triangle or slingshot. I do like the windage adjustable tops vs non adjustable.

The slingshot isn't quite as stable.
 
20210930_160312.jpg

The Bald Eagle is a good rest with the windage mods and a Sinclair speed screw. I really like the rack & pinion adjuster for the gross height adjustment.
 
I had a BE windage rest. Now I have a NEO. Wish I wouldn't have sold the BE. I had new threads machined in for the speed screw as well. Very stable platform.
 

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