Advice and Info For Prepping for IBS Next Year

[MN50Shooter]

I have a Cast Iron Bald Eagle Front Rest with the Windage Top. But I'm wondering if I would be better off changing the top and bags to a Shade Tree Coaxial, and use the BE Base with the ST Top/Bags, if that's even possible?

I plan to start shooting in IBS 600 & 1000 yd matches next year. I don't have the funds at the moment to go out and buy a Farley or Seb Rest, so I'm trying to figure out how to get into the game cheaper, yet still be able to shoot and learn.

I currently have a Stock Savage 12 BR in 6mm BR Norma. For my rear bag, I have an Edgewood Gator. I plan to shoot this rifle, in both LG & HG classes. I'm also contemplating bedding the action in the stock, for rigidity (I have done this to my Competition 50 BMG Rifle), but I wonder if that is even worth trying, on a production/original stock?

For HG, I have either a Ransom or Custom built Rear Rest with Windage. I'm thinking of modding the stock a bit to accommodate an attached rear slide and a 5.250" Front slide, that can simply be attached while setting up between classes. With the 5.250" front slide, I could then use my Front Ransom Rest (same on I use with my 50) and the Rear Ransom in conjunction during the HG Match.

Any, and all ideas (that don't cost a ton) are very welcomed. It looks like I'll have all winter to work on this, is we get as much snow as they are forecasting.

Thanks

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Use what you have for now and stick to one rest/bag setup. Once you start shooting matches you will find your weak points and know what to save up some money for.

 

[Ga. Dawg]

Use what you have for now and stick to one rest/bag setup. Once you start shooting matches you will find your weak points and know what to save up some money for.

Exactly what Alex said.
Keep it as simple as possible. You can do well with one set up!
Mike

 

[MN50Shooter]

Thanks for the advice

 

[OmegaRed]

As someone who recently went through the rest progression, I will say that undoubtedly the biggest advancement in my shooting came from a solid and properly set up rest/bag, rear bag, and stock setup that tracks well.

I started like most with a bald eagle. Lucked into a shade tree, then eventually put in to be on the seb mini waiting list. The shade tree is probably your biggest gain vs. cost (read value). Seb is nicer in all regards, but diminishing returns as far as actually scoring better. It does have a lot if other niceties though, and you'll probably eventually end up with a quality rest if you stick with the sport (seb, Farley, jj loh, even Sinclair comp). Sounds like you already have a good rear bag, just make sure it fits the stock and rides well. Theres a lot to be learned about setup and repeatability even if you have quality gear. Spend the time to make notes and make this repeatable.

I waited a long time to decide whether I wanted to upgrade, and learned a lot in that process, but I wasted a lot of time and frustration chasing my tail.

 

[ridgeway]

Just something to keep in mind, especially long range shooters: Joystick rests aren't for everyone.

 

[Rat Rifle]

You and I are in the same boat. I shot My first match last month in GBA. I am currently crawling before I walk, as far as using what I have, and what I can afford.

I believe IBS has a Factory Rifle class that You might want to consider. If Your Savage 12 is bone stock, it should qualify. I'm not sure if IBS allows action bedding, You can check that. But yes, action bedding does help.

One thing I know already, this is a huge deep rabbit hole! Once You sit down behind a SEB rest, BAT action, Jewel trigger, nothing You currently have will ever feel the same. The next time You shoot, You need to try and block all that out of Your mind. And then, there's the reloading.

But, when all is kept in perspective, it is great fun.
Best of Luck !

 

[JMayo]

I was a rookie status for 1.5 yrs.
That means ppl can help while shooting. Spotters, calling out bullet holes, wind. Suggestions on body/shoulder position... And they kinda watch for any trouble on the bench.

I've kinda got my act together I think.
It was a whole lot of stuff happening at the same time.
Setting up, listening to the range master, thinking "did I get all set right" bullet positions in box, sighters, shell ejection along with the noise ....
Whew ! I was wide eyed as a deer in head lights !
Now most the things are automatic. Not so intense.
Thinking and listening to the range master is kinda balanced.
I believe I finished with a 1.7" group agg over all @ Piedmont 600. Don't remember score agg.
I was happy and And hopeful that I can continue to have fun and break my pbest 1.2" group....a 50 would be great !

 

[boltman13]

I added a Shade Tree Coaxial top to my Bald Eagle aluminum rest and it helped me a lot in F-Open. I shoot IBS 600 yd. BR some and use it there as well. As others have said finding the position that tracks properly on your bags will go a long way toward improving your scores and groups. I would reacomend you not bed your rifle until it's time for a new barrel and then do it along with the new tube. Consistency in position, your load, and riding the bags are all necessary. Case prep, powder weighing, and match grade components also need to be consistent. Good luck, and have fun.