ARA action configuration

[Skattergun]

Looking at jumping in head first and building an unlimited class 2500x, also looking at getting a quality joystick style rest.

That said i shot a friend’s single shot vudoo on a protector front rest and rear bag. Shot well but was slow moving from sighters back to card. I was also a little clumsy loading the single shot being right bolt right port, wondering if a left port right bolt would help having a visual on where your placing that greased up little round.

So my question is, If running a joystick type front rest does it feel natural to take your hand off the joystick to load a round in a left port action?

Looking for input and what is a common configuration for the game, thanks!

By the way I’m located in Kalispell MT and will be hosting some ARA matches later this summer and into the winter, I have a heated building to shoot out of with 4 bench locations.

 

[dannyjbiggs]

For me in SB FC...No! But I've had a lot of years with my left arm bound up in a sling. Most natural thing in the world for me is to hold a joystick in my left hand while operating bolt and loading with the right hand while laying on my belly.

But if I were to ever become a centerfire benchrester...sitting at a table...no toggle to worry about...I'd definitely go RBLP for the speed of getting me wee 5 shots down range.

 

[1Merlin]

Most everyone on the line will be using a RBLP so scope one out that has a joystick front rest and ask to cop a feel. There are only two shooters in the US that would not let you try it out for feel and I won't be at the match....

 

[jpx2rk]

I have a Vudoo V22s for ARA/ABRA, with a RBLP action, use a PQP joy stick version 1pc rest. The first time or 2 that you shoot/use a RBLP action it will feel a bit awkward when loading the next round, but becomes second nature within a box of ammo. I also usually use my left hand to steady the rifle while closing the bolt on the next round, and then drop my left hand down to the joystick, all without looking or being "distracted" my movements. With a little bit of time you will get the feel for the movements, and finding the joystick knob to slide over for a sighter, or next bull will become second nature.

The RBLP will give you the "visual aid" you mentioned when loading the next round, and if you set up your box of ammo in the right spot on the bench, you can almost load the next round blindfolded, or watch the "lying wind flags" while loading the next round.

I also have a Turbo V1 UL gun, only takes a few minutes to get accustomed the slightly different setup due to different but same style stocks. I usually just shoot one or the other during a match, but do shoot both on practice days or when testing ammo lots.

 

[Rwfish]

I think you’ll find the most common set up is a 1 piece rest…. Many ARA Unlimited shooters use a one piece rest but I’m sure you can find someone running a 2 piece joystick set up you can try. For me, a right handed shooter, I find the left side load port is more natural feel and has you moving around behind the gun allot less. If you’re not used to it, you'll find you will be after 1 or 2 range sessions.

 

[cam2hunt]

I currently use the SEB AR 250 front joystick and a Protektor Dr rear bag.

For me it works, the big dogs all run with solid one piece rests.

I shoot RBRP currently but if I build another rifle it will be RBLP, then you can maintain cheek weld and see into the action for bullet placement if needed.

 

[Spook]

After having run a RB/LP/RE action in LRBR I cant understand why there isnt a rimfire action with the same option given how popular rimfire competition has become?

 

[tmwinds]

After having run a RB/LP/RE action in LRBR I cant understand why there isnt a rimfire action with the same option given how popular rimfire competition has become?

I don’t know if a dual port would even function due to the way it extracts and ejects compared to a center fire. Even if it did, what would be the advantage over a left load left eject configuration?

 

[Spook]

I don’t know if a dual port would even function due to the way it extracts and ejects compared to a center fire. Even if it did, what would be the advantage over a left load left eject configuration?

spent brass not ending up on the same side you're loading from ?
and thats saying nothing about recovery for subsequent shots ?

 

[CharlieNC]

Get a left port for loading/ejection, much faster and convenient. And a one-piece rest with the controls also under that left hand, no joystick ( I've never seen on on the line). This entire setup takes about 10minutes to get used to.

 

[Spook]

Get a left port for loading/ejection, much faster and convenient. And a one-piece rest with the controls also under that left hand, no joystick ( I've never seen on on the line). This entire setup takes about 10minutes to get used to.

I'm already used to my dual port and my joystick, and I'm thinking having the same cadence for all my bench/rest fired rifles can only be a plus....
That and doing what every one else does never suited me.

 

[TRSR8]

After having run a RB/LP/RE action in LRBR I cant understand why there isnt a rimfire action with the same option given how popular rimfire competition has become?

Because your not running 5 shots, not saving brass and RF cases are small and don’t get in the way of anything. Whole ejection process works perfectly as designed.
RBLP actions work perfectly.

 

[Spook]

Because your not running 5 shots, not saving brass and RF cases are small and don’t get in the way of anything. Whole ejection process works perfectly as designed.
RBLP actions work perfectly.

you are welcome to them.