Benchrest rest options

[Tim D]

Looking for recommendations on a good entry level Benchrest. I am getting into 22 Benchrest competitions and need to upgrade from my current rest. It’s a simple Lyman need something with windage adjustment. Trying to not break the bank.
Thanks
Tim D

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Get a bald eagle with windage top then upgrade to a shadetree joystick top

 

[Uthink Uknow]

I second what Dusty said but, after shooting off the Bald Eagle or the Sinclair Competition Rest try the joy stick before you buy. You may find the Bald Eagle or Sinclair is all you need and remember front rests aren’t like cars; they don’t take your old rest in trade. Get the cast iron Bald Eagle and avoid the sling shot model. I’d also avoid the cast aluminum models. These are from my experiences and yours may differ. I mean, you asked for recommendations.

 

[WyleWD]

A Sinclair or bald eagle with a windage top and put a speed screw on the back. Get a set of the washers with rubber feet for it an you're all set to start out with. JME. There's a learning curve to deal with on the joystick rests in my experience.WD

 

[R.Morehouse]

I am going to suggest a Seb Mini. It is more flexible in its use than the other Sebs, having a top that both rotates & locks. It is light in weight, foldable and as solidly planted as the other mentioned rests. They DO hold their value quite well if you feel the need to sell it.

Regards
Rick

 

[TrxR]

I am going to suggest a Seb Mini. It is more flexible in its use than the other Sebs, having a top that both rotates & locks. It is light in weight, foldable and as solidly planted as the other mentioned rests. They DO hold their value quite well if you feel the need to sell it.

Regards
Rick

I've currently use a Cowan but my next rest will be a Seb mini

 

[Fuj]

Grizzly has been doing low priced closeouts on the Bald Eagles.
I bought a few B1005's to modify. They are the aluminum ones
with windage. Ditch the cable, turn the top 180 degrees, and
add an adjusting knob where the cable connected. It's a common
mod.

 

[dickn52]

Grizzly has been doing low priced closeouts on the Bald Eagles.
I bought a few B1005's to modify. They are the aluminum ones
with windage. Ditch the cable, turn the top 180 degrees, and
add an adjusting knob where the cable connected. It's a common
mod.

Eggzactly. Done this mod and I'm happy now. The windage cable they put on them work, but there is a lot of slop in them.

 

[INShooter]

If your future competition allows you might want to search one piece rests. If you dive deep into the sport you will end up buying one. I think they also hold good value if you decide to sell it.

 

[JFrank]

I've currently use a Cowan but my next rest will be a Seb mini

I wonder if Shadetree @butchlambert has a joystick top for that Cowan rest.

 

[group therapy]

Looking for recommendations on a good entry level Benchrest. I am getting into 22 Benchrest competitions and need to upgrade from my current rest. It’s a simple Lyman need something with windage adjustment. Trying to not break the bank.
Thanks
Tim D

what dusty said. if you take a little time and wait, you can get exactly that on here in the classified's for 350-425$ shipped, depending on how the clouds are in Saskatchewan that day. I had one, sold it, regretted it, bought another, not selling this one. I also have the jj, which imho, is the BEST non joystick in existence(I mean, you gotta change the oil in it, what gearhead isn't gonna love that!!!). anyway, good luck on your search and just remember to buy at a good enough price that if you decide to sell it you can get most, if not all, of your money back

 

[piaa1209]

Cowen Rest are 3/4 x 10 for the top

 

[skeeljc]

Here is my "entry level" rest. It is a Caldwell Rock BR. I have made several modifications. I added a Sinclair speed screw to the back leg. I replaced the thrust bearing. I modified the top to accept a Protector 3" bag. I made a new bushing for the main shaft and made a new main shaft lock screw that does away with the plastic key. I also made a new forend stop.

 

[rkittine]

I started out with the aluminum Bald Eagle, that I got from Grizzly for less than $150.00. Immediately realized that the windage goose neck was an issue. Did the mod to remove it and reverse the top as pointed out and adjustment became very simple. Then say that Andy at Williamsport had one like it fitted to a think S/S base with its own adjustments etc. It was very nice to shoot from so I added a heavy weighted base to mine and since I bought the SEB NEO, it is my back up rest. Isn't going anywhere with all the added weight.

Bob

 

[Mark W]

@skeeljc thats an awesome idea on the fore end stop!! I’ve been needing to do something to replace the broken one on my bald eagle and I bet that I have everything in my garage to build one like yours. Thanks for posting!

 

[Ccrider]

Looking for recommendations on a good entry level Benchrest. I am getting into 22 Benchrest competitions and need to upgrade from my current rest. It’s a simple Lyman need something with windage adjustment. Trying to not break the bank.
Thanks
Tim D

I know you want to go less expensive. That goal is diametrically opposed to shooting small.

If I were you I would ask, and these guys will be able to tell you, what is the least expensive rest that I can buy and not sacrifice accuracy using it and then use what you got until you can purchase that rest.

 

[butchlambert]

I wonder if Shadetree @butchlambert has a joystick top for that Cowan rest.

Just need the post size and how the slot in the post is oriented.

 

[jonbearman]

I agree with dusty or sinclair used to have a cast iron one you could add the shade tree top to as well.