Best front rest under $300...

[Danattherock]

I've need a front rest. Have only use bags, bipods, a lead sled solo, and my buddies Caldwell BR to date, I am intersted in anything under $300 that I can put a small Protektor bag on.

Anyone familiar with the Caldwell fire control? The adjustment arm really caught my eye, and assuming it is built well, would likely be my choice. Found it for $200 on Amazon. Any other suggestions welcome of course.


Dan

 

[michaelnel]

Try to find a used Sinclair. I have gone through several front rests, and I'll tell you, this is a place worth spending some money. I found them all seriously lacking until I stepped up to the $650 Sinclair Competition one.

If you can't do that, don't buy a cheap Chinese copy of a complicated design. It will let you down. You are better off with an old scratched used USA manufactured basic rest.

Don't be tempted by the cheap Chinese crap imitations of the Bald Eagle rests either. They're junk.

 

[JRS]

I have a few rests not being used. Sinclair Generation 2 with windage top, and 2 original Bald Eagle Slingshot rests with windage tops. One aluminum, one cast iron. All are in most excellent condition. Let me know whether you are interested.

 

[Danattherock]

Thanks man. PM sent. I have no idea how these compare. But appreciate the message.


Dan

 

[JRS]

I sent an email to you about differences Dan. Hope it helps.

BTW: The Sinclair windage top is the Benchrest model.

 

[Cort]

A cheap rest is a waste of money. I tried the Caldwell fire control and "wore" it out pretty quickly. Contact Joe Cowan (JoeC) and see if he has any rests available. The rests his students build are a great buy for the money. Here is a link: http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3862851.msg36507877#msg36507877

Cort

 

[Danattherock]

Thanks Cort. At range now. Waiting on my buddy to show up, as usual, with his rest. I need my own badly. Times like this make for a firm reminder. Hah.

Dan

 

[Chaotik]

I have the Caldwell fire control, and it is what you would expect for a $200 front rest. Also have the bald eagle rest, which is better in my opinion than the caldwell. I don't use either....

I would look for a used Sinclair competition rest.

 

[fultonbig9]

Dan,I use a fire control now every match,got it when they came out. I am very pleased with it,I did put a different base on it and also protector will make you a great bag that fits perect for the 3inch stock. In my opinon what you pay for it plus little extra for modifications, well worth it. Joey

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Try to find a used Sinclair. I have gone through several front rests, and I'll tell you, this is a place worth spending some money...

+1.

I tried to find a cheap way into a front rest back when I was shopping for one and had the same experience. None of the cheaper rests will ever be up to par with the high dollar rests that will really wring the true accuracy out of your rifle. I bought the Calwell BR rest at first. It was one of the 'most expensive cheap front rests'. Hated it. Too much play, tracking adjustments were rough and would not hold unless you locked the handle on the screw, which then moved your sight. Stance was too high for some of my rifles so bag riding was a pain, etc...Sold it after using it a couple times at the range and cut my losses.

Your best bet is to just save up and bite the bullet on spending a good chunk of change for a top shelf rest. A used or new Sinclair BR rest is a very good place to look.

I personally was going to buy the Sinclair, but ended up getting the Target Shooting model 1200 front rest. It's one of the more affordable high end front rests at $699 (without accessories) and I am extremely happy with it. It doesn't have a rear mounted windage adjustment screw or a speed elevation adjustment screw like the Sinclair, but it has a lot wider stance and lower riding height which were a couple things I was really looking for. Though I have absolutely no qualms with the adjustments the way they are on my model 1200. They work just fine for what I do. The owner/designer of the company Wally Brownlee is probably one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and is always more than willing to pick up his cell phone and answer any questions you can think up while also throwing in a lot of tips and tricks. Great guy and an awesome product with first class machining.

Below is a link to the rest I bought...

http://www.targetshooting.com/catalog/rifle-rests/model-1200-rifle-rest/

Next link at the bottom is the 'Reviews' page on the rest to attest to it's quality. I have not written any of these reviews but probably should write one. My review will be 5 stars as well.

http://www.targetshooting.com/catalog/rifle-rests/model-1200-rifle-rest/

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I am very fond of the Sinclair competition. It goes on sale quite often. I know its over your budget, but you will be very glad you saved a while longer to get it.

 

[jonbearman]

Since you are on a budget , you could get a hart rest from rw hart in Pennsylvania. New they are less than 300.00. Then later you can change the top, in fact if you get a new one or used, I have a sinclair windage top I would sell you to make it easier on the wallet that fits the Hart.

 

[JRS]

I have tried your hotmail address twice.

 

[Danattherock]

Not sure what the issue is. Checked my junk box also. Just send a PM. Would like to hear from you. Sorry about the hassle.

Dan