Caldwell fire control with a custom built base plate

[outdoors junkie]

What do you guys think of the fire control front rest? I am looking at one that has a half inch thick metal base that was built for it. Would this work for 100 and 200 yard matches?

 

[LHSmith]

It would work, not very well, not for long. Unless they have been redesigned the internal parts are not sturdy enough for any serious competition. It incorporates two steel balls under spring tension which ride between two plates made of white metal......NFG. Also, the bag and top supplied are made of inferior materials and poorly designed . We are talking about the model with the front rest only? ....as the one piece rest would not be allowed in most competitions. For an occasional club match or two a year.......it might be satisfactory to use.....or not.

 

[MATSUBOB]

I shot F-class with one and made High Master at midrange. i never had any problems with it. The key is adjusting it. For someone wishing on to start out on a budget it will do the job. I havr one for sale if you are interested.
Bob

 

[eww1350]

It will work just fine...I have used one and the only drawback was it would not go low enough to shoot on the short target frames at our range that has an elevated firing line...
My question is...If you have seen it and touched it why are you asking other opinions...it is a budget item and will not break your bank...buy it and be the one that develops an opinion...each of us have an opinion and it may/will be different than yours..."I hate Dodge trucks don't ever buy one or you will regret it the rest of your life..!!!...does that mean you should drive two blocks to avoid seeing a Dodge dealership.???????

 

[LHSmith]

The problem isn't with the base, it's the internal parts are not built for the amount of use one see's in typical competition where it is used pretty much every weekend. The mechanism may offer good control now, and you can tweak the tension adjustments for a while...but sooner or later those soft plates inside are going to develop a groove. I have seen one apart, and saw how crude the design and parts are (as opposed to a Farley Coaxial). A better choice would be to buy a Caldwell Cast Iron Base and install a Shade-Tree Coaxial Top with the proper Protektor bags for your stock....I have seen the Shade Tree last 7 match seasons with only one minor tension adjustment.
If it's only for 2 or 3 club shoots a year and limited practice, then the fire control rest will be fine.