Considering a Bald Eagle as my first rest.

[Sieg]

I've spent a couple hours reading in search and decided to cut to the chase.

I'm new to benchrest shooting - started in May of last year. I mostly shoot 100/200yd rimfire with a Vudoo V-22 18" in a KRG chassis that weighs in at over 13lbs, though I may also use it to shoot a similar format match with smallbore (.223) centerfire.

I've been shooting off an Atlas V8 bipod vs all my competitors are using rests of some type, 4 use the Bald Eagle Slingshot cast, a couple Caldwell Rock BR's, and a couple older basic triangles.

I know my bipod and technique is costing me points and I'm going to make some changes to my setup and technique to hopefully eliminate some of the random flyers. Fiddling with "major" repositions every shot is a pain when that time would be better spent on reading wind conditions.

So I'm considering getting a Bald Eagle windage top rest to eliminate a couple of the numerous rimfire variables.

Here's my thinking, please tell me where it's potentially flawed.

I'm leaning towards the slingshot base primarily due to it's almost 3lbs heavier than the triangle base model.

The windage top cable adjustment function appears to be an issue, though if it can't be tweaked, the top components can be reversed and the windage cable knob can be installed via a stud on the left side of the base.

The 3" BE front bag looks to be adequate and I plan on making a 3"x6" forearm plate for the KRG Chassis out of UHMW.

I have a Protektor rear eared bag that should work with a proper height base plate and possibly a custom Delrin or UHMW bag rider rail on the KRG buttstock.

I have a small home metal shop and enjoy tinkering, so if there's simple modifications to improve the basic platform performance I don't mind the challenge.

I appreciate in advance your time, input, and advice.

Sieg

 

[Shawnba67]

Look into options and or need to replaxe the front bag. I had a time getting the protektor bag i bought to fit. Almost wouldnt! hope your mileage will vary from mine!

 

[jpx2rk]

Visit rimfirecentraldotcom for more info on the BE rest. Lots of people use/have them. I have 3 of 'em, use one in ARA/ABRA matches at my local club with a Anschutz MPR 64 with a front rider plate/BE front bag, and Protektor rear bag. Another one is used for CF paper punching at the range with a protektor front rest bag as well. The 3rd one is in experimental/trial & error dept right now.

My MPR moves around some, the xhairs will return to the box that outlines the bull, but that is best I can get it to do. It does not return to POA unless the stars have aligned, and I have the entire rig set up just right.

It will take some time and effort to get your set up working good

 

[spaniel]

I use a Bald Eagle in F-class. I am really confident there is zero impact on my score from not having a different rest. Yes, the cable windage is really problematic. You can a) install direct drive as you stated, or b) get a Shadetree joystick top. I went with B. I am extremely happy with the quality I have for the money invested.

 

[topclass2017]

SIEG: I am a casual/club level competitor at 100-300 yards. I was using a Caldwell Rock and switched to a cast iron base Bald Eagle with the cable function removed and the windage feature now controlled directly from the top. Couldn't be happier with the change. It was a low cost solution to generate increased stability.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I like the triangle for stability. The slingshot is good on narrow benches but kelblys is the only place ive ever needed that.

 

[snakepit]

SIEG: I am a casual/club level competitor at 100-300 yards. I was using a Caldwell Rock and switched to a cast iron base Bald Eagle with the cable function removed and the windage feature now controlled directly from the top. Couldn't be happier with the change. It was a low cost solution to generate increased stability.

I have several friends who bought the Bald Eagle with the cable function and they have all removed it and replaced it with a direct drive windage adjuster. It doesn't seem right to buy something knowing you might have to modify it.

 

[Falfan2017]

If you can spend a bit more the Sinclair competition rest is nicer in every way. The cable windage adjustment and slow elevation adjustment on the bald eagle will most likely make you want to upgrade it in the future. Save yourself the step.

 

[nmkid]

I bought the BE Slingshot without the windage adjustment and I'm OK since I don't shoot any competition. I just reset everything after my last shot and go along my merry way. However, when shooting my .20 Practical, it pretty much stays put. By the way, the BE rest isn't the only thing out in the marketplace that needs to be revised when brand new.

 

[varget204]

Recently got the cast iron rest,very will made,Grizzly had them on sale several weeks ago,believe they are selling out their stock,saw the Heavy Cast Iron press normally $350 for under $200,i should have waited a mont before i got mine,could have saved some $$

 

[snert]

I have an old BE and a new BE, with adjustable tops, no cable. Hands down the old one is better. If I were to buy a non-cable rest again, i would buy a Cowan or a used old BE...either slignshot or triangle. Mine are slingshot. I do not compete and use mine for stationary goundhog shooting and time at the range.

 

[DHuffman]

I have several friends who bought the Bald Eagle with the cable function and they have all removed it and replaced it with a direct drive windage adjuster. It doesn't seem right to buy something knowing you might have to modify it.

For the price it's a good rest. For the cost of a stud and the time to swap the pieces of the top around it makes it a really good rest.

I started using a Sinclair Competition this season and have made improvements to it as well. Nothing wrong with making anything better IMHO!

 

[snakepit]

If you can spend a bit more the Sinclair competition rest is nicer in every way. The cable windage adjustment and slow elevation adjustment on the bald eagle will most likely make you want to upgrade it in the future. Save yourself the step.

You are correct, that is how I ended upgrading to the Sinclair Competition Rest.

 

[snakepit]

For the price it's a good rest. For the cost of a stud and the time to swap the pieces of the top around it makes it a really good rest.

If it is that easy and cheap it makes you wonder why they just don't make it that way.

 

[DHuffman]

If it is that easy and cheap it makes you wonder why they just don't make it that way.

It is that easy and cheap and yes it does make you wonder why they don't just build it that way.

It would take less parts and cost less money to produce. They could leave the price the same and make more money and have happier customers.

 

[Sieg]

Very impressed with the quick and educational responses from the community here!

They are very much appreciated, thank you!

 

[DHuffman]

If you can spend a bit more the Sinclair competition rest is nicer in every way. The cable windage adjustment and slow elevation adjustment on the bald eagle will most likely make you want to upgrade it in the future. Save yourself the step.

I agree, last year I installed a base plate, a speed screw and deleted the cable windage on my Bald Eagle and it came with a 3" front bag. Made a really nice rest out of it but it still wasn't a Sinclair Competition Rest.

On my Sinclair I think I had to buy front bags and then installed a base plate, a windage tensioner and replaced the plastic pieces in the windage mechanism with the brass pieces upgrade. I waited until Brownells had the rest on sale for $100 off and can't remember what I paid for the upgrades but the bags were $100 each if I recall correctly.

For a little more money you still have something that can be made better for a little more money.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

In the original post Sieg stated he would go with the slingshot model due to its 3 pound heavier weight. So Sieg you must have compared a cast iron slingshot to a cast aluminum wide base. The wide, or triangle base comes in, or used to, cast iron as well as cast aluminum. You are right in wanting a heavier base. If you are going to use this same rest for centerfire and rimfire you might consider that the triangular base is a more stable base. You might want to look for a used triangular cast iron Bald Eagle with a windage top without the cable drive. Bill Gebhardt, the original “Bald Eagle” designed and sold the slingshot because some shooting benches were too narrow and the narrower slingshot enabled the shooter to get the base closer to the left or shooter side of the bench. Cable drive adjustable tops were a compromise for shooters who wanted the adjustment close to the rear leg so they can adjust windage and elevation with less hand movement. Having been shooting BR since May of last year I’m somewhat certain you’ve seen the options available. You might consider putting a want ad here for exactly what you want. You may be surprised by what’s available.
With all this said, have you considered the Shadetree Coaxial rest or a Shadetree top for a bald Eagle or Sinclair base? Butch Lambert, Shadetree is an honest and easy fellow to deal with. I know. Last but not least, if you’ve been watching for a year, don’t rush into a purchase that will leave you wanting something different in a short while. There are many options out there.

 

[JFrank]

Bald Eagle rest flooded the market a few years ago, iirc I paid $165
since then I installed a DR Greenlaw windage top on the Bald Eagle rest, very smooth and well made.
Had I’d known about Joe Cowan then I would have bought his for a first rest.
Lots of longer range shooters use the Sinclair Competition Rest ,I’m not sure if you need a 30lb rest for shorter range though.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

I have a Bald Eagle cast iron triangular and I have a Gary Hayes that weighs in at 38 pounds. I shoot short range BR and in the last few years I have been shooting heavy varmint score matches with my rifle chambered in .30BR and I feel the Gary Hayes gives me an advantage. In my head, the extra weight keeps me anchored and closer to on target. Neither of these two rests has a windage top. I move about the score target by manipulating the rear bag. I used to use knobs but did away with them because I found myself twiddling the time away.