F class question on rest

[82boy]

I am going to try my hand at f class shooting, one of the local clubs is having a match later this year. I am going to shoot in the open class, and was wondering what is the best way to support my front rest. I read the rules, and see that you can use a board under the rest. I have also see company's that sell feet that attach to the legs of a rest. (And they are expensive.) I thought about making a set of feet out of fender washers, andnuts, but I am concerned that this may not work the best.
My question is what is the best way to support the rest, and is there any thing I am overlooking? Are there cheaper alternatives to the Sinclair feet?

 

[DBailey]

Fender washers and nuts will work more than well enough to get you started. Add a little all thread if you need longer legs.

 

[82boy]

My concern with the fender washers and nuts is one keeping them centered on the threaded rod, and them bending under the weight of the rest and gun. My gun weight in at 17 lbs, (I may add a bit of weight to get to the 22 lbs) is this a problem? Should I stack a few of them togeather, or an I over thinking this.

 

[82boy]

Also what about mats? I thought about just using cardboard. Is there a better option to this?

 

[DBailey]

I used the fender washers for three seasons before upgrading, no problems at all. The reason I upgraded was to obtain a larger diameter than you can get with the washers.

I did stack two washers on each foot.

 

[DBailey]

That would work to get you going, although a carpet remnant might be easier to handle and not as slick.

A mat is not an absolute necessity in F-Class shooting. Its main function is to help keep you clean.

 

[memilanuk]

+1 on the fender washers and nuts. Nylock nuts work well for this - they can be moved in needed, but they won't come loose unexpectedly.

Carpet remnants work, old blankets, camping pads, etc. Midway sells a decent little mat - fairly light and has most of the right features. Not the most durable thing - Creedmoor Sports charges what they do for a reason - but with a little care it works just fine. TAB Gear makes a light weight shooting mat that folds/rolls up very compactly, and it doesn't cost too much either.