F class rest &rear bag set up

[Regnar]

Still learning the game and always looking to get better.

I am curious if there is a way that people align their rest and bag so that the rifle tracks straight? I see some guys using a yard stick as a sighted but others who shoot well dont use one.

Is there a right way or a good way to do it?

thanks

 

[rardoin]

First, I align the front rest with the target. I have used a string tied to the front base leveling screw (in the centerline on a Neo) and aligned to a centermark on the back of the base to get alignment with the target. If appropriate I drive in the feet of the front rest, level it, the place the rear bag in crude position. The string can then be pulled taught, in alignment as before, and the rear bag centered under the string. If you tie knots, or color a mark, at the position of the front of the rear bag riding surface this can serve for setting the distance of the rear bag from the front rest. I have since purchased a forend stop that has an aligment aperature that I use to get the front rest in position. I have the padding cut out on my shooting mat where the rear bag is to be located when the mat front edge is touching the rear of the front rest and use that to position the rear bag. I then get into postion, settle the gun in the bags, and pull the gun fore and aft looking for the reticle to return to the same position each time it hits the forend stop. I adjust the rear bag until that happens. At first I always struggled a bit on the set-up but the more I shot the easier and more natural it became.

 

[Medic505]

Is there a right way or a good way to do it?

Shoot F-TR. You don't have to haul a 45 pound rest around....

 

[Regnar]

Shoot F-TR. You don't have to haul a 45 pound rest around....

And that answered my question how?

 

[Bob Sebold]

There are as many ways of doing it as there are shooters. I have seen some use a string tied to front rest, or use a small dowel, some cut out their mat and place everything exactly somehow where they want it. I just try to set my rest straight in the firing point, of course that puts you about 10 targets off at Ben Avery. Then set my bag down and get my gun. I kneel directly over gun and set everything for distance. Gun against front rest stop and rear bag where I want it. I make sure by lining up behind gun it is pointed near my target. Flip out level on gun and use a soft hammer to set my feet. Then level rest to bubble so gun is level. You don't need to carry a bunch of extra stuff to do this and it is not rocket science. It is important to set it up correctly. If you are twisted too much in the front rest it does not track very well. I have had to get up during sighters and redo my setup because of this, but if you take a little time, it should work well.

 

[Regnar]

Thanks Rardoin and bob.

 

[rardoin]

I just try to set my rest straight in the firing point, of course that puts you about 10 targets off at Ben Avery.

I thought I was the only one.

 

[BT1]

F-Open, I put down my mat first, then bring my front rest set down crudely and lightly in alignment with your target number. Then lay down behind the front rest and straighten the front rest more precisely with your target number, also make sure the front rest is in it's windage center position. I use long (but legal) front rest leg spikes but do not push them in now. Bring rear bag, and set in approximated position, again lay down and "gun sight" thru the bag ears and front rest and adjust both to get good alignment. Bring rifle to the line when instructed and confirm you are centered up. Make minor adjustments to the rear bag if required while looking thru the scope, then push in front rest spikes. Make sure to beat the rifle but into the rear bag, before making the final vertical adjustment to the front rest. Yes, I know it sounds like a long process, but goes pretty fast (3 to 4 min) with practice. In my opinion, getting the rest and bag set up at perfect as you can is well worth the time to achieve it. I typically shoot fast and will gladly spend any extra time setting up properly even if it cuts into my time allowed for shooting. I still do not understand why people get in such a panic to be able to shoot the second the line is called hot. What the heck is the big hurry. 22 to 25 minutes is about twice as long as most shooters require for a few sighters and 20 record shots. Take your time to set up! Relax knowing your rifle set-up is a good as you can get it. Likely to also lessen the risk of a crossfire. You will shoot higher scores as a result. I know many call f-open belly bench rest. That seems about right with the equipment we have now. Anyone ever think that a 1000 yard BR shooter would start his string with the rest and bag not in perfect alignment? I doubt you would see any at the podium.

Steve

 

[Regnar]

@BT1 ,

Thanks alot.

 

[BT1]

@BT1 ,

Thanks alot.

You are welcome. It looks like I did ramble on a bit, but I can not overstate the importance to properly set up your equipment. You spend many thousands of dollars on this stuff and travel, why not use it to the best of your ability. Bob Sebold gave us a few great points also. Good fortune in all you do. Steve

 

[Regnar]

No rambling at all. I asked because I want to get better and I know this is an area that I can improve in. I currently fiddle with the rest way to much between shots because I am not taking the time to set up properly.