Front Rest Options (F-Open)

[Catfur]

Shot my first F-Open match last weekend, and I have a problem. I like my rest ok, but I can't reach the adjustments while prone behind my rifle.

Right now, I'm thinking my only real option is a joystick rest or top, are there any other options I have?

Also, who makes Joystick tops besides Shadetree? (I doubt I'm ready to spring for a SEB just yet)

 

[Immike]

Shot my first F-Open match last weekend, and I have a problem. I like my rest ok, but I can't reach the adjustments while prone behind my rifle.

Right now, I'm thinking my only real option is a joystick rest or top, are there any other options I have?

Also, who makes Joystick tops besides Shadetree? (I doubt I'm ready to spring for a SEB just yet)

I used to buy cheap lawn mowers and replace them every few years until I bought a real one. Now I reap the rewards of maturity. I don't know how else to put it but it is as important as the rifle.

 

[lawrence97]

Buy the best you can afford!
You will wait a good while for a SEB. Shadetree top would be cheapest and readily available. Farley coax and jak rest are also good options if you want to spend a little more. Keep an eye out in the classifieds and you might get lucky or put up a Want to buy ad.

 

[Steve Blair]

My Farley works fine. Like many things, it has both strengths and weaknesses. As Mike said, buy the best you can afford and know you made the right choice.

 

[Catfur]

Shot my first F-Open match last weekend, and I have a problem. I like my rest ok, but I can't reach the adjustments while prone behind my rifle.

Right now, I'm thinking my only real option is a joystick rest or top, are there any other options I have?

Also, who makes Joystick tops besides Shadetree? (I doubt I'm ready to spring for a SEB just yet)

I used to buy cheap lawn mowers and replace them every few years until I bought a real one. Now I reap the rewards of maturity. I don't know how else to put it but it is as important as the rifle.

My cheapass lawnmower has kept the lawn nicely mowed, with an absolute minimum of fuss and muss for 3 years + now.

And if I do buy a SEB, what should I do until I get it in 2018 (or whenever it comes in)?

 

[Lbart]

CatFur,
Two possible options to allow you to adjust the height of your rifle-
1. Turn rest around so single leg is closer to you if it is not already.
2. Extend forend stop so you can move the rifle further out on the forend to allow you to be closer to the leg adjustments.
Also on some rests you can attach a flexible cable to your rest top which would let you to move rifle left & right with a knob.

 

[Catfur]

CatFur,
Two possible options to allow you to adjust the height of your rifle-
1. Turn rest around so single leg is closer to you if it is not already.
2. Extend forend stop so you can move the rifle further out on the forend to allow you to be closer to the leg adjustments.
Also on some rests you can attach a flexible cable to your rest top which would let you to move rifle left & right with a knob.

I have the Bald Eagle slingshot style rest, with the windage adjustment on the near leg. My really long Manners stock, and T-Rex length arms (darn you Mom & Dad, but really, I love you) don't come anywhere near close, moving the forearm up farther is possible, but I won't be able to reach the adjustments before running out of flat forearm. If I do get a joystick, I may need to ask for a custom, extra-long joystick arm, it's that bad from prone. I'm no midget, but I'm not that far off.

I'm wondering about what sort of options are out there, though. So thanks.

 

[Steve Blair]

I shoot Manners F-Class stocks and either the Farley or SEB will have plenty of reach. I'm no Orangutan and have no problem.

 

[Ringostar]

I also know the short arm feeling. When I adjust the car seat, so my legs fit. I can hardly reach the steering wheel! Doing initial rifle set up, I have to get out of position. Up beside the rifle, to set main height adjustment. Then back again, to look through scope. This goes back, and forth a few times. Then I'm ready to use my joystick, through the string. I've noticed that some shooters have extended the front stop. I think that I might try shortening my stock a couple inches, and move the stop a couple inches. Yes it would be a real challenge without a joystick. Look for used rests. I recently found one at a local gun show. Hart base, shadetree top, edgewood bag, extended legs w/ stainless F class feet. The guy was asking $395. Finding something used can get you by. Even the Caldwell firecontrol will work, while waiting for a SEB or Farley.

 

[7stubby]

Farley II for sale in the classifieds.
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3840014.0;topicseen

 

[butchlambert]

Remember, all FClass shooters have long arms.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I have the Bald Eagle slingshot style rest, with the windage adjustment on the near leg. My really long Manners stock, and T-Rex length arms (darn you Mom & Dad, but really, I love you) don't come anywhere near close, moving the forearm up farther is possible, but I won't be able to reach the adjustments before running out of flat forearm. If I do get a joystick, I may need to ask for a custom, extra-long joystick arm, it's that bad from prone. I'm no midget, but I'm not that far off.

I'm wondering about what sort of options are out there, though. So thanks.

That.
Is awesome.

I have the same problem as you. I have a Seb, but I had to make a 6" extension for the joystick. I also had to cut my PRT Lowboy stock down by a couple of inches to make a comfortable reach.

I don't know of any good tricks for non-joystick rests. In the Joystick rest category, everyone has already mentioned all of the ones I know of and would recommend. Seems like SEB and Farley's show up every so often in the classifieds if you want to go that route. Another couple interesting possibilities might be the 21st Century F-Class rest, Bob Pastor's (TheViper) rest, or the Randolph Machine/Fulgham rest. Bob's rest as-is is probably going to be a reach issue, but he might be able to come up with some trick mods to make it work for you.

 

[Immike]

A guy could make his own base plate and mount what he has on it. You could put the elevation screw right where you need it. Add a cable windage knob and fix up your own rig. Just a thought.

 

[Catfur]

Remember, all FClass shooters have long arms.

I'll assume you are using irony to make a point about how people (and shooters come in all sizes and shapes).

But while it's a dead certainty that there are shooters with arms as short, or shorter than mine, the marketplace sure doesn't seem to acknowledge our existence. Try and find a full size (not a "youth") rifle with a 12.25" LOP, without getting something custom made.

 

[suberjc]

Actually, the Caldwell Fire Control works pretty well. I've seen (seen mind you) two national records shot off one.

Please don't tell Sebastian I said it. shhhh!

 

[butchlambert]

Remember, all FClass shooters have long arms.

I'll assume you are using irony to make a point about how people (and shooters come in all sizes and shapes).

But while it's a dead certainty that there are shooters with arms as short, or shorter than mine, the marketplace sure doesn't seem to acknowledge our existence. Try and find a full size (not a "youth") rifle with a 12.25" LOP, without getting something custom made.

Is this better?? ;D