FT-R rear bag help
- Thread starter 1shot
- Start date
Ned Ludd
Silver $$ Contributor
Lloyd - what type of stock is it?
You'll likely want to use an "eared" rear bag with the Duplin, as it has ski-/sled-type feet and is intended to slide during the recoil impulse. An eared rear bag generally works better to allow the rifle to track straight/properly with that style of bipod. The width of the ears or "stitch" will be dictated by the toe width of your stock. The height of the rear bag that is optimal for you needs to be determined with the feet of the bipod spread to the approximate width you find most comfortable and intend to use in a match. If you get a bag that is too high, you'll find yourself straining to extend your elbows for long periods to raise your neck and head high enough to look through the scope, which is uncomfortable and not conducive to shooting good scores. It may also force you to minimize the spread of the bipod feet in order to raise the rifle up, which means a less stable footprint than necessary.
I have a Duplin bipod and I initially purchased an Edgewood MiniGater with handle in standard height (~3.5" tall) to use with it, only to find the rear bag was much too tall for me and uncomfortable to shoot for any length of time. I then purchased the same bag in "Extra Short" (~2.5" tall) and it is the perfect height for me with the Duplin under a McMillan A5 stock.
Finally, the angle of the stock toe is another consideration. As mentioned, I have used McMillan A5s with the Duplin/Edgewood setup. The A5 has a highly angled toe, which means the muzzle is usually pointing skyward and well above the target at the end of the recoil impulse. To bring it back on target requires pushing the rifle forward with the shoulder, which can be somewhat annoying and a distraction if you're not accustomed to it. For that reason, a stock with a noticeably less steep angle to the toe works better with the ski-/sled-type bipods, IMO. You don't necessarily need/want a toe that is perfectly flat, as a shallow angle will allow you to minor elevation adjustments at the rear. But too steep an angle to the toe can be problematic, as well. Alternatively, some kind of a bag rider that effectively lessens the angle of the toe may be an option.
You'll likely want to use an "eared" rear bag with the Duplin, as it has ski-/sled-type feet and is intended to slide during the recoil impulse. An eared rear bag generally works better to allow the rifle to track straight/properly with that style of bipod. The width of the ears or "stitch" will be dictated by the toe width of your stock. The height of the rear bag that is optimal for you needs to be determined with the feet of the bipod spread to the approximate width you find most comfortable and intend to use in a match. If you get a bag that is too high, you'll find yourself straining to extend your elbows for long periods to raise your neck and head high enough to look through the scope, which is uncomfortable and not conducive to shooting good scores. It may also force you to minimize the spread of the bipod feet in order to raise the rifle up, which means a less stable footprint than necessary.
I have a Duplin bipod and I initially purchased an Edgewood MiniGater with handle in standard height (~3.5" tall) to use with it, only to find the rear bag was much too tall for me and uncomfortable to shoot for any length of time. I then purchased the same bag in "Extra Short" (~2.5" tall) and it is the perfect height for me with the Duplin under a McMillan A5 stock.
Finally, the angle of the stock toe is another consideration. As mentioned, I have used McMillan A5s with the Duplin/Edgewood setup. The A5 has a highly angled toe, which means the muzzle is usually pointing skyward and well above the target at the end of the recoil impulse. To bring it back on target requires pushing the rifle forward with the shoulder, which can be somewhat annoying and a distraction if you're not accustomed to it. For that reason, a stock with a noticeably less steep angle to the toe works better with the ski-/sled-type bipods, IMO. You don't necessarily need/want a toe that is perfectly flat, as a shallow angle will allow you to minor elevation adjustments at the rear. But too steep an angle to the toe can be problematic, as well. Alternatively, some kind of a bag rider that effectively lessens the angle of the toe may be an option.
Ned Ludd
Silver $$ Contributor
That's a pretty steep toe angle, possibly even more so than an A5. IMO - the toe doesn't have to be perfectly parallel to the bore; if it is, you may lose the option for a little bit of elevation adjustment at the rear that you would have with just a few degrees angle to the toe. Part of that falls under personal preference. Nonetheless, I agree with Bindi2 - that stock will make it much more difficult to use an eared rear bag in combination with your Duplin. Your muzzle may be pointing thirty feet over the top of the target at the end of the recoil impulse with that much angle to the toe, and the movement during the recoil impulse will make consistent gun handling more difficult. It looks like a beautiful stock, by the way. But it's not patterned ideally for an F-TR setup. I'm not aware of a bag rider specifically designed to work with that stock. However, you can probably come up with something to lessen the angle of the toe if you really want to. I've seen a variety of home-made bag riders. They weren't all necessarily pretty 
, but function is probably more important than appearance in this case.
Edited to add: another option if you happen to have one laying around would be to use a traditional bipod such as a Harris or Atlas and a rear bean bag of some sort. There are also similar bipod options with a slightly wider footprint available. Because these types of bipods are typically pre-loaded in front, a bean bag in the rear works well. For that reason, the angled toe and tracking across the bag is much less critical.
, but function is probably more important than appearance in this case.Edited to add: another option if you happen to have one laying around would be to use a traditional bipod such as a Harris or Atlas and a rear bean bag of some sort. There are also similar bipod options with a slightly wider footprint available. Because these types of bipods are typically pre-loaded in front, a bean bag in the rear works well. For that reason, the angled toe and tracking across the bag is much less critical.
Last edited:
Great looking stock Lloyd, if you preferred a different angle on your stock I expect you would change it. About how many custom competition stocks do you have?
Ben
Ok guys,
First, thanks for the replies so far. Here are a couple of pics that I just took with a tape measure added in for reference. I have four stocks, but all are pattered from the blue one. Update: I just had a chance to shot my FT-R rifle with my new Duplin bipod. I was using a Protector rear bag with the slick sliver cloth on the ears. I’m at the very beginning stages of the trip down this rabbit hole, but so far I’m liking the way the rifle tracks with the rear bag and the bipod.
As of now, I will have to make what I have work for me in the stock dept. I’m sure I’m not the first shooter to deal with geometry issues until I can get a task specific F class stock
Thanks again,
Lloyd
First, thanks for the replies so far. Here are a couple of pics that I just took with a tape measure added in for reference. I have four stocks, but all are pattered from the blue one. Update: I just had a chance to shot my FT-R rifle with my new Duplin bipod. I was using a Protector rear bag with the slick sliver cloth on the ears. I’m at the very beginning stages of the trip down this rabbit hole, but so far I’m liking the way the rifle tracks with the rear bag and the bipod.
As of now, I will have to make what I have work for me in the stock dept. I’m sure I’m not the first shooter to deal with geometry issues until I can get a task specific F class stock
Thanks again,
Lloyd
D-4297
Gold $$ Contributor
Since you're just trying it out for F-TR ; I see no reason to re-design the world while you're exploring the rabbit-hole . I agree that it will require more manipulating & resetting the gun after a shot , but it can be done well within time limits . Use what you have and enjoy finding out about not having to use a sling , coat , and all that other stuff . Oh ; and welcome to the 21st Century . 
A bag rider will probably fit into the bag better. It looks like the stock is riding up on the ears a little...with recoil/torque from heavy bullets that can often mean a lot of adjusting to get it back...that plus the angle of the toe is making the job harder. If your wind reading is on then this is most likely going to be the first area to look at fixing...
Shoot what you have but a bag rider is a good idea with that setup.
The Duplin is a great bipod BTW.
Shoot what you have but a bag rider is a good idea with that setup.
The Duplin is a great bipod BTW.
That stock is freakin stunning!!!
What's with all the bubble wrap?
@NZ_Fclass
Who makes that bag rider? Also, I'm not sure it's compatible with my adjustable butt plate assembly.
@Bc'z, What stock are you talking about? What bubble wrap?
Thanks,
Lloyd
Who makes that bag rider? Also, I'm not sure it's compatible with my adjustable butt plate assembly.
@Bc'z, What stock are you talking about? What bubble wrap?
Thanks,
Lloyd
NZ_Fclass
Silver $$ Contributor
That one is from Actionclear in Australia. I made one a while back - still works. I'm sure a local engineering shop could make one to fit that stock. Best of luck.
Good Evening
I have a similar stock as yours mine is a Robertson H&H the bag i found to work best with the amt of butt slope is the protektor
Dr. Rear Benchrest/Long Range Bag
The bag has the proper angle and allows the rifle to follow the slope during recoil.
The blue stock looks thicker than 1/2inch measure the width to see if you need more spacing 3/4. mid ears height avoids the ears inferring with the thumb wheel.
This is a tall bag 4inchs, you will want to measure your prone position for fit and NPA to see if you would be comfortable with the height of this bag.
- I have found the rifle preforms better with more cheek pressure and shoulder contact. It produces less muzzle rise and target jump. (another test to see what works for you)
Lastly check the cast does the recoil pad line up directly behind the centre of the bore. My Roberston has the recoil pad off centre (for sling shooters) which contributed to greater left right jump. Once i fixed it the rifle tracked much straighter
Good Luck
Trevor
I have a similar stock as yours mine is a Robertson H&H the bag i found to work best with the amt of butt slope is the protektor
Dr. Rear Benchrest/Long Range Bag
The bag has the proper angle and allows the rifle to follow the slope during recoil.
The blue stock looks thicker than 1/2inch measure the width to see if you need more spacing 3/4. mid ears height avoids the ears inferring with the thumb wheel.
This is a tall bag 4inchs, you will want to measure your prone position for fit and NPA to see if you would be comfortable with the height of this bag.
- I have found the rifle preforms better with more cheek pressure and shoulder contact. It produces less muzzle rise and target jump. (another test to see what works for you)
Lastly check the cast does the recoil pad line up directly behind the centre of the bore. My Roberston has the recoil pad off centre (for sling shooters) which contributed to greater left right jump. Once i fixed it the rifle tracked much straighter
Good Luck
Trevor
Red should be here today.
I went to sleep last nite thinking about this.
1st, the bag pictured above was my 1st thought. If angle of bag is equal to stock it should track back. But I dont have any practical experience with rear bags and bipod.
2nd, If I had a drawing of the bag rider and your butt pad assembly....
I know a great fabricator and aluminum welder.
If the base plate was extended at the toe just enough to clear the stock then have the bag rider welded parallel to bore.
FWIW, fabricator I'm speaking of re did my jet boat. New floor, float boxes, fuel cell, and seat boxes.
Last, I forgot how damn nice that stock is, and it's on my phones wallpaper.
I’m so glad many still find their Duplin blood an excellent choice. I love mine and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
1shot, in the pic you posted, the bag seems under filled. That was an issue I learned the hard way the first time using bunny ear bags. I had to really cram that heavy sand into the bag to form it up and I saw a reduction in group size.
1shot, in the pic you posted, the bag seems under filled. That was an issue I learned the hard way the first time using bunny ear bags. I had to really cram that heavy sand into the bag to form it up and I saw a reduction in group size.
You will probably go through a few bags before you find one you like.
Don't worry about your buttstock taper. IMO, you want some. More importantly, before McMillan developed the Xit stock, Derek Rodgers used a McMillan Prone stock (about the same taper as yours) to win a National Championship and set the previous 1000 yd National Record.
Don't worry about your buttstock taper. IMO, you want some. More importantly, before McMillan developed the Xit stock, Derek Rodgers used a McMillan Prone stock (about the same taper as yours) to win a National Championship and set the previous 1000 yd National Record.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.