I Need Input on Rifle Rest

[260Ravage]

Hello all! I shoot using a Caldwell rest and a rear rabbit ear leather bag. It's a good set-up for me. The biggest problem I have is stabilizing the rifle and controling the cant. I am trying to come up with a system or gadget, (outside of a rifle level) that controls the cant, whereas, each time I place the forend in the front rest it is stabil and LEVEL. My rifles do not 'set' in place. I must always be aware of being level and control it. Any advise is good and welcomed. Thanks.

 

[fdshuster]

You did not describe what type of forend is on the rifle. If it is the typical narrow with a rounded bottom, it was never designed to be used with a front rest, and you will never realize the accuracy potential of the rifle with that stock. The reason Hunter benchrest stocks have a 2 1/4" flat bottom forend, and a dedicated benchrest stock will have a 3" wide flat forend. You may be able to attach some type of a flat adapter using the front sling stud. I made one for one of my Bell & Carlson stocks using a piece of aluminum 3" wide x 6" long x 1/4" thick. The rifle now rides the front bag (Sinclair front rest with the windage benchrest top) without any torqueing/twisting during recoil. Sinclair, and others sell ready made bolt-on adapters.

 

[tenring]

If you are shooting factory rifles with rounded fore end, you never will find a front bag that will keep it vertical as with a 3" BR foreend set up. I like to change my Hart rest with 3" wide windage top to a small factory bag and non-windage top, right at the range. I have a very narrow Caldwell front bag on it, but there is always torque following each shot and it has to be re-set vertical again.

 

[artbosco]

Hello all! I shoot using a Caldwell rest and a rear rabbit ear leather bag. It's a good set-up for me. The biggest problem I have is stabilizing the rifle and controling the cant. I am trying to come up with a system or gadget, (outside of a rifle level) that controls the cant, whereas, each time I place the forend in the front rest it is stabil and LEVEL. My rifles do not 'set' in place. I must always be aware of being level and control it. Any advise is good and welcomed. Thanks.

Here's what you're looking for: http://www.possumhollowproducts.com/forend-stabilizer.html I adapted one to thread into two front stud holes, to square up the block, instead of using the nylon side screws.

Sinclair International carries one also: http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=35661/Product/Forend_Benchrest_Adaptor

 

[fdshuster]

Outdoorsman: Your "Possom Hollow" adapter seems like a very good choice. I tried the Sinclair and it was O.K., but I always had trouble with the cork pads shifting forward from recoil, exposing the nice walnut stocks to damage. Finally gave up on it. I was fortunate with the Bell & Carlson stocks (3) having 2 sling swivel studs on the forend. By mounting the plate using both screws, the rifle cannot rotate left and right as it will when only held by one stud screw. Some type of side plate, like the "Possom Hollow" design has would seem to prevent the rotation. "Keep it simple".

 

[260Ravage]

you fellas fully understand understand my problem. My guns are heavy and bulky stocked, (SavageBVSS & RemVSF). I try too rest them just ahead off the chamber. There the stock is 2" and change wide. They fill the bag nicely,,,,simply unstable. I thought of drilling a new hole further back of the front stud and installing a 't-bolt' inside the barrel channel to attach a gadget such as ''fdshuster'' mentioned. that,, along with a proper bag would probably get it ,huh? Thanks for your responses,,,keep-em coming.

 

[artbosco]

Thanks for your responses,,,keep-em coming.

If you go to the Adapter you're going to need a 3" wide front bag. I recommend Potektor Model's bag made of Cordura, it facilitates a much smoother recoil. http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/sid=66437/pid=33243/sku/_3_Wide_Owl_Ear_Cordura_Front_Bag_2_3_4_to_3_Forend

Stock tape fore and aft will also improve the whole shebang. The link on tape and sources: http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/?s=Teflon+Benchrest+Stock+Tape+Sources&submit=Search

 

[fdshuster]

Ditto on the cordura bags. I recently switched from the traditional leather. With the cordura no spray,powder or wax is required. I use them as-is and the rifle slides like it's on roller bearings. Should have begun using them long ago.

 

[LHSmith]

you fellas fully understand understand my problem. My guns are heavy and bulky stocked, (SavageBVSS & RemVSF). I try too rest them just ahead off the chamber. There the stock is 2" and change wide. They fill the bag nicely,,,,simply unstable.

You will probably find that placing the front bag so close to the action is not the optimum for accuracy.
Besides getting a fore-end stabilizer as suggested, an upgraded rear bag may also help.
Since I remove the swivel studs when shooting off bags, I use an width adjustable front bag and rest top to accommodate hunting and varmint stocks. While the set-up is not as stable as my point blank BR set-ups, I can get very respectable groups using this in combination with a good fitting rear bag......Do not let the pistol grip recoil into your bag. Of course if you have a horrendous trigger pull, nothing short of a vise will help.

 

[260Ravage]

I truly appreciate the feedback and I weight every suggestion. These guns of mine are truly heavy varmint rifles that I want to perform as well as benchrest rifles. I love taking cheap guns and turning them into tackdrivers. I ussually succeed,but if I don't the gun is ''down the road''. I am 62 yrs young and love fiddling with stuff. My style of shooting is to press the rifle with my shoulder to a make-shift stop on my front rest. I verrrrrrry gently grip the rifle and squeeze the trigger. My triggers are very light,,,just ounces. Because I do not like managing the gun for cant I must further develope the front bag to fit the gun,,,,,,thus the oblect of this post. Anyhoo,,,taking bits and pieces of advise given me,,I am going to mount a 3" wide piece of slick plastic (1/2'' thick) just behind my front stud,,,buy a front cordura 3" bag,, and rebuild a make-shift stop. This should accomplish 3 threes things: stabilize my gun in the rest,,,,,, re-position my rifle so the forend is carrying the weight as it should be,,,,,,, and finally, it may cause my shooting to go straight to hell and I may have to start over. Oh well,,,what else have I got to do.
Thanks much,,,this has been fun and informative.

 

[LHSmith]

Ideally your stock should contact your rear bag ears......the toe of the stock should NOT contact the base of the bag....this will give you a 3-point stance. With a proper fitting rear bag , good bench technique, one should be able to shoot pretty well even with a simple flat sandbag under the fore-end.....provided it isn't packed too hard. Also, I believe you may miss the sweet spot by not being able to get the fore-end under the bag. With hunting rifles, including varmint rifles, I also hold the fore-end, use minimal cheek pressure, and try to be consistent with my form. Cover the fore-end stop with a resilent material....I use a piece of foam rubber.....don't push so hard that you tip the rest. Lastly, make sure you have the butt stock in your shoulder....not in your bicept.....in other words....get behind the gun.