Making my Own Shooting Rest

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Maybe if I started shooting a Sinclair style rest and got used to it I would feel the same, But I don't feel the strong Re-learning curve would benefit. When the stock tracks straight there shouldn't be any adjustment necessary!

It's about disciplines. If you shoot short range score..it's a no brainer, with very few exceptions. Short range group is probably 50/50.

Long range is where some people are coming from here that prefer something else. But, for me, a co-ax is the answer to the majority...myself included, be it long range, short range, group or score. As I said, proper adjustment of a co-ax is paramount.

Honestly, there are a lot of people that have trouble with properly adjusting them but it's not complicated. Someone mentioned in a previous post that they have trouble with over shooting their aim point with fine adjustment and a co-ax. This is a tell tale sign of improper rest adjustment. Properly adjusted, a co-ax should be smooth and precise, yet still capable of holding the gun perfectly still when you let go of the stick. Speed comes when you never let go of it.

I've been told by someone watching me shoot, that they could not tell that I ever stopped the rest to fire. I can assure you that I do..but for a very short period of time.

This should speak volumes as to the value of a co-ax, period.

 

[Tstroop]

I bought a Farley when I started shooting. Shot groundhog matches, score matches, 600and now 1000 and have never felt a disadvantage because of a rest. Now it's bolted to a 1/4 plate and weighs probably 30lbs

 

[dabeechman]

Sorry for the absence, I have been neck deep in work. A lot of you guys are keeping me more than busy with these billet reloading blocks and I haven't had time to start on this design.

That was one of the major reasons for asking about weight. At what point is weight a necessary evil? On the one hand, you want something light enough to be portable, but heavy enough to be rigid enough to be consistent. I am sure it will be a little trial and error while I play with the weight of the unit.

 

[scubohuntr]

Sorry for the absence, I have been neck deep in work. A lot of you guys are keeping me more than busy with these billet reloading blocks and I haven't had time to start on this design.

That was one of the major reasons for asking about weight. At what point is weight a necessary evil? On the one hand, you want something light enough to be portable, but heavy enough to be rigid enough to be consistent. I am sure it will be a little trial and error while I play with the weight of the unit.

Dang, those are purty. Might have to have a couple when I get my bench set up again.

 

[dabeechman]

So I have been messing with the design of my prototype rest, but before I went any further designing the electronics, I wanted to poll the community to see if this is even something you'd be interested in.

I am an electrical engineer by trade, and I thought that it would be interesting to have a small micro joystick that you can position anywhere on the bench that you feel comfortable with that would replace the manual joystick. Movement from the joystick would control a series of stepper motors for precision placement. Connections and battery would be kept in a water tight compartment, and an optional manual joystick would be provided in the event you forgot to charge your battery. Possibly an exterior charge port for convenience, but right now I am just interested in whether this is something the professionals would even benefit from.

Would this be at all something you the community would be interested in, or does the saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" apply here?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

So I have been messing with the design of my prototype rest, but before I went any further designing the electronics, I wanted to poll the community to see if this is even something you'd be interested in.

I am an electrical engineer by trade, and I thought that it would be interesting to have a small micro joystick that you can position anywhere on the bench that you feel comfortable with that would replace the manual joystick. Movement from the joystick would control a series of stepper motors for precision placement. Connections and battery would be kept in a water tight compartment, and an optional manual joystick would be provided in the event you forgot to charge your battery. Possibly an exterior charge port for convenience, but right now I am just interested in whether this is something the professionals would even benefit from.

Would this be at all something you the community would be interested in, or does the saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" apply here?

I've said for a while now, that electronic flags, where allowed, could be interfaced to an electronically controlled rest, for a shooting system that will far surpass human beings abilities. The system can only be as good or as bad as it's inputs,, and such things as not being able to have a flag in every single spot that wind may change, will have a lot to do with how near perfect the system could be.

I see tons of potential but also tons of resistance from people who see the potential that I'm referring to. It would be a game changer.

 

[Switchbarrel]

I'd have no problem using a 30-40lb rest if it does what I want it to...or even heavier. Weight is far from everything but it is important. I do not want my rest to budge. I'll get help loading and unloading if I have to.

I agree. I use the Gary Alvey three piece rest (same as what Baer used to sell). I literally add 50# to the front portion & 25-40# on the rear section. I use bags of lead shot for shotgun shell loading.

So, maybe have the ability/option to add weight if wanted.

-Rick

 

[MislMan]

Need to check the rule books but NRA High Power rules (3.22 Electronic Devices) prohibits operating electronics forward of the ready-line.

 

[kzin]

A very light rest with optional added base weights?
Maybe even at the bench?

 

[dabeechman]

Need to check the rule books but NRA High Power rules (3.22 Electronic Devices) prohibits operating electronics forward of the ready-line.

Thanks, I looked up 3.22 but it only mentions communications devices and chronographs.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Thanks, I looked up 3.22 but it only mentions communications devices and chronographs.

IBS specifically bans electronic flags but not rests. UBR and NBRSA allow both. Pretty sure all rimfire sanctioning bodies, except perhaps NRA, also allow such.

 

[MislMan]

I like the stepper motor idea but I think you may want to ensure you use a wired controller/mouse (not wi-fi). With more ranges using electroinc targets someone could make a case/protest over your controller affecting the scoring system or their scoring display affecting their performance. Unfortunately, I think the added "option" of the electrical controller (and the added cost) would not be of interest to many shooters. The older established shooters won't see the utility versus cost and the younger shooters that it interests can't afford it.