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Need advice on a front rest

muleman69

USMC -1st marine Div. RVN
Been trying to up grade my rest (wouldn't take much as it is an old Caldwell) What I would like to no is what is better a joy stick or Manuel adjustments? Any and all help would be appreciated.
 
The downside to a manually adjusted rest is the fact that the shooter has to stretch out of the shooting position to make adjustments. Having the joystick within easy reaching distance makes shooting much easier and comfortable.
 
Depends on the game.
Sinclair, Randolf type are best at slow And multi targets ...imo
I find the farley is hard to move the width of a crosshair as in ubr & ARA/ir5050 where I'm wanting the top 25% of an x dot as poa
 
Oh you troublemaker. There is more than one way to skin these cats. There are two main ways to handle moving around a target. Twiddle the knobs or move a joy stick. Now it also depends on what the target is. Are you shooting a score target, where you have to traverse and search or this a case of getting on a target and plugging five rounds in the same spot? Then again is this for competition or for dogging on a bench over a field of dogs?
How would I do the routines? Regardless of which competition I am shooting in short range BR, I use a solid, really solid, front rest devoid of adjustments and I squeeze and move the rear bag to move or stay on target. I keep it simple.
There are those who use a joy stick to do everything I do and they do well with their method also.
So I guess it depend on if you want to twiddle knobs, move a joy stick or move the rear bag. It’s your choice. I’m sorry but I can’t get any more vague than that. I’ve never used a Caldwell but I’ve never seen any winners at a BR range that have done well with one.
 
i think cost is the big decider
I am sure there are a few that can afford a joystick but stick with a manual.
but from my personal, at the matches observation, if they can afford a joystick, they buy one.
I do not have one, cannot afford one.
 
Oh you troublemaker. There is more than one way to skin these cats. There are two main ways to handle moving around a target. Twiddle the knobs or move a joy stick. Now it also depends on what the target is. Are you shooting a score target, where you have to traverse and search or this a case of getting on a target and plugging five rounds in the same spot? Then again is this for competition or for dogging on a bench over a field of dogs?
How would I do the routines? Regardless of which competition I am shooting in short range BR, I use a solid, really solid, front rest devoid of adjustments and I squeeze and move the rear bag to move or stay on target. I keep it simple.
There are those who use a joy stick to do everything I do and they do well with their method also.
So I guess it depend on if you want to twiddle knobs, move a joy stick or move the rear bag. It’s your choice. I’m sorry but I can’t get any more vague than that. I’ve never used a Caldwell but I’ve never seen any winners at a BR range that have done well with one.


Can you post a pic of your "set up", just curious to see?
 
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I *just* made the switch from "manual" to a joystick. I got a Bald Eagle a couple of years ago. Over time the cable-based windage adjustment started to bug me, so I went through the mod to remove the cable and have the knob directly attached to the top for windage. Compared to the cable system it was awesome.

Then last Fall I shot a friend's Joypod. WHOA! That was really cool. Would love to have a SEB, but didn't want to drop the dough for a SEB. Did some research and bought a Shadetree for the Bald Eagle.

I've only had it out twice but absolutely love it. As a gazillion of other folks have said, Butch was fantastic to work with. I had some pre-order questions and he was really responsive. I had the unit a couple of days after ordering.

What I realized after using my friend's joystick is how much movement you really do introduce into the whole body/rest(s)/gun "system" when moving your arm up to make adjustments when not using a joystick. With the joystick I've moved "Adjust Rest" to later in my firing sequence. When I'm finalizing POA, once complete, nothing else on my body needs to move....except the trigger finger.
 
Oh you troublemaker. There is more than one way to skin these cats. There are two main ways to handle moving around a target. Twiddle the knobs or move a joy stick. Now it also depends on what the target is. Are you shooting a score target, where you have to traverse and search or this a case of getting on a target and plugging five rounds in the same spot? Then again is this for competition or for dogging on a bench over a field of dogs?
How would I do the routines? Regardless of which competition I am shooting in short range BR, I use a solid, really solid, front rest devoid of adjustments and I squeeze and move the rear bag to move or stay on target. I keep it simple.
There are those who use a joy stick to do everything I do and they do well with their method also.
So I guess it depend on if you want to twiddle knobs, move a joy stick or move the rear bag. It’s your choice. I’m sorry but I can’t get any more vague than that. I’ve never used a Caldwell but I’ve never seen any winners at a BR range that have done well with one.
After reading this I think I need one of each as I do all the above.........lol
 
When I started with bricks and boards along with sand filled shot bags for support I did ok as far as I was concerned but knew I needed better equipment. As time and my competitive awakening passed I went for the Caldwell heavy 1000 yd. model of their manual pedestal rest and a rear sand bag for groundhog match shooting. This was a great step up for me and I did well with this set up. The temptation to have a joystick rest got the best of me and out of want more than need I bought a SEB first model. It became a nuisance to lock down due to having to reach over or under the stick and then a Farley rest became available from a guy who was done. I am totally pleased and content with it for practice and match use although it is heavy. I have no regrets learning and enjoying the adventure of equipment up grade and I hope you do the same.
 
I shoot F/Class .
I got a New SEB Mini , Wonderful on the Ground and for Matches.
Took it to the Range to do load testing ??? it is large hard to fit on Bench .

I have a Caldwell BR up-dated with a 3" front Bad. I think it is great for Bench Work ?
Midway has them on Sale ??
Grizzly Has a close out Sale ??

Good Luck
 
I do not compete but I am always trying to upgrade my equipment. I recently replaced my Caldwell Rock Jr. with a Caldwell Rock BR Competition rest. I replaced the bag with a 3" Protector bag and put a 3" PT bag rider from the urbanrifleman on my rifles. I replaced the thrust bearing on the Caldwell BR and installed a Sinclair Speed Screw.
 

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