Noob question. Why the sharp pointed feet on bench rests?

[twotwentyswift]

I've recently gotten the long range shooting and in an effort to verify my elevation settings I've build a heavy wood portable shooting table and ordered one of Hart's varmint rests. I assume the pointed feet on the front bench rest is to keep it from moving on a soft surface allowing the rifle to recoil freely. Obviously I don't want to mar up my new coats of polyurethane so I'm contemplating mounting rubber feet on the ends of the spikes. Am I off base on this, or am I thinking straight ? Also what is the typical method of securing the front sand bag to the rest? I comes with 2 grommets on each side. Do shooters just put a shoelace through them and tie them on, or is there something special for securing them in place.

 

[clannagael]

Generally the pointy feet are to poke into the bench top so the rest doesn't move. At my home club all of our benches on all of the ranges are made of treated decking so they plunk down real nice and never move.

As far as the rear bag, I've never seen anyone secure one, but I'm sure someone out there does. I'm not a free-recoil shooter, but I don't hold super tight either, and I've never had my rear bag move around, not even with a standard stock.

Sounds like a nice bench. Poly might be slick for a while. Just thinking out loud, if it were my personal bench I might use a Forstner bit to make some shallow "pockets" for the front rest feet to sit in.

 

[twotwentyswift]

Thanks for the response. I was considering epoxying some small metal pockets into the bench surface so nothing would move. I didn't know what kind of surface bench rest shooters shot from, good to know. The only type I've ever seen are the cement benches at the local club so the pointed feet didn't make much sense. I coated the bench with polyurethane primarily for weather protection, but with 2 laminated sheets of cabinet grade plywood it does look nice. Got the plans off (where else) the internet. 3 legged design which is very solid and portable. Well off to the hardware store for some cabinet hardware to finish the project.
My question on securing the sand bag was for the front rest. Just a matter of preference I guess in securing it to the top post platform. Nothing fancy, just an owl ear bag.
Happy shooting.

 

[NorCalMikie]

A couple of small zip ties through the eyes, shoe lace or string will hold the front bag in place. Easy to remove if needed.

 

[BoydAllen]

Over time, it has become less fashionable to scar up benchtops, and an alternate to doing so is sold by Sinclair International. They are called superfeet (sp?). These will provide traction, not introduce undesirable springiness, and protect you bench top. You can also make something similar. They are very common at short range (1-200 yd.) Benchrest matches. Personally, I have a thing about shooters that mess up bench tops that they did not build, or pay for, and will never volunteer to repair. On the other hand, if it is one's personal bench...

 

[twotwentyswift]

Thanks all. Boyd, the superfeet look like a good answer. I like the fact they have neopreme on the bottom. I figure any way to reduce vibration is a step in the right direction. I was thinking I'd simply drill down in the bench far enough to epoxy 3 fender washers and use those to anchor the feet, but that wouldn't be a vibration free setup. The second thought was to epoxy in some delrin or rubber bushings. I think the superfeet trump those ideas since my kids will be shooting along side me and may want to move the rest and rear bag around to their liking. Your input was greatly appreciated!

 

[BoydAllen]

Glad to be of service.

 

[fdshuster]

twotwentyswift: Boyd's suggestion of the Sinclair "super feet" is the way to go. Sinclair 2010-A catalog, page 132, item 04-190. I shoot off both wood & concrete benches, so on wood the points go down, and the front rest will not move. On the concrete tops the super feet go under the points, and with their neoprene bases, they also do not move. The best of both worlds.

 

[twotwentyswift]

The superfeet are ordered and on their way. Thanks for the help all.

 

[DaveWhite]

I like to use a piece of carpet under my benchrest. The points have something to tie into and the rubber backing on the carpet keeps it from sliding on the concrete.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

Just a little tip about securing your rest to the table top. If you go to a range that is not set up like your home range (say the targets are down the side instead of head on), you can not move your rest to shoot to the side. You would have to move your whole table.

I use the superfeet on my rest. I'm very happy with them.