rear bag height for f-class: is there a standard?

[hkfan45]

Hi,

I am new to f-class and would like to use my Edgewood rear bag for my tube gun. I tried using it recently, and I feel it is too low, however I am not sure if my position is causing me to feel the bag is too low. What is the optimal height for a rear bag so that I do not feel like my neck is scrunched down to rest on the cheekrest? I have adjusted my cheekrest, but if I move it up enough to feel comfortable, I can no longer look through the scope.

 

[Quinc]

That would depend on how tall your front rest or bi-pod is. Also are you shooting up hill?

 

[Nodak7mm]

Berms play a factor, front rests have different heights, they are all different. I have tall bag edgewood and generally run into needing more rear bag height and I carry two rear bag spacers to work with. Could be my prone style too. I see some guys so low their chins are dang near on the ground. Got to find what works for you and what is comfortable and then bring extra spacers.


Rod

 

[hkfan45]

I'm using a seb neo rest. Any recommendations for spacers for my rear bag? Anything homemade that works well?

 

[Nodak7mm]

I like using the recycled rubber paving/patio stones from the big box home improvement stores. Their appx 1.25" thick and easy to cut to match rear bag footprint with table saw or jigsaw. The recycled rubber surface is grippy and wont rot. And they are cheap, like $5 for an 18"x18". Cheap easy and functional..

Rod

 

[Lbart]

Hkfan45,
I think you are approaching this from the wrong direction. The rifle/scope must fit you before you attempt to adjust the rests to point towards the target.

#1 You must able to see a clear view through your scope without even looking at a target. If you cannot adjust your cheek rest and butt plate to where it is comfortable then you need to find the correct height of scope rings so you can adjust your cheek rest and butt plate to where it is comfortable and you are able to see a clear view through your scope. Your head needs to be comfortable and not "scrunched". Work on the rifle fit first

#2 Once you accomplish this, set your rifle on your rests and point towards the target.

#3 Since you have over 5" of vertical adjustment in your SEB Neo you should then be able to find the correct rest height for your target.

#4 If not use spacers to adjust the rear bag upward or change rear bags. I use a SEB Bigfoot bag and at most one small spacer.
Welcome to FC.

 

[Bill S]

I'm fairly new to F-T/R. I will throw in my 2 cents and welcome comments from those with more experience. I definitely understand all mentioned above. But what about angle of the rifle and recoil management. If the rear bag is too low wouldn't it promote a slight jump during recoil? My thought is setup should also include verifying the overall angle of the rifle and looking for a flat or slightly lower angle at the front of the rifle. Any thoughts?

 

[KT]

Here is my opinion on the matter. I think that you have to find a rest/bipod height that allows you to be comfortable on the gun. Same goes for the rear bag. I think the height is irrelevant. The reason I say this is that you will see people shoot at all different heights. IE

I hope Jim and Danny do take offense to me using them as examples:

Jim Crofts: shoots FTR and his set up is as low to the ground as I have ever seen anyone shoot. His rear bag is very short and his front bipod isn't raised very high.

Danny Biggs: His F-open setup is about the highest I have ever seen anyone shoot. He has his Seb Rest set very high and has several spacers under his rear bag.

My open set up is in between Jim and Danny. I use a standard height bag with a dead bag underneath.

My point being all three of us use different heights on the same firing line (Butner).

Find the height that will allow you to have a good sight picture and allows you to be comfortable on the gun for 20 plus shots. Sorry there is no easy quick answer for you. You will have to go to the range and test with different spacers or even different bags to find what works. It took 4 different rear bags before I finally got a set up that I like.

Like someone else said, Your height can then change if you go to a new range that has a higher or lower berm relevant to the target from your home range.

Hope that helps.

KT