Rifle rest recommendations

[Dave in WI]

Looking for recommendations for a rifle shooting rest. Not a front rest and bag at rear. Something like the Lead Sled style. I am a horrible shot and looking to take myself out of the picture as much as I can.
Thanks in advance

 

[ZenArchery]

I see bench shooters use caldwell sleds but my questions i why would you take yourself out of the shooting process?

 

[Dave in WI]

I see bench shooters use caldwell sleds but my questions i why would you take yourself out of the shooting process?

Looking more at potential of rifle. I know I need to practice to become good, but for testing, etc.

 

[waldo1979]

The Caldwell Rock BR rest is a good option. It runs ~ $150 but you'll also need a rear bag. A protektor #13a is a good place to start.

The lead sled is ok, but i find a BR style rest to be more stable.

Another option is the bald eagle rest from bullets.com. The non-windage steel models are the ones to look at. You'll also need a front bag (fill with play sand not heavy sand). I find the windage version to be a bit shakey.

A foreend adapter will also help stabilize the rifle. This way you can use a standard 3" front bag.
http://www.sinclairintl.com/shootin...pters/forend-benchrest-adaptor-prod35661.aspx

An inflatable shooting bag is another good alternative.

 

[Joe Salt]

Dave if its recoil that bothers you, do what I do, when I sight in my 12 ga. Ithaca deer Slayer. Put a 25# bag of shot over your shoulder, you will be amazed how little it kicks.

Joe Salt

 

[Dave in WI]

I already have this front rest. I just can't seem to get the forearm to settle snug on the rest. I like that forearm adapter.

 

[LHSmith]

I already have this front rest. I just can't seem to get the forearm to settle snug on the rest. I like that forearm adapter.
View attachment 980025

Yeah, I can see why. that front bag is poor, really poor. Call Protektor Model co. , tell them what rest and fore-end stye you have. When you get it adjust the side tension screws to get rid of the side play.

 

[SS427]

Years ago I bought a Benchmaster rifle rest. They still make them, but I looked and the model they offer now is pretty cheesy. The one I have is much better in the front design and I'm sure with some work you could really improve the current model.

I made some changes to mine even as it is. I scabbed on a Protector front bag using zip ties, and took off the leather strap on the back so a rifle can recoil normally. Holds the rifle really steady and I let friends use it while rodent hunting and they really like it. It doubles as a cradle to hold your rifle when cleaning which is what I mostly use it for.

 

[nmkid]

I already have this front rest. I just can't seem to get the forearm to settle snug on the rest. I like that forearm adapter.
View attachment 980025

Just wondering...Maybe take out some of the filler. I have the Bald Eagle Slingshot rest and I had to play with the amount of sand in the front bag to get the rifle to settle in nicely. But, I'll probably buy a better bag in the future.

 

[waldo1979]

Yeah, I can see why. that front bag is poor, really poor. Call Protektor Model co. , tell them what rest and fore-end stye you have. When you get it adjust the side tension screws to get rid of the side play.

+1 While the quality of that bag isn't necessarily poor quality (I heard a rumor that bald eagle bags are closely related to seb) but its shape is just not conducive to bench shooting (keep it though because it has its uses). You want a 3" wide front bag and LHSSmith is right, the path of least resistance is for you to get one pre-filled from protektor. A #3C should be fine (about $23 before t&s). You can get another bullets.com bald eagle front bag but you will have to fill it yourself which is an art in its own.

You'll still need a foreend adapter to get a stabile rest (as stabile as possible without a f-class or benchrest stock).

 

[waldo1979]

Also, I'm not a fan of the windage adjustment on the bald eagle rest. The cable tends to flop around and the windage adjustment is loaded with springs. Before selling mine, a friend milled me a threaded knob out of aluminum and flipped the assembly around. In the end I just locked the whole windage adjustment down and made adjustments with the rest bag (I don't trust the windage springs).

 

[waldo1979]

Also you'll want some "super feet" if you're going to be shooting off a hard bench. Sinclair and others make some wide rubber backed ones that work well.

 

[Shynloco]

Yeah, I can see why. that front bag is poor, really poor. Call Protektor Model co. , tell them what rest and fore-end stye you have. When you get it adjust the side tension screws to get rid of the side play.

Dave,
Do like LH recommends. And when you call Protektor, consider having them sewing in the "Super Slick" material into the front bag where the stock of your rifle will ride. If not that material and you opt for the leather overall, put baby powder in the valley of the bag so the rifle will slide easier and more naturally on recoil. Your only other option is a 1 piece rest (or a new custom rest) and those can be expensive unless you are considering competing. And then get your bank account ready for a ride and draining.

Alex