What Are My Choices in Co-Axial Rests?

[Phil3]

After recognizing that top accuracy and convenience of light portable equipment (i.e., bipod) are at odds with another for mere mortals like me, I have decided to look into a mechanical front rest (accuracy over convenience). I prefer the co-axials, but all that I see are very expensive. SEB is a year out from what I hear and costly, Farley is pricey, and even buying a top to add to a base is hardly a modest cost. Caldwells Fire Control is often slammed for poor quality, but it is just $220. I don't compete, I shoot ARs and a factory gun, with the most accurate rifle to be a 6mmBR custom, all at paper targets at 100 yards, 200 rarely. An $800 rest seems like overkill. Maybe a cheaper non-coaxial is all I need, but how do you go about adjusting point of aim? Windage and elevation screws each time?

I want to "drive" the rifle, and aim it, hang onto it. I shot a 65 lb. unlimited bench gun at 1000 yards in a BenchRest competition and it was not my cup of tea. No shot feedback until after the competition, I did not care for the free recoil style, and never really got to aim the rifle during the event, only waiting for winds to mimic the winds we tested in earlier. Nor did I have to concern myself with the 103 degree mirage since the gun was sighted in and unmoved since the morning shots with no mirage. Reading winds is very hard, but overall, not the kind of shooting I want to do.

So, if a non-coaxial fits my needs, Hart and Sinclair look good. But at a loss with coaxials.

Phil

 

[expiper]

any good front rest will do if you learn to squeeze the rear bag,,,Roger

PS,,,I use a Farley and love it!!! my hands are too feeble to do much knob twiddilin and bag squeezin with any speed or reliability......I realize that you are wanting to shoot an AR and are wanting to use equipment that is desighned by and used by "B"enchrest shooters in organized NBRSA--IBS world class matches,,,(lots of first acomplished F-class shooters/competitors use this equipment also!!!,,,you are asking a question sorta like if NASCAR uses a particular engine/transmission/carburator,,,will it work on my jeep??!!

 

[jelrod1]

I went through the same thing recently. I may end up with a co-axial at some point but have settled on a Sinclair F class bipod for now. I had been using a non adjustable bipod and a rear squeeze bag and still like that method. For load developement the adjustable Sinclair is great though and I can use a Protektor rear rabbit ear bag to really hold the back stable.

 

[jonbearman]

Trust me you can live without a coaxial.I have a hart rest with a sinclair top(windage adjustable) and it works just fine. The caldwell will be your biggest waste of money you ever spent.My cheapo partner bought one and it has turned out to be the biggest piece of garbage out there. You can buy a hart for under 300.00 new if you look at some of harts vendors.

 

[ridgeway]

The Sinclair Competition is very hard to beat for the money. Add a bag and you will be set out of the box. I've had a few coaxials and they are not for everyone and the shooting you plan on doing, I doubt you will like a coaxial.

I did have a Caldwell firecontrol coaxial when it first came out. Quality wise, it was cheap, but not bad for plinking and hunting guns. I tore mine all apart, deburred and greased the internals to make it smoother. I still see guys using them with modified tops to accommodate 3" bags and shoot well with them.

Not my cup of tea though. I've been using the Sinclair Comp since it came out and never looked back...its good.

 

[Phil3]

I have a Protecktor rabbit ear rear bag filled with Sinclair heavy sand. I had hoped for a very stable rest that I could squeeze for aiming. But, the thing is just too dense and hard to move it much, even though I did not fill it all the way. Do I need a different sand, remove some, or...? If I need to remove sand, should it come from the ears or the base?

The Sinclair Competition is 30+ lbs.! So much for ANY ease of carrying. That will require a cart or dolly along with all the other gear. It is a very nice unit though. Since I am still looking for work, I am not yet ready to fork out $600, even if it is on sale.

Sinclair announced a new Varmint rest, but it is not on their website. See this. http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2013/04/new-sinclair-heavy-varmint-rest-also-competition-rest-on-sale/

I am sure it would be less than the competition model, and may work well.

Phil

 

[Phil3]

I've had a few coaxials and they are not for everyone and the shooting you plan on doing, I doubt you will like a coaxial.

Can you elaborate on that? - Phil

 

[riverwolf1]

Phil,
while I shoot with the Farley and certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money if I were you, I would consider looking on the Grizzly Industrial websit. This company has picked up the old Bald Eagle line of rests and done some very nice up grades, and they offer the old Slingshot Aluminumn Rest for $350.00. I think you will find that the way they have arranged the windage movement to your liking and the rest only weighs 12 lbs! That way your not buying a bottom of the line fire control rest nor a 850.00 coaxial rest. I also think if you ever wanted to sell it later on you would probably retain a good percentage of its value. Shiraz Bilolia has really expanded their line of shooting equipment in the last few years and supports the shooting sports. It will probably also be in stock so you won't have to wait for months on end, give them a look and see what you think.
Part #BE1005

 

[brxbrad]

Caldwell Rock BR.......
A friend of mine used one of these prior to getting his NEO. I shot off of it, liked it, then bought one for around $150.00.
Well priced, easy to adust and solid. It comes with two front bags.
The only improvement I would make to it is the BR Bag. Upgrade to an Edgewood if you have that type of stock.
They also make non-slip feet for it.
Total for rest, Feet, and Bag......about 200.00

Rest Description: (from BigSupply)
The Rock BR has the following features: 15 fi lb product weight dispersed along 15" cast-iron footprint Fine elevation adjustments are possible through our ball bearing rotational system Windage-adjustable cradle allows shooters to make smooth and precise corrections with fingertips Cradle features a sturdy bag tensioning system for improved forend support and increased stability for refined accuracy Rest comes with both 3-lobe bag for flat forends and Medium Varmint Front Bag for sporter style forends Accepts any of the Caldwell Deluxe Front Rest Bags

http://www.bigsupplyshop.com/Caldwell-Rock-BR-Comp-Front-Shooting-Rest-440907_p_7777.html

http://edgebag.com/images/frontbags-hires.jpg

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/primary/484/484883.jpg

Check it out.......

 

[jelrod1]

I use one of these for a squeeze bag when using a Harris or similar type bipod up front.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/289666/midwayusa-tactical-rear-shooting-rest-bag-nylon-olive-drab-large-cylinder

I only use the protektor rabbit ear bag when using the Sinclair F class bipod. I put the rear in its place and adjust elevation with the knob on the bipod. It weighs 2lbs I think.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/shooting-rests-bipods/shooting-rests-bipods/bipods/monopods/bipods-adapters/sinclair-3rd-generation-f-class-bipod-prod44699.aspx

May not be what you're after but I will throw it out again. It's a light and adjustable alternative that I'm liking so far. One of the ranges I frequent has angled benches that are a challenge.

 

[ShootDots]

Phil, if you are NOT going to shoot prone (as in F-Open) you are better off WITHOUT a coaxial rest. Coaxials shine in F-Open, however, for shooting off a bench they are not as steady / stable as say The Sinclair Competition Shooting Rest. It is about as good as it gets for the money...

 

[ridgeway]

I've had a few coaxials and they are not for everyone and the shooting you plan on doing, I doubt you will like a coaxial.

Can you elaborate on that? - Phil

If you know anyone that has a coaxial, ask to try it and see if you like it.

I just could never get a good feel for one. I was constantly making large adjustments after returning the rifle back to battery. Maybe my tension was never adjusted right, but could never shoot well off one. With the sinclair comp, I can shoot very fast, return to battery and shoot again occasionally making a quick mi-nute adjustment.

I'd suggest giving Sinclair a call to check availability and price. They might have them available, but not listed on their website. Maybe ask to talk to a technician.

As for the Sinclair Varmint rest...it looks very well built and should suit you fine. The base looks to be cast, so it will be fairly heavy...i'd say atleast 20 pounds.

 

[Phil3]

Phil,
while I shoot with the Farley and certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money if I were you, I would consider looking on the Grizzly Industrial websit. This company has picked up the old Bald Eagle line of rests and done some very nice up grades, and they offer the old Slingshot Aluminumn Rest for $350.00. I think you will find that the way they have arranged the windage movement to your liking and the rest only weighs 12 lbs! That way your not buying a bottom of the line fire control rest nor a 850.00 coaxial rest. I also think if you ever wanted to sell it later on you would probably retain a good percentage of its value. Shiraz Bilolia has really expanded their line of shooting equipment in the last few years and supports the shooting sports. It will probably also be in stock so you won't have to wait for months on end, give them a look and see what you think.
Part #BE1005

Wow, there really IS some pretty cool stuff there. The Bald Eagle rests are there, as are some others. Thanks so much for this tip. - Phil

 

[Phil3]

I did give Sinclair a call on the new Heavy Varmint Rest, as shown here.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2013/04/new-sinclair-heavy-varmint-rest-also-competition-rest-on-sale/

They said it is not in the computer, but is on the back of their latest catalog. I looked at my Summer 2013 catalog, and lo and behold, it is there. It is an evolution of their Generation II rest (discontinued) and Competition rest. It comes in eight different variations with or without Sinclair windage top. I don't know what top the $380 price corresponds to.

Phil

 

[stubbicatt]

Wow. Bald Eagle for me! That really looks like a quality setup. I think I'll get the bags and all that too when the time comes. Too bad with F class feet and all it comes to a skosh over $600.

Oh well, it will last my lifetime and probably that of my children.

 

[bdale]

I don't understand the comment about coaxial not good for benchrest most the shooters shooting at our club use them including Rodney Wagner shot a 0.349 @ 600 yards World Record ?????

 

[riverwolf1]

I think that the person that made the comment your referring too has very little experience with the bench rest community! Farley's & Zeb' s are two of the best and most stable rests being utilized by some of the best shooters inthe world! I'd like to see him tell several of the world Br team that their rests are not very stable! Like Mike Radigan, Tony Boyer, yup I would like to hear that conversation!

 

[markr]

For shooting group I actually prefer a good windage top to a co-axial. Score shooting is another matter completely, this is where the co-axial really shines.

 

[wwbrown]

I just purchased a Jak rest, you can find them advertised in the paid advertisers section of the ads, and am happy with it. I was going to buy a SEB but have been on the waiting list since April 2012 so when I heard some good reviews of the Jak. The Jak is very smooth and the cost is $650 without a front bag, $50 more with the bag.

 

[snakepit]

Trust me you can live without a coaxial.I have a hart rest with a sinclair top(windage adjustable) and it works just fine. The caldwell will be your biggest waste of money you ever spent.My cheapo partner bought one and it has turned out to be the biggest piece of garbage out there. You can buy a hart for under 300.00 new if you look at some of harts vendors.

Over a year ago Accurate Shooter did a article on a competitor who had just won a 600 yd major competition and he was using a Caldwell Fire Control. He mentioned that he was a low budget shooter and that this rest worked good for him and the results proved it.