Rifle Rests

[Don C.]

As a newbie I'm thinking of buying/making some sort of rifle rest to help in zeroing in my guns.
I did a site search but came up empty. As I value your advice can you offer your opinions on bags versus mechanical rests? I saw a product called the "Bull's Bag" which looked interesting but will it work on a NPSS gas ram? Right now I'm using a freezer bag filled with lead shot to support my front hand but I'm wobbling quite a bit trying to sight in my rifle.
Thanks guys!   

[ezman604]

Don, I've been tossing around the idea for some time now of getting a rest similar to this. http://sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=691318
What is holding me up is the amount of actual use I would get from it versus the cost and the storage. I would use a rest when I first zero a scope. That SHOULD amount to 3-4 shots tops. Then, I would move the rest and freehand or bench rest. For that, I use a folded towel just to prop my forearm or elbow on. In most cases, I wouldn't think you will not be shooting off of a rest. If hunting or target shooting at least. So, it really depends on how much use you would really get out of one. A shooting stick might be a more usable item. I'm thinking about one of those instead. Just food for thought. 
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[Jay]

Don,if you have access to more(5 or 6) of those shot bag's they make great shooting rest's, I fill them with saw dust(rice,cat litter what ever you have) an sew them shut. I do have an use about any type of rest you have asked about, I guess the only factor would be what do you want to spend?

[Don C.]

Thanks guys!
When I think about it I'd probably only use it for sighting in and then go back to my shot bag to rest my forehand. I'm mostly into target shooting now with the occasional squirrel to eliminate. I want to become accomplished at freehand shooting in the future so like you say it won't get much use.

[howie1a]

I bought a dog bone shaped terry cloth covered sponge used for washing your car a couple of years ago from wal mart for about 1 buck it works fine , just put it under your hand to pad your hand from whatever your shooting from . Howie1a

[RedFeather]

Softer the better.  Most springers will not respond well to a hard or stiff rest.  I've neen considering those squishy, rayon covered pillows that were so popular with kids not so long ago.  Saw that Bed, Bath and Beyond has them in stock for $10 and in a small size, too.  I think they are stuffed with very fine styrofoam pellets but they almost feel like gel.  

[Jay]

Two very good idea's there!!! Just what I needed more rest's LOL!?!

[pgsmith]

Ezman, that looks like an awesome rest, now I want one.