Suggestions for a bench rest?

[stalwart]

There is a bewildering array of rests out there, and I need to get something decent... yesterday.

This will be for AG/rimfire only, and I'd like to keep it under $100, unless there is a clear winner near enough to that price point.

What do you guys use, and what is your opinion of it?

[Rico14]

Do you want one for home, for taking to the field? One that can be used for both? I use this one in the field, but it will definitely work at home. Easy to set up, take down, has a carry strap. Lots of adjustments and very stable

http://www.inventorycheap.com/caldwell-488-000-deadshot-fieldpod.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&utm_content=pla

[stalwart]

It will be for home only.

I can mount it to the bench, if that will help.

I'm just getting into precision target shooting, and don't want to do this twice. I don't know enough yet, but this is the kind of rig that seems to have all I need, and no frills. Please correct me if I'm wrong!



That's a nice setup you have.

[Rico14]

That will definitely work, but if you want that type of rest, look around. There are lots of them that don't have to be mounted to your bench. In the end, it's what works for you. Good luck in your search

[stalwart]

Thanks, Rico. If I had to move it around, or set up a stand... yours looks perfect.

As soon as I'm sure I'm not overlooking a needed feature, I'll shop the heck out of the contenders. There are a lot of choices, in every style.

Is there anything I should be looking for, that the example rig doesn't have? Some strap, some clamp, and some look like robots...lol. I'm only guessing I won't need all that for (nearly) recoiless guns.

[Qwikrnu]

You could always build your own, like this...........

[stalwart]

That's gorgeous, but I'm pretty sure my mill won't take stuff that big...lol.

[Rico14]

Some of the rests have straps to hold your gun down, but if you're only shooting rimfire and AG's, you shouldn't have to use the strap. Almost all of the rests have all the adjustments you need, vertical and horizontal. Some are easier to adjust than others.

[stalwart]

That's one thing I like about the example... the elevator wheel is huge.

You know... shopping is a lot more fun with some expert back up. Thanks.

[Rico14]

It definitely looks nice and solid. I see the shipping weight is 20#. Once you set it down, I don't think it's going to be moving around much. Have fun shopping.

[stalwart]

The link you gave me has it at a great price, but it's out of stock. Everywhere I see it, or clones, at a better price is also out of them. They're selling.

I find the shipping weight a bit comforting. Pics can only show so much.

I'm going for it. I sure appreciate your time, Rico.

[farrlarr]

For rimfire and AG, just buy the MTM CaseGard Rifle Rest and let it go at that.  It will provide a solid front rest, and can be used for handguns as well.  You don't need to spend more than $40-$50 to get a good functional rest.

[stalwart]

True.

I looked over a lot of front rests and rear bags, and figured the real advantage to them is portability. The costs are somewhat better, but I'm budgeted for more. I'm at a point where I can have a stationary set up close by, so there is nothing to be gained by being able to break it down.

I'm also rather deeply into a pistol project that I'd like to bench, too. As the example is framed in box tube, and I'm equipped to work it (and stocked up), I can make mods and fixtures for this design.

My shooting table is in planning, and I can put metal pockets in the surface that would allow the feet adjustments to be locked and left alone. It would always index.

It's on it's way. 

[Rico14]

Show us some pics when you get everything set up

[glassman98]

Eric, I made mine out of a old scissor jack I had. Works great. That is the shooting bench I also made with spotting scope. Easy to make. Hope this helped.  Craig

[stalwart]

Eric, I made mine out of a old scissor jack I had. Works great. That is the shooting bench I also made with spotting scope. Easy to make. Hope this helped.  Craig

That is a great idea! The gun would have to be pretty heavy (tons) to make that wobble. I'm constantly amazed at the ingenuity of folks here.

How far are you shooting?

Show us some pics when you get everything set up

Bet on it. Thanks for checking my homework.

 

[Kailua]

Not sure if you had mentioned what type of AG you are shooting.  Some spring airguns do not shoot well with some gun rests or bi pods.  For a spring airgun you may need a good bag to use the artillery hold.  JMO

[mtsheron70]

Here is the one I bought but was able to get it for $99 delivered last year.  You may be able to find it cheaper than at this link.  Great portable bench and swivels as well!

http://www.basspro.com/Big-Game-Treestands-Swivel-Action-Shooting-Bench/product/101778/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=101778

[uncle paulie]

JMO, but unless you are just trying to see if your firearm has absolute repeatability for accuracy, locking your gun in a vise doesn't do anything for developing shooting skills. You may as well lock it in and move the target around until you hit the POA, the result will be the same. Additionally, as has been said, most springers will not do well unless they are allowed to move around a bit to allow the harmonics of the barrel to do their thing, which will tend to tighten your groups. That is why the artillery hold is so effective. Your skill level will begin to be refined at the same time as you learn the best techniques for breathing, cheek weld, and trigger pull. PCP's and PB's can be locked down with little adverse affect; but again, is that really shooting?

pv

[donw]

dang...some really good rests and great ideas.

the advice about springers and solid rests/bi-pods is great, too, IMO...PCP's work great off of almost any rest.