Rifle Rests, bags, ect

[engnerdan]

I am just starting to get into rifle shooting. I am looking for some recommendations on what I should have to shoot off of, rest, bags, ect. I am not looking to start shooting F class at a bazillion yards or anything, but a couple hundred yards is desirable.

Thanks,
Dan

[rugersol]

When I first started shooting rifles at the range, I'd build sand castles with the sandbags ... that works well 'nuff ... but they shift at every shot ... so it's kind of a pain if yer gonna make an afternoon of it!

I ain't ever bought one of them "sleds" ... I'm sure they're nice ... but ... 1. I almost never see anyone else with 'em at the range ... 2. with all I already got, I can't see luggin' that much more ... even from the truck to the bench!

I bought one of these more than a few years ago ... http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/24652/catid/27/Protector_Model_Rifle_Rest ...



I've got no complaints!

It fits in a smaller bag ... it ain't light ... but it is, compared to luggin' my pistol range-bag!

Somethin' like this is purdy nice, too ... when the range is busy, and there's almost no (decent) sandbags left!

I'll usually either shoot off this alone, 'er lay a bag 'er two under the grip, as well! Ya could get somethin' to bring along, to put under the grip ... but I either use an available sandbag, 'er go without!

[yuppiejr]

I've been using a loop sling exclusively since I learned how to use it at an Appleseed shoot and it's pretty amazing how steady you can get with the proper position, some practice and a $15 surplus M1/M14 sling. I figure I won't be lugging bags/rests or shooting off of a bench out in the field so why get used to them unless I'm just sighting in or testing the mechanical capabilities of a firearm? Shooting mat is optional (a cheap roll-up GI sleep mat or carpet scrap works just as well) but is a nice buffer from those concrete or gravel pads at some ranges.

[engnerdan]

Yeah about that. right now I am more of a creature comforts kind of guy when it comes to shooting rifles. So sitting at a cush bench and relaxing. But eventually I would like to learn to use a sling and to shoot without a rest.

[JJ]

I really am a fan of a good rest. The Caldwell "Rock" is a pretty good value for the money. I have the "Rock Jr" and it's really a little more low rent than I prefer, but since it works (kinda), I have not upgraded yet.

Since you have access to a machine shop, consider making your own rest as well. Check out the boards at benchrestcentral, or accurate shootier for ideas. Really comes down to a handwheel and movement transmission thread (acme is common).

Remember if you are going to be shooting an AR, you either need to get a pretty high rest, or use shorter mags with most rests.

[rugersol]

or use shorter mags with most rests.

I've never had a problem with 20's!

[JJ]

or use shorter mags with most rests.

I've never had a problem with 20's!

<---30rd p-mag user

[engnerdan]

Since you have access to a machine shop, consider making your own rest as well. Check out the boards at benchrestcentral, or accurate shootier for ideas. Really comes down to a handwheel and movement transmission thread (acme is common).

Remember if you are going to be shooting an AR, you either need to get a pretty high rest, or use shorter mags with most rests.

Good points, I had not thought about building, but that is most likely what I will do. Then I just need some bags, and some shorter mags (only own 30rd P mags).

[rugersol]

Since you have access to a machine shop, consider making your own rest as well. Check out the boards at benchrestcentral, or accurate shootier for ideas. Really comes down to a handwheel and movement transmission thread (acme is common).

Remember if you are going to be shooting an AR, you either need to get a pretty high rest, or use shorter mags with most rests.

Good points, I had not thought about building, but that is most likely what I will do. Then I just need some bags.

I'd recommend nothing more than what ya need to protect the gun from the rest (frame) ... much more, and ya'll hafta readjust more, between shots! ... some sorta padding, maybe?!

I'd also recommend leather! ... these things tend to get grabbed when you're shootin' a pistol at 50yd+ ... don't take much to end up with the muzzle a bit too close to the rest!

[OldmanFCSA]

Check out Ransom Master Series Rests.

They make most other brands look like junk, Caldwell especially.

[JJ]

Check out Ransom Master Series Rests.

They make most other brands look like junk, Caldwell especially.

At quadruple the price of a Caldwell, I'm sure they do

But most people aren't going to pay $500+ for a rest on the entry level.

Seriously, thats like telling a guy asking about an entry level hunting rifle, they need to go buy a full blown custom.

[jgalt]

Check out Ransom Master Series Rests.

They make most other brands look like junk, Caldwell especially.

At quadruple the price of a Caldwell, I'm sure they do

But most people aren't going to pay $500+ for a rest on the entry level.

Seriously, thats like telling a guy asking about an entry level hunting rifle, they need to go buy a full blown custom.

But, but ...

... that Tikka T3 (in 7mm RemMag, of course) Ransom Master Series rest is least expensive acceptable solution... Everything else is crap!

[JJ]

Check out Ransom Master Series Rests.

They make most other brands look like junk, Caldwell especially.

At quadruple the price of a Caldwell, I'm sure they do

But most people aren't going to pay $500+ for a rest on the entry level.

Seriously, thats like telling a guy asking about an entry level hunting rifle, they need to go buy a full blown custom.

But, but ...

... that Tikka T3 (in 7mm RemMag, of course) Ransom Master Series rest is least expensive acceptable solution... Everything else is crap!

Good point

The other day i went car shopping for a simple commuter car and ended up with one of these

[Erud]

+ 1 for yuppiejr's advice. Learn how to use a sling and you will be a better shooter than 90% of people out there that own rifles. Get out to a Highpower clinic or match and you will quickly find someone to teach you how it works. We'll be shooting 1000 yards with slings and iron sights at the MN Long Range State Championships today and tomorrow in Harris. When used properly, you will give up no accuracy vs. a bipod or rest, and will gain a ton of fundamental shooting skill.

Regards,
Erik

[DonT]

I use a Caldwell Rock BR with a rabbit ear rear bag. Bought it a couple of years ago and have not regretted it for a moment.

DonT