Front rest for hunting rifle

[BluegrassDan]

What is a good brand/model of front shooting rest for a standard hunting rifle? Something adjustable. I've looked at the Caldwell Rock, but I wonder if there is something else that you guys use.

Also, any suggestions on the rear rest/bag?

Up until now I've used various sandbags for the front and rear, and I'm getting disenchanted with the inconsistency shot after shot.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Bulls Bag

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[adelbridge]

I have caldwell bipod that attaches to my front swivel stud but the problem with those is that you get limited elevation and you pretty much have to shoot them prone. Shooting a rifle from a deer blind is too complicated with a bipod mounted. I also have a Primo's Trigger stick that I can use to shoot standing or sitting and they also work great in a tree stand. You end up having to carry an extra piece of equipment but it will pay for itself if you hunt allot. The monopod is not that great and I would suggest bi or tri pod. Bog Pod brand is same concept.

 

[FiveInADime]

What is a good brand/model of front shooting rest for a standard hunting rifle? Something adjustable. I've looked at the Caldwell Rock, but I wonder if there is something else that you guys use.

Also, any suggestions on the rear rest/bag?

Up until now I've used various sandbags for the front and rear, and I'm getting disenchanted with the inconsistency shot after shot.

I am going to assume from context that you are not talking about a rest to use WHILE you are hunting, instead, a rest to use at the range for a hunting rifle. Am I correct? There are many options available, but if you are looking for something more stable than sand bags or bench bags you need to get a full rifle rest like a Lead Sled. A front rest with a rear bag is great for maintaining a consistent rest and elevation, but the recoil still takes you off target with anything but .223 and lower. I get my best results from a front rest and a leather rear bag but I still have to reset each time for the shot.

 

[Picher]

You might look at this: http://www.outdoorgearbarn.com/p-36...gclid=CJqWqJSblbMCFYuZ4AodTHAAuw#.UIWLt1GLN3V

I've never seen one like this, but it seems like a lot of rest for the money. I have a couple Hoppe's rests that are getting very expensive and they're not that great. Generally, the heavier it is and wider the stance, the better the rest. My best rest is a Hart with a windage top, but they are probably over $250 with fixed top and bag.

 

[Speedgoat]

I have got a harris bipod, like others have said the standard (About 10"?) Like mine is basically limited to prone. It works Awesome for those 'over the hood' of the pickup shots in addition to prone.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

http://www.bullsbag.com/


There is nothing better...period...not even the Lead Sled.

I have the 10" Field model...filled with Tidy Cat, it only weighs 16 lbs. and can be carried without a hand truck...fill it with sand, its a good bit heavier.

 

[bpl]

In the past I used various sandbags. I now use the Caldwell and like it better. You can buy front rest bags of different sizes which accomodate different rifle forearm widths for better stability.

 

[.22-5-40]

Hello, BluegrassDan. I use a heavy cast-iron Hart front rest with windage adj. top. Check out www.sinclairintl.com They have just about everything in front rests, and rear bags you could imagine.

 

[Big_E]

I have a Lead-Sled solo that works well. I do like using multiple sandbags sometimes.

If you are talking about field use, then shooting sticks are great. I had a chance to use some awhile back and whenever I go hunting again I'm going to get some. I have a Harris 6-9 bipod, but it is really no good unless you are shooting from a bench. I think its the 9-13 one that is good for prone shooting.

 

[BluegrassDan]

Thanks for the replies so far. This is simply for the bench and testing handloads; not for in the field.

 

[tuj]

I have the Caldwell 'The Rock' BR1000. Its a solid rest, very heavy, but the rest is a little on the high side, necessitating a higher rear bag or shims for the rear bag.



I now use a Sinclair Competition rest, which is an excellent design and very adjustable, with super-smooth and precise controls.



I've also gotten good results using a bipod on my Savage, but a rest will usually out-perform.

 

[Sav .250]

I`ve used a small sand bag filled with rice...un-cooked for years.

 

[FiveInADime]

Thanks for the replies so far. This is simply for the bench and testing handloads; not for in the field.

If you have a Big 5 store near you, they were selling a servicable front rest for very cheap. Looked to me to be just as good as the cheaper Caldwell rests but looked like it came with a lame front bag. I want to say they were clearing them out recently for $25. I noticed they were selling another front rest that was made of square tubing and not cast iron that looked as if it may have been replacing better one.

 

[Savage99]

I was using one of those fancy benchrest style front rest where the leather pad is attached to a flat metal plate.

I was shooting a custom .375 H&H with a stock made by a favorite old smith.

The rifle jumped off of the rest and the forend hit the sharp metal edge of the front plate and made a deep dent in that walnut.

That was the end of ever using that type rest again. I now use a soft front rest and cover it with a soft towel.

Current front rest.

Old rest.