What rest and rear bag?

terrys · Post by **terrys** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 1:13 pm

I'm interested in starting to do some benchrest work and while I don't expect I'm ever going to get super serious about it, I'd like to get a good rest setup to help me as much as possible.

I'm after advice on what I should get. I'd like to shoot rimfire and some .243.

thanks

terry

Rinso · Post by **Rinso** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:18 pm

I know where you can get a good rest at a very good price but frieght may be an issue depending on where you are

chappo555 · Post by **chappo555** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:32 pm

Rinso wrote:I know where you can get a good rest at a very good price but frieght may be an issue depending on where you are

C'mon Rinso, spill the beans. What u got for sale?

Ackley Improved · Post by **Ackley Improved** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:42 pm

Standard or coaxial rest you after?

I have just bought a Farley II, and initial report, I like it a lot! just got to get the new tension screws for it, good to go!

Cheapest coaxial is the firecontrol. I have a friend who has just ordered a SEB, and he will be selling his firecontrol once it arrives.

Cheers

native hunter · Post by **native hunter** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 5:55 pm

G"day Mate
My advice on the coaxial would be if you cannot afford a good quality coax,dont buy a budget one.!!
Look for a windage top rest or go with a Caldwell rock, replace the front bag with a quality leather bag and obtain a good quality leather rear bag,coupled all in a good convenient nest makes life easy.
Native

Wookie · Post by **Wookie** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:32 pm

I'd like to get a Farley too.

jimbo · Post by **jimbo** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:01 pm

If I may be permitted to add something here.......

Going by the rifles that you nominated, I will assume that they will have rounded forends, rather than the flat benchrest style.
If this is correct then DO NOT shoot them off a front rest that has a dead flat bag. That does not provide a stable surface, and you run the risk of dragging your front sling swivel screw back across the bag and eventually damaging it. Get a front bag that is relatively soft and has a rounded area for the stock to rest in.

Also, if you do go for the co-axial (or gearshift) front rest, you need to have the back bag fairly firm. For a normal front rest, where you squeeze the back bag, you can fill it with beach sand of the like and it will be more malleable.

I suggest you attend a range where there are a variety of rests and bags being used and ask the owners what make they are, etc.

You might want to consider a Caldwell BR type rest (budget end of the market), but they do quite a good job for what they are. If you become really serious then consider the Bald Eagle, the Seb and the Farley. The last three are getting the top end of the market and are priced accordingly.

Cheers

Brendan Atkinson

Rinso · Post by **Rinso** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 9:44 pm

chappo555 wrote:
Rinso wrote:I know where you can get a good rest at a very good price but frieght may be an issue depending on where you are
C'mon Rinso, spill the beans. What u got for sale?

I have nothing for sale mate ... well actually I do have an old Simplex rest that I havent used in 20 years but that was not what I was refferring too.
I know a bloke with a very nice (and I mean very nice) little windage adjustable rest that he does not need .. been used maybe 5 times virtually brand new, is good enough for comp use.
Far better than a Caldwell quality wise but similar price.
I have not heard anything from the OP so I assume 'not interested' but its there regardless.

terrys · Post by **terrys** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:53 pm

Rinso wrote:
chappo555 wrote:
Rinso wrote:I know where you can get a good rest at a very good price but frieght may be an issue depending on where you are
C'mon Rinso, spill the beans. What u got for sale?
I have nothing for sale mate ... well actually I do have an old Simplex rest that I havent used in 20 years but that was not what I was refferring too.
I know a bloke with a very nice (and I mean very nice) little windage adjustable rest that he does not need .. been used maybe 5 times virtually brand new, is good enough for comp use.
Far better than a Caldwell quality wise but similar price.
I have not heard anything from the OP so I assume 'not interested' but its there regardless.

No, Not "not interested", Rinso. Just travelling for work so access to the computer is sparodic.

I'm in the Southern Highlands, near Bowral.

terrys · Post by **terrys** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:58 pm

Thanks for all the responses. Certainly gives me some ideas to consider and research further.

cheers

jimbo · Post by **jimbo** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:08 am

terrys wrote:Thanks for all the responses. Certainly gives me some ideas to consider and research further.

cheers

Since you are in the Southern Highlands, you could also check out the RTM front rest made by Robert Tobler at Tobler Barrels in Robertson.
His phone number is 0248851881

I still use one of these for hunting rifles and reviews.

stinkitup · Post by **stinkitup** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 8:00 am

I have a sinclair international lightweight bench rest, easier to carry around and have found it very stable, made a huge difference when at the bench or prone. I have both an all purpose rest and and bench rest style windage top. IF you aren't going to shoot rifles with flat for ends but just sporters get the all purpose style, windage isn't necessary but I must say its very handy to just dial in the windage once all setup.

Ryan

terrys · Post by **terrys** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 9:25 pm

Thanks again, Brendan, and thanks Ryan.

I will be using my hunting rifles to begin with, and if I show any skill at it I'l consider getting a rifle specifically for bench. I think I go ok when I go to the range, but know I need some work on my technique.

AusVarmint