Rear Rest Recommendations

Mad-Dog

Mad-Dog

Regular
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
WAY Out There
Nearly all my precision shooting is done off the bench at 1000 metres. Recently I switched from a front bag to an adjustable elevation front rest. The rear rest is a traditional V-shaped bag, which I have to fiddle with after each shot.

My question concerns the rear rest. What sound alternatives to a V-shaped rear bag would you recommend? I am thinking about using something as simple as a short length of 2X8 spruce lumber, to obtain a flat rear elevation. The goal would be stability on the rear elevation through sighting, firing, and recoil. What about lumber for the rear? Thoughts?
 
Well. If there was a contest searching for the ABSOLUTE WORST SHOOTING REST, I think I have found the winner, In my opinion, it's the Birchwood Casey Alpha shooting rest. It doesn't feel as solid as other rests I have used, not nearly as good as sandbags for actually holding the rifle steady BUT the real problem is the block of rubber that forms the buttstock holder/rest. The rubber is so thick that it adds approx. 2 3/4 inches to the length of the buttstock and this makes it impossible to see through the scope properly or even shoulder the rifle properly. I bought the rest for $183 and drove 40 miles to the shooting range only to be frustrated enough to turn completely from Birchwood Casey. I emailed them explaining my frustrations but they have not gotten back to me. This is enough to make me never buy another Birchwood Casey product
 
I am also researching the rear rest options for my new heavy barrelled 308 BR project. I am not a fan of bipods and definitely don't like the rear bags.
 
Mad-Dog said:
Nearly all my precision shooting is done off the bench at 1000 metres. Recently I switched from a front bag to an adjustable elevation front rest. The rear rest is a traditional V-shaped bag, which I have to fiddle with after each shot.

My question concerns the rear rest. What sound alternatives to a V-shaped rear bag would you recommend? I am thinking about using something as simple as a short length of 2X8 spruce lumber, to obtain a flat rear elevation. The goal would be stability on the rear elevation through sighting, firing, and recoil. What about lumber for the rear? Thoughts?
Click to expand...

You have the best setup and want to substitute in some rube-gold berg contraption because ........... ?

Why are you "fiddling" with the rear bag? I'd suggest that setup and probably technique are the problem, not the equipment. Rear bags work best when sprinkled w talcum powder to let the stock slide smoothly.



bigHUN said:
I am also researching the rear rest options for my new heavy barrelled 308 BR project. I am not a fan of bipods and definitely don't like the rear bags.
Click to expand...

You don't like the best equipment? Well I suppose that's your decision to make ... even if it's the wrong decision. A rear bag w ears is by far the best way to stabilize the stock at the rear.
 
...A rear bag w ears is by far the best way to stabilize the stock at the rear.
Click to expand...

I like to shoot multiple - each rings instead of groups, and a rear bag is gritty for moving around left-right-up-down. If that makes sense to you?
 
bigHUN said:
I like to shoot multiple - each rings instead of groups, and a rear bag is gritty for moving around left-right-up-down. If that makes sense to you?
Click to expand...

Rather than altering the rear bag many shooters will prefer to use a front rest that allows for windage movement. Rear levelling screw adjustment will fine tune for vertical (up or down).
 
Rather than altering the rear bag many shooters will prefer to use a front rest that allows for windage movement. Rear levelling screw adjustment will fine tune for vertical (up or down).
Click to expand...

I have locally (<15 minutes drive) 200-400 M max distances only, practicing groups on these is a waste for 308. For 600 and longer shots I need a half day sitting in a car, and that is another stretch. So I rather use what is available and kind a comfortable with.

I am currently shopping for ideas only, the gun stock is running through some modifications, and I am taking on easy.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2456781-Looking-for-two-piece-rest-ideas
 
Last edited:
I Dont Care About You said:
You have the best setup and want to substitute in some rube-gold berg contraption because ........... ?

Why are you "fiddling" with the rear bag? I'd suggest that setup and probably technique are the problem, not the equipment. Rear bags work best when sprinkled w talcum powder to let the stock slide smoothly...

...Because the rear bag (with ears) has a bottom that is as round as a baby's bottom! It is not stable and significantly changes alignment or jumps around after each shot. I agree that technique is often the failing of precision shooters, and I am no exception. But based on the suggestions so far, I intend to change the stuffing to heavier media that might be more stable.

Any additional suggestions would be appreciated. If changing the rear bag media doesn't work, it sounds like replacing the rear bag might be the next step.
Click to expand...
 
Mad-Dog said:
I Dont Care About You said:
You have the best setup and want to substitute in some rube-gold berg contraption because ........... ?

Why are you "fiddling" with the rear bag? I'd suggest that setup and probably technique are the problem, not the equipment. Rear bags work best when sprinkled w talcum powder to let the stock slide smoothly...

...Because the rear bag (with ears) has a bottom that is as round as a baby's bottom! It is not stable and significantly changes alignment or jumps around after each shot. I agree that technique is often the failing of precision shooters, and I am no exception. But based on the suggestions so far, I intend to change the stuffing to heavier media that might be more stable.

Any additional suggestions would be appreciated. If changing the rear bag media doesn't work, it sounds like replacing the rear bag might be the next step.
Click to expand...

Better fill or better bag. A protector with the solid base , or a edgewood, or Dima, or Seb. All make good bags that if filled right do not move. They also make a donut that can help on uneven ground. I don't like soft rear bags or the old squeeze bags.
Click to expand...
 
Mad-Dog said:
...Because the rear bag (with ears) has a bottom that is as round as a baby's bottom! It is not stable and significantly changes alignment or jumps around after each shot. I agree that technique is often the failing of precision shooters, and I am no exception. But based on the suggestions so far, I intend to change the stuffing to heavier media that might be more stable.

Any additional suggestions would be appreciated. If changing the rear bag media doesn't work, it sounds like replacing the rear bag might be the next step.
Click to expand...

Glue a piece of plywood to the bottom of the bag. Now its got a flat bottom.
 
Mad-Dog said:
I Dont Care About You said:
...Because the rear bag (with ears) has a bottom that is as round as a baby's bottom! It is not stable and significantly changes alignment or jumps around after each shot. I agree that technique is often the failing of precision shooters, and I am no exception. But based on the suggestions so far, I intend to change the stuffing to heavier media that might be more stable.
Click to expand...

No, a good rear bag has a flat bottom... it has separate filling holes for each 'ear' and for the bottom. You can stuff the bottom tight and adjust the ear fill to what you want... You can even add a flat do-nut under the rear that guarantees the bag will not rock on a bench top. I believe my rear bag is out of Florida (Protector or some name like that)
I forget where I got the donut. Probably off Benchrest Central many years ago.

donut.jpg
Click to expand...
 
keegs said:
I’m lost as to why it’s a waste? The hardest target in TR is the 300M icfra. If you can’t shoot clean @ 300, you’re wasting your time at further distances.
Click to expand...
I concour.
In TR we shoot at a 2 Moa bull and 1MOA VBull. But shooting in Fclass that is cut in half to 1 MOA bull and 1/2 MOA Vbull.
That means the bull is right around 3inches and Vbull at 1 1/2 inches for ten and quite often 15 shots .
Easier said than to do!
Cat
 
keegs said:
I’m lost as to why it’s a waste? The hardest target in TR is the 300M icfra. If you can’t shoot clean @ 300, you’re wasting your time at further distances.

Op. Skullboy on here was making a rear bag roll! I would look into it. Maybe he’ll see this and post up a pic. It’s similar to what I use for my fun rigs!
Click to expand...

Love when people say 300 is a waste, ummm shoot smaller targets. But be glad you got the option. Most ranges in NS are 100 yard only, and no crown land plinking option. I have to join a very $$$, travel 2 hours, shoot when I book a month in advance, to do anything with distance.

I sold all my custom target guns, because no distance shooting available.
 
Dmay said:
A proper sand-filled rear bag is going to be your best bet. Think Protector, Edgewood, SEB....
Click to expand...

gerard488 said:
I'm thinking this is the best advice
Click to expand...

I'm using a simple, cheap, cylindrical squeeze bag filled not with sand but with plastic resin pellets, and not over-filled. It allows for very subtle height adjustments by pushing the butt down into it if too low, and squeeze it to subtly lower the muzzle. Use polyethelyene pellets; they don't take on water like nylon does and are a bit lighter. Amazon has a crap-load to chose from, and some even come with pellets.

ht tps://www.amazon.ca/OneTigris-Shooting-Pre-Filled-Outdoor-SandBag/dp/B0957F9J9F/ref=sr_1_33_sspa?crid=1DO3454FKIF85&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KweSmsA0GfWnBA073iphzzKqceVZBOxIRp8_-PjniL1GJeEeP2lf0cdnVbN6MGunRjTUZLh5g4BpH1v0n5uDpDhTZu2p00BeA7LRii8LIcp_UMX0lp6YMxCZTBuqv-juge6lmt3sKiiPmIdJO2ln4zH7wv2Tgppme79QgIpyrsaQEE99kk6vOF0ZwiWT7PysjC7DDx2JJ3coChZcaw0kBV2xQx4o8VV4eN7hLgWDsynw8TYHjA5nzJjHjSKseypW7u4c57rA_MNiFKxuK2t218U_Yl2eYwtYt2ybOocMxPY.Q-u0HheZ6Ciaf9YTuVrt5_qh2cw7kcl7eTvCBe191j8&dib_tag=se&keywords=shooting%2Bbags&qid=1718102468&s=sports&sprefix=shooting%2Bbags%2Csporting%2C791&sr=1-33-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&th=1
 
IMG_1304.jpg

One of my FTR rifles. Rear bag is a protektor DrB with a flat/solid base, low profile rabbit ears with 3M slick material. Filled with sandblasting grit and formed to a solid (yet pliable) rest

The ears support the bottom of the stock and forces the stock to track straight during recoil. The right type of front bipod allows zero hop and consistent tracking. The end result is similar to a front pedestal rest in 'reverse'.

Very little fussing is required between shots... I just slide the rifle forward and it will be very close to the aim point of the previous shot. Fine elevation adjustment is made by sliding the rifle a little forward or back. The bipod is rarely ever touched during the relay once set up

IMG_1052.jpg

BR shooters will have a similar setup with stock fitting front and rear bags. The rifle slides between, is supported and doesn't move around

IMG_3235.jpg

If you are fussing with the rear bag with each shot, you aren't compressing the bag enough to make it 'solid'. Try lowering your front rest and squish the rear bag more. I rarely use the protektor bag anymore and find a well set up gamechanger working just fine for ELR work beyond 1 mile.

Jerry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom