For sporter-style rifles, the minimum of course is a few sandbags up front with the butt of the rifle atop the thumb/forefinger of a clenched fist. My range has many such sandbags. Oldtimers say that's all that's required. That was the go-to set up before shooters sought to up their game. Bags that conformed somewhat to the rifle forestock became the minimum, and a rear bag of some kind could be useful. Such set ups are still popular for their economy and usefulness.
Many shooters are satisfied with such gear and that's fine. People should do what they feel good about, not what someone on the internet forums says is good.
Nevertheless, many shooters have a competitive streak and seek to improve their results. A firmer, more solid front rest seemed in order. These could be self-fabricated, and simple in function. My range has a few crude-looking homemade devices that pale in comparison to the one below.
Wanting more as many enthusiasts often do, shooters demanded front bags that conformed to their rifle's shape. Something that could easily adjust for elevation. Something that was easily moveable.
Some can be homemade.
There are many commercially available models. One of the most ubiquitous in Canada is shown below, the Caldwell "The Rock Deluxe." I still have one. They are quite functional, easily adjust for elevation, accept a wide variety of front bags to accommodate different size rifle forestocks. And they are affordable.
Similar and even more affordable front rests are available. While they do what "The Rock" does, they have a lot of plastic, and they lack the durability and steadiness provided by the heavier front rests.
Rests that adjust for elevation are available in one-piece configurations, many of them widely available in Canada.
While adjusting for elevation is very helpful, that is not the full range of adjusting that may be desirable for many shooters. Adjusting for windage can add a useful dimension to a front rest because neither the front rest nor the rear bag have to be moved (or moved significantly) when shooting at from one bullseye to another.
Here's one such windage adjusting front rest that is readily available in Canada. It's the Caldwell Rock BR Competition, and it takes a variety of front bags and can be set up to accommodate up to 3" wide forestocks, which are common on bench rifles. Not only that, it doesn't cost an arm an a leg, currently selling for about $240.
Having the basics of a front bag to fit the rifle and elevation and windage adjustability covered, beyond that are the trimmings and bells and whistles.
A major factor for Canadian shooters is availability. The most readily available are the Caldwells. Others are harder to get or just plain expensive.
Consider these fully adjustable one-piece beauties, which are not easy to locate in Canada.
And there are many custom-made front rests for those with custom-made rifles with custom barrels and the "best" of everything available.
To be sure, most shooters using this kind of equipment is unlikely to be perusing CGN looking for ideas or tips.
There are some less exotic and much less expensive upgrades to what is commonly available in Canada. One of the best is the Greenlaw adjustable bag windage tops. These are available with Greenlaw bases, but they are easily adapted for use with the Caldwell BR base.
What's notable about the Greenlaw top is that not only is it windage adjustable (moves left-right), but the front bag itself is adjustable to accommodate any rifle forestock, whether it's a slim Schnabel style or 3" wide BR forestock.
The Greenlaw has sides that are adjustable as well.
I use a Greenlaw top on a Caldwell base and a Bald Eagle front rest. I was lucky to find the Bald Eagle a few years ago on the EE. If they were more easily available I think more shooters would be using them because they are solid, they accept a wide variety of front bags, and they are windage adjustable.
I'll conclude by noting that no one piece of equipment will make or break a shooter if he is using a quality rifle, a suitable scope, and good ammo. A front bag that fits your rifle is good. Elevation adjustment is good. Windage adjustment is good. And for so many shooters, this one included, affordability is paramount. Last year I thought about spending a good chunk of money on a new rest. I decided that an upgrade for the Greenlaw top was more reasonable for me. Buying more ammo with which to practice is in the end even more reasonable and important.
