Greetings,
I wasn't sure what forum to put this in but since I am trying to be more "precise" with my shot groups, I thought it would best go here.
So, I was looking for a rest that was solid with an adjustable front elevation. And I wanted to build it myself. I had seen other examples on the interweb using scissor jacks and thought that was a good idea. I was also able to use material that I had lying around the shop, so my cost was $0.
Here's what I came up with:
Materials
Weld the 3" X 6" to the top of the scissor jack
Using the 1.25" square tubing weld together two "T" shapes for the front and rear supports.
Drill and tap the bottom of the "T" sections so that you can thread in the bolts from the rubber feet. Threading them allows you to adjust for uneven surfaces.
Drill and tap the edge of the cross piece of the front and rear "T" to accept the hex nuts.
Place the scissor jack on top of the front "T", centred and squared and welded in place.
On the rear "T" I added a wood platform from two 3/4" pieces of Baltic birch plywood. I secured one piece to the rear "T" with self tapping screws and then screwed the second piece on top of the first for a total of 1.5"
The 1" square tubing fits inside the 1.25" "T" section. It can be slid in and out making the length of the whole rest adjustable.
The hex nuts are cut short and threaded into the holes drilled on the edge of the square tubing and act as "jamb" nuts to secure the desired length. I welded some small round bar on top of the hex nut heads for extra turning grip. This allows the rest to come apart for easier storage and transport. You could also just use the front portion if desired.
Added some paint for the steel and the plywood got a couple coats of equal parts boiled linseed oil/turpentine/bees wax for a finish.
I purchased a couple of Caldwell front/rear bags..
The scissor jack does have a little side to side wobble. But once the weight of the bag/rifle is on top, it doesn't move.
I have not had it out to the range yet but it is very solid. It certainly can't make my shooting any worse.
I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Overall shortest length = 21"
Overall longest length = 28"
I wasn't sure what forum to put this in but since I am trying to be more "precise" with my shot groups, I thought it would best go here.
So, I was looking for a rest that was solid with an adjustable front elevation. And I wanted to build it myself. I had seen other examples on the interweb using scissor jacks and thought that was a good idea. I was also able to use material that I had lying around the shop, so my cost was $0.
Here's what I came up with:
Materials
- Scissor car jack - about $30 new from Princess Auto, or can be found FREE in your wife's car
(hey, lets face it, she was never going to use it and besides she has roadside assistance.....)
1.25" square tubing
1" square tubing
3" X 6" flat steel
rubber "feet" salvaged from piece of crap Ikea furniture
2 hex nuts (not shown in the picture)
Weld the 3" X 6" to the top of the scissor jack
Using the 1.25" square tubing weld together two "T" shapes for the front and rear supports.
Drill and tap the bottom of the "T" sections so that you can thread in the bolts from the rubber feet. Threading them allows you to adjust for uneven surfaces.
Drill and tap the edge of the cross piece of the front and rear "T" to accept the hex nuts.
Place the scissor jack on top of the front "T", centred and squared and welded in place.
On the rear "T" I added a wood platform from two 3/4" pieces of Baltic birch plywood. I secured one piece to the rear "T" with self tapping screws and then screwed the second piece on top of the first for a total of 1.5"
The 1" square tubing fits inside the 1.25" "T" section. It can be slid in and out making the length of the whole rest adjustable.
The hex nuts are cut short and threaded into the holes drilled on the edge of the square tubing and act as "jamb" nuts to secure the desired length. I welded some small round bar on top of the hex nut heads for extra turning grip. This allows the rest to come apart for easier storage and transport. You could also just use the front portion if desired.
Added some paint for the steel and the plywood got a couple coats of equal parts boiled linseed oil/turpentine/bees wax for a finish.
I purchased a couple of Caldwell front/rear bags..
The scissor jack does have a little side to side wobble. But once the weight of the bag/rifle is on top, it doesn't move.
I have not had it out to the range yet but it is very solid. It certainly can't make my shooting any worse.
I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Overall shortest length = 21"
Overall longest length = 28"
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