Is there much practical difference between front rests?

[Obtunded]

I have always shot with a harris bipod because I like to lean into them, however I want to try shooting with a front rest. Naturally, there are $150 - $1500 models.

What does one look for?

Would I be defeating the purpose by buying something cheaper?

 

[JoeP's old business account]

I think it really depends on the type of shooting/competition you are in and what you prefer. Getting out and trying different setups from other people might be your best bet. The degree of recoil may also change your choice of rest. Heavy rifles 30+ pounds should have a heavier duty support.

In BR we see bag squeezers who generally do equally well and their setup is generally the least costly, I.E. Hart Cast iron solid front rest ($200ish) and rear bag ($60ish). These rests are dependable and probably the best for contaminated or semi-stable environments.

Screw turners tend to use sophisticated equipment with windage and fine elevation changes (mechanical screws, hydraulics and joy sticks). Look fancy, are fancy, and are expensive...any better...well I think it depends on the system (shooter and equipment and type of competition). Hard to imagine them in the field....rain etc...

Personally, for bench work (and of the money) you can't beat a heavy solid Hart rest or something like that. Fancy adjustments do work best on solid tables or foundations and probably wouldn't even be used if the support for the rest isn't solid. You can also upgrade the std Hart rest with Windage tops etc.....as desire arises or $$$ surfaces...

Joe

 

[Mystic Precision]

Yes, there are significant differences in the very low priced models. They usually wobble or have small foot prints so will move during recoil.

I like my front rest to feel rock solid, hold that bag securely and allow the rifle to slide 'freely' during recoil. The rest should not move at all. It must also be easily adjustable for elevation and level.

The best, least expensive rest I have used is the Caldwell Rock (other names but same rest). For the bucks, I can't fault anything about it except for F class prone shooting. You can't get it high enough without it becoming unstable.

For table top shooting with a protecktor bag - ideal.

I am now testing the Caldwell BR version. All the bells and whistles of the upper end rests but alot less money. The windage top is an interesting feature but will not work with my 10kg rifle. I am sure it will work for lighter rifles.

There is significantly more elevation adjustment so I can use this rest prone.

I am a bag squeezer so don't really need all sorts of fine adjustment on my front rest. If you like that, then the mega dollar BR rests are ideal.

I have used the ROCK with 35lbs rifles and it worked perfectly. I am sure the BR version will also do that as long as you don't care about the windage top.

Jerry

 

[catnthehatt]

I have a BR rest with a windage top, and rarely use it!
Being a bag squeezer ( when I shoot of the bags) I usually just move the rear into position to adjust.
Cat

 

[Terry Perkins]

Bob Pastor makes a superior rest, and the price is excellent for what you receive. His prices are somewhat mid-range in regards to what Obtunded quoted.