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  1. #1
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    What front rest are you using?

    It's time for me to upgrade to a nice adjustable front rest. What are you running or what would you get?

    Thanks for any input.

  2. #2
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    I'm using a a caldwell front rest. It does everything I need it to do and was not all that expensive.
    https://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...-shooting-rest

  3. #3
    Administrator J.Baker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JeepsAndGuns View Post
    I'm using a a caldwell front rest. It does everything I need it to do and was not all that expensive.
    https://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...-shooting-rest
    The Caldwell rests like the one above are fine for the average shooting going to the local range or plinking around in the back yard, but they have far too much play and slop in them due to sloppy tolerances to be considered for serious precision work. I donated the one I had bought years ago to my local range and Fred went through it to "tighten it up a bit". Can't recall what all he did to it, but the difference between it and an "as delivered" one is night and day. As they say, you get what you pay for.

    For a high quality, well made basic (no frills) front rest that will work for everything from your favorite hunting rifle to a full 3-inch benchrest stock look at the Sinclair All-Purpose Lightweight Rest. The only thing it doesn't have is adjustable windage. While it says lightweight in the name, it still has some heft to it - just not competition benchrest heft.

    If you want one that uses a more traditional-style front bag specific to a given forend width Sinclair's offers this option.

    If you want the adjustable windage the price is going to jump up $100 or more with the Sinclair Heavy Varmint Rest options.

    Beyond that you're getting into the really high dollar stuff ($500+).
    "Life' is tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid." ~ John Wayne
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  4. #4
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    The Caldwell front rest gets the job done for me. No extra gizmoes to cause problems. If I want windage adjustments, I just move the rear bag. Would like it more if it was a little heavier. I did add some roller bearings under the front post to smooth things out. Don't think I've tried it since they were added.
    Oz never gave nothing to the Tin Man, that he didn't already have.

  5. #5
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    I have the older version of this rest. ,https://www.sinclairintl.com/shootin...prod57001.aspx. with T handles to lock the adjustments. Top is benchrest style, change the rear screw out for the speed screw elevation adjustment.

    Works great doesn't move on me, plenty heavy enough. However if you leave the lock screws loose it will have some movement and it will affect shooting. Especially point blank benchrest. That's why I bought the speed screw.
    So if benchrest is your game this is bottom of the list in my opinion. Not that it's bad, it's great I am just saying for benchrest at least buy one of these.
    Along with a good rear bag set up.
    savge 10 fp shooter

  6. #6
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    Picture of mine with rear speed screw. The red T handles are what I meant by making sure they are locked before shooting.
    savge 10 fp shooter

  7. #7
    Team Savage

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    Sinclair heavy varmint w/windage top.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by PhilC View Post
    Sinclair heavy varmint w/windage top.
    I really like the Sinclair. I bought it with the basic top because it was on sale, but also figuring I could upgrade the top later. The adjustment wheel moves very smoothly, and all of the parts are well thought out and well made. I went round and round before I decided, even placing orders for the Bald Eagle and the Protektor and cancelling both. I'm very happy with my decision.

  9. #9
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    How much do you want to spend? The Bald Eagle rests sold by Bullets.com are very good values and probably suitable for all but very high level competition. Bullets.com is in the middle of shutting down for good, I believe, but may still have some at very attractive prices. On the other end of the spectrum, you can sew up an old pair of jean legs and fill them with the material of your choice. They are very nice for certain uses as well.

  10. #10
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    The bald eagle is what brought this thread up, pretty sweet deal. Then I found the Caldwell BR (124$), then the..... It seems you get your moneys worth on all of them, including the big dollar ones. Thanks for posting guys.

  11. #11
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    Caldwell Rock BR Competition Rifle Front Shooting Rest. Not very expensive and works great for working up target loads. Has windage and elevation adjustments. Use a rock solid rear bag and most of the human factor is removed.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  12. #12
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    I use some cheap shooting bags I found on eBay. Works fine for me all the way out to 1000 yards.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  13. #13
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    I found a caldwell BR Rock used shortly after starting this thread, its great for a first rest. It has come loose twice, needs a locktite tune up. I would like a Shadetree top for it(similar to a SEB).

  14. #14
    Basic Member Nub Hippie's Avatar
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    I do all my prone and bench shooting off a backpack with an Eberlestock pack mounted rest and a Wiebad loop bag in the back and am completely satisfied with the results. for sitting in the field i stand my pack upright and shoot off the top using the internal frame for support. My internal frame consists of a framesheet with a pair of carbon fiber stays, very light but very rigid vertically.
    Rusty Shackelford

  15. #15
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    Recently purchased Bald Eagle cast iron front rest, $ 200. Grizzly has them on sale now for about 20-25% off,Should have waited 30 days

  16. #16
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    Best not to compare target shooting and hunting when discussing shooting rests.
    But fact is that at least in the long range target shooting world, the need for speed in getting shots off has become very desirable.
    10 record shots in a minit or less has become fairly common. Which could also be used in a debate over just how much a roll luck plays.
    For sure it plays a large roll when hunting. Sending lead while the opportunity exists, trumps wishing you had every time.
    Shooting systems created with that purpose in mind, are equally as important while hunting.

  17. #17
    Basic Member Fuj''s Avatar
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    Be1005

    75% of my shooting is with GG&G bipods, but with the
    transitioning to a heavier bench gun, I picked up the
    Bald Eagle aluminum (BE1005) I did modify it by ditching
    the cable system, and putting the adjustment on the
    left side. Have not used it past 500 yards but, it does
    it's job. Goes about 10 lbs. Not sure what the cast iron
    version weighs. Later if I feel I need more weight, I'll
    just fab up a heavy base for it.
    Keeping my bad Karma intact since 1952

  18. #18
    Basic Member Fuj''s Avatar
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    I went ahead and had a local welder with a plasma cutter, burn
    me a !/2" thick triangular plate. After doing the layout work and
    punching holes, I transferred the holes to the bottom aluminum,
    the drilled a tapped for 5/16-18 socket heads. After checking
    for clearance, I welded in a handle, and good to go.....Too cold
    out in garage to get the powder coat gun out, so I'll use it as it
    is. Total weight is now 25 lbs.
    Keeping my bad Karma intact since 1952

  19. #19
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    I have the Bald Eagle "slingshot" rest made of cast iron. I think the weight is 21 pounds. I removed the cable assembly that adjusts windage, flipped the table and use a "Mr. Gasket" manifold stud to adjust windage from the left side. The stud has two different threads; one that fits the table and the other is correct for the knob from the cable assembly. No modification of the stud is needed unless you want to shorten it a bit. That's a personal decision for each shooter to make.

    Everyone else I shoot with uses the top of the line Sinclair rest. Unless or until the Sinclair goes on sale, I can't justify the expense.

  20. #20
    Basic Member Fuj''s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Doubs View Post

    Everyone else I shoot with uses the top of the line Sinclair rest. Unless or until the Sinclair goes on sale, I can't justify the expense.
    I really don't think the Sinclair is all that better then your Iron Eagle.
    I like some of the features better on the Sling shots. For the guy's
    that I'm around, It's a mix. Some use the Seb Neo. We call it the
    SNob rest. One of these days, I'm waiting for one to show up with
    a Lenzi. They are eye candy for sure. As for me, I have that Aluminum
    BE1005, I just finished. I finally got the lower plate powder coated,
    and the long F-class style screws came in from Grizzly, and Stable
    machine feet from McMaster Carr came in also. Best Of all, and in my
    opinion, better then the Sinclair. And about half the cost. With the
    4" Protektor bag (heavy sand) I just pushed $300 bucks completed,
    and at 26 lbs. Not sure what the Sinclairs weigh but the Lenzis and
    Sebs go about 26 lbs. I can hang more if needed, and why that handle
    I added.
    Keeping my bad Karma intact since 1952

  21. #21
    Basic Member Fuj''s Avatar
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    My modded BE1005 pics.
    Keeping my bad Karma intact since 1952

  22. #22
    Basic Member Fuj''s Avatar
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    Well I guess I was'nt done !! I added a Sinclair port level ammo
    block. I fabbed up a bracket so it can be mounted on either side
    and out of the way of the front leg screw. It now tops out at 32 lbs.
    Keeping my bad Karma intact since 1952

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