Bipod, sandbag or mechanical rest for range

[psun786]

What do you guys use for range only rifle? Tried mechanical rest once, it’s so effortlessly that made me felt I am cheating. Its also too seriously looking for a 22LR. Kind debating between sandbag and decent bipod. I like the steadiness of sandbag but it’s heavy and hassle to carry. Do you think I can get the same accuracy out an Atlas bipod @ 100 yards?

[Fatcat]

For accuracy testing a mechanical rest (sand bags, bench rest stands) will generally be steadier than a bi-pod.
But if you’re going to be in the field and a bi-pod will be on your rifle, then practice w/ that. Use a rear sand bag when you have that set up off a beach.
Good luck!

[the_tunaman]

I’m finding my Atlas bipod with a monopod on the rear of my Tikka .260 seems to be more stable than bags from the bench.

[RandyD]

In my opinion, the purpose of shooting from the bench is to get a precise zero on your sights and to test how small you can get your rifle to group. Then when you start shooting from a position, you have the confidence that your sights are on and that your rifle is capable of making the shot. I would use the best method available.

[jarhead714]

A sling. I shoot with a sling so I sight in with a sling. I’m the guy who’s sitting Indian style or proned out on an Isomat next to the bench when you go to the range. I’m usually the only one like that.

[SDCarpenter]

A bipod and a rear bag... If you can't mount a bipod use a front bag

[kenl]

I don't really like the weight, looks and bulk of a bipod, so usually use whatever the range has, with sand bages in the rear. But lately I've switched to a Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works for me, although I had to shorten the mounting screws. As sent, they are long enough to rip up the underside of the bag.

[nickel plate]

Made this adjustable front rest using a Caldwell bag.

[DChartier]

I'm exactly the same, though I tend to shoot offhand the most out of all positions (half the time offhand with a sling).

[nickel plate]

Nickel Plate, that's a really cool homemade adjustable front rest! I have a portable shooting table made with Rugged Buddy legs. I always take blocks of wood with me, so I can adjust the height of my front & rear bags. My shooting position and my target are never on the same level. I think I'm going to build a bench top version of your model. Thanks for the tip!

How coincidental on the "Rugged Buddy" legs portable shooting table! I started building them in 2017 after seeing those legs supporting tailgate BBQ table at a sporting event. Got me thinking that they should also work well under a shooting table that was easy to transport set up and knock down.
So far I've built one ambi, two rights and one left.

[P5Ret]

What's the goal? Is this to zero, or what?

[Ora Serrata]

Bipod and sandbags to get zeroed. Then bipod or offhand to keep Things interesting

[Paperchasin]

Bipod.

[LynnJr]

If your after extreme accuracy a front rest and rear bag.
If your after hunting conditions use a bipod

[k1dude]

I don't really like the weight, looks and bulk of a bipod, so usually use whatever the range has, with sand bages in the rear. But lately I've switched to a Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works for me, although I had to shorten the mounting screws. As sent, they are long enough to rip up the underside of the bag.

^THIS^

Use this up front and a plastic pellet squeeze bag in the rear.

To keep the screw from poking through on mine, I used some leftover 3/8" closed cell sheet foam from whitewater kayaking and cut to size. Took about 2 minutes.