What's your preferred front shooting rest?

[BroncoMustang]

I am finally about to take my bolt action rifle out to the range, and am trying to decide on a front rifle rest (whether a sand or litter bag filled one or a fixed one like the Caldwell Rock or Rock BR or maybe one from Sinclair, etc.). Before deciding I thought that I would reach out to see what others like and any lessons learned from what they used. My bolt action is in .308 and I am hoping to use it anywhere from 100 yards to up to 1,000 yards. One of the bag versions I found interesting (and read that others like) is one by Uncle Buds Bulls Bag (either the one in sort of an X shape or the more expensive X7 system); for both they recommend filling them with kitty litter.
What have you used. What did you like? And what problems or challenges did you encounter? Thank you.

[Horton37]

I use the Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Haven't had any issues with it yet (I shoot .30-06, 8mm Mauser, 7.62x54r, and .303 British on it @100 and 200 yards) and mostly love it because it's a really compact solution in my opinion. Also very quick to adjust the height and has velcro straps if you want to strap the rifle onto the rest.

There is one main area of concern which is that the top (when screwed in) presses the bag into the bolt which connects the center of the stand to the actual part the rifle rests in. I've heard this has caused the bag to tear in that location so I'd recommend placing some washers/cardboard/anything to cover up the end of the bolt. In my case I have a 3D printer so I simply printed a cover with no sharp edges to protect the bag.

[rmnc3r]

Plastic step stool and home made sand bags

[kenl]

I use the Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Haven't had any issues with it yet (I shoot .30-06, 8mm Mauser, 7.62x54r, and .303 British on it @100 and 200 yards) and mostly love it because it's a really compact solution in my opinion. Also very quick to adjust the height and has velcro straps if you want to strap the rifle onto the rest.

There is one main area of concern which is that the top (when screwed in) presses the bag into the bolt which connects the center of the stand to the actual part the rifle rests in. I've heard this has caused the bag to tear in that location so I'd recommend placing some washers/cardboard/anything to cover up the end of the bolt. In my case I have a 3D printer so I simply printed a cover with no sharp edges to protect the bag.

Ditto on this. I like it. Easy to carry and adjust. I used a nut and washer to cover the exposed bolt

[FeuerFrei]

Save your money and make your own.
20lbs of rice, 2 pillow cases and some gorilla tape. If you shoot in the rain then add heavy mil trash bags to water proof the rice.

Fill each bag/pillow case to the levels you like and blast away.

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans

[mike.h]

I use and recommend the Caldwell Rock BR, with this:

https://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/shooting-rests/shooting-rest-accessories/sinclair-speed-screw-1-2-x20-threads-sku749013833-37220-123470.aspx?rrec=true

[BigFatGuy]

I have a few:
1: the pole that supports the roof the shooting/shade structure
2: a walking stick
3: a dedicated shooting bipod
4: a hiking/camping backpack
5: my knee/elbow/hand

Just my opinion, but shooting off a bag is ONLY for zeroing a scope.

[holt7153]

Protektor makes a pretty good metal one


rest.jpg

[Bicky]

Harris bipod

[GreggieBoy]

Used to be the benches at Chabot, but that's long gone.

[BroncoMustang]

I use the Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Haven't had any issues with it yet (I shoot .30-06, 8mm Mauser, 7.62x54r, and .303 British on it @100 and 200 yards) and mostly love it because it's a really compact solution in my opinion. Also very quick to adjust the height and has velcro straps if you want to strap the rifle onto the rest.

There is one main area of concern which is that the top (when screwed in) presses the bag into the bolt which connects the center of the stand to the actual part the rifle rests in. I've heard this has caused the bag to tear in that location so I'd recommend placing some washers/cardboard/anything to cover up the end of the bolt. In my case I have a 3D printer so I simply printed a cover with no sharp edges to protect the bag.

I like the price. You shoot some fair powerful calibers; have you found it to be stable (not tipping over) when used? Are the feet wide enough to prevent that? Thanks for the feedback.

[BroncoMustang]

Save your money and make your own.
20lbs of rice, 2 pillow cases and some gorilla tape. If you shoot in the rain then add heavy mil trash bags to water proof the rice.

Fill each bag/pillow case to the levels you like and blast away.

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans

Thanks for the idea. Like rmnc3r mentioned, using homemade items can be a good way to go. I am wondering if Harbor Freight or some other place would have a burlap-type bag (similar to that used for luggage) to use to made a filled shooting rest.
Thanks to all of you for your input/feedback; I appreciate it.

[Horton37]

I like the price. You shoot some fair powerful calibers; have you found it to be stable (not tipping over) when used? Are the feet wide enough to prevent that? Thanks for the feedback.

Haha that I do. I have a soft spot for milsurp rifles so I typically bring one or two with me to the range.

I just checked the rest I have and the feet are ~13 inches apart when opened. With the larger calibers it does tip a bit (I usually orient it the following way: think of the three legs as a triangle; I have a flat side facing me rather than a point). I actually haven't tried it oriented with a single leg facing directly towards me but now I'm curious how much that'll change it.

I have also used .223 on it when sighting my AR15s and didn't notice any tipping there. Couldn't give you a definitive answer on exactly what caliber the rest begins to tip under recoil.

[MXP123]

My absolute favorite shooting rest for both zeroing and working on my rifle..

CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Gun Vice

https://amzn.to/2V5Tqxr

[FeuerFrei]

Thanks for the idea. Like rmnc3r mentioned, using homemade items can be a good way to go. I am wondering if Harbor Freight or some other place would have a burlap-type bag (similar to that used for luggage) to use to made a filled shooting rest.
Thanks to all of you for your input/feedback; I appreciate it.

The rice and cat clay will produce dust. Using bag material with a tight weave helps reduce the dust or at least contain it better. Rice dust will settle out over time if you do nothing, but you can easily clean the rice prior to it going into the bag. Cat clay will always make dust. Double bag required.

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans