Typical Range day setup. Pictures please!

d_wit22

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Lancaster Pa
So my current local gun range is having issues with their sand bags disappearing or being destroyed…I've always just shot with them and been accurate. I'm thinking I should buy my own, that way I know I will always have a good set when I go shoot.
What do you guys use for front and rear rests while on a bench? Didn't really like the lead sled feel. I was looking for something more to just have the rifle nest into. Throw out what works for you! Thanks in advance
 
Front, Atlas bipod and a quality rear leather bag. A heavy one.

I want one of these wide ones but haven't plunged yet. It's rock solid
 

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About 30 or 40 years ago, I made my bags from blue jean legs……stitch across one end, fill bag with sand, stitch closed.

I don't shot nearly as much as many of you, but with a little care mine have lasted quite well.

I use an "elcheapo" adjustable front rest, and leather "rabbit ear" type rear. I put bags beneath the rear "rabbit ear" bag as needed for proper height. For rear height "fine tuning" I merely pinch the sand bag for height increase or nestle the rifle a bit deeper into the bag to lower.

If it's already perfectly clear……this is the "poor boy - red neck" setup! 😉 But, it seems to work for me!

Addendum: I also use a volley ball elbow pad on the bench arm, I found out the hard way that after a few shots…..a lot of skin was left on the bench after firing a few rounds. The burning pain is rather distracting! 😜 memtb
 
I don't usually shoot off the bench, but have gone through my fair share of rear bags trying to find something that I like which works for me. The Long Range Only Hunter's Wedge and specifically the Mini is my current favorite. Not sure how well they would work if you were using a chassis with a horizontal bag rider, but for any type of stock they are great.
 
About 30 or 40 years ago, I made my bags from blue jean legs……stitch across one end, fill bag with sand, stitch closed.

I don't shot nearly as much as many of you, but with a little care mine have lasted quite well.

I use an "elcheapo" adjustable front rest, and leather "rabbit ear" type rear. I put bags beneath the rear "rabbit ear" bag as needed for proper height. For rear height "fine tuning" I merely pinch the sand bag for height increase or nestle the rifle a bit deeper into the bag to lower.

If it's already perfectly clear……this is the "poor boy - red neck" setup! 😉 But, it seems to work for me!

Addendum: I also use a volley ball elbow pad on the bench arm, I found out the hard way that after a few shots…..a lot of skin was left on the bench after firing a few rounds. The burning pain is rather distracting! 😜 memtb
I did the same thing in the mid '70's. They still work great. Heated the sand on a tray in the oven first so it poured easily.
 
I would invest in higher quality rests if I had easy access to a range. I typically just use a decent bipod (Atlas or Harris) and cheaper rear bags when doing load development. I realize that chasing tiny groups could be improved, if I paid more attention to my setup. However, I already need to figure out a better way to transport all my stuff to a range day. Multiple trips to the truck carrying heavy gear takes some of the joy out of a day at the range for me.
 
This is my set up most the time.
View attachment 604097
Caldwell tripod and leather bag.

My set up for sporters is pretty well identical to this, my front rest is an older version of the "Rock". For the rifles with flat bottom forends I use an SEB Mini-X front rest. I use Protector sandbags, front and rear and I order them prefilled with heavy sand. I want a Garmin!
 
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