Bags, bipods, and rests - how does accuracy compare?

[TargetTerror]

I have an Anschutz .22 free rifle that I also like to shoot from the bench. But, all I have right now is a cheap plastic "Predator" POS rest. The rest moves a lot when I shoot, and the groups I get with it are terrible. I'm pretty sure its the rest, as I have better luck, albeit at closer distances, shooting off hand with all of my gear on.

So, I'd like to get something that will let me shoot better from the bench. I presume that a top dollar rifle rest will yield the best results, but just how much would I be giving up if I bought a quality shooting bag or bipod? The bench work is very informal, basically paper plinking, so I'd prefer to spend less if I can as long as I'm not giving up too much (I'd like to sink my money elsewhere in my collection).

 

[Whitman31]

I use old lead shot bags, re-fill them with sandblasting media or kitty litter then sew them up again. There's also the common blue-jean method; cut the leg off of a pair of old jeans, tie it off with a zip tie, fill it with whatever, tie the other end off...

If your looking for something less portable, I've seen a lot of very simple wooden rests as well, you shouldn't have to spend much if anything to get a decent rest...

 

[TargetTerror]

Thats what I want to hear

So, is there really an advantage to a full out rest like this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=348661&t=11082005

Over some decent bags like this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=718994&t=11082005

 

[Whitman31]

In my opinion, no advantage. I'd take the bags over the rest though if I had to choose...

 

[Outlaws]

So, is there really an advantage to a full out rest like this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...661&t=11082005

When combined with a rear bag, yes. You can put the rifle on the rest and then adjust the rest to the bullseye. You have to use one to really understand maybe, but they are great for sighting in or for developing accurate loads where you want to eliminate as much shooter error as possible.

 

[jameslovesjammie]

To minimize as much error as you can, I like a really steady front rest and a sand bag in the rear. With the forend of the gun rested rock solid, I will place the butt of the gun ontop of a sandbag that is about 1/2 full and the recoil pad against my shoulder. When looking down the scope, I can adjust my crosshairs up and down by squeezing the bag with my left hand.

This squeezing method has dramatically shrunken (is that even a word?) my sight-in groups.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Sandbags work great if you use them in the front and rear. Sometimes I use a caldwell lead sled for sighting in heavy thumpers but I feel really disconnected from the rifle with that. It's almost like a machine rest.

Skipping that 3rd cup of coffee helps too Control your breathing and squeeze.

 

[MinnMooney]

Hand formed front rest

I tried somes Caldwell Rock front rest at the range and it was 10 time more steady than mine so I asked how he did it. He told me that he forms the bags that sit in the front rest holder to a particular forearm. He has several bags. That rest was like a ROCK! Once I got it on target - it didn't move 1/2" at 400 yds.
Soft sandbags work well in the rear as do some rabbit-earred pre-made bags but they have to be correct for YOUR rifle butt or it's just too wobbly.

P.S. shrunken (is that even a word?)

I dunno but it shore sounds good to me.

 

[Will Learn]

I'm growing real fond of using a bi-pod in the front and mono-pod on the back of my stock(choate). Everything is connected to the gun that way, which works good for prone shooting. I grip the mono-pod with my off hand and can raise or lower point of aim, works great.