Bench testing handguns and loads

[RickMD]

A few of us at the club were debating the best method to test a handgun and loads for accuracy baring the use of a Ransom rest. I always supported both wrists on sandbags and let the gun recoil as in normal firing. Another guy supports the trigger guard and/or dust cover directly on a bag, and yet another supports both the forward part of the gun on bags as well as rests the butt on a bag. I’d be interested in your opinions of the best method and the relative pros and cons of each.

 

[CraigC]

The way I do it is the method used by most of those who do it for a living. Frame/triggerguard/barrel frame junction pressed into a pile of leather sandbags. Butt floating, never to touch. Forearms resting on the bench, or another bag for each arm. Although I'm sure another internet expert will be along shortly to tell me I'm wrong.

Page 5 of the PDF, page 16 of the magazine.

https://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/hl262partial1.pdf

PS, although if I'm testing a rimfire handgun, I have no issues with resting the butt on a bag. Doesn't seem to create an issue.

 

[JohnBT]

I've always supported my forearms (not the wrists or elbows) on the top of my range bag. I don't know if it works any better or worse than anything else.

John

 

[Cherokee]

I follow the process CraigC follows. Consistency is most important.

 

[showmebob]

Glad this thread came up as I always wondered. I have tried supporting the dust cover with terrible results. I can actuall get better groups standing unsupported.

 

[243winxb]

For revolvers/auto, support both wrists on sandbags and let the gun recoil as in normal firing. T/C Contender, forearm on bag. Arms supported for all. Front part of body pressed into front corner of cement bench.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I get very good groups resting my wrists/forearms on a pad and the dust cover or revolver barrel on a rifle rest. The amount of pressure on the front rest must be light and consistent.

 

[Judah Ben-Hur]

I "had" pretty consistant results by putting the trigger guard pressed on top and into a sand filled bull bag. It kept the gun rock solid shot after shot. The only problem was the cylinder gap flash cut a diagonal path on both sides. It's not fun getting blasted with sand and wasting a good bag.

 

[CraigC]

It's not fun getting blasted with sand and wasting a good bag.

I think that's a lesson we all end up learning the hard way.

 

[JohnBT]

And burning leather stinks. I learned the hard way using some of my nice leather rifle bags.

 

[CraigC]

I made my own out of sheets of suede from the craft store. Been using the same bags for at least a good 12yrs. Always use the same bag for the top. After a while, the leather gets embedded with enough carbon that you don't smell burning leather any more.

 

[Remllez]

It seems I remember the Colt factory test targets saying 5 shots at 25 yards wrist wrested which is exactly the method I use, no part of the gun touching the rest/bags. It may be more important when benching rifles than sidearms because of the leverage exerted on the barrel.

I have found that any part of the handgun touching the bag leaves wear marks after very few rounds fired.As said earlier pick one method and use it for consistency and all should be fine. In other words use the method you're most comfortable with.

 

[Furncliff]

My daughter gave me one of these for my birthday a few months ago.

http://hyskore.com/wp/2010/12/06/swivel-pistol/

I've shot some excellent groups with my 1911 while working up loads. But I'm not very consistent.

 

[CraigC]

I have found that any part of the handgun touching the bag leaves wear marks after very few rounds fired.

I've never found this to be the case. I wouldn't be doing it with $1500 custom Rugers if it did.

 

[Nushif]

Glad this thread came up as I always wondered. I have tried supporting the dust cover with terrible results. I can actuall get better groups standing unsupported.

Same here. My local range has this funky V thing that you're supposed to put the gun on, but as you said it's easier to shoot the durned thing offhand for groups than that ... thing.