Caldwell "Lead Sled"

[SwampWolf]

Does anybody have any experience with the Lead Sled? I'm interested in getting one to help reduce recoil punisment when shooting hard kicking rifles, especially when sighting-in. A friend expressed concern that using this device could cause undue stress to the rifle because there is nothing to "absorb" the recoil (like your shoulder dissipating energy) instead of the rifle being constrained in a static, fixed position. Finally, I can purchase the "original" Lead Sled for $79.99 at my local store. They also sell the "improved" model (Lead Sled II) for $179.00. Is the improved model worth the extra $100.00?

 

[TexasRifleman]

I used one at a range once.

It did what they claim, reduces recoil, but it took me forever to adjust it.

As for the rifle being constrained in a static position the one I shot certainly didn't do that. It had like 50 pounds of shot on the platform but it still recoiled into my shoulder, and the thing moved on the bench every time I shot it.

It reduced the recoil but the rifle was moving freely in the cradle.

I can't imagine any damage would be done.

I didn't really like it because it took too long to get adjusted, but that may just be me.

 

[missoulaz28]

I have one, and for working up loads with my 300mag, it is a great benefit. I also use it for initial sight in, then fine tune with me holding the rifle.

 

[c.latrans]

A tip to the wise. You can, with a hard kicking rifle, add enough weight so that a wood stock may split behind the tang. I had it happen to me on a old Husqvarna .30-06 lightweight. Hardest kicking '06 I have ever shot. At any rate, the stock in the wrist area of this rifle was pretty dainty, and it split behind the tang after 50 or shots with 75 lbs of lead on the sled. Whether it was beginning to split before it broke, I dont know. On the up side, that rifle was never more pleasant to shoot! In retrospect, I would have stopped at 50 lbs. and let the rifle push the sled around some, instead of trying to hold the sled in place in order to make it easier to get back on target after each shot. Good luck!

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I have used one and it works great. It does take a little more adjustment than bags since you can't move the rear independantly up or down but it sure takes the punishment out of sighting in or load-testing a hard kicker. I thought it felt a little weird at first since there is material inbetween your shoulder and the butt of the rifle so it screws with your cheek weld a little until you get used to it.
It doesn't provide an immobile rest. The gun still moves, it is just dampened so it's not a sudden kick to the shoulder.
I think it's worth the price. Haven't used the newer model.

 

[mightyike]

Fifteen years ago I used to shoot a 460 Weatherby with 600 grain bullets at 2100fps from the bench (was going to go to Africa)...at the time: one 25# bag of lead shot...

Last weekend I just restarted and hadn't shot in years, 30-06 but still used a lead shot bag...wow, prices on lead @ $50.00 at Cabela's, found one for $13.00 in central Phoenix...

Just use lead and sit back a little further....you do not feel a thing...honest.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Just get the ones that have the adjustable damper. This Shock like device should take the punishment instead of the "lead sled" in lead. Slightly more advanced than the weight shocks found in rear windows of camper shells. The step up in this case is adjustable shocks.

 

[PedalBiker]

Any one have comments on the Cabela's version?