Proper way to use a bench rest?

[ironhead]

Hi. I built an AR and have tried to site it in on a bench rest using iron sights and would like some advice on the proper way to do this since I'm not doing well at all. I am using a Stoney Point adjustable rest w/o a sandbag. I have read what stickies I found on here but they talk about using sandbags on the front and shouldering the rifle. All advice is greatly appreciated.

Ironhead

 

[helotaxi]

Not familiar with the particular rest you're referring to, but ideally you want some type of sandbag on the top of the rest as the contact point with the rifle. It helps cushion the interface and is very stable. For the rear, a rabbit/bunny ear bag is generally the most stable solution. A small tactical "squeeze bag" or "sand sock" is the next best. Shouldering the rifle as the sole means of rear support is a lot more reliant on the shooter than the bag solutions.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Tie hammock to one side of rest, other side of hammock to nearby tree, preferably out of the sun.

Enjoy.

Don't forget your hearing protection!

 

[srtolly]

I usually rest the fore end on a sand bag and use the sling to pull the rifle into my shoulder snug. This helps to steady the rifle and reduces felt recoil. I also have my other hand under the butt of the rifle. Works for me, your results may differ.

 

[Walkalong]

Rest up front, bag in the back. Don't force the cross hairs to the target, get the gun lined up.

 

[Welding Rod]

If your also plan to shoot the gun off the bench, I would try to replicate the conditions that will be in play when you move away from the bench. and use any bags to steady you, not the gun.

For example, use the sand bag to rest the back of your arm, but put the gun's forearm in your hand. Put the buttstock in your shoulder.

 

[carbine85]

One thing I notice is that a lot of guys have them set to low and they are laying over the top of the stock. Raising the bench rest can make a lot of difference.

 

[ironhead]

This is the rest I have. http://www.stoneypoint.com/products/ac_bench_anchor.html
I understand the concept of it but not the proper way to set it up or zero my rifle. Thanks for all the posts so far.

Ironhead

 

[jogar80]

-Set the gun in the rest so that it can stay in place on its own
-line the gun/rest, sights up with the target... Don't force the sights on the target, as mentioned above
-Make sure you have a good cheek weld on the rifle. Meaning, make sure your face is always on the same place on the butt.
-Try not to touch the barrel, or have anything else touch it. I usually just have my shooting hand working the trigger while my other hands sits under the buttpad, adding support
-Be very gentle and smooth pulling the trigger. Imagine trying to make each shot a surprise.
-Don't lift your head to try to see where you hit. I see many people lift their face right at the shot to see the target. A sure miss.

I'm sorry if you already know all of this, I mean no offense, I just dont know where your shooting skills stand. Hope some of this helps.

 

[aka108]

I nailed 4 2x4's together, cut a v notch in the top one and put a strip of carpet on the top and bottom. Good rest for the forward part of the stock. Then the butt goes to my sholder and I shoot. Now on the other extreme, a bench rest shooter I know who takes this stuff to the outer limits, has his rests custom machined. More knobs and stuff than a 1948 TV set and expensive. He mounts the rifle, lines it up with his target then sits back and watches his wind flags. When conditions are just right, he reaches over and when he sort of thinks about firing, the piece goes off. His triggers are only several ounces.

 

[ironhead]

Thanks again for the replies. I have the info I need to carry on.
Thanks again.

Ironhead

 

[45Frank]

Thanks it was actually pretty helpful!


jogar80

-Set the gun in the rest so that it can stay in place on its own
-line the gun/rest, sights up with the target... Don't force the sights on the target, as mentioned above
-Make sure you have a good cheek weld on the rifle. Meaning, make sure your face is always on the same place on the butt.
-Try not to touch the barrel, or have anything else touch it. I usually just have my shooting hand working the trigger while my other hands sits under the buttpad, adding support
-Be very gentle and smooth pulling the trigger. Imagine trying to make each shot a surprise.
-Don't lift your head to try to see where you hit. I see many people lift their face right at the shot to see the target. A sure miss.

 

[Art Eatman]

Glad that the OP's happy.