Rear bag vs firm "V" rear shooting rest

[buster]

I don't know what the proper name for the for the "V" rear shooting rest I'm talking about, but I mean this style of rest.

caldwell rear shooting rest

caldwell-rear-shooting-rest.jpg (33.68 KiB) Viewed 5322 times

You know the kind...

Question is, do you guys prefer a firm "V" style bag like this which is firm? Or a soft bean bag type rest for the back?

And why?

[Old Fart]

There is movement in either one, the firm "V" rest as you call them or an actual bag.

A bag is less restrictive and more flexible than the hard leather rests IMO, which can get a bit of a pain to work with if you're aiming from the rear as they don't let you move side to side much.

[Chronos]

Depends of what the rifle likes and also what kind of front rest you are using.

If your shooting off a bipod in the field or at the range you can induce elevation changes by squeezing the rear bag or a shooting sock bag. Griff gear make a good one used by tactical shooters

If your target shooting of a coaxial benchrest style front rest your rear bag could be a firm "rabbit ears" bag like you pictured. Some rear bags are massive (like SEB Bigfoot) and are quite heavy but they stay put while the front rest makes the adjustments.

Chronos

[Lorgar]

I used a bunnie ears rear bag and an adjustable front rest now (A Caldwell Rock Jr.)

Don't have it with me at the moment but I think the rear bag is a Champion brand one? It's thick leather and quite firm.

Once I dial in the elevation on the front rest, to aim I'm basically just resting a thumb on the back of the stock and my finger on the trigger, and just more my shoulder side to side lightly to adjust left/right before taking the shot.

The light movement of the shoulder is enough and I'm not gripping and wobbling the rifle with my hand. Just holding it enough to squeeze the trigger when I'm on the bullseye.

[Pom]

Question is, do you guys prefer a firm "V" style bag like this which is firm? Or a soft bean bag type rest for the back?

And why?

Personally I prefer the loose bean bag style for the rear rest.

Easier to move where you need it and you just flex the bag a little to stiffen it up a bit if it need be for the shot.

I've used the bunny ears ones a few times and found I was always jiggering the rear bag left and right. This is only with a bipod though, if you had a front rest with windage adjustment it wouldn't be an issue,

[Blackened]

I've used the bunny ears ones a few times and found I was always jiggering the rear bag left and right. This is only with a bipod though, if you had a front rest with windage adjustment it wouldn't be an issue.

True, not many people shelling out for windage adjustable front rests though from what I see at the range.

No surprise really as they start at $350 or whatever for an entry level one like the Caldwell.

[Chronos]

I've used the bunny ears ones a few times and found I was always jiggering the rear bag left and right. This is only with a bipod though, if you had a front rest with windage adjustment it wouldn't be an issue.

True, not many people shelling out for windage adjustable front rests though from what I see at the range.

No surprise really as they start at $350 or whatever for an entry level one like the Caldwell.

To be honest, don't even bother with a Caldwell for any kind of precision benchrest shooting.

There are plenty of competition shooting off rests that cost closer to $1500 than $1000. Just try ordering one and see the waiting lists. A lot make do with one of butch lamberts SEA coaxial tops on a Caldwell BR bases but even these tops cost more than $300

And a decent Seb rear bag costs more than $100

Chronos

[feedr]

There are plenty of competition shooting off rests that cost closer to $1,500 than $1,000. Just try ordering one and see the waiting lists.

I'd say wow, but I suppose it isn't really a surprise.

Wish I had $1,500 to blow on a rest. I would get murdered by the wife

[Chronos]

There are plenty of competition shooting off rests that cost closer to $1,500 than $1,000. Just try ordering one and see the waiting lists.

I'd say wow, but I suppose it isn't really a surprise.

Wish I had $1,500 to blow on a rest. I would get murdered by the wife

Remember that those guys have already spent $4000-5000 on a rifle and $2000-$3000 on a scope plus they may have a rimfire BR gun too.

It's a whole different world, and you thought the F class guys were serious. Lol

Chronos

[Utcherd]

Remember that those guys have already spent $4000-5000 on a rifle and $2000-$3000 on a scope plus they may have a rimfire BR gun too.

Sssh.

Makes me sad that I don't have that gear