A good shooting rest allows hunter to shoot more accurately thanks to the stable platform that also includes many features. Purchasing a rifle rest is sure way to improve your shooting skills. Small and large rest systems are mostly made of the heavy duty steel and provided with the sandbags. However, to choose the right is a troublesome task. If you want the rest to meet all your requirements and needs then look closer to these top 10 models that we offer to your attention!
Best Shooting Rest 2021 — Reviews And Top Picks
- Caldwell Lead Sled Solo Shooting Rest
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 24 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Decreases recoil and allows using different weight systems
- Primos Group Therapy Bench Anchor Adjustable Shooting Rest
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 12 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Designed for right and left-handed shooters
- Caldwell Dead Shot Field Pod
- Dimensions: 24.4 x 6 x 7.2 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Allows using any weapon in any environment
Name
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
MATERIAL
Price
Name
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
MATERIAL
Price
This is a metal construction, made of heavy-duty steel and able to withstand great magnum rounds. It allows for reduced recoil of up to 90%. The Lead Sled better suits high volume shooting and its construction is sturdy enough for exactly that.
We like
The Lead Sled decreases recoil and allows using different weight systems. It easily accepts dumbbell weights, and lead shot weights. The Lead Sled enables precision elevation and windage adjustments, which can be done in a few seconds.
we dont like
The system is quite heavy, weighing almost 15 pounds.
PROS
Steel construction;
Lever action compatible;
Gun retention strap;
Recoil-reducing rifle;
Non-marring support;
Cons
Hefty;
If you are looking for a rifle rest that provides a holder for a stock as you are going to use rifle or a shotgun with great recoil then here is it. Primos Group Therapy Bench Anchor Adjustable Shooting Rest reduces the strength of recoil produced by the weapon when firing thanks to the butt plate.
We like
The rest is made of solid durable steel. Butt plate reduces recoil from firing. The elevation is adjustable. Both right and left-handed shooters can use this shooting rest. The feet area is studded which keeps everything in place.
we dont like
It is a heavy construction. Additionally, get a weight bag for it.
PROS
Steel construction;
Adjustable elevation;
Butt plate;
Adjustable slide;
Can be used by righties and lefties;
Cons
No weight bags;
Heavy;
No windage control;
This rest is portable and allows using any weapon in any environment. The supports of the rest are adjustable so you can shoot in various positions. The construction is very easy and quick to fold up.
We like
The tripod’s legs are adjustable so you can shoot lying on the ground or standing. It is made of solid aluminum that makes the construction lightweight. The rest is easy to fold up that makes it portable. If you want to make it more stable you can dig the spikes into the ground.
we dont like
Shooting with a big gun with this rest may be dangerous because of the strong recoil.
PROS
Portable;
Adjustable;
Lightweight;
Versatile;
Cons
Not for big guns;
This DFT model is lighter than other models by Caldwell and provides higher range of motion. This is a perfect gun rest for an assault rifle. However, it doesn’t reduce recoil. The front of the rest is supported by 2 rubber legs.
We like
Dual frame construction made of steel is super durable. The rest is adjustable so you can use most rifles and shotguns with it. Windage and elevation levels are easy to adjust. It comes with a weight bag.
we dont like
The weight bag is of poor quality and may tear. You may also need to get additional weight bags for adding more weight on the front side.
PROS
Dual frame technology;
Adjustable;
Baffled tray;
Non-marring shock eliminator;
Cons
Poor weight bag quality;
The Caldwell Rock Jr. Shooting Rest is similar to the Rock by Caldwell. This budget rest is ideal if you do not want to spend a lot of money on test firing or competitions. It has a Y-shaped base and thanks to the non-slip rubber legs stay firmly in one place.
We like
The rest has ¾ diameter steel post that makes the elevation secure and smooth. Also, it is adjustable up to 7 1/4 in height. It comes with interchangeable non-slip rubber legs for stability and medium varmint front bag.
we dont like
It is not high enough if you shoot a rifle with a 30 round magazine.
PROS
Iron base;
Stable rubber feet;
Adjustable elevation;
Medium varmint front bag;
Cons
Not high enough for some rifles;
The Steady Rest NXT provides a steady adjustable base for rifles and guns. Thanks to the three-piece design you can adjust it to the necessary length of your rifle. The front side is made of a non-marring material that has a soft but very stable surface. The front part of this rest can be used separately with handguns. The rest’s pad is made of neoprene which makes the base rather firm.
We like
The overall length of the rest is adjustable. A non-marring coating is used to protect the gun from scratching.
we dont like
Is made mostly of plastic which doesn’t make it highly durable.
PROS
Non-marring coating;
Adjustable length;
Three-piece design;
Cons
Made of plastic;
The Caldwell Matrix Shooting Rest shows a solid quality and stability of the construction. A new rigid u-channel frame is adjustable in length. The two-piece frame provides an open center for better clearance and action of guns. The front base is provided with a removable lid for additional clearance. The rear support surface has a rubber coating. The Matrix Shooting Rest can be used for shooting both rifles and handguns.
We like
The new elevation system provides easy control with only one hand. The front elevation system has a built-in construction. The length of the rest is adjustable.
we dont like
It’s difficult to use this rest for shooting with the AR style rifles.
PROS
Adjustable;
Non-marring;
Removable lid;
Cons
Not for AR style rifles;
The Caldwell Zero-Max shooting rest is what all shooters look for. Its full length provides the shooter with a robust platform for convenient firing.
We like
The rest is made of durable heavy steel. It provides great windage and elevation adjustment. It also includes the medium varmint front bag. The pad is made of nylon and leather. A front bag without filling is also included.
we dont like
The back screw is not adjustable.
PROS
Durable steel frame;
Adjustable elevation;
Full windage adjustment;
Legs with rubber coating;
Cons
Not all the parts are adjustable;
This is a renewed version of Lead Sled – Lead Sled 3 and it reduces recoil almost to 95%. Its weight tray is adjustable to handle different weights. This rest is excellent for using with magnum rifles and guns.
We like
There is a fingertip elevation adjustment feature that also includes adjustable rear elevation. The rest has a non-marring rear cradle. The molded front bag ensures a soft touch.
we dont like
It doesn’t suit AR rifles.
PROS
Fingertip elevation;
Reduces recoil to 95%;
Non-marring rubber legs;
Molded front bag;
Cons
Not for AR rifles;
The Caldwell Rock Shooting Rest Combo provides a stable platform for accurate shooting. The front rest with a filled rear bag and a truly great performance.
We like
Medium varmint front bag and a rear bag (both filled) are highly durable and water-resistant. Due to the universal cradle, you can install any of Caldwell’s bags. There is also an adjustable fingertip elevation system and a built-in handle.
we dont like
The quality of the front stitching is poor.
PROS
Non-slip legs;
Padded cradle;
Waterproof fabric;
Cons
Poor stitching quality of the bag;
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Shooting Rest
If you think about purchasing a shooting rest, you should pay attention to several aspects to choose the most suitable model. You should keep in mind that modern rifle rests are more convenient to use than models of past years.
What Types of Rests Are Produced?
Many models of shooting rests can satisfy even the pickiest buyer, but first, it the most popular ones are worth paying attention to.
Traditional
There are two basic models of gun rests. The first one is only for supporting the firearm. This type includes supports, tables, and pods for shooting. As you have already understood, they stabilize the weapons. That’s it. They are not designed for weapons with large caliber, rifles and shotguns. For these types the Lead Sleds were invented.
So you might be asking “Why do I need traditional shooting rest at all?” Because it provides good level of stabilization on any terrain and they are lightweight (many models weight less than 5 pounds). And of course, they have sighting-in and boresighting functions. This is an excellent choice for hunters who prefer an average caliber.
Lead Sled
This gun rest will be the ideal choice for those, who need to cut massive recoil Caldwell patent allows hunters to make a turn of shots without risking their hands and shoulders to be harmed. Robust construction and innovative technology of Lead Sled absorb the energy generated during the firing, which allows reducing the recoil by almost 95 percent. Also, you can increase the weight of the Lead Track, so it can be used with almost any caliber. This model is really universal: it is used for gun testing at famous factories and for improving groupings. It is also recommended for zeroing, ammo/gun test, patterning and so on.
Benchrest
It is also called a Front Rest, this model belongs to the first category, the traditional ones. This rifle rest is produced mostly for competitions, so the manufacturers have increased its mobility, which is not typical for traditional models. It will be a good choice for you if you are an amateur or a professional who prefers mobility.
Why Do You Need our Reviews?
If you click on the button “Our Review” next to the comparative table, you will be taken to our expert review of the selected model. We care for the quality of our reviews, which means that they all are written by a person who really understands weapons and knows what customers think of this or that rifle. We think that publishing other articles of the similar content makes no sense, that’s why we tend to make our reviews as informative as possible.
Types of Additional Weight to Use with a Rifle Rest
Depending on the caliber and the type of your weapon, you will need extra weight such as dumbbells, barbell weights, lead shot weight bags, sandbags and other alike. The best option is lead shot weight bags, because they distribute the recoil evenly. And this might improve your result.
Fitting
The assembling of a lead sled seems to be complicated, but it is easier than you expect. It will take about 10 minutes of your time, plus you may find the detailed instructions in the reviews of each model. You will find the links in the comparative table above.
Weight/Ease of transporting
Rifle rests tend to be weighty with the obvious purpose of stability. Some hunters, though, prefer to use lighter options to have less trouble when carrying the rest out of trunk etc. While being lightweight, a front shooting rest cannot be used without sandbags, though; the all-plastic construction will be likely to provide you with a sufficient recoil reduction and good aiming, but not without some weight modifications. Getting tired of the time-consuming assembly/disassembly, some deer trackers opt for a firm shooting rest mountable on the truck’s tailgate of or a steady table. A simple lightweight sled won’t be any good for competitions or long distance shooting in general. Also, a lot of people stick to the heavier lead type to be able to handle the recoil of their rifle.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about the types and main features of gun rests, so you can easily choose a model that will satisfy your requirements and save the budget. All the rests are divided according to the type of use: for hunting, daily training, fun, target practice etc. If you look through all the options, you will definitely find an excellent model that is ideal for your needs.
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