I think I need a front rest to wring out the last 1/4 MOA accuracy potential

[Troutslayer2]

All I've ever done is shoot off bipods. I'm right now doing load development on a new barrel and I am stuck at .75 MOA at all distances. It's super consistent, single digit ES and SD. I think that my skills are just not there to hold my gun perfectly consistent enough to realize any further accuracy potential. Occasionally, I will put them all through the same ragged hole at 100, or shoot better than 1/2 MOA at 300 YDS and I think on those days I am just in the zone and doing everything right- and the conditions are ideal.

I want to try and take that my shortcomings out of the picture. I may end up getting into F Class at some point so a front rest makes sense.

I was looking at the Grizzly/Bald Eagle line and I'm not sure which one to get, nor am I sure that the rear bag I normally use is going to work out great for me. I only have lighter weight rifles at the moment but I intend to get some dedicated BR type guns eventually.

Is the Bald Eagle a good choice as a first front rest, and if not, is there anything else that you'd recommend? I know what front bag to get for the rest itself but not sure on what rear bag to get. I am also unsure of how important having the windage adjustment is, having never used a front rest.

If your response is going to be about how amazing you are and that you shoot .25MOA all day long off a bipod I really don't want to hear it, unless it's constructive. I practice a lot and I feel like my technique is pretty good with room for improvement. I just want to see how much of it is me vs the equipment.

 

[gohring3006]

If you shoot primarily from a bench like me, a front adjustable rest is ideal. If you hunt with a bipod, then I would practice with a bipod.

 

[Lrreloader]

Here is what I use for load development.

 

[Lrreloader]

Here is what I use for load development.
View attachment 146744

You can switch bags with different profiles and can always add a whole new head with windage adjustment

 

[HARPERC]

I think if you want BR type groups, you need similar equipment. Something like Lrreloader posted.
I think the Bald Eagle is a little light, and there are F class bipods that would serve as well.

 

[Rhovee]

To be honest you should be able to hold 1/2 MOA or less with a bipod. I would make sure your load is stable and that isn't the issue. I agree that a front rest is ideal. I have a nice benchrest (Sinclair) and am going to have a plate made for the front that will just thread into a stock. But i know when i pull a shot. And have done load work up with only a bipod and rear squeeze bag and been able to achieve great accuracy. it helps you learn form and what you need to work on..

 

[Deezel]

I went with a Caldwell Rock BR front rest and switched out the bags to Protektor. I use this rest for my load development. Once I find the load, I switch over to whatever rest I'll be using for hunting.
For the money, it's a good, stable rest and should be enough to get you started in F-class, if that's the direction you go.

 

[Lrreloader]

I went with a Caldwell Rock BR front rest and switched out the bags to Protektor. I use this rest for my load development. Once I find the load, I switch over to whatever rest I'll be using for hunting.
For the money, it's a good, stable rest and should be enough to get you started in F-class, if that's the direction you go.

I would recommend protektor bags, they can make to your specs or have lots of bags already made.

 

[Hatrick]

What glass are you shooting? Sometimes seeing better is shooting better.

 

[30BR]

I want to try and take that my shortcomings out of the picture. I may end up getting into F Class at some point so a front rest makes sense.
...but I intend to get some dedicated BR type guns eventually.

Is the Bald Eagle a good choice as a first front rest...
NO.

If you are serious about getting into Benchrest, you should get a Farley front rest, or a SEB if you can find one.
Rear bags from Edgewood.
Buy once, cry once.

The Bald Eagle is ok for casual shooting.

 

[Janno05]

I own a Sinclair heavy varmint rest that I use for load development and local matches. I love it, haven't really used anything else to compare it to other than a lead sled but I can get really good groups off of it.

 

[JustMe2]

A Caldwell Lead Sled rest would be a real steady rest for load development. Removes most rest errors.

 

[SCSCHNUR]

Champion Traps and Targets Enhanced Rifle Rest
I LIKE THIS ONE

 

[30BR]

Champion Traps and Targets Enhanced Rifle Rest
I LIKE THIS ONE

If you will shoot IBS, the front and rear rests can not be connected.