After a frustrating shooting trip yesterday, using a wood rifle rest and a cloth to get the stock to the right height, I want either a monopod or rear bag.

I remember reading a few recommendations but don't recall the brands.

What do you guys prefer for a bag?

Str8 Laced

quote:

Originally posted by WARPIG602:
Str8 Laced

This

 
When I went out to the desert to sight in the scope on my 10/22, I used a 2 ft tall step ladder, on top of which were an appropriate number of 2x boards, on top of which was a milk crate, and then finally a pillow folded in half. I was sitting on a shop stool. It worked very well, though I made the first trip out without remembering to take everything
 

Because of its versatility in adjusting the stock height, I like the Triad Tactical tapered bag or wedge bag.

I have both the small and large bags, but use the small almost exclusively, and usually in conjunction with an Accu-Shot monopod. My technique has been to fold the monopod forward, grasp it with my support hand, and then rest my hand (fist) on the wedge bag. Recently I’ve been resting the folded-forward monopod directly on the small bag and grip both monopod and bag from the top. I haven’t experimented extensively with the latter technique, but it seems more stable than anything else I’ve tried. Like similar rest bags, the TT wedge bags can be formed and shaped, but the filler is pretty solid when packed down, and that seems to help prevent the vertical stringing that I’ve experienced with some rear rests.

I have any number of other bags of various shapes, but I like the tapered bags the best so far. Another advantage of the small wedge is that it will fit in a typical cargo pocket for carrying to the field. (I’m not a fan of attaching things to my belt—or especially to my rifle—that flop around when I’m moving.)

I like CrossTac. I have the original version but would like to try the ultralight: http://www.crosstac.com/appare...eeze-bag-pre-filled/.

Kevin

I've got a great shooting bag that's not made any more. It's big and heavy and not going anywhere on the bench. Problem is I need something taller. I'm tall. I have to lean over so far at a shooting bench that my sight picture through open sights is out-of-whack, so, when I use a rifle more normally, the sights are off for me. I also can't use even low-profile electronic ears due to stock interference. Wouldn't be so much a problem with a more normal/upright cheek weld.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
Problem is I need something taller.

Have you thought about just putting a spacer of some sort under the bag? When I use a high front rest on a bench (see below), I put a couple of short pieces of 2×4 under the rear bag to raise it up enough. It would actually be more convenient to have a single section of 2×8 or 2×6 for the purpose, but I haven’t gotten around to cutting one yet and the two pieces of wood work okay.

I also just discovered a “bag jack” that permits precise height adjustments.

And for anyone who is serious about shooting from a bench, I recommend considering a proper rest like these. (Internet search for “shooting rest” to find less expensive options. The Sinclair rests are excellent products that will last a lifetime, but they are obviously pricy.) Rests designed for the purpose are far more consistent and stable than any soft bag or improvisation. They also require less time and fiddling with to get set up at the range. Their only drawback is that they’re not something that we’re going to carry to a field position and use.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
I also just discovered a “bag jack” that permits precise height adjustments.

That looks like a clean, economical solution. Thanks!

My current bag is 16" long and 10" wide. That'd result in quite a bit of overhang. I may pop for the Lyman bag, too. My current bag is too long to use correctly with my AR or my 15-22, anyway.

ETA: Done! Got the pair of 'em for $72 via Amazon Prime. Description says it includes a rear bag, too, though one is not pictured. Should be here Wednesday.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ensigmatic,

I also use the Triad wedge. Works great for me, and can be almost infinitely adjusted for comfort.

Get a good rabbit ear bag if you have a rifle with a normal stock (ie not an M4A3 with adjustable stock). Placing the bag gives you elevation, squeezing the 'ears' gives you some wind-age control.



A good mechanical rest for the front completes
the package.







A little baby powder on the bags assures smooth recoil follow through and no sticking

I've always used a bag ... but wondered about the mono-pods ... last year when I was building my 6.5 Creedmoor I decided to go all out and do all the little things I've cut corners on in the past, including the mono-pod.

Being around $100 depending on model I asked about them and disregarded all the negative comments ... turned out I should have listened, a bag is so much faster to adjust, and a shot bag full of popcorn is much cheaper, actually leaving the lead shot in it actually works a little better.

quote:

Originally posted by kimberkid:
I decided to go all out and do all the little things I've cut corners on in the past, including the mono-pod.

As you’ve already purchased a monopod, I strongly recommend viewing this video.

Everything the narrator said bad about the monopod is exactly correct. His modified technique, however, is what I ultimately adopted and it made all the difference imaginable. Grasping the monopod with my support hand significantly improved my control over the rear of the gun and markedly improved my shooting results.

(If you don’t already own a monopod, disregard all this. I have resolved to not recommend expensive accessories that may disappoint people.)

Rbber inner tubes 3/4 filled with sand for front. Lead shot bags variously filled with sand for rear.