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January 15th, 2023
This discussion of rear bag designs and fill levels may offer some new insights for many readers. By “tuning” your rear bag you can reduce hop on shot-firing and help your rifle track better. All that can translate to better scores, particularly with large-caliber rifles.
Tuning Your Rear Sand Bags
Over the years, noted gunsmith and a Benchrest Hall-of-Fame inductee Thomas ‘Speedy’ Gonzalez has learned a few things about “tuning” rear sandbags for best performance. On his Facebook page, Speedy recently discussed how sand bag fill levels (hard vs. soft) can affect accuracy. Speedy says you don’t want to have both your front and rear sandbags filled up ultra-hard. One or the other bag needs to have some “give” to provide a shock-absorbing function (and prevent stock jump). And you want to tune your fill arrangements to match your shooting style. Free recoil shooters may need a different fill levels than bag squeezers (who a softer bag but harder ears).
SAND BAGS & HOW TO FILL THEM by Speedy Gonzalez
I was asked several times by competitors at the S.O.A. Matches and F-Class Nationals as to how I fill my sand bags for benchrest competition. Here is a copy of a reply I gave several years ago:
 Back in the old days, Pat McMillan told me: “You can not have two bags filled so hard that you gun bounces on them in the process of firing round at your target, especially if you have a rig with a very flexible stock. The bags must be set up in a manner for them to absorb the initial shock of the firing pin moving forward and igniting the primer.
Then [they must] maintain their shape and absorb the second shock wave as well the rearward thrust and torque of the rifle. What happens to the rifle when this is not done? Well let me tell you. The rifles have a very bad tendency to jump and roll in the bags. This causes many of those wild, lost shots that one can’t explain.”
Here’s some Good General Advice for Bag Set-up:
1. You should not have TWO hard bags [i.e. both front AND rear] in your set-up.
2. Heavy sand magnifies these phenomena.
3. If you are a bag squeezer, pack ears hard and leave bag pliable enough to squeeze for the movement required. You may pack front bag as hard as rules permit.
4. Free recoil shooters pack both bags firm, but not so hard as to allow stock jump. Especially if you have a stock with a very flexible forearm.
5. We use play-ground sand, also know as silica sand. I sift mine to get any large impurities out then mix it with 25% to 50% with Harts parakeet gravel to the desired hardness that I am looking for. The bird gravel keeps the sand from packing itself into that solid as a brick state.
Speaking of bricks — another thing that happens when shooters employ that heavy zircon sand is the ears form a low spot under them from recoil and then tend to rock back and forth with the rifle causing many low shots to crop up. Edgewood makes an Edgewood/Speedy rear bag specially reinforced under the ears to eliminate this scenario.
Shown below are the latest SEB Bigfoot Bags. Note that the bags sit perfectly flat — there is no bulge on the bottom even though the bags are “packed to the brim with sand”.
General Thoughts about Bag Construction and Ear Materials
I do not like the solid double-stitched leather bottoms. While this seems like a good idea, I see more shooters have problems because of them. They tend to slide around the bench and or slide with the rifle on recoil. The standard Protektor with Cordura rabbit ears and an Otto ring bag with a Cordura front would be what I would suggest to the new shooter or one of the Edgewood / Speedy rear bags, these mimic the “Donut” and feature a ring of leather around the bottom circumference that keep the bottom from rocking on the bench or ground[.]
One last note –If you use the Cordura bags, keep them sprayed with a good silicon spray or “Rain-Ex”. This keeps them from getting sticky. — Speedy
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June 17th, 2022
To get the best accuracy out of any benchrest rifle, you need to find the optimal position of front rest and rear bag. The important point to remember is that each rig is different. One gun may perform best with the front rest right at the tip of the forearm (Position ‘D’ in photo), while another gun will work best with the rest positioned much further back. This Editor’s own 6mmBR rifle has a laminated stock that is pretty flexy in the front. It shoots best with the front rest’s sandbag located a good 6″ back from the forearm tip (position ‘A’).
Here’s some benchrest advice that can help you reduce vertical and shoot tighter groups… without spending another penny. Many benchrest shooters spend a fortune on equipment and devote countless hours to meticulous handloading, but they never experiment with their rifle’s position/balance on the bags. This article explains why you should test your rifle in various positions. What you learn may surprise you (and improve your scores).
Next time you go to the range, experiment with the position of your rifle on the front rest, and try a couple different positions for the rear bag. You may find that the rifle handles much better after you’ve made a small change in the placement of your gun on the bags. Recoil can be tamed a bit, and tracking can improve significantly, if you optimize the front rest and rear bag positioning.
This competitor has the front rest positioned fairly far forward but not all the way out. Note the stop on the front rest — this limits forward stock travel.
A small change in the position of the forearm on the front rest, or in the placement of the rear bag, can make a big difference in how your gun performs.
Balance Your Gun BEFORE You Spend Hours Tuning Loads
In the pursuit of ultimate accuracy, shooters may spend countless hours on brass prep, bullet selection, and load tuning. Yet the same shooters may pay little attention to how their gun is set-up on the bags. When you have acquired a new rifle, you should do some basic experimentation to find the optimal position for the forearm on the front rest, and the best position for the rear bag. Small changes can make a big difference.
Joel Kendrick, past IBS 600-yard Shooter of the Year, has observed that by adjusting forearm position on the front rest, he can tune out vertical. He has one carbon-fiber-reinforced stock that is extremely rigid. When it was placed with the front rest right under the very tip of the forearm, the gun tended to hop, creating vertical. By sliding the whole gun forward (with more forearm overhang ahead of the front sandbag), he was able to get the whole rig to settle down. That resulted in less vertical dispersion, and the gun tracked much better.
Fore/aft stock position is important even with very wide fore-ends.
Likewise, the placement of the rear bag is very important. Many shooters, by default, will simply place the rear bag the same distance from the front rest with all their guns. In fact, different stocks and different calibers will NOT behave the same. By moving the rear bag forward and aft, you can adjust the rifle’s overall balance and this can improve the tracking significantly. One of our shooters had a Savage 6BR F-Class rifle. By default he had his rear bag set almost all the way at the end of the buttstock. When he slid the rear bag a couple inches forward the gun tracked much better. He immediately noticed that the gun returned to point of aim better (crosshairs would stay on target from shot to shot), AND the gun torqued (twisted) less. The difference was quite noticeable.
A small change in the position of the forearm on the front rest, or in the placement of the rear bag, can make a big difference in how your gun performs. You should experiment with the forearm placement, trying different positions on the front rest. Likewise, you can move the rear bag back and forth a few inches. Once you establish the optimal positions of front rest and rear bag, you should find that your gun tracks better and returns to battery more reliably. You may then discover that the gun shoots smaller groups, with less vertical dispersion. And all these benefits are possible without purchasing any expensive new gear.
Rifle photo courtesy Johnson’s Precision Gunsmithing (Bakersfield, CA).
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March 1st, 2021
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. MidwayUSA — Crimson Trace 5-Series Tactical Scope Sale
⏺ Very good value — superb FFP optics for PRS/NRL applications
Here are great deals on high-quality First Focal Plane MilRad optics, ideal for PRS/NRL tactical applications. These high-tech Crimson Trace scopes are HALF OFF now. Grab the 3-24x56mm for $889.50 (50% OFF) or the 3-18x50mm for $799.48 (49% OFF). Both feature 34mm main tubes, tons of elevation, and advanced MR1-MIL Advanced illuminated reticles. We’ve looked through these optics and they have good glass and nice controls. These scopes feature EZ Mount Leveling Indicators for quick, precise mounting. All Crimson Trace scopes come with FREE Batteries For Life and a Lifetime Protection Warranty.
2. WEN — WEN 56380i Inverter Generator, $649.99 ($95 OFF)
⏺ Avoid winter outages — high-quality, high-output generator
This year the Pacific NW and Texas were hit with major, once-in-50-year ice storms that caused massive power outages. (In fact the Editor’s brother was without power for 9 straight days in Oregon.) If keeping the lights on, being able to charge devices, and staying warm is important to you then you NEED a generator. Check out the WEN 56380i 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator with fuel shut-Off and electric start. Assembled in the USA, WEN generators boast critical shut-off features to prevent damage, along with important fuel/load gauges. Order one before the next storm catches you off-guard.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Lapua Cartridge Brass In Stock
⏺ Get top-quality Lapua brass now without back-orders
Quality reloading components continue to be tough to find, especially for popular calibers. But if you need cases, visit Creedmoor Sport for premium Lapua Rifle Brass . Creedmoor Sports currently has a very wide selection of cartridge types in stock and ready to ship. As of 3/1/2021, you’ll find Lapua brass in the popular .223 Rem, 6mmBR, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×284, .260 Rem, .308 Win and more, at reasonable prices.
4. Midsouth — Lock-N-Load Case Prep Duo, $54.14
⏺ Very handy, versatile unit performs multiple tasks
This Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Duo lets you accomplish case deburring, chamfering, and primer pocket cleaning all with one affordable power tool. This cordless unit features has a unique twin spindle head that runs the deburrer and chamferer at the same time — that’s handy. And HERE’s a big bonus — you can take off the dual head, swivel the grip, and convert the tool into a handy single-shaft driver you can use for multiple tasks, such as running the 21st Century neck lathe. Check out this review that showcases everything this versatile Hornady Tool can do.
5. EuroOptic — Vortex Spitfire HD Scope Sale, Save up to $200
⏺ Great choice for action shooting and defense rifles — fast reticle design
 Wish you could have the best of a red dot scope and a magnified optic all in one? Take a look at the Vortex Spitfire HD Red Prism Scopes. These quality scopes feature 3X or 5X magnification, and illuminated reticles with hold-overs. The clutter-free reticle allows FAST target acquisition, making these great for both 3-Gun games and defensive use. And the night illumination is great for hunting use. The 5X model is discounted $200 from $649.99 to $499.00, while the 3X model is $150 off, discounted from $599.99 to $349.99.
NOTE: If you want the widest field of view with no magnification (for short-range disciplines), Vortex also offers the 1X-AR Prism scope for $249.99, $100 off.
6. Sportsmans Warehouse — Savage B22 FV-SR 22LR, $319.99
⏺ Patriotic Stars and Stripes version — nice features for the price
Looking for an accurate .22 LR bolt-action rifle at a good price? Check out the Savage B22 FV-SR 22LR Special Edition a Sportsman’s Warehouse exclusive. The B22 FV-SR has an ergonomically-designed stock, with a high comb more vertical grip. This allows shooters to hold the rifle in a more natural position that puts less pressure on the wrist. The B22 FV-SR features a heavy-contour, suppressor-ready barrel, Picatinny scope rail, and adjustable AccuTrigger.
7. Amazon — Padded 64″x21″ Roll-Up Shooting Mat, $35.99
⏺ Affordable padded mat rolls up for easy transport
Being comfortable when shooting prone is really important for good results. So you’ll want a good mat that offers some padding along with plenty of room for your gear. If you need an inexpensive mat that checks all the boxes, check out the Redneck Convent Shooters Mat Padded Roll Up Mat . Measuring 64 inches by 21 inches it boasts plenty of room and features 1/2″ padding top to bottom. This mat rolls up for easy storage/transport (Rolled size is 21″x8″) with handy built-in rolling straps. This is also available in Black for $31.99 or Green for $39.99.
8. Amazon — Twod Front and Rear Sandbag Set, $12.99
⏺ Very low cost bag set for basic rifle or pistol support
 Do you need a simple sandbag support for hunting or sighting-in rifles? Or perhaps you want to try NRL22 but don’t way to spend much on fancy bags. This Twod Shooting Rest Combo offers front and rear bags for just $12.99. These user-fillable bags are made from heavy material. The guns rest on a soft leather top section. There is also a Camo Version of this Twod twin-bag set for $14.99 on Amazon.
9. Amazon — Roxant Viper 10×25 Pocket Scope, $22.95
⏺ Decent lens, nice molded exterior, weighs just 2.9 ounces
If you want a simple, lightweight easy-to-carry optic, you may want to consider a monocular. This unit will fit in a coat pocket and is very inexpensive. With its compact form factor, 10X magnification, and durable coating, the Roxant Viper 10x25mm Pocket Scope offers good function for the $22.95 price. With minimal 2.9 oz. carry weight and a compact size, this can be a very handy optic for hunters and hikers. This 10X scope has 65% 5-star and 15% 4-star purchaser ratings. However, a few buyers experienced problems with a cloudy lens. If you purchase, inspect the unit carefully during the eligible return period.
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September 2nd, 2017
To get the best accuracy out of any benchrest rifle, you need to find the optimal position of front rest and rear bag. The important point to remember is that each rig is different. One gun may perform best with the front rest right at the tip of the forearm (Position ‘D’ in photo), while another gun will work best with the rest positioned much further back. This Editor’s own 6BR sits in a laminated stock that is pretty flexy in the front. It shoots best with the front rest’s sandbag located a good 6″ back from the forearm tip (position ‘A’).
Here’s some benchrest advice that can help you reduce vertical and shoot tighter groups… without spending another penny. Many benchrest shooters spend a fortune on equipment and devote countless hours to meticulous handloading, but they never experiment with their rifle’s position/balance on the bags. This article explains why you should test your rifle in various positions. What you learn may surprise you (and improve your scores).
Next time you go to the range, experiment with the position of your rifle on the front rest, and try a couple different positions for the rear bag. You may find that the rifle handles much better after you’ve made a small change in the placement of your gun on the bags. Recoil can be tamed a bit, and tracking can improve significantly, if you optimize the front rest and rear bag positioning.
This competitor has the front rest positioned fairly far forward but not all the way out. Note the stop on the front rest — this limits forward stock travel.
Balance Your Gun BEFORE You Spend Hours Tuning Loads
In the pursuit of ultimate accuracy, shooters may spend countless hours on brass prep, bullet selection, and load tuning. Yet the same shooters may pay little attention to how their gun is set-up on the bags. When you have acquired a new rifle, you should do some basic experimentation to find the optimal position for the forearm on the front rest, and the best position for the rear bag. Small changes can make a big difference.
Joel Kendrick, past IBS 600-yard Shooter of the Year, has observed that by adjusting forearm position on the front rest, he can tune out vertical. He has one carbon-fiber-reinforced stock that is extremely rigid. When it was placed with the front rest right under the very tip of the forearm, the gun tended to hop, creating vertical. By sliding the whole gun forward (with more forearm overhang ahead of the front sandbag), he was able to get the whole rig to settle down. That resulted in less vertical dispersion, and the gun tracked much better.
Fore/aft stock position is important even with very wide fore-ends.
Likewise, the placement of the rear bag is very important. Many shooters, by default, will simply place the rear bag the same distance from the front rest with all their guns. In fact, different stocks and different calibers will NOT behave the same. By moving the rear bag forward and aft, you can adjust the rifle’s overall balance and this can improve the tracking significantly. One of our shooters had a Savage 6BR F-Class rifle. By default he had his rear bag set almost all the way at the end of the buttstock. When he slid the rear bag a couple inches forward the gun tracked much better. He immediately noticed that the gun returned to point of aim better (crosshairs would stay on target from shot to shot), AND the gun torqued (twisted) less. The difference was quite noticeable.
A small change in the position of the forearm on the front rest, or in the placement of the rear bag, can make a big difference in how your gun performs. You should experiment with the forearm placement, trying different positions on the front rest. Likewise, you can move the rear bag back and forth a few inches. Once you establish the optimal positions of front rest and rear bag, you should find that your gun tracks better and returns to battery more reliably. You may then discover that the gun shoots smaller groups, with less vertical dispersion. And all these benefits are possible without purchasing any expensive new gear.
Rifle photo courtesy Johnson’s Precision Gunsmithing (Bakersfield, CA).
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March 20th, 2015
In the above video, a spokesman for Horus Vision explains how and why scopes can experience zero shift. First, just cleaning the gun can cause a small shift in point of impact. Second, when you re-tighten rings and ring bases, this can cause a change in zero. Horus recommends that you use a torque wrench to confirm that you maintain the same torque settings each time. The same goes for action screw tension — tensioning your action screws can shift the point of impact.
Other factors that can cause a change in zero:
Temperature
Dramatic ranges of temperature will change your zero, because the air density affects the velocity of the bullet. With increased temperature, there may be a higher velocity (depending on your powder).
Gun Handling and Body Position
You rifle’s point of impact will be affected by the way you hold the gun. A “hard hold” with firm grip and heavy cheek weld can give you a different POI than if you lightly address the gun. Even when shooting a benchrest gun, the amount of shoulder you put into the rifle can affect where it prints on paper.
Type of Rifle Support — Bench vs. Field
Whenever you change the type of rifle support you use, the point of impact can shift slightly. Moving from a bipod to a pedestal rest can cause a change. Similar, if you switch from a mechanical rest to sandbags, the gun can perform differently. That’s why, before a hunt, you should zero the gun with a set-up similar to what you would actually use in the field — such as a rucksack or shooting sticks.
Transportation of Firearms
Even if you don’t mishandle your weapon, it is possible that a shift of zero could occur during transport. We’ve seen zero settings change when a tight plastic gun case put a side load on the turrets. And in the field, if the turret knobs are not covered, they can rub against clothing, gear, storage bags, scabbard, etc. If the knobs turn, it will definitely move your reticle slightly and cause your point of impact to be off.
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