Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-20-2016, 08:48 AM
Ballistic147 Ballistic147 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 713
Likes: 129
Liked 719 Times in 327 Posts
Default Pistol Shooting Rest

I'm looking to buy a pistol shooting rest and came across the Caldwell Pistolero Shooting rest at Midway. My main criteria is:

1- Inexpensive
2- Lightweight/portable
3- Reasonably steady

This rest will be used only a few times a year for testing accuracy of a new gun purchase and/or testing the accuracy of my reloads. With that in mind I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something that doesn't get used much. I've already checked out several YouTube videos and it seems be a decent product. Anyone here use one of these?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg image.jpg (39.2 KB, 121 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-20-2016, 10:22 AM
hobby-gunsmith's Avatar
hobby-gunsmith hobby-gunsmith is offline
US Veteran
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: New Port Richey, Florida
Posts: 909
Likes: 721
Liked 454 Times in 224 Posts
Default pistol shooting rest

I use it for my basic pistol class students for the initial bench rest shooting position in the classroom and on the range. The student can get a feel of sight alignment and trigger control while sitting down and then transitioning to the standing position from the bench rest position. Enjoy it and practice.

Nick
__________________
NRA Instructor\GCA Gunsmith
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-20-2016, 10:23 AM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

It looks decent, but the best handgun rest is 3-4 sandbags, so that you can shape them to fit the gun, and never rest the barrel, just the frame. I fill my bags, (25 lb canvas shot bags) with old used up corn cob tumbling material. It is much lighter than sand.

Caution: Revolvers will damage shot bags by the B/C gap and after awhile will cut through the canvas. I carry an old piece of leather roughly a foot square and cover the top bag to avoid this. (P.S. keep your fingers behind the B/C gap, you only forget it once).
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Last edited by H Richard; 05-21-2016 at 12:19 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 05-20-2016, 10:37 AM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 8,158
Likes: 3,605
Liked 5,199 Times in 2,172 Posts
Default

My experience matches HRichard: resting the barrel makes the gun shoot high. I would not use the Caldwell rest except maybe teaching sight alignment. IMHO sight alignment is easy, trigger control is hard.
__________________
Science plus Art

Last edited by OKFC05; 05-20-2016 at 10:40 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-20-2016, 12:22 PM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is offline
US Veteran
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

So on a Auto Pistol..................

Resting the frame, which is under the slide, which houses the barrel............

would not hurt or change the groups down range..............
or would be a type of resting on the barrel?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-20-2016, 12:25 PM
Krell1 Krell1 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 410
Liked 2,125 Times in 811 Posts
Default

I'm cheap. I've used a piece of rolled up carpet. The surface is soft and won't damage the gun in any way and it seems to work well for me.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 05-20-2016, 12:42 PM
iPac's Avatar
iPac iPac is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 1,565
Liked 1,364 Times in 560 Posts
Default

I bought this one:

MTM K-Zone Shooting Rest

Got it on Amazon for $40 shipped. It will do pistols and rifles. You can also add weights inside if needed. Absolutely the cheapest, and the quality isn't bad.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-20-2016, 01:00 PM
Ballistic147 Ballistic147 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 713
Likes: 129
Liked 719 Times in 327 Posts
Default

Hmm, guess I need to do a little more research then. All of my guns are semi auto with the exception of the Ruger Super Redhawk 44 so most would sit with the frame on the rest instead of the barrel. The other exception would be my Ruger MKII.

I've got one of the old Bulls Bags for rifles which is great but bigger and heavier than I need. Might look into making a few sandbags out of old denim jeans. Just have to talk my wife into doing a little sewing for me.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-20-2016, 01:21 PM
Tundra46 Tundra46 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
Liked 11 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I have one and use it frequently for load development for my semi autos and revolvers. I have modified the base with 2 1"x2" pieces of wood screwed longitudinally to the base to increase its sturdiness. I also add a piece of carpet to the front gun support and replace it after it has been soiled. From my point of view, it will meet all of your stated criteria.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-20-2016, 01:29 PM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ballistic147 View Post
I'm looking to buy a pistol shooting rest and came across the Caldwell Pistolero Shooting rest at Midway. My main criteria is:

1- Inexpensive
2- Lightweight/portable
3- Reasonably steady

This rest will be used only a few times a year for testing accuracy of a new gun purchase and/or testing the accuracy of my reloads. With that in mind I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something that doesn't get used much. I've already checked out several YouTube videos and it seems be a decent product. Anyone here use one of these?

My LGS uses a similar model. As you can imagine it gets a lot of use and all of which is by a non-owner. Be careful with the screw adjustment on the front end but with proper care it should take care of your needs.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-20-2016, 01:31 PM
Big Cholla Big Cholla is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5,932
Liked 5,259 Times in 1,732 Posts
Default

I have posted this before, but for those that missed it; The best handgun rest is homemade and will take you about 20 minutes to make. Cut two pieces of 2x6 board to about 14 to 16". Take one and cut a "V" in one side to about 1.5" deep feathered out close to the ends. Cut a couple of pieces of old carpet 2"x 12". Tack those two pieces of carpet into the "V" with very small nails (tacks). Nail and then screw from the bottom of the uncut 2x6 the "Ved" piece centered. This creates a perfect benchrest rest for shooting any handgun to the utmost of its (your) accuracy. DO NOT rest the butt of the handgun on anything except your hand. DO NOT rest the barrel across this rest. Always use the frame shield or the forward edge of the frame for revolvers on the bottom of the "V". Minimal cost and maximum performance. This is the next best thing to a Ransome Rest. Plus the POI and the POA will almost always coincide with a good offhand hold. ..............
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 05-20-2016, 02:12 PM
Rule3's Avatar
Rule3 Rule3 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 22,065
Likes: 10,777
Liked 15,465 Times in 6,787 Posts
Default



As mentioned above a rolled up carpet works just as well Or cut some wood. We have the wood ones at the range .

I have one of these for rifles but it works for pistols also. There is a less expensive Junior version

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...-shooting-rest

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/68...-shooting-rest
__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

Last edited by Rule3; 05-20-2016 at 02:19 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-20-2016, 02:33 PM
Nick B Nick B is offline
US Veteran
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: S.W. Fl.
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 677
Liked 1,156 Times in 447 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Cholla View Post
I have posted this before, but for those that missed it; The best handgun rest is homemade and will take you about 20 minutes to make. Cut two pieces of 2x6 board to about 14 to 16". Take one and cut a "V" in one side to about 1.5" deep feathered out close to the ends. Cut a couple of pieces of old carpet 2"x 12". Tack those two pieces of carpet into the "V" with very small nails (tacks). Nail and then screw from the bottom of the uncut 2x6 the "Ved" piece centered. This creates a perfect benchrest rest for shooting any handgun to the utmost of its (your) accuracy. DO NOT rest the butt of the handgun on anything except your hand. DO NOT rest the barrel across this rest. Always use the frame shield or the forward edge of the frame for revolvers on the bottom of the "V". Minimal cost and maximum performance. This is the next best thing to a Ransome Rest. Plus the POI and the POA will almost always coincide with a good offhand hold. ..............
Pics please.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-20-2016, 03:54 PM
Twoboxer's Avatar
Twoboxer Twoboxer is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 340
Liked 736 Times in 398 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ballistic147 View Post
Hmm, guess I need to do a little more research then. All of my guns are semi auto with the exception of the Ruger Super Redhawk 44 so most would sit with the frame on the rest instead of the barrel. The other exception would be my Ruger MKII. . . .
I use the Pistolero routinely with M&P9, S&W 1911, CZ75, and Ruger Mk III. It should prove adequate for your purposes for any handgun except pocket rockets the size of a Ruger LCP.

The butt-base is sufficiently adjustable to allow the frame or even the trigger guard to sit on the front rest. Sometimes ridges on the adjusting wheel interfere when the butt is very close to the front rest, but a little bit of adjusting can get them out of the way. Finally, with pistol grip laser sights that place the laser alongside (rather than under) the barrel, some care needs to be taken to avoid blocking the laser (sloping front rest).

Using any pistol rest can lead to a different POI than your personal free-hand shooting does simply due (eg) to a changed recoil pattern among other possibilities. However, I've used the Pistolero for comparing handguns, loads, and laser sight-in and I am happy with it. It's not a Ransom Rest lol, but it does the job just fine.

Last edited by Twoboxer; 05-20-2016 at 03:57 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-20-2016, 04:46 PM
Ballistic147 Ballistic147 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 713
Likes: 129
Liked 719 Times in 327 Posts
Default

Well, after reading all the posts here I went ahead and ordered it. For $30 shipped I think it will do what I need and if not I won't be out much. I did see a lot of comments about the base being flimsy but should be an easy and free fix since I already have the wood and screws to do that. Maybe once it's dialed in I'll get some pics and do a quick review on it.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 05-20-2016, 05:03 PM
Nemo288's Avatar
Nemo288 Nemo288 is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Badgerland
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 557
Liked 1,496 Times in 786 Posts
Default

I use the canvas shot bags full of either sand or tumbling media.
First I put the filler in zip-lock bags and then into the canvas.
The I sew the canvas shut.
That's the only hard part.
Then the whole thing goes into another canvas bag.
CANVAS SHOOTING BAGS | Brownells
They last forever unless you get careless with a snubby.
__________________
NEMO
"Everything 44"
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 05-25-2016, 02:37 PM
cfplinker cfplinker is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado, where the mount
Posts: 181
Likes: 19
Liked 188 Times in 80 Posts
Default

Here is a version of Big Cholla's rest. I have one like the OP is buying and found that the adjustment in height is very useful so I designed it into my version.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P1000116.jpg (89.6 KB, 182 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 05-25-2016, 11:32 PM
Ceapea's Avatar
Ceapea Ceapea is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Midwest
Posts: 742
Likes: 460
Liked 248 Times in 127 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ballistic147 View Post
I'm looking to buy a pistol shooting rest and came across the Caldwell Pistolero Shooting rest at Midway. My main criteria is:

1- Inexpensive
2- Lightweight/portable
3- Reasonably steady

This rest will be used only a few times a year for testing accuracy of a new gun purchase and/or testing the accuracy of my reloads. With that in mind I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something that doesn't get used much. I've already checked out several YouTube videos and it seems be a decent product. Anyone here use one of these?
I had that one. Didn't like it so I gave it away. I ended up with two MTM rests. I liked the first one (rifle/pistol) so much, I bought a second one just for pistols.

Front Rifle Rest and handgun pistol rest by MTM

K-Zone Shooting Rest by MTM - PSR-30
__________________
Thugs that comply don’t die!

Last edited by Ceapea; 05-25-2016 at 11:37 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 05-27-2016, 02:24 PM
ostlund ostlund is offline
Member
Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest Pistol Shooting Rest  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: WA from MT
Posts: 249
Likes: 436
Liked 314 Times in 126 Posts
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Krell1 View Post
I'm cheap. I've used a piece of rolled up carpet. The surface is soft and won't damage the gun in any way and it seems to work well for me.
2x4's of various stacks with carpet over the top. (and before any funny comments not 8 footers ha ha smiley didn't show here)

Sand bags and rolled up carpet too as already mentioned.

After you get that shooter sighted the way you want it get busy with using your hands and arms!

Last edited by ostlund; 05-27-2016 at 02:25 PM. Reason: additional comment
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Caldwell AR Shooting Rest Bags blues7 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 8 05-12-2016 09:31 PM
Bulls Bag Shooting Rest novalty Reloading 11 02-20-2015 01:10 AM
anyone try shooting a 4 inch 686 of a ransom rest? kidneystones S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 13 08-05-2011 06:47 PM
crotch rest shooting G.T. Smith The Lounge 9 10-21-2010 12:01 AM
Shooting rest question.. lexcruiser Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 1 04-30-2010 01:00 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:26 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)