Sand Bags for Shooting

[Dfresh15]

I'm new to the gun world and I just picked up a 15-22 and have yet to get to the range...I also bought a M&P15 AR...Just wondering what you guys/girls think about the range sand bags for the bench etc. Are they good for holding steady target aquisition? Thanks in advance for any info

 

[oberon]

I have a small stack of shot bags full of sand.
I haul 'em out now & then when I want to imagine myself a precicion shooter.
Mostly they stay in a box on my bench.

 

[Jinglebob]

I’ve been using sand bags for years. I have a large military type that I keep on my shooting bench. I prefer the bag over most of the high priced commercial rests. Works just as good in my opinion.

 

[cyphertext]

Range sandbags are fine. They are just canvas pouches filled with sand. You just need something to support the rifle steady.

 

[photoracer]

A rest will always shoot better than sand for a good shooter. Sand can settle slightly causing a target realignment. Having used all sorts of stuff for years I can truthfully say that even a Caldwell Rock, Jr. rest is better than sandbags. Leather filled bags are better than cloth, hemp, or canvas bags. but if that is all you have it is still lots better than nothing at all.

 

[brucev]

Re: OP. Sandbags are most assuredly helpful in allowing one to obtain a consistent repeatable position for firing a rifle or handgun. You can make them from a variety of materials. From time to time I've made sandbags using the legs off old worn out pants. The ones I've made have worked very well. Having several for the front and back allow you to shift them around to get the best position for your own particular uses.

 

[MichiganScott]

Currently I use a Sinclair benchrest setup, but made my own bags for years using empty shot bags, or the legs from worn out Levis. If you choose the cloth bags, just be sure to use ZipLoc bags inside for the sand. Otherwise, they leak.

As far as holding for good target acquisition, there is a reason that the benchrest guys that measure groups in tenths of an inch use a rest.

 

[-Virginian-]

Cut off some old jean legs, fill them up with sand and sew them up. Cheap and work like a champ!

 

[tomcatt51]

Sandbags are nice but heavy and pretty inconvenient. I have a bigger and smaller old bath towels, both rolled up with a couple wraps of tape to keep them rolled up. They're about 12" long.

To go with the towels are some 12" sections of 2 x 6 and a same size piece of 3/4" plywood for "fine tuning" bag heights.

They live in a Midway range bag. Easy to carry, grab and go, and works well for pistol or rifle.

 

[Biomedchad]

be careful though..i have the caldwells and had to tape extra towels to the bottom of them because the magazine is too tall for the bench..so the rests are useless. then, if you make the rests too high you can end up in an uncomfortable position. try a bipod first!!

 

[prairie]

Cut off some old jean legs, fill them up with sand and sew them up. Cheap and work like a champ!

That is what I use also, only mine are filled with cat litter or floor dry for lighter weight.

 

[-Virginian-]

That is what I use also, only mine are filled with cat litter or floor dry for lighter weight.

Great idea! No need to spend money on bags. Save that for ammo.