Which shooting rest is better?

[SCAR333]

I am in the market for a stable shooting rest, and have decided on two different rests that I am going to choose between, the Caldwell Lead Sled Solo or the Primos Group Therapy. I am able to get either one at around the same price, so that is not the issue.

Has anybody had experience with both, or either, of these two rests? Pros? Cons?

At first, I wanted to pull the trigger on the Caldwell, honestly, because of the name. However, the Primos rest doesn't look that bad either.

I guess I am just looking for people's experience with either one to help me pick one over the other. Thank you.

 

[rockquarry]

If you're serious about shooting from a benchrest, get a good, heavy front pedestal rest like a Hart, if they're still made (look at a Sinclair catalog). Probably weighs twenty pounds with Protektor sandbag affixed to rest top. It won't move around on bench like a cheap, flimsy rest. It won't wear out and you'll never wish you had bought something better.

Get a Protektor rear "bunny" bag. It's also heavy and quite substantial. Few serious accuracy enthusiasts would use either product you mentioned. The setup described above will work far better. Good luck in your endeavor-

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

AR and Pistol Shooting, Gun, Rifle and bench rests | Bulls Bag

 

[Kanewpadle]

I have the Lead Sled. Don't like it much. Works okay with light calibers but with heavy calibers the sled will move just a bit no matter how much weight I put in it. So then I have to try and readjust which is a pain and takes too long. Good ole sand bags or shot bags works better.

 

[rockquarry]

Regarding Bulls Bags...I think they may have several versions available now. I have the earliest model from at least twenty-five years ago. Very heavy and awkward to use; don't know if they still make this one. I've never been able to get comfortable with it, though it may not have been designed specifically for bench use.

 

[H Richard]

A solid front rest and a rear bunny bag will give you the best performance over the long haul. But use a malleable front bag on the rest to absorb any pulse spikes while aiming. The rear bunny bag needs to be filled only about 80% full so you can manipulate it to refine your point of aim.

If you are looking for a pistol only rest, you can use the heavy front rest and bag, but you will need to build up some form of rear bag for under the butt of the gun. Some of the best handgun rests I have seen were built from scratch.

I only have experience with the lead sled, and I found it cumbersome to use.

 

[SCAR333]

I have used bags before and find that I am always having to "adjust" them to keep the crosshairs on the target. I had no problem sighting in my .270 with bags, but I am looking for something that will allow me to get a precise zero, and I could never do that with the bags.

I have read/watched (Youtube) plenty of reviews on the Caldwell and it does not seem to get as good a review(s) as I would have thought it would. I cannot find as many reviews on the Primos rest, but the ones that I have found are all good. I guess I kind of just made up my mind...

 

[coltle6920]

I have the Caldwell sled (#101777). Used it to zero in my Ar15 and a couple Henry's.

It kept the rifles on target whereas I would've been all over the place trying to hold them steady.Rubber pads on the feet to keep it in place.Two front legs independently adjustable and front is adjustable for elevation.

I wouldn't use it for everyday plinking...That's taking all the skill out of the equation.However it was a godsend helping me zero in the rifles.

 

[SCAR333]

I have the Caldwell sled (#101777). Used it to zero in my Ar15 and a couple Henry's.

It kept the rifles on target whereas I would've been all over the place trying to hold them steady.Rubber pads on the feet to keep it in place.Two front legs independently adjustable and front is adjustable for elevation.

I wouldn't use it for everyday plinking...That's taking all the skill out of the equation.However it was a godsend helping me zero in the rifles.

Is it steady enough that you can adjust the crosshairs to the POI group with the rifle in the rest?

 

[SCAR333]

I just purchased the Primos Group Therapy. It has all of the adjustments that the Caldwell has, plus better reviews (that I can find). I will update with an initial review when I get it on Monday (Gotta love Amazon Prime!).

 

[coltle6920]

Is it steady enough that you can adjust the crosshairs to the POI group with the rifle in the rest?

Yes,but like anything it's only as steady as what it's sitting on.

I'm not familiar with what you decided to buy. Good Luck!