HD Video: Caldwell Rock BR benchrest

[seasterl]

I'm a new guy that was getting into Benchrest and HovisKM gave me a wealth of help and direction and advice on equipment purchases (and contacts) that didn't break the bank. I learned that there is a payway that is hard to find in this sport that any new guy can take that will shave off probably 50% or more of the cost to get started as long as he listens to sound advice. If a new guy spends all his money on equipment that won't make him remotely competitive, then he could get discouraged easily and quit. If he has financial resources to correct bad purchases, then he learns the hard way what works and doesn't work, and I suspect that's the story here for most of the seasoned competitors even if it took a long time to afford the better stuff. I liked the comments about what companies like Midway has done for shooters and enthusiasts that live in the hills (like I used to) or wherever and don't have computers or friends that shoot BR. This forum has been a valuable resource to me even though I rarely post anything. Anyway, a new guy does need to have some thick skin to swallow the pride a little and be open to ideas that will set him up for success on a budget. You sure can't read a Midway or Cabella's catalog and buy the right stuff to win. Now a Sinclair catalog would be better, esp. if you call them for help. I realize there can be a lot of pride in a sport that requires such precision. I think a good way to handle the "new guys" is to immediately assess their awareness based on their question or initial comments, and just kindly give an opinion of something of equal (or similar) cost that might be better. I liked the comment about suggesting a Sinclair rest. Affordable, no frills, but no doubt can help win matches with the right bags and practice. Anyway, sorry for the long post. I actually put my plans to shoot BR on hold for now to shoot IHMSA pistol silhouette, and I hope to come back to this sport. Afterall, I already bought half the gear to do it! (Don't throw tomatoes at me for mentioning IHMSA!)

 

[zippy06]

Hi Donald.
Sorry about that. I was wrong.
I see where you are coming from.
I am at the beginning. Maybe the middle of the same journey.
Man, I hate really hate it to see people waste time and money. But, it's their money. People say I help too much.
Scopes. Got to look through a few scopes, lately. Weaver 36X Leupold 45X.
I think, you are on to something there. I met someone who agrees with you.
I have not seen a Caldwell CO-AX. At any ranges. Farleys a lot.

 

[zippy06]

Seasterl. Never heard of IMSHA?????????
But, why not shoot both?????????????
Sinclair is the best.
Steve Theye suggested I go to WWCCA last Oct. Met Bill Gammon. Talked to Bill for 3 hrs.
Didn't meet Steve till this year.

 

[seasterl]

Seasterl. Never heard of IMSHA?????????
But, why not shoot both?????????????
QUOTE]

IHMSA is International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association,... pistol silhouette shooting. Basically shooting at metal targets with a handgun without a rest (standing off-hand and creedmore positions) at targets at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters (and in some cases longer ranges). Targets are different sizes, too. It's a humbling sport, to say the least. My plan is to pick up benchrest rifle by this time next year.

 

[Dana]

Seasterl. Never heard of IMSHA?????????
But, why not shoot both?????????????
QUOTE]

IHMSA is International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association,... pistol silhouette shooting. Basically shooting at metal targets with a handgun without a rest (standing off-hand and creedmore positions) at targets at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters (and in some cases longer ranges). Targets are different sizes, too. It's a humbling sport, to say the least. My plan is to pick up benchrest rifle by this time next year.

Talk about humbling sport wait till you shoot Benchrest Competitively. Thenyou will really understand about being humbled!!!!!

 

[PLeper]

I'm with jcwit

I built my first gun on a 700 action and had one guy who really helped a lot and taught me a lot. Overall, others thumbed their noses at the 700 AND the Caldwell rest. Frankly, they worked out great for me. Remember boys this is the "General" section, not the "Competition" session. Not all of us have the time, and in some cases the funds, to invest in a full set of top notch/top priced goods. I've said it before that gun snobs helped to kill skeet shooting; let's try not to let that happen here.

 

[caroby]

Just get started...

I don't think all of it has to do with high priced toys and attitude. For the most part the guys are trying to keep the new guys from spending their money on things that don't work. We were all new at one time. I have owned 6 rests and tops over 20 yrs. of shooting. I spent a lot of money doing my own thing.
Without shooting good equip., you have no basis for comparison. Being new what you are using is a little better than sandbags on the bench.
I think the attitude thing goes both ways. A guy asks for advice and when it is given, he is told he is full of ----- and is uppity. I had a lot of help when I started even though some were pretty dry with their comments. I took it constructively and didn't get a big chip on my shoulder. The problem with the internet as we have all seen is you can't listen to a guys tone of voice or see his facial expression. Some of us are 2 finger typers and are short and to the point. It comes out pretty blunt sometimes. Take that in consideration the next time a post bothers you.
Butch

Well said Butch.


Well Zippy, I think you misread my reply. Now I only tried one Caldwell Co-Ax and it was like it had gravel in it. You would have had a difficult time adjusting that thing in a Benchrest match. It was in my opinion a piece of crap. Maybe the newer ones are OK. I started out with a basic Caldwell rest, then advanced to thier better one with the windage top. Its a decent rest for what it costs. But its the little things, like the center post had cast threads and no amount of lapping would smooth them out. Finally I got a Farley Compact top and put it on the Caldwell base. Works just fine. In fact I like it better than the big Farley. Yes I still buy stuff from MidwayUSA. Just placed an order with them today.

Some come to this site for advice and when they are given the best advice they will ever get, they get thier feelings hurt. If you want to shoot true Benchrest competitively you better get ready to spend some bucks. But if you just want to shoot Benchrest and just have some fun then its still gonna cost a bit. But what hobby sport is not expensive. Playing poker for matches I guess. At the last shoot at Denton there were at least 6-8 $30,000 bass boats pulled by $40,000 pick ups parked at our motel. Makes them ole fish cost a lot per pound. Or how about golf, green fees, cart, etc. I am retired and far from rich, but by selling some of my old hobby stuff, I have been able to afford a couple of full race competition rifles and all the stuff that goes with them. And this year I was able to afford a $1,000 scope, but to tell you the truth, I shot just as good with my $400 Weavers. So you see, what you thought was "uppity" was just straight from the shoulder good advice. Any time I am at the range and other shooters show any interest in my equipment I invite them to set down and shoot a group. I love to get others interested in extreme accuracy. And when I was young and had kids in school, there was no way I could be playing the game I am now. Its all about where your priorities are. I know a shooter that lives on a very modest income but saves his quarters and such to buy only the best equipment. You take care now, but just remember, you are not going to get any BS from the people that compete in matches. They tell it like it is because they hate to see people make the same mistakes they did.

Donald
Well said Don...!


They tell it like it is because they hate to see people make the same mistakes they did. Donald

This is TRUTH........ I feel the same way. BUT if someone wants to start out against the grain a bit, that's there choice.
I only hope they REALLY get bit by the Benchrest bug hard..! Then work hard to root out any suspect issues with their set-up. 9 times - outta 10 the equiptment they went against the grain with will be replaced and previous comments will be heeded.

Not snooty... Just truth... Most of the equiptment is $$$! But competitive 100/200 Benchrest leaves NOTHING to chance..!

JMOP....... Those who have the "WANTS TOOS!" and not the pocket book will still do what it takes to get it done. Patients and saving their pennys. Shooting matches they can afford to travel and number of matches they can afford in a year of competition. What I do...

The good thing is MOST Benchrest shooters will give their right leg to help out a new shooter get COMPETITIVE. It's no fun for either party to see a new shooter get frustrated and quit.


Go to a match and see for yourself.

cale

 

[zippy06]

+1 Dana.
Yep. Humbling.
The nice thing about Benchrest and any competitive shooting. There is always another target. And another match. "We'll get er next time".
Keeps me coming back.

 

[seasterl]

Talk about humbling sport wait till you shoot Benchrest Competitively. Thenyou will really understand about being humbled!!!!!

Yeah, I'm sure Benchrest is the hardest of all shooting sports as I'll find out. That's why I frequent this site and learn from the masters. In case you don't know what IHMSA is, it has several classes and target sizes at different distances, and it's typically done with pistols with iron sights with either 10.75" barrels or 15" barrels and no wind flags. The big bore rams at 200 meters weigh 50-55 pounds, but you are not allowed to use a bullet with excessive energy so as to damage the target. Being competitive in the sport would mean that you're hitting either 40 out of 40 targets per class or 80 out of 80 per class, depending on the competition. The only "rest" the shoot gets is his leg! The other classes are for standing and elbows are not allowed to touch the body. It's gives me a challenge to look forward to knowing that you consider IHMSA less humbling than rifle Benchrest. For a lot of guys, when they get older, they find that the either can't get into creedmore as easily or can't take the beating as much and keep downloading, or their eyes start to fail and they only shoot the "any sight" classes. I suppose that's when some take what they learned and get into benchrest and find new challenges. Either way, it's all hard for me. I've learned enough to have a lot of respect for guys at the top of any shooting sport. To stick with the OP's theme, the guys on this forum, for the most part, are happy to share their experiences and direction for anyone. It doesn't matter to me as much anymore if the person acts snobbish or acts respectful. If the information is still given, then at least it's free information. As another said already, you can't see the person's expression or hear the voice, so all that has to be taken into consideration by the person seeking help so that they don't get offended easily.

 

[LHSmith]

I built my first gun on a 700 action and had one guy who really helped a lot and taught me a lot. Overall, others thumbed their noses at the 700 AND the Caldwell rest. Frankly, they worked out great for me. Remember boys this is the "General" section, not the "Competition" session. Not all of us have the time, and in some cases the funds, to invest in a full set of top notch/top priced goods. I've said it before that gun snobs helped to kill skeet shooting; let's try not to let that happen here.

This website named "Benchrest Central", I believe is well known as a gathering place to discuss firearm (mainly rifle) accuracy.
The rest in question has BR in it's moniker.
The person who started this thread apparently wants to tell the world he has purchased a great product.
I can tell you that using this rest as demonstrated will yield less accuracy as compared to that of common sand filled shot bags.....there's simply too much movement on the rest top.....................and why does the mariner wheel rotate when adjusting the windage knob?.....after the mariner has been locked......................it's all shown on the video.`
The word "precision" is used throughout this video........This is stretching it.
Why would you spend $170 plus on something that is inferior to an item you could make yourself for nada.
It ain't snobbery, it's sharing our experiences we've encountered in our search for ever increasing accuracy.
I am happy that you're happy with your Caldwell.....I wish more competitors I face would switch to using them.

 

[Keith S]

Talk about humbling sport wait till you shoot Benchrest Competitively. Thenyou will really understand about being humbled!!!!!

My humbling experiance with benchrest.

My first, my very first IR50/50, 250 with I think 12 or 13 Xs. I was so proud of that target until I saw the final results. I came in fifth.