Zeroing your rifle is no easy task. Getting the optic mounted correctly is the first obstacle, but then you must find your point of aim vs. your point of impact. If you’re lucky, you are on paper after your first shot and only need small adjustments. Inevitably, I am aiming at the four corners to try and find where the impacts are and trying to just get on paper. One of the most important factors in this process is the that the shots are steady and where you put them. If you are shooting standing unsupported, chances are you will not be holding steady enough to repeat impacts. To help solve that dilemma, I use a shooting rest to be sure my rifle doesn’t move, and I can repeat the exact same shot as many times as necessary to set my zero.
There are a few different ways you can go to find the right rest for you. Rigid shooting benches like the Allen Shot-Rock allow you to lock your rifle in and have levers to help adjust elevation. This is the most reliable way to stay on target due to the way the rest cradles the stock and forearm. It keeps movement to a minimum allowing for steady shots on target every time. The rest also makes for quicker follow up shots, which speeds the somewhat mundane process along. For ultimate stability, you can even mount them to your shooting bench.
ALLEN SHOT ROCK $82.99 @ Palmetto State Armory
Another way to find a comfortable rest is to use sandbags in the front or in the front and rear. Precision Rifle Shooters all over the world use sandbags to zero as well as compete in matches where they reach further than your average shooter. Depending on the sandbag, you can make minimal adjustments while shooting with just a squeeze of the bag. This method is not as sturdy, but it will get the job done. Caldwell has a full line of sandbags to make sure you have a comfortable, repeatable rest. One of my favorites they offer is the “Tac Driver X Bag.” You can always find a good rest on this repositionable bag, and it even leaves room for your pistol grip guns.
Caldwell Tack Driver X Bag $52.09 @ Palmetto State Armory
The bottom of my list is the more modern Styrofoam style rests. While they are the most economical, they are literally just a piece of foam with a “V” or “C” cut for your rifle forearm to rest in. This way is the least supported as you still must shoulder the rifle, and it doesn’t allow the rifle to settle in like a sandbag. I’m not saying I’ve never zeroed with one, but it is by far my least favorite. When shopping for them, some are better than others. Make sure the foam is sturdy and will hold up to use. I’ve used some that left shavings all over my rifle and didn’t last. Benchmaster offers their Weapon Rack X Block XL to combat this problem. It’s cheap and will be easy to leave in the truck if you want.
Benchmaster Weapon Rack X-Block XL $27.99 @ Natchez Shooting and Outdoors
Tripod rests are huge in hunting out west as well as PRS and Open Class in most 3-gun matches. Like photography, this is another area where you can spend a ton of money if you so choose. There IS a difference in quality between the lower and higher end tripods and rests. One of my personal favorites is the Deathgrip by BOG Gear. I’ve had the older version of the BOGPOD tripod for almost 20 years and I still use it every time I go out. The Deathgrip is a sturdier option as it has a place to put your rifle and clamp it down. This is NOT as solid as being set on a rest on a bench, but it IS a close second.
BOG Deathgrip Infinite Tripod $299.99 @ Optics Planet
The last supported shooting option I offer is a simple bipod. They fold up, ride on your rifle, and are always there. I’ve zeroed many a rifle off a table and bipod, so I can verify it IS possible. When switching to a class where I could use a bipod in 3-gun, I felt like I was cheating the first couple times. It just makes shots so much more stable. I’m a big fan of Harris bipods. They offer several sizes, swivel or non-swivel options, and they are tried and true. You can really go wild with bipods as there are some that are north of $500 or more, but you can find a Harris just over $100 or even cheaper if you can find one used.
Harris LMS Swivel Bipod 9-13” $99.76 @ BattleHawk Armory
As the great John Madden would say,” Some rest is better than no rest.” If you can find a way to make another point of contact to steady your shot, it will undoubtedly help. Be sure that if you plan on using your rests in the field that you practice with them, especially if you plan to hunt or compete with them. There’s nothing worse than finding a new problem you can’t fix in the field or on the clock. Ask me how I know…
-Nick