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 Post subject: Prototype Handgun Rest
PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2015 11:51 am 
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I've bought a couple new handguns in the past 6 months, so figured why not use some of my ww jig stuff to make a fully adjustable rest for sighting in. In the past, I've just used a whatever was handy to provide some support, which is less than satisfactory.

This one is adjustable for elevation, windage, and forearm support to accommodate a variety of pistols and revolvers. It clamps into an old workmate I have. If it works out like I expect I'll make a nicer one out of some hardwood. The prototype is just whatever scrap I had laying around.

Image

First test of the prototype. As you can see in the pic, I added some temp padding, and also a rubber cup for the grip to absorb recoil and add some additional stability (carved out an old rubber sanding block for that).

Image

Pretty happy with it so far, but I need some new glasses. Could not get focused well on the front sight, which shows up in the vertical stringing. POA was std. bull on top of front sight.

This was the second target. First target, shots were low and left about 4" so went back in the shop and drifted the rear sight a bit. Still a little to the left as you can see, so might administer another tap or two.
The target bullseye (black) is 1" dia.

Image

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PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2015 11:57 pm 
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Not bad Gene, but does felt give enough vibration damping? That may be the cause of the vertical group. You might also give some thought to changing the rubber block for resting the grip on. The vertical wall that the back of the grip rest against may actually be the cause of the vertical problem.

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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2015 4:42 am 
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Ice Pirate wrote:
Not bad Gene, but does felt give enough vibration damping? That may be the cause of the vertical group. You might also give some thought to changing the rubber block for resting the grip on. The vertical wall that the back of the grip rest against may actually be the cause of the vertical problem.


Thanks, I'll try out a couple different setups. :) I've already planned on using some leather to pad the "V" and arm rest, but what would you suggest to replace the grip cup?

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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2015 9:56 am 
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Most pistol sleds I've seen were either unsupported at the rear (i.e. held entirely by the shooter), or gripped by the sides by the sled.

The ones that were supported at the rear allowed for the pistol to pivot at that point rather than be stopped completely.

But, what do I know, I'm not a very good pistol shooter.
:D

ETA: Would you be more comfortable (and likely more stable) on a seat on the other side of the Workmate?

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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2015 10:01 am 
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DMoening wrote:
Most pistol sleds I've seen were either unsupported at the rear (i.e. held entirely by the shooter), or gripped by the sides by the sled.

The ones that were supported at the rear allowed for the pistol to pivot at that point rather than be stopped completely.

But, what do I know, I'm not a very good pistol shooter.
:D

ETA: Would you be more comfortable (and likely more stable) on a seat on the other side of the Workmate?


I do have a chair for use with this. Just not shown in the pic.

You're talking about something like the Hyskore. I looked at those, but don't care for that lemon squeezer design. Seems like (for other than small bore guns) you could damage the grips or frame by tightening it down enough to keep a large caliber handgun in place. Some of the reviews I've read mention this and other issues. In any case the Hyskore is a sighting rest, not a shooting rest.

Image

The Ransom rest (below) is a shooting rest, but runs about $400. :shock:

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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2015 1:05 pm 
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$400 Yikes!

I don't see why you couldn't fashion a similiar device taking clues from the Ransom rest though:

Image

Looks like it takes formed inserts. This would alleviate [some] concern of over tightening the frame/grips.
The trick is ... how to make something with that capability in the home shop.

I've seen your skills.
I know you're up to it.



And once you do I'll be sure to copy it.
:D

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PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2015 2:33 pm 
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DMoening wrote:
$400 Yikes!

I don't see why you couldn't fashion a similiar device taking clues from the Ransom rest though:

Image

Looks like it takes formed inserts. This would alleviate [some] concern of over tightening the frame/grips.
The trick is ... how to make something with that capability in the home shop.

I've seen your skills.
I know you're up to it.



And once you do I'll be sure to copy it.
:D


Well, we'll see how well the current prototype works out. I've only fired the one gun in it so far. I want to try it out with my .41 mag Blackhawk, and a couple others before I make any significant design changes. Once I'm happy with it, or a successor, I'll post some simple plans. Not in any great hurry with this, so it might be a while. :)

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PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2015 9:13 pm 
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At most for the back of the pistol, I'd have just a flat plate to rest it on, but your hand really needs to be fully behind the grip and absorbing the recoil. If you go with a flat plate, be sure that you don't pinch your hand between the butt and the plate. The clamp type rest like the Ransom, are more for test firing loads where you don't want it in your hand when it goes.

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PostPosted: Sun May 17, 2015 6:05 pm 
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Gene the rear rest should be a simple platform, covered with felt, the front needs more of a "V" and a larger screw with large round/knurled adjusting nuts. The type of rest you are making still uses the human touch. Unlike the other two types shown which are designed to remove human interaction and test the accuracy of the firearm itself and/or amunition once the gun is determined to be accurate.


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PostPosted: Sat May 23, 2015 1:39 pm 
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Got some time today to get in a little practice.

Went out today without the rest, just freehanding, and was pleased with my performance. 9 shots from 7yds, using Winchester white box fmj. A couple flyers (me ) but 7 of 9 were in the gray ( 2 in the black) in a pretty tight group for an old guy. ;) Fairly rapid fire, POI and POA seem well aligned. So no more messing with the sights. :)

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PostPosted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 7:29 am 
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Up here in Maine we use a Y in a TREE. They work wicked goooooddddddddddd.
:D :D :D :D


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:48 pm 
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little bear wrote:
Up here in Maine we use a Y in a TREE. They work wicked goooooddddddddddd.
:D :D :D :D


I've used those and other supports also. Unfortunately this is my house gun, and I don't have a tree in the bedroom. :lol:

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PostPosted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 8:38 pm 
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Little Bear is that a Colt 1903, 32 cal., if so it looks better than mine............oh yea nice sticks too :D


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 5:29 am 
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Paul Gauthier wrote:
Little Bear is that a Colt 1903, 32 cal., if so it looks better than mine............oh yea nice sticks too :D

1910 browning 380 N F model.


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PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:28 pm 
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Laser beam dot/ night vision goggles work great. I have a driveway laser that works great.


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