OK, noob question # 1: I was reading something about shooting from a rest(s) and got the impression that "how" you place your revolver across/into the sandbags will affect point of impact, to the degree that it might not shoot to the same point under field rest conditions.

Did I understand that right? Is that correct?

If so, what is the best way to rest a handgun during sighting in?

BTW, I will be shooting my 8 3/8" bbl. S&W M29.

I use a shooters ridge "V" type sand bag; made for a rifle fore end rest.

I have the same question regarding a revolver for sighting in or in the field...after having observed some placing the barrel on the rest while others the frame and still others use the rest as a support for their hands/wrists without the gun touching the rest. BTW the "rest" could be sandbags/sticks/hunting backpack/etc.....I am currently working with an S&W 460XVR...and appreciate a shooting support. Thanks for the help!

I sight in and hunt off this backpack exclusively for 28 years. It's useful where many other rests are not. It has several medium soft pillows in it. I put articles needed for hunting and cleaning animals between the pillows.
With single shots I put the gun on it as is. With revolvers I use a small piece of leather under the cylinder gap when sighting in. Multiple shots will burn/tear the pack. When hunting I don't carry the leather. One or two shots won't hurt it.
Both types of guns shoot exactly to the same point of aim in the field as sighting in. It's light and practical. Sandbags are not needed. My longest shot off this bag was a 718 yd. deer. This photo was taken right after I killed a Cape kudu at 201 yds.
This system doesn't seem to be popular with most handgunners, but I guarantee you once you try it for a while you'll see there is no peer for mobile, multiposition, and lightweight rests.

When shooting from a rest, sandbag, pack etc. I rest the frame / trigger guard area and my hands on the rest. I try not to let the barrel or the grip base touch a solid object. I also do my best to anchor my wrists, forearms or elbows if possible. Put your elbows on a bag or pad to protect from recoil on a big gun. Watch out for cylinder blast. I usually use a piece of leather to protect the rest from cylinder blast.

One of the biggest issues going from shooting rested to shooting in the field is in the way a person grips the gun. With revolvers the grip tension is paramount and moreso the more they kick. There is nothing wrong with sighting in from a rest but I'll bet the farm, if I had one, you will shoot lower off-hand simply because the stronger grip required to hold the weight of the gun will reduce the muzzle flip. It isn't as fussy with longer guns like the T/C's but it does matter. Like Doc said, practice like you play and all will be right.

I carry a piece of leather cut from an old welding sleeve in my pack where its easy to get to for blast protection,sure saves the pack and or sand bags.However you rest the gun when sighting in do the same in the field . Shoot the same way you practice.

I sight in resting my wrist on my knees. I don't let the gun touch anything while shooting/hunting. That said I hunt 75yard max shot and prefer closer to 25yards.

Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like it's the grip, rather than what or how the gun is placed on a rest, that makes the biggest difference in POI for handgun shooting.

Yes...thanks for the help...now more time on the range