I'm interested in the best method for benching my revolver. Should I rest the barrel on the bag, the bottom of the grip, the frame just ahead of the trigger guard?
Also what about support for my wrist / forearms, necessary or not?
Thanks.

I use a rifle but bag and hold the gun with a two hand grip as close to what I would use without the bag. I rest my hand and just ahead of the trigger guard on the bag with enough height so the pistol butt doesn't touch the bench. Elbows on the bench. I use a wrag draped over the ears of the rifle bag so the gas from the cylinder gap doesn't cut the bag.

Good Luck!

Don

I do not rest the butt, nor the barrel. I like to rest my forearms and hold the gun as if I were shooting off-hand. Revolvers are very grip sensitive and I have found that the best way for me to keep a consistant grip is to hold the entire weight of the gun in the hand. I don't get too concerned with shooting tiny groups though, nor do I think it is something to be concerned about.

Do NOT put a $35 UnderArmor beanie on top of your bag or rest. Due to the cylinder gap you will have a #35 shredded beanie that the homeless would scoff at.

Life lessons.

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish from the bench.

If you are doing load development and looking for the most accurate load, then I have found the best accuracy by bagging both the barrel and the butt of the gun. This gives me an absolute rock solid sight picture and allows me to truly compare the accuracy potential of a load. The only drawback is that the POI WILL be different than if the gun is shot unsupported, however for load development that is of little consequence.

When actually zeroing the sights, I will either support my forearms on the bag, with the gun unsupported, or place the bag under the front of the frame, making sure to keep the butt of the gun in free air (you want the gun to recoil normally).

For load development this is the only way to fly ;-)

That's cheating.

Unfortunately, all I have for mine are the 1911 grip panels.









I need to get some for my revolvers. But......DANG......they are expensive!

That they are.

That looks kinda familiar which reminds me I finally found those other inserts when we moved and now I just have to remember where I put them.

Hahaha, ya I can say that about a lot of things as I get older ;-)

No rush on the inserts.

Gents, thank you for your input. The suggestions are helpful and I'll be trying them out this weekend. Much appreciated!

As stated above, POI will be different between using a rest and shooting off-hand. One consequence is that you need to zero for the style of hunting you're expecting ie if you are stalking and intend shooting unsupported then that's what you need to be zeroed for. Likewise if you are going to be using sticks, you'll need to zeroed for shooting off sticks. Use a bench rest to test loads, but zero (and practice) with what you'll use on the hunt.

Yes, bench resting is just for load development and getting the sights inline with the best load. Thereafter the sights are tested in field positions and adjustments made as necessary. Thanks

Great post and rely's for this large caliber newb.

I have a Cadwell pistol rest similar to Zee's (the first set up, that is), which I use for both my 460 and the Encore, except the 460 is so big that I have to rest the bottom of the frame on the front part rather than the barrel.

All good info.. Thanks..


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