I'm constantly looking for new ways to make field shooting with handguns, mainly LRSPs, easier. About three months ago I stumbled onto this cool looking backpack for turkey hunters. I dropped the $80 and brought it home. It has a lightweight metal tube frame with a "kickstand" off the rear that allows you to sit down and use the pack itself as a backrest. It also has a padded seat that attachs to the bottom and two side attached gear pouchs (I had them unhooked for the pics).

I used it during turkey season for carrying decoys. The pack portion is big enough for three collapsable deeks with plenty of room leftover. It has a nice chest and waist strap and make it rather comfortable to carry.

So far I've fired about 100 rounds from this new field rest. Using it as the backpack rest (top pic), at 100yds I am keep all my shots in a 1" circle. This position would work well if you were walking along and spotted game within short range (under 300yds). The bottom pic is a position I just discovered...resting the grip on top of the pack frame is rock solid. This weekend I plan on seeing what kind of 500yds groups I can shoot.

Take a look at the pics below and see what you think. I may try to fab one and see what kind of time it takes. I thought this would work perfect for my antelope hunt this fall.

interesting

Steve (sscoyote) uses something similar to this made from bleacher cushions but it does not have a frame. I can see this being used as a small "blind" to crouch behind with only your eyes peeking over. The butt cushion hanging below would allow you to pick it up and carry ahead of you in a low crawl position to break up the human outline.

As soon as I can borrow a tubing bender I'll get to work...the frame will be easy. The stitching will be a whole'nother matter.

Dan B., you're right on the money. I've been using a turkey seat like that for years, both turkey hunting and handgunning. I never go to the woods without it. Mine doesn't have the tube frame. It has a firm padded back and seat thats attached with heavy straps on the sides. Before the turkey hunting industry came out with these type seats, I used stadium seats that were made in a similar fashion, just not as comfortable as turkey modles.

Looks good Dan, well have to really wring it out on the 28th.

I think the frame adds a whole other dimension to its potential uses. With a bipod on the SP, the frame makes a 100% solid rear rest. The backpack seems sturdy enough to pack a boned out antelope.

Looks pretty comfortable!

Looks like you are on to something
Could you kneel on the seat and use the frame as a rest
So you wouldn't need the bi pod
Just a thought that hit me looking at the pic

Most certainly. I've tried it and it works.....I sat behind the pack, rested the forearm on top of the frame and grip on my knee. I think you are referring to use the frame as a rest for the grip or wrists with the front unsupported. This would work well for revolvers.

My LRSPs always wear bipods though...but that is an option if I'm using a short bipod that would not work in the positions pictured.

Good job of thinking outside the box Dan!

looks like it could come in handy fer normal hunting too.

Dan, who makes this backpack you speak of?

If there was some type of rubber/foam/whatever over the tubing where the grip rests then that would even make it better.
Not real heavy/thick though.

Eastman Outfitters.

Here is a cheaper version. Mine has much nicer shoulder straps and the chest/waist strap...these help strap it to your body and support you're when seated shooting. I could not find the exact one I have...I got it at Gander Mountain.

Eastman Outfitters LazyLounger

Ernie...would "tennis racket grip wrap" be something along the lines you are thinking about??

I did some extended range Striker .22LR practice tonight. I was able to roll around 3" rocks at 150yds. Not bad for a rimfire. The seat was 100% solid! I'm liking it more everytime I use it!

That is very similar to what i use Dan. Mine's for when i don't need a pack (coyote hunting locally). I like the stability of the frame--looks/sounds like a great system.

Nice find Dan! Should aid in your search for dinner plate material!