Dennis Pritchard Outdoors, Rifle rest

[Bryan Austin]

For those that enjoy Dennis's videos, you may have already seen his rifle rest. This is were I got the idea to make my own. I used his pattern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2p0wLgZ34k&t=1340s

It is my all time favorite rest. I recently added a cartridge block holder.....I just snap it right one!

470057442_1465893734368191_3559131629479443066_n.jpg

471771528_600244529407198_8144506942764638913_n.jpg

471772346_534153766327608_6427984172490320951_n.jpg

472302032_1809434112930911_6894348536828061029_n.jpg

[marlinman93]

Looks great! Only thing I'd personally change is a way to adjust the front rest via a screw thread to be able to adjust small amounts easily. Maybe a threaded insert in the block and all thread with a wingnut on it so you could loosen the clamping bolts, adjust it up or down, then tighten the wingnuts again.

[Bryan Austin]

Looks great! Only thing I'd personally change is a way to adjust the front rest via a screw thread to be able to adjust small amounts easily. Maybe a threaded insert in the block and all thread with a wingnut on it so you could loosen the clamping bolts, adjust it up or down, then tighten the wingnuts again.

As he explains in his video, the front is designed for the "main adjustment". The "fine adjustments" are made by squeezing the "shot bag" up/down/right/left, which I do.

[marlinman93]

Looks great! Only thing I'd personally change is a way to adjust the front rest via a screw thread to be able to adjust small amounts easily. Maybe a threaded insert in the block and all thread with a wingnut on it so you could loosen the clamping bolts, adjust it up or down, then tighten the wingnuts again.

As he explains in his video, the front is designed for the "main adjustment". The "fine adjustments" are made by squeezing the "shot bag" up/down/right/left, which I do.

Only issue with that type of adjustment is it changes with recoil of each shot so it's not repeatable. I use a Caldwell Rock BR with a firm rear rest so once I dial it in it's pretty much going to hit the same place each shot. And if it does show through sights or scope that it moved slightly it's easy to turn elevation and windage adjusters to dial it back in.

[Bryan Austin]

Looks great! Only thing I'd personally change is a way to adjust the front rest via a screw thread to be able to adjust small amounts easily. Maybe a threaded insert in the block and all thread with a wingnut on it so you could loosen the clamping bolts, adjust it up or down, then tighten the wingnuts again.

As he explains in his video, the front is designed for the "main adjustment". The "fine adjustments" are made by squeezing the "shot bag" up/down/right/left, which I do.

Only issue with that type of adjustment is it changes with recoil of each shot so it's not repeatable. I use a Caldwell Rock BR with a firm rear rest so once I dial it in it's pretty much going to hit the same place each shot. And if it does show through sights or scope that it moved slightly it's easy to turn elevation and windage adjusters to dial it back in.

Lord, what I posted is a beast. It is too hard for most people to use. It takes 30 minutes in between shots to readjust for the next shot. Best to not build one. Go buy the $200 Rock and be done with all the issues.

[Glenn]

Heck, you saved a bunch of money, it suits your purposes, and it's got lever clearance! No tripod rest I've used had lever clearance.
Glenn

[Bill in Oregon]

I like a number of elements about the Pritchard rest -- particularly that three-point stability with the emphasis on the forward edge of the triangle. I built two of these rests a couple of years ago with my attempt at the fine adjustment Vall mentions, but still found it wanting. I would rather have that broad-shouldered forward stability and a way to fine-tune from the back, but can't see how to to do it without having that adjustment interfere with the axis of fire. A rack and pinion link allowing the rear height to be micro-adjusted from the side would be ideal. We need a consultation with our greatly missed friend Pitchy, whose health I pray for!
(And no, I didn't rest the butt against the back ledge when actually shooting -- and what yahoo thought a flat-bottomed V front notch was a good idea? )

[Bryan Austin]

The three-point stability is superb! Easy to keep stable, even at an angle...and the sandbag keeps everything else upright for a smooth clean shot

Shooting off of the tailgate of my truck the other week. Note the left front is not perfectly level.

471513890_2065934790494426_3132669202900700591_n.jpg

[samsi]

Neat, I'm adding this to my list of projects along with the cleaning cradle I haven't managed yet.

[marlinman93]

Lord, what I posted is a beast. It is too hard for most people to use. It takes 30 minutes in between shots to readjust for the next shot. Best to not build one. Go buy the $200 Rock and be done with all the issues.

You sound offended, when I was simply suggesting things to upgrade what you built. And I certainly wouldn't pay $200 for the Rock. I got mine like new used at my local gun show for $75 with the accessory carry case. Otherwise I'd have made something too.

[LeverGunner]

Interesting. It took me a second trip through the pictures to see the front adjustment.

I'd pad the rear most edge, as I'd likely ding stocks there.

[Farmerjohn]

Mine is a little different but sure works well, prairie dogs and bolt guns, then crank it up and use two elbow pads for my levers... Porsche 911 aluminum race jack, slightly modified...

[Farmerjohn]

Can't seem to post a picture...

[Farmerjohn]

IMG_20230530_181524807__exported_1736631361232.jpg

There it is, getting to old for this... John

[AJMD429]

.
Here's one I have used for a decade or so. Everything was either scrap wood or a few bits from the hardware store.

http://www.levergunscommunity.org/viewtopic.php?t=47960

Apologies for the non-paid-up Photobucket pics (that have the banner across them), but Photobucket just was too messed up at the time to renew.

I wanted something able to use leverguns and work the action, or AR's with 30 round magazines in place, and also level adjustments as well as elevation, and a good weight system if I shoot a 12 gauge slug gun or something.

[ikocher]

I really like this idea. I don't have a pickup *yet* but it does make me wonder about setting up something with my 4Runner.