Ransom rest?

[eveled]

Anyone have one? Looks like fun.

Actually it looks tedious to set up, but it would eliminate guess work. Probably save on ammunition but I doubt it would ever actually pay for itself.

Are they worth the money?

 

[Richard76]

I've thought about it but the only use I could see for it it 2 shot zero with a rifle. set scope on bullseye ,fire move aimpoint to bullet hole then re aim at center and fire again to verify. Usually can get there with 3-5 rounds using chair, fold out table and a couple of cushions

 

[jgt]

I have always wanted one, but never had the money when one was offered for sale. I think they would be invaluable for handgun loading work to find loads my guns like. With me out of the picture, when the gun and load work together, I have the tools to work on my shooting skills. When I miss, I know it is me and not the gun or load.

 

[thedogdidit]

Anyone have one? Looks like fun.

Actually it looks tedious to set up, but it would eliminate guess work. Probably save on ammunition but I doubt it would ever actually pay for itself.

Are they worth the money?

wasn't familiar with the ransom rest, so I looked it up.
Oooof they aint cheap are they?! You should get one, but use my address as the shipping address so I can give you my honest opinion.

 

[contender]

Being a "frugal" type,, I looked HARD at them years ago. I kept trying to justify the expense. Well, Caldwell came out with their version,, AND it can use the Ransom Rest inserts. So,,, I got one of those.
It works pretty much the same as a RR.

That said,, here's what I've learned over the years.

Mount the dern thing as solid as you possibly can. Recoil WILL move it otherwise & screw up your results.
You need frame specific inserts to be able to use it.
When set up,, you need to fire several rounds,, to "settle" the whole machine PRIOR to attempting any serious group measurements. This can also include re-torquing any mounting hardware.

Most people try & mount them onto a concrete bench as a solid base to start. Mine is mounted onto a thick, heavy oak board that I can clamp onto the bench.

Did I mention you have to have it mounted SOLID to get proper results?

 

[Johnnu2]

Back in the day, we used a big, strong young guy who consistently shot "300" in the Bullseye league; he was our Ransom Rest..... and the young girls considered him a Handsome Rest.

J.

 

[eveled]

I found and bought a lightly used “master series” with the optional windage base and 6 sets of grip plates. 3 of which I can use. $650

I think it will be interesting to use.

 

[contender]

Yep,, they can be interesting.

You can sell the grip plates you don't need & buy some you can use.

 

[GYJ44]

I've had one for years. I think they're overrated, tedious to setup and not worth the expense. Maybe if you're a writer and need to test a bunch of loads in a day. If you're the average shooter, you're better off working on your bench technique. I good shooter won't need one.

 

[Springer2]

I have the Caldwell version, which I understand Ransom threatened to sue for copying theirs too closely. It was soon after no longer produced. We had our own ranges so I had the base plate bolted to an 8X8 set in concrete. It worked very well for testing ammo but it does take a while to get it set up. I still use the loads developed from 50 yard testing but it now just lays in a box since we sold that house.

 

[eveled]

I've had one for years. I think they're overrated, tedious to setup and not worth the expense. Maybe if you're a writer and need to test a bunch of loads in a day. If you're the average shooter, you're better off working on your bench technique. I good shooter won't need one.

I was thinking the same way, but also think my son can learn from the experience, so I decided to go for it. Buying used, I can always sell it again without loosing too much.

Thanks for all the comments guys. I really appreciate you.

 

[Springer2]

If I was still at our old place, I would still be using it. It provided good data that is hard to get otherwise. I never set it up at a public range but I am sure that would take a lot more planning.

 

[seasterl]

I always wanted to get one, but don’t think my local range would allow them. As useful as they would be working up loads, I actually enjoy shooting and don’t want to take away the fun in that.