18 replies to this topic

[joel1316]

I'm trying to make a home made shooting rest, nothing fancy, just basically a bag with something in it. I'm heading on over to Home Depot later today to see what I can put together. But I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? I've got a rifle rest, but sometimes its just too bulky to lug around. I wish there were still some reloading stores nearby, I'd just buy a couple bags of shotgun pellets and hope that the bag that it comes in is pretty tough. Or I might just simply wrap a 4X4 with some foam?

[Braz]

Another idea. I used the legs from an old pair of levis. Just sew the bottom, fill with a nice, clean dry sand, and then sew the top. Works great, is sturdy, and is very cheap.

[Fishwrestler]

I bought my last shooting bag. But in stead of sand I filled it with polystyren beads. Weighed about 1/2 as much as sand if you can get your hands on some I would try that as fill.Here is a link to the company I got mine from IASCO Page 12 It is $13.00 for 5 lbs. Robert

[joel1316]

I'm with coyoteslayer, I'm just going to "borrow" some sand from my son's sand box. Though, I like Robert's idea too of keeping weight down. I need to look for my corn cob media to fill my bag, that should be pretty light?

[RLS]

Try Rice

[Cranky Farmer]

Rice... good idea!

[Rimrock]

I just went to the feed store and bought shelled corn. It is quite a bit lighter than sand, although not quite as solid when bagged. It works fine though. One thought. I microwaved mine before bagging it. Otherwise there might be all kinds of little things hatch out.

[ShooterJohn]

What does rice do when it gets damp or wet guys?

You break out the chop sticks and eat it!

[Braz]

You know, the problem with any of that organic stuff is that when it get damp it begins to mold. Sure some it even swells, but the mold is the real problem. It begins to rot and then stinks and then not only do you have to throw it away, you probably have to throw the whole bag and all away. That's why I prefer sand. If it gets wet, you can still use it. Just let it dry. Also, with sand, you have some weight to the bag which helps with the stabilization of the weapon being fired. Sure, the weight means it takes a bit more effort to carry back and forth to the range, but I think the advantages of the heavier sand bag outweighs any of the perceived advantages of the organic filled bags. This is just my opinion, of course, and that ain't worth too much. If you don't believe me just ask my wife.

[Stiff Neck]

A few years ago I made a hasty shooting bag out of an old white sock and some rice. I just filled it up part way and tied a knot in the end. I still ue it now and then and it works fine. No mold or rot. If the conditions were ever wet enough to get the rice wet, I wouldn't be shooting anyways.

[bzzrd feedr]

Crushed walnut shells works good too. You can get them at any pet food store, they sell it for the bottom odf cages. It's not as heavy as sand but works well and wet doesn't bother it. Ben it's not the weather that gets stuff wet it's the leaky Ice chest.

[ShooterJohn]

it's not the weather that gets stuff wet it's the leaky Ice chest.

That's a very true statment if you go with bzzrd feedrstatement!

[Shoot-it]

thats a good post i too was thinking of away too make my own sand bag I like the old jean pants leg idea I will try that and fill it with almond shells or sand i have access to both.

[Rimrock]

Talk to your local banker about bags. They have several diferent sizes that they transport coins in and I am sure that some that are discarded are perfectly usable.

[bzzrd feedr]

Rod Those wouldn't be sand bags then they'd be money bags, a thief may sue for false advertisement.

[Rimrock]

Dale, you are assuming. I just used the generic term "bags". I dunna know, a big ole bag filled with big denomination bills might work fine.

[A17Shooter]

Ditto alpenliter. But, I use electrical cable ties, the ones that are self locking. Cinch up one end, fill with corn cob or sand, cinch up the other end, you're done. A17Shooter

[joel1316]

I used to have access to bank bags, those bags are tough! We used to carry about $1,000 worth of quarters in those bags.... I'll have to see if I can get some....Well, after my trip to Home Depot, I got side tracked and didn't go with the sand bag idea. I basically, just got a 1 inch dowel about 10" long that has a flat side on one side, then wrapped it with padding. Used some wood blocks as legs and was done with the project. I'll see how it work out this weekend.