Over the years I've found that I prefer using a 25lb bag of lead birdshot instead of a sandbag.This was before I had a mechanical rest.Now with my Shooter's Ridge Tri-stance rifle rest,I also fill the rabbit ear bag up front with #8 shot instead of sand.It is rock solid and seems to grip the forend.The rear bag is also lead shot filled and doesn't wander or slide around on the benches surface like sand that has a way of leaking out.Anybody else tried this or has something better? Harold