Not sure what style of gun rest that you were using at the range. Some styles of rests that "absorb" essentially all of the recoil, such as a "Lead Sled" or a true gun vice can result in the rifle natural harmonics differing from what they are when shot "on" the shooter's shoulder. The point of impact can change.I have found using bag type rests to best replicates actual hunting shooting conditions. I hunt most often from a tree stand ... no rest other than whatever I can manage ... elbow to knee, side of a tree trunk, etc. Shots are seldom past 75 yards so usually not a big deal. Shooting houses .... a padded window ledge. Out west I was able to use my pack as a rest for one kill and the other, I made the kill from a seated position. I practice a good deal free hand, with the standing position being the one I struggel with the most.