Hey guys, I just purchased a Remington 700 30.06 that came with a Bushnell Banner scope and I need to get it sighted in. I know the methods on sighting in a rifle but wondering what everyone has found the best rest is for this procedure? I know there are a lot topics on this but wanted to see if anyone can shed some more light on what to use. Sand bags or maybe a caldwell lead sled? It will only be used for sighting in and trying some different loads out. If some of you like sand bags, which front and rear bags do you recommend to use without a rest on a bench? If I go with bags I will put them right on the bench so the rear bag has to be big enough to use with a large front bag. If you guys suggest a actual rest, what do you recommend and your experiences with them? Thanks guys.

I use a rabbit ear, or bunny ear, rear bag and an adjustable front rest. For sight-in purposes I believe that the rear bag is the most important piece. You can stack up any sand bags for the front and do well enough. The rear bag controls the fine tuning for elevation.
I normally use a fairly expensive benchrest style front rest, but have had good range sessions just using old shot bags filled with sand for the front as long as I had a decent rear bag.

I have the Caldwell Lead Sled that I use with two 25lb iron free weights. I have used it to sight in my 30-06 and two blackpowder rifles. I really like it. It lets me know the gun is shooting well so the rest is up to me.

well, to me, the most important thing is that nothing is touching the barrel, as to change the vibration....
and bag it down heavy as possible...
i am gonna try one of the lead sleds sometime, just never went and got one yet..
dont rush it,

Thanks guys, I've also thought about a bipod and a rear sand bag rest, what do you guys think? Still think maybe a front and rear bag is better, but not sure where to buy those. I find front and rear rests but either one is not big enough or the other is too small to match them together.

Take a look at these - you still need to bring some wood "shims" to level the particular rifle you're sighting in.



I use this for the front rest (w/ the wood shims).

http://protektormodel.com/07.htm


And this for the back rest.

http://protektormodel.com/13b.htm

Thanks man, really appreciate it, thats what I'm looking for, just wanted to make sure that is exactly what I need to fire directly off of a bench. When you mention shims, looking at their products, looks like they offer the same bags with a heavy bottom which is wood on the bottom of the bag, wouldn't that level the bag? Do you use anything to make sure you rifle is level or do you just eye sight it? Thanks again.

Also, anyone used the Caldwell tack drive sand bag? Its just one bag but not sure about it yet.

I bought this from Bass Pro a few years ago, and it is incredible for the money!

http://www.basspro.com/MTM-Shoulder-...81918/-1269434

For only like $50 bucks, you get a sturdy bench rest that comes with a rear strap, so (technically) you don't really need to hold the rifle! But in all honesty, I hold down front end near the stock, just to keep it from bouncing around. I never added weights or sandbags... I guess I'm too lazy...

Outers Varminter Rifle Rest. Not made anymore but you can get nice ones for $50 on Ebay. Watch out for the rusty ones.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Outers-Varminter...16710174946544

I got the same rest on sale about a year ago.It works great.I use it with lead shot in the compartment.Even shooting a 12g with hefty loads is not a problem.