Ransom Rests?

[S.B.]

A close friend just passed away and I bought his Ransom Rest from his widow. What's you opinion of this device, good for testing groups or no good for testing groups? I've been hearing all sorts of arguments both ways in this controversy.
Steve

[skarke]

These are fine tools.  Of course, you'll need to get the proper grip inserts, but I like them a whole lot.  Caldwell is making a copy now that I have my eyes on.

[Graybeard]

Properly set up and with proper inserts for the gun to be shot it will give you the most accurate understanding of the absolute accuracy of your firearm and ammo combination. It's kind of a PITA to deal with and get set up properly and the inserts are quite expensive to buy for all guns you might wanna test.

Then when all is said and done you still have to hold it in your hands and sight the gun in for it to hit where you point it and you aren't gonna match the accuracy it delievered and you'll likely be uhappy as a result.

I've never used one and as expensive as they are likely never will. These days with the shaking of my hands and body and my eyesight I expect it would be the only way I'd ever again shoot the kinda groups I used to be able to shoot freehand 30 years or more ago.

[S.B.]

She gave me what inserts I could use with the rest and it was already mounted to heavy wood. I've borrowed this from him in the past but, wanted others opinions of pros and cons?
Steve

[Hank08]

SB, I've had one for about 30 yrs. ,as long as it's mounted solid, It'll tell you exactly how good that gun and load will shoot.
H08