Ransom rest, who has, or has used one for their load development

[Dan_69GTX]

What are the pros and cons?

How valuable was it in determining your load?

If you have one, would you have still purchased it knowing what you know now?

What else should I have asked? And of course, what would the answer be?

[Boris_LA]

Our club has permanently mounted RR on the concrete and steel tube. Extremely solid. I have purchased the CZ inserts and tried it few times. Never got results better than just wrists rested on the counter and carefully aiming for each shot. The same/similar technique that Joe L using for long range shooting. I would not purchase my own, and not using club one now.

[Wobbly]

My club doesn't have one and I've never used one. I've always believed the RR was for accuracy testing, not so much velocity. There were times I thought owning one might be nice, and considered that it would be great if I was writing for a major gun mag. But I'm a bush-league writer with no illusions; I simply write and share with my friends.

I use the reloading equipment about 100X more than I would a special rest. So I consider money spent on my press to be better investment than a pistol rest.

[Dan_69GTX]

Well, I bought one - now to get the inserts and build a base.

I'll use it for load development and I want to tinker with a few guns and be able to compare before and after to see how accuracy is affected.

I'll post pics and stuff once I get it and have time to do stuff with it.

Getting inserts for the Shadow and a 1911

[Practical Shooter]

I was interested for a while, but using the Ransom rest with polymer lowers seams to be tricky. As most new handguns are all becoming polymer, I thought it would have been of limited application.

[Dan_69GTX]

Time will eventually tell if the polymer will be an issue for me.  As well as if I should have bought this thing.

My eyes are getting worse and groupings are opening up.  So, I see the only way to know of the ammo / pistol / combination is good is to do something different - and this is it (I hope).

I just got an optic for one pistol - I'll see it that helps me shoot better - or not.

[Dan_69GTX]

Got the ransom rest before christmas.  I like it!!

I wanted a "movable" base, but I didn't want a flimsy base.  Couldn't find what I was looking for so I just built one from some scrap metal I have laying around.   I estimate the base to weight about 700 lbs.  I decided to build a triangle to help it be stable.  It is approx 3ft L x 3ft high.

[Dan_69GTX]

I mounted the rest on some scrap 3/4 plywood - but I glued/screwed 2 pieces together.

That was then bolted to some cross members I added to the top.  For weight  - again - scrap - old flywheel, cast iron weights from a exercise machine, etc.

I'm thinking of filling the legs with something - not sure what yet.

So far, it hasn't moved at all (except with the front end loader).

[Dan_69GTX]

1st testing - using a Springfield custom gun
Each square is 1"
tested at 15 yards.
8 shots each


ACME 200 SWC with Sport pistol powder






Factory Blazer Brass 230 gr ball ammo






Gallant 200 RN with sport pistol

[Dan_69GTX]

2nd testing - Ruger SR1911
everything else the same

Both of these loads shot a 1" group in the Springfield.



American Eagle factory 230 RN






Hornady XTP 185gr using Pistol Power

[Dan_69GTX]

The next sunny day that I've got a few hours free time (yea right) I want to set up a test with the CZ Target 2.

I'll also be working up some ladders for the ACME and Gallant bullets for the Springfield 45.


Other guns already on the - "to test" list (now that other folks around my house know I have this)
    - CZ SP-01 40 tactical
    - CZ 85 9mm (if it fits the mounts)
    - Colt 1911 38 super
    - Springfield 10mm long slide bull barrel (anxious to see this gun and shoot it too).
    - Springfield 45 Operator
    - and a few other 1911's
    - and a few Walther PPQ M2 - but they have to buy the mount for it.

I'll also move it to try some 25 and 50 yard pistol testing. 

In theory the base can be moved by 1-2 people.  All the weight is removable.  The triangle part could be "rolled" onto a trailer.  But I'll just stick with using the tractor with forks!

[Wobbly]

Well, that's it !

I'm just sending you all my ammo to test from now on. I mean really, how can anyone compete with that setup ?

Uncle !   

[Dan_69GTX]

I'm glad I got it!  You are more than welcome to come use it! 

I got the rest from E-greed.  Got a decent price on it. I waited till I found the adjustable base with the rest.  For a mobile base - it is necessary.

I bought the mounts for the gun from Ransom Rest.  Decided to buy those new since they are rubber and I know rubber hardens with age.  Spoke with the helpful folks at Ransom and they said they have rests out there from the 60's that have been passed down and are still working fine.  IF there is is a problem they can rebuild it.  They also sell parts for it.

So far this rest has proven I can't hold the gun as steady as I once could.  It also proves the difference between the different quality guns.

Yea, I could have put the $$ into a gun or reloading equipment, but I'd still not be certain of my loads to know if I am missing or if it is the gun/ammo.

[Wobbly]

Well, I'm completely jealous. You did a great job. We're looking forward to your reports.

If you could please start by simply re-shooting all our powder loads so that we could have side-by-side speed and accuracy tests, then that would be great. Can you please have that finished up by next week ?