As far as a chronograph, I use a
Beta-Chrony, and it is FINE if you don't mind jotting the numbers down, and entering them into your computer spreadsheet or whatever later. I'm sure the ones with the built-in more user-friendly statistical functions are more convenient, and the computer interfaces (an option I haven't purchased, but available I think with the Chrony) would save time as well. But for me, I pretty much just want the raw numbers, and I'll type them up later into a spreadsheet sometimes, jot them in a notebook sometimes, just look at them and go "Hmmm...." sometimes, and sometimes even just shrug and ignore them.
As far as a shooting rest, they all seemed so over-priced, first of all, PLUS
so many of them wouldn't accomodate LEVERGUNS without lifting off the gun each time to work the lever. Same for 'pistol grip' guns like AR-15's for many of the rests, or with extended magazines. But the real deal-breaker was the inability to work the lever on a levergun without removing it from the rest.
With some scrap lumber, and about $50 and a trip to Ace Hardware, I built mine in a couple hours. Here's some pictures; the original "write-up" I posted was just before the last forum computer crashed, but this can give some idea of the concept. It, too is a "lead sled" type design, able to accomodate up to five 25-lb bags of shot when the 'weight tray' is on it.
Sorry the pics and narrative isn't in the most logical order, but here's the basics, if you think you might be tempted. I can elaborate on any part of it if you want. Was a quick project, and one we STILL use as our 'preferred' rest, vs. several other purchased ones, and several 'bag' type rests we have available.
Rear 'foot' is the elevation fine-adjustment, easily accessed with the left hand while in shooting position without right hand leaving the grip/trigger area. (Design is ambidexterous, so would be same for left-hand shooters).
Front rest detail:
One shot-bag on the optional weight-tray:
Rest in use with Levergun with narrow forend:
Rest in use with Bolt-gun with wide forend:
A quick 'spin' of the front rest lets it slip to the side and be moved to the next lower or higher 'range' position.
Built-in level (fancy, huh...!)
The front left 'foot' allows quick and easy leveling adjustments.
In this position, the front rest will accept a wide beavertail bolt-gun forestock.
A quick 'spin' of the front rest will fit even the narrow 'slimmed' old-fashioned 1889 Marlin forearms.
Even the curvaceous 50-round magazine on an AMT 10/22 clone is useable.
The 'weight tray' easily holds over 100 lbs of weight (shot bags) or can be used simply as a place to put ammunition, used brass, notes, or whatever. Removable as well.
Pistol-grips and extended magazines, no problem.
The raised rear rest can be mounted to the main platform in three positions - 'Garand', 'Marlin 336', and 'Shorty-AR'. Wingnuts make the switch a matter of seconds, yet secure and stable.
The rest can accomodate lever-actions without constantly lifting the gun off the rest to work the action. The leather piece at the rear of the stock is the ONLY non-Ace-Hardware item I used, scavenged from another commercial rest.
The square board section up front assures uprights are 'squared' and that helps the front support be quick to raise and lower and make snug.
