Let’s Talk About Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest
The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest promises stability and precision for shooters seeking a reliable platform. Allen aims to provide a cost-effective solution for steadying your rifle, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the claims. This rest boasts a solid metal spine, fine elevation adjustments, and an overmolded support head.
My biggest shooting challenge has always been maintaining consistent accuracy over long sessions. I needed something to reduce fatigue and improve my shot placement without breaking the bank. The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest seemed like a potentially affordable solution to my persistent accuracy woes.
Unboxing the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The all-metal construction felt reassuringly solid, and the rubberized contact points looked like they would offer good grip. It was heavier than I anticipated, lending it a feeling of sturdiness.
I considered other options, including bipods and more elaborate shooting rests with adjustable legs. I chose the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest because I wanted something compact and easy to transport. Its streamlined design and simplicity were appealing compared to bulkier, more complex alternatives.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest seemed well-built for its price point. Whether it would translate into actual improvement in my shooting remained to be seen.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest to my local shooting range, an outdoor facility with covered shooting benches. The weather was slightly damp, with a light mist in the air. This presented a good opportunity to test the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest in less-than-ideal conditions.
The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest performed reasonably well initially. The elevation adjustment screw allowed me to fine-tune my rifle’s position easily. The overmolded support head did a decent job of preventing the rifle from skidding during recoil.
However, the rear rubber support pad didn’t grip the bench as well as I’d hoped. It required constant readjustment after each shot, which was a bit frustrating. The elevation locking screw also needed tightening frequently to prevent the rifle from slowly drifting downwards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The metal spine has proven to be quite durable. There are no signs of bending or warping despite repeated use with various rifles.
The paint finish, however, is starting to show some wear, particularly on the edges and corners. The rubber components are also showing some slight cracking. It seems like it will require regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent further degradation.
Compared to shooting without any support, the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest offers a noticeable improvement in stability. It does not perform as well as more expensive rests with adjustable legs and more robust locking mechanisms. The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest is a good value for the money, but it has limitations.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest
Specifications
- The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest features a solid metal spine. This provides a stable base for supporting the rifle.
- It includes a fine elevation adjustment screw that allows for precise vertical adjustments. This feature is essential for dialing in your shots at different distances.
- The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest also has an elevation locking screw. This is designed to prevent unwanted changes to the elevation setting.
- An overmolded support head helps reduce skidding. This contributes to shot stability.
- The rest includes a rubber rear support. This is intended to provide additional grip and prevent movement.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the rest’s stability, adjustability, and overall effectiveness. The metal spine provides a strong foundation. The fine adjustment screw ensures you can precisely aim your rifle.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest performs adequately in its primary function of providing a stable shooting platform. Accuracy is improved compared to shooting without any support, especially at longer ranges. However, the limitations of the rear support pad and elevation locking screw can impact consistency.
The strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. It requires minimal setup and is relatively lightweight. Its weaknesses are in its limited adjustability and the need for frequent readjustments. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly shooting rest but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The metal construction is sturdy. The weight is manageable for transport.
The design is straightforward and functional. There is little to no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The metal spine should last a long time with proper care. The rubber components may require replacement eventually. The rest is relatively easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. It is not designed to be compatible with aftermarket parts or accessories.
Pros and Cons of Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Solid metal spine provides decent stability.
- Fine elevation adjustment is useful for precise aiming.
- Simple and easy to use with minimal setup.
- Lightweight and portable for range trips.
Cons
- Rear rubber support pad lacks sufficient grip.
- Elevation locking screw requires frequent tightening.
- Limited adjustability compared to more expensive rests.
Who Should Buy Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest?
The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest is perfect for casual shooters who want a budget-friendly upgrade from shooting without any support. It is also suitable for hunters who need a lightweight and portable rest for occasional use in the field. Beginners looking for an affordable way to improve their accuracy will also benefit from this rest.
Competitive shooters or those seeking maximum stability and precision should skip this product. Those who need a rest that can accommodate a wide range of rifles or shooting positions should also look elsewhere.
A must-have modification would be to replace the rear rubber support pad with a higher-quality, more grippy alternative. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the elevation adjustment screw will also help maintain its performance.
Conclusion on Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest
The Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest is a decent entry-level shooting rest that offers a noticeable improvement in stability for a minimal investment. Its solid metal spine and fine elevation adjustment are valuable features. However, its limitations in grip and locking mechanism prevent it from competing with more expensive alternatives.
The price is justified for what it offers. It provides a significant step up from shooting without any support. I would recommend the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest to casual shooters and beginners on a tight budget.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to improve your shooting accuracy, give the Allen Opp 2 Support Shooting Rest a try. It might just be the steady hand you need to hit your target.