MTM The Bull Rifle Rest Review

First Impressions of MTM The Bull Rifle Rest

The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest promises a stable and affordable platform for sighting in rifles or just enjoying a day at the range. MTM is a well-known name in the shooting world, respected for producing practical and budget-friendly gear. Could this lightweight rest really replace my heavy, metal competition rest?

I needed a portable and reliable rest for quickly zeroing rifles during hunting season and load development. I’ve been using sandbags, but they’re messy and inconsistent. I was looking for something more stable and adjustable without breaking the bank.

Out of the box, the MTM The Bull Rifle Rest is surprisingly lightweight. The dark gray plastic construction feels sturdy enough, though not as robust as my metal Caldwell Lead Sled. The rubber feet and adjustable front cradle inspire confidence, but the overall feel is definitely more “budget-friendly” than “high-end.” I was initially hoping for it to feel slightly more substantial, but I know that adding features also increases cost.

Compared to a solid metal rest like the aforementioned Caldwell or a premium rest like those from Sinclair, the MTM The Bull Rifle Rest is significantly lighter and less expensive. I chose it over a basic bipod because I wanted a stable platform for sighting in different rifles, not just ones equipped with a Picatinny rail. I also considered a filled front rest, but the MTM offered more adjustability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the portability and affordability but slightly concerned about the long-term durability and stability with larger caliber rifles. Only real-world testing would tell if it lived up to its promise.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting MTM The Bull Rifle Rest to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the MTM The Bull Rifle Rest at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny, slightly windy day. I used it to zero a .223 AR-15, a .308 bolt-action rifle, and a .30-06 hunting rifle. The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest setup was straightforward, requiring no tools.

The rest performed well with the AR-15, offering a stable platform for zeroing the optic. The .308 was also manageable, although I could feel a slight wobble with each shot. The .30-06 definitely pushed the limits of the rest; the recoil caused more movement than I liked, and I had to readjust my position after each shot.

I was initially impressed with the ease of elevation adjustment via the handwheel. However, I noticed that the front rubber pad could shift slightly under heavier recoil. This movement could potentially affect shot consistency.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips spanning a few months, the MTM The Bull Rifle Rest has held up reasonably well. There are no cracks or breaks in the plastic, but the rubber feet are showing some wear. The front rubber pad also shows signs of compression where the rifle forend rests.

Cleaning the rest is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes dirt and grime. I’ve noticed the elevation adjustment becomes a bit stiff after prolonged use, requiring a bit of extra force to turn the handwheel. A touch of lubricant helped alleviate this issue.

Compared to my previous sandbag setup, the MTM The Bull Rifle Rest is a significant improvement in terms of stability and adjustability, especially for lighter rifles. However, it doesn’t offer the rock-solid stability of my heavy metal rest, particularly with magnum calibers. It is a suitable compromise between portability and precision, although a more rugged build would improve its performance.

Breaking Down the Features of MTM The Bull Rifle Rest

Specifications

The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest features an adjustable length from 18.3″ to 26″ to accommodate a variety of long guns. It is constructed from durable, dark gray molded plastic. The rest includes non-marring front and rear rubber shooting pads to protect the rifle’s finish.

Front elevation adjustments are made using a handwheel, allowing for precise vertical adjustments. The rest is designed with slip-free rubber feet for enhanced stability on various surfaces. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport to the range or field.

These specifications are crucial for a rifle rest as they directly impact its stability, adjustability, and overall user experience. The adjustable length ensures compatibility with different rifles, while the rubber pads protect the firearm. The elevation adjustment is essential for accurate sighting in, and the slip-free feet provide a stable shooting platform.

Performance & Functionality

The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest performs its primary function of providing a stable platform for shooting reasonably well, especially with lighter caliber rifles. Its primary strength is its ease of use and portability. The elevation adjustment is smooth and precise, allowing for quick zeroing.

A significant weakness is its stability with larger caliber rifles. The lightweight plastic construction can flex under heavy recoil, causing movement and affecting shot consistency. The front rubber pad’s tendency to shift under recoil is also a concern.

It meets expectations for a budget-friendly, portable rifle rest. However, it falls short of the performance offered by more expensive and robust rests. It is well-suited for casual shooting and zeroing lighter rifles, but serious shooters or those using magnum calibers might find it lacking.

Design & Ergonomics

The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The molded plastic construction is lightweight and easy to handle. The rubber pads offer a comfortable and non-marring surface for the rifle.

The handwheel elevation adjustment is intuitive and easy to use. The adjustable length allows for accommodating different rifles. There is virtually no learning curve; it’s ready to go straight out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest is made from durable plastic, but its long-term durability is questionable, especially under heavy use. The rubber feet and front pad are likely to wear out over time. With reasonable care, it should last for several seasons of moderate use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The elevation adjustment mechanism may require lubrication after prolonged use. Repairing damage would likely require replacing the entire unit, as there are few replaceable parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MTM The Bull Rifle Rest does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available.

It is not designed to be compatible with aftermarket accessories like those found on high-end rests. The design is focused on simplicity and affordability rather than modularity or customization.

Pros and Cons of MTM The Bull Rifle Rest