First Impressions of Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support enters a market saturated with bags, bipods, and adjustable rests, promising enhanced stability for rifle shooters. Birchwood Casey, a name synonymous with gun care and shooting accessories, aims to deliver a lightweight, adjustable, and durable rear support option for improving accuracy. I was particularly intrigued by its advertised aluminum construction and push-button adjustability, hoping it would offer a more consistent and less cumbersome solution than the sandbag I’ve been using for years.
My journey to find the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support began with frustration at the inconsistent results I was getting with my old sandbag. Sandbags shift, compress unevenly, and generally lack the fine-tuning needed for precise shots at longer ranges. I had considered adjustable bipods, but they added weight and were overkill for my primarily bench-rest shooting style.
Upon unboxing, the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support impressed me with its clean, minimalist design. The aluminum frame felt robust yet surprisingly light, and the polyurethane jaws looked like they would provide a secure, non-marring grip on the rifle stock. Compared to my traditional sandbag and a less adjustable Caldwell rest I’ve used, the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support immediately stood out for its potential for precise height adjustments and consistent rifle positioning. I also considered an Edgewood bag, but the price point of the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support was far more appealing for my needs.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if the promised adjustability and stability translated to improved accuracy on the range, but I was also slightly concerned about the potential for the aluminum frame to slip on certain surfaces. I hoped that the non-marring feet would do their job.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support was the local shooting range, a mix of covered benches and open-air platforms. I primarily tested it with my .308 bolt-action rifle, focusing on precision at 100 and 200 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing a realistic test environment.
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support proved remarkably easy to use right out of the box. The push-button adjustment mechanism allowed for quick and precise height changes, enabling me to fine-tune my rifle’s position to achieve a perfect sight picture. There were no surprises, and the rifle felt more stable than it ever had on my sandbag.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool. There are no major signs of wear and tear, although the polyurethane jaws have picked up a few minor scuffs from repeated use, nothing concerning. I take it to the range once a week.
Maintaining the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support is incredibly simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth after each use is all that’s needed. Compared to my previous experiences with sandbags that required occasional refilling and cleaning, the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support is a breath of fresh air. It consistently outperforms my old sandbag, providing a more stable and repeatable shooting platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- The lightweight aluminum construction ensures both durability and portability, making it easy to transport to and from the range. Aluminum is a strong, rigid material that keeps weight to a minimum.
- The no-mar polyurethane jaws and feet provide a secure grip on the rifle stock and shooting surface, preventing slippage and protecting the firearm’s finish. Polyurethane is known for its excellent grip and non-abrasive properties.
- The six positions of adjustment offer a wide range of height settings, accommodating various shooting styles and bench heights. This allows shooters to fine-tune their rifle’s position for optimal comfort and accuracy.
- The easy push-button operation allows for quick and effortless height adjustments, even while the rifle is resting on the support. This simplifies the process of making precise aiming corrections.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the shooter’s ability to achieve a stable and repeatable shooting platform. The lightweight design makes it portable, the polyurethane protects the rifle, and the adjustability allows for customized positioning.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support excels at its primary function: providing a stable and adjustable rear support for rifles. Accuracy is noticeably improved compared to using a traditional sandbag. The consistent height and secure grip on the rifle stock minimize movement, allowing for tighter groupings.
The primary strength of the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support lies in its adjustability and stability. However, on very slick surfaces, the aluminum frame can exhibit some slight slippage, a minor issue that could be addressed with rubber feet. The product exceeds expectations and offers value for the money.
Design & Ergonomics
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support features a simple, functional design. The aluminum frame is well-constructed and feels solid in hand. The unit is light in weight, and it is very easy to handle.
The push-button adjustment mechanism is intuitive and easy to use, requiring minimal learning curve. The open design allows for easy access to the rifle’s trigger and bolt.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction suggests that the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support will last for years with proper care. After several months of regular use, there are no signs of structural weakness or corrosion. It is meant to withstand frequent use and harsh conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support does not come with any additional accessories, and customization options are limited. However, the standard design is compatible with most rifles and shooting benches. It is made for a universal fit.
While there are no direct accessories, users could potentially add aftermarket rubber feet for improved grip on slick surfaces. This would be a simple and cost-effective modification.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support
Pros
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction: Easy to transport and built to last.
- Precise and easy height adjustments: Push-button mechanism allows for quick and accurate fine-tuning.
- No-mar polyurethane jaws: Protects rifle finish and provides a secure grip.
- Significant improvement in accuracy: Provides a stable and consistent shooting platform.
- Simple maintenance: Easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep.
Cons
- Aluminum frame can slip on very slick surfaces.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support?
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support is perfect for:
- Benchrest shooters: Provides a stable and adjustable platform for achieving maximum accuracy.
- Hunters sighting in rifles: Simplifies the process of zeroing optics and improving shot placement.
- Shooters looking for a lightweight and portable support system: Easy to transport to the range or field.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who require a more versatile support system for uneven terrain might be better served by a bipod or shooting sticks.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider adding rubber feet for enhanced grip on slick surfaces.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support
The Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support is a well-designed and effective tool for improving rifle accuracy. Its lightweight aluminum construction, precise adjustability, and no-mar polyurethane jaws make it a significant upgrade over traditional sandbags. It delivers on its promises.
At $79.99, the price is justified given the improved stability and accuracy it provides. It is a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
I would personally recommend the Birchwood Casey Rear Rifle Support to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable way to improve their rifle shooting. Upgrade your accuracy and experience the stability for yourself!