The Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of gun rests. However, the Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest immediately caught my attention with its promise of easy elevation adjustments and compact portability. This simple tool aims to streamline the zeroing process, making range days more efficient and enjoyable.
I’ve always struggled with finding the perfect balance between stability and quick adjustability when sighting in rifles. Traditional sandbags can be cumbersome and lack fine-tuning capabilities. This is why the Lyman Bag Jack concept appealed to me, promising a solution to this common problem.
Unboxing the Lyman Bag Jack, I was impressed by the solid feel of the aluminum and steel components. The non-slip textured platform gave me confidence in its ability to securely hold various-sized rests. At 10″ x 10″, it seemed large enough to handle even my heavier varmint rifles.
Compared to traditional shooting rests like basic Caldwell sandbags or even a more sophisticated, but bulkier, benchrest system like the Caldwell Rock BR, the Lyman Bag Jack seemed to offer a unique blend of stability and portability. I chose it over the sandbags due to the adjustability and over the benchrest due to its size and portability. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Lyman Bag Jack looked well-built, but the real test would be how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Lyman Bag Jack to my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment where I could focus solely on evaluating its performance. The day was slightly overcast with a mild breeze, providing typical conditions for sighting in a rifle. I used it in conjunction with a basic front sandbag and a rear squeeze bag.
The Lyman Bag Jack proved incredibly easy to use right out of the box. Placing my front sandbag on the textured platform, I quickly brought my rifle’s scope into alignment with the target using the adjustment knob. The smooth, controlled lift was a welcome change from the awkward shuffling I was used to with sandbags alone. I encountered no initial issues and found the height adjustment to be surprisingly precise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the Lyman Bag Jack continues to perform admirably. It has held up well to repeated use, showing no signs of bending or warping under the weight of my rifles. The non-slip platform maintains its grip, and the adjustment knob remains smooth and responsive.
There is only minimal wear and tear on the textured surface, which is to be expected. The Lyman Bag Jack is very easy to clean; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous experiences with solely using sandbags, the Lyman Bag Jack offers a significant improvement in adjustability and overall ease of use. It allows for faster and more precise sighting, and it helps me maintain a more comfortable shooting position.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest
Specifications
The Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest is designed to provide stable elevation adjustment for rifles during sighting-in and target practice. It features a sturdy aluminum and steel construction for durability. The platform measures 10″ x 10″, providing ample space for various front rests.
The Lyman Bag Jack collapses for easy storage and transport, enhancing its portability. This feature is crucial for shooters who travel to different ranges or hunting locations. The non-slip textured platform ensures a secure grip for the front rest, minimizing movement during adjustments.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Bag Jack performs its job exceedingly well, providing smooth and controlled elevation adjustments. This leads to faster and more precise sighting-in. The ability to fine-tune the height of the front rest with a simple turn of the adjustment knob is a game-changer.
Its main strength lies in its combination of stability, portability, and ease of use. The only potential improvement would be a slightly wider base for added stability on uneven surfaces. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations, significantly improving my range experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Bag Jack boasts a simple yet effective design. Its solid construction inspires confidence in its durability. The 10″ x 10″ platform is sufficiently large for most front rests, yet the compact design doesn’t take up excessive space on the bench.
The user-friendly design requires no prior experience or special tools. The adjustment knob is easily accessible and provides smooth, controlled movement.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its aluminum and steel construction, the Lyman Bag Jack is built to last. It has already proven its durability through several range sessions. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest doesn’t come with any specific accessories, focusing on its core function of elevation adjustment. It’s designed to be compatible with a wide range of front rests, including sandbags, bipods, and various commercial shooting rests. The platform’s size and non-slip surface make it adaptable to different setups. While there are no specific customization options for the Lyman Bag Jack itself, its universality with different front rests allows shooters to tailor their shooting setup to their preferences.
Pros and Cons of Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest
Pros
- Provides smooth and precise elevation adjustments.
- Durable aluminum and steel construction ensures longevity.
- The non-slip textured platform offers a secure grip for front rests.
- Compact and collapsible design enhances portability.
- It is easy to use with no learning curve.
Cons
- A wider base would enhance stability on uneven surfaces.
- There are no included accessories.
Who Should Buy Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest?
The Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest is perfect for target shooters, hunters, and anyone who regularly sights in rifles. This is especially true for those who value precision and efficiency at the range. Beginners and experienced shooters alike will appreciate the ease of use and improved accuracy it provides.
Anyone primarily shooting from prone positions or utilizing bipods exclusively might not find the Lyman Bag Jack essential. A must-have accessory is a quality front shooting rest, whether it’s a sandbag or a more advanced commercial option.
Conclusion on Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest
The Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest offers a significant improvement in adjustability and convenience compared to traditional methods of sighting in rifles. At $55.49, the price is more than justified by its durability, ease of use, and performance. It streamlines the zeroing process and helps maintain a comfortable shooting position.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Bag Jack to anyone looking to enhance their range experience and improve their shooting accuracy. Add the Lyman 7837810 Bag Jack Gun Rest to your shooting kit and say goodbye to frustrating elevation adjustments!