Does anyone use a Ransom Rest to test gun and ammo accuracy?

[Wolkenflieger]

Hi All,

I was checking out videos by Ransom Rest, the device that holds a gun (with custom grip insert), allowing the weapon to be fired the same way every time—without any extraneous input. No human interaction variables such as pulling, pushing, flinching, etc. This device is used to test weapons for the military, DHS, FBI, etc. The company was founded in 1968 so the company is about as old as me.

Does anyone have one or has anyone used one? Is it worth having one? Thanks!

 

[bruce381]

i have one problem is getting a good solid rest a flimsy shooting range bench will not work. On a solid bench clamped down will shoot better than you can hold.
But at 500 or so a good rest you can get close enough if you can mount a scope on pistol.

 

[gose_]

Used one back in the day when I was shooting PPC and testing a lot of loads at 50y. It requires a really solid mount to work well and there are a few small quirks in using it, but in general, it takes the human factor out of ammo testing, which can be valuable. Doesnt work as well for guns like Glocks, that have high inherent precision, but more generous tolerances between slide and frame. I could generally outshoot the RR from a rest with my Glock, something that was a lot harder with my P210s or revolvers.
It's a good tool in your toolbox if youre chasing tenths of inches of accuracy at 50y for bullseye or PPC. For most non-competitive situations, you'll do more than well enough with a good rest.

 

[Malibu]

Hi All,

I was checking out videos by Ransom Rest, the device that holds a gun (with custom grip insert), allowing the weapon to be fired the same way every time—without any extraneous input. No human interaction variables such as pulling, pushing, flinching, etc. This device is used to test weapons for the military, DHS, FBI, etc. The company was founded in 1968 so the company is about as old as me.

Does anyone have one or has anyone used one? Is it worth having one? Thanks!

I have used one for many years, with many revolvers and 1911-pattern pistols, and finally sold it. It is a solid tool that works well at what it is intended for, but for practical relevance it made little sense for most of the shooting I currently enjoy. I used it to determine which particular chamber on a revolver gave the most consistent results for example, how different loads specifically performed out of specific guns, effects on bullet seating depth, etc. That is all great if you are a super dedicated Bullseye shooter as one example, but near useless if your main interest is drawing from concealment in a hurry, taking field positions wherein your grip can be compromised, etc. It’s a solid, well built research tool, but takes time to set up, requires costly grip inserts, a super (as in a cast concrete) stable mounting platform, and a number of initial rounds essentially waisted getting the gun to “settle in” before real, honest data can be collected. Also, you will likely find that there is a slight point of impact shift between where the rested gun prints and where one you hold in your hand(s) prints. Ransom actually sells a basic rest (Steady Rest) that will handle most similar chores for rifles and pistols that is very sturdy, and costs a lot less.

https://ransomrest.com/product/the-ransom-multi-cal-steady-rest/

 

[Wolkenflieger]

I have used one for many years, with many revolvers and 1911-pattern pistols, and finally sold it. It is a solid tool that works well at what it is intended for, but for practical relevance it made little sense for most of the shooting I currently enjoy. I used it to determine which particular chamber on a revolver gave the most consistent results for example, how different loads specifically performed out of specific guns, effects on bullet seating depth, etc. That is all great if you are a super dedicated Bullseye shooter as one example, but near useless if your main interest is drawing from concealment in a hurry, taking field positions wherein your grip can be compromised, etc. It’s a solid, well built research tool, but takes time to set up, requires costly grip inserts, a super (as in a cast concrete) stable mounting platform, and a number of initial rounds essentially waisted getting the gun to “settle in” before real, honest data can be collected. Also, you will likely find that there is a slight point of impact shift between where the rested gun prints and where one you hold in your hand(s) prints. Ransom actually sells a basic rest (Steady Rest) that will handle most similar chores for rifles and pistols that is very sturdy, and costs a lot less.

https://ransomrest.com/product/the-ransom-multi-cal-steady-rest/

Great feedback. Yeah although I shoot casually I'm interested in testing for the sake of it and for acquiring knowledge about my gun, its zero, its "preferred" ammo, etc. However, that Steady Rest looks great! It might be just the ticket. Thanks!

 

[Wolkenflieger]

Used one back in the day when I was shooting PPC and testing a lot of loads at 50y. It requires a really solid mount to work well and there are a few small quirks in using it, but in general, it takes the human factor out of ammo testing, which can be valuable. Doesnt work as well for guns like Glocks, that have high inherent precision, but more generous tolerances between slide and frame. I could generally outshoot the RR from a rest with my Glock, something that was a lot harder with my P210s or revolvers.
It's a good tool in your toolbox if youre chasing tenths of inches of accuracy at 50y for bullseye or PPC. For most non-competitive situations, you'll do more than well enough with a good rest.

I think you're right, I probably just need a good rest. I wouldn't have a good way to secure the Ransom at a range. I would love to use one someday if I could find a place that has a good setup.

 

[Wolkenflieger]

i have one problem is getting a good solid rest a flimsy shooting range bench will not work. On a solid bench clamped down will shoot better than you can hold.
But at 500 or so a good rest you can get close enough if you can mount a scope on pistol.

Yeah I'll probably just get their steady rest. I don't have a good way to secure the Ransom Rest. Thanks!

 

[Malibu]

Great feedback. Yeah although I shoot casually I'm interested in testing for the sake of it and for acquiring knowledge about my gun, its zero, its "preferred" ammo, etc. However, that Steady Rest looks great! It might be just the ticket. Thanks!

You are most welcome.
Another point to consider: if you are going to be spending hours upon hours testing handguns, the Master Rest makes sense because the human factor is removed, so you can run tests when you are very tired of the concentration required to shoot with extreme consistency and concentration. This really comes into play for me after a few hundred rounds, but at that point I’ve had enough for the day. The Steady Rest (or something similar) I have found to be more than adequate for 90% of the research I currently do, much, much easier to use, portable, and more versatile if I wish to test rifles.
Looking back, for all the data I generated over the years with the Master Rest, I could have achieved nearly the same results with the Steady Rest or equivalent.
Personally, I’d get the Steady Rest and call it good.