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Using a shooting rest for tree stands hunting is not helpful at all if you don’t own the best gun rest for tree stand. Professional hunters that often hunt around the woods and hills need a reliable shooting rest that is sturdy and flexible enough to be used on tree stands as well as on wet or rough surfaces.
Shooting rests have been around for quite a long time, and thus a variety of kinds of gun rests can be found performing the same task with a few pros and cons. As the main job of the good shooting rest is to keep your particular gun stable for accurate shoots, don’t compromise on the quality of material and manufacturing of the shooting rest. In this article, we have enlisted a number of final rest shooting systems
Other than that, you can also find information about various types of best shooting rest and the things to consider while buying a good shooting rest for tree stands.
The Perfect Shot is Within Reach with These Best Gun Rests for Tree Stand Hunting
Quick Links
- Vanguard Steady Aim Gun Rest
- Allen Company Shooting Stick
- Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 Rifle Shooting Rest
- Caldwell DeadShot Boxed Combo Front and Rear Bag
- Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest
- FAS Foamrest Rifle and Pistol Shooting Block Bench Rest
List of the Best Gun Rest for Tree Stands
We have enlisted below various types of shooting rest that is best suitable for use on a tree stand shooting and have a number of features to ensure reliable and safe use. Once you have decided on the type of shooting rest you want, you are ready to choose anyone from the list below.
1- Vanguard Steady Aim Gun Rest
Vanguard Steady Aim Gun Rest is one of the best shooting rest available at this price. The manufacturing material of the arms is metal which is quite sturdy to keep the rest stable and prevent recoil.
Although sturdy, it is still not heavy and best for those in search of a shooting rest for tree stands.
For the safety of use, it has a Quick drop locking system which also facilitates elevation adjustment.
Besides, the pillow of the rest secures the forearm of the rifle, reducing vibration and recoil and making it stable enough for an accurate shoot.
Also, the strap above the pillow keeps the firearm in its place. It is an adjustable shooting rest with the tilting capability of the feet and arm.
Aside from being adjustable, the backrest is also removable so that this adjustable gun rest can be used for both rifles and pistols.
However, it is not useful for long rifles, so make sure to check its size compatibility for your rifle before buying.
It has a warranty of 5 years and seems durable shooting rest, but you can’t blame its quality if the weight of your rifle is too much for the stand.
Secondly, as the shooting rest is a little heightened, it might feel too heightened for a few models of rifle rest features. So if you are buying it for a specific rifle, that must also be considered.
It is quite comfortable to use. All the adjustments are best at the functioning of shooting rest, and it allows you to put the rifle at your shoulder just perfectly. I have been using this shooting rest for over 3 months and haven’t missed a shot that I might have without it.
You can attach any riflescope to it for sighting, and it fits the best. I would suggest setting this shooting rest with a few sandbags if you have a heavy rifle to prevent recoil.
Strengths
Weaknesses
2- Allen Company Shooting Stick
Made of aluminum, the Allen Company Shooting Stick is best for those who need less space occupying and lightweight shooting sticks to use on climbing tree stands.
I used this deer hunting gear for over 6 months for every hunting trip and had the best experience with this stick.
The V-shaped monopod has a padded resting for your gun with a wrist strap to secure it properly for an accurate shoot. Besides, the leg clips add to its stability.
This monopod is just the right size with an adjustable height, so don’t worry about it being too high for your gun. You can have it adjusted at a height of 21.5 to 61 inches.
Overall, the shooting sticks are quite sturdy, and the V-shaped yoke is padded, making it stable and long-lasting.
It has fine-quality plastic clamps which fix tightly with heavy duty aluminum construction.
You can rely on this stick for any gun, no matter how heavy it is. For holding it comfortably, it has a padded hand grip, and I never felt my hands slipping from it and missing a shot.
You can easily carry it around on your trips, and it won’t take up a lot of space in your bag either. I am glad to find such a compact monopod for hunting over the hills at this price.
But before buying the shooting sticks, keep in mind that they won’t be as stable as a three-prong. You can not expect the performance of a tree pod from a monopod.
Also, this monopod is not for stabbing into the ground, and its bottom will bend if you try to do so.
But for using it on a climbing tree stand for shooting rest, it is 100% reliable. A great shooting stick for resting your gun on when you can’t shoot accurately without support.
Strengths
Weaknesses
3- Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 Rifle Shooting Rests
For any size gun or rifle, Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 is a great fit for shooting rest. It is versatile with windage adjustment. There are separate adjustments for the front and rear so that you can easily elevate it for targeting higher.
The rest of this shooting rest doesn’t weigh a lot in comparison to its size, and you can easily carry it around on your trip, and it is a great gun rest; thus you can compromise a bit even if the weight feels a little heavy to you.
I am really impressed by the stability that this shooting rest offers. No more worrying about recoil with any gun or rifle. Moreover, it can be adjusted in any direction in a climbing tree stand, giving you more chances to shoot accurately.
The design of the gun rest adds to its stability and makes it more compact. It has rubber feet for keeping your gun straight and making a shot accurately.
Not only does this adjustable gun rest reduce the effort of the shooter, but overall, it is also quite easy to function. The knobs of this shooting rest work conveniently, and you can even change the adjustments with the gun placed on the gun rest.
As a professional who has been using a lot of popular gun rest in recent years, I can now testify to the durability of a gun rest, and this rest being powder coated is definitely one of the best gun rest for tree stands.
I have been using this for my deer hunts over the hills hiding on my climbing tree stand, and never missed a shot. Also, for summit aluminum climbing tree stands, the height of the gun rest is just perfect. For the price, it is a perfect choice for professional hunters.
Strengths
Weaknesses
4- Caldwell DeadShot Boxed Combo Front and Rear Shooting Bags
If you are into using shooting bags for your guns and rifles, then Caldwell Deadshot front and rear bags are going to be a great choice for you. They keep guns of all sizes stable and let you shoot accurately.
Both bags are portable enough to carry around, but the front bag is a little bigger if you need them for use on a climbing tree stand shooting.
However, the size of both bags is written in the description, so, make sure these are suitable for you.
These bags do come filled with corn cob media and are indeed quite durable. You can use almost any heavy gun on these.
Adjusting them is the simplest task and can be used anywhere, anytime.
Don’t worry about Caldwell stable shooting rest getting wet as they are water resistant. Made of fabric, these are the most reliable bags for hunting.
I would recommend not reducing the filling of the bag as it would ruin the shape. Buy these only if they suit you.
I have long rifles and needed the right-sized bag for them. Although both are compact, only the rear bag is enough for me.
Also, using scopes with these is very convenient. It makes you comfortable, and you cannot miss any shots.
Although the size could be a problem for tree stands or a deer stand, it is very lightweight and easy to carry around. At this price, it is one of the best bags available.
Strengths
Weaknesses
5- Vanguard Porta Aim – Portable Gun Rest
Vanguard Porta Aim Shooting rest is built amazingly, offering you complete portability and easy adjustments. With the center column adjustment ring so you can make any adjustments immediately.
If you have been using a lot of tree pods like me, you would also love the amazing quality of this shooting rest.
The tree stand and the rest are up to the mark for suitable-sized rifles. Didn’t notice any recoil or vibration with the anti-vibration bag.
Amazingly, it can be rotated at a 360 degrees angle. The stand of the tree pod is quite firm and can be placed anywhere.
Also, it is great for tree stands. Not only is it easy to carry around, as you can fold the stand and remove the rest from it to carry it in your case, but also it is quite lightweight.
You can use this tree pod for long guns, even with heavy weights. It has a stable full shooting range from 8.8 to 12.6 inches. 10/10 for the quality job it does.
With the strap on the shooting rest, the gun stays in its place and does not recoil. It also seems quite durable. I liked the strap a lot for comfortable usage.
It totally saves you from worrying about accuracy as the strap keeps the gun in its place. All you have to do is aim and shoot.
Although it is quite sturdy and well-built, the fabric of the retention shooting rest system puts me in a little doubt about its durability.
It might get ruined in the rain or with long-term use. Also, I didn’t like the bag that came with this.
Other than that, I cannot mention many cons of this masterpiece. Great for the price that you pay for it.
Strengths
Weaknesses
6- FAS Foamrest Rifle and Pistol Shooting Block Bench Rest
If you have long pistols or rifles, you would definitely love this FAS Foamrest Shooting Block Bench rest. This foam shooting rests are suitable for different-sized rifles. The 2 packs can be used together or separately, depending on the size of your gun.
However, using these shooting rests for small-sized pistols might be a little difficult for you.
Otherwise, these are great with the right amount of softness and thickness for shooting with guns by kneeling or sitting below and, if you can, on the tree stands too.
They are built with recoil-absorbing material, and you won’t feel any vibration using them.
You can use these shooting rests both in and outdoors as they are water resistant. With this quality of material, it is definitely going to last longer.
Also, I have been using them for 4 months and haven’t faced any kind of issues. The packs are still like they were from the beginning.
As it is a great support for your antifatigue rifle rest, you can perform various tasks using it like me. I have been servicing my rifles using these.
There is only one thing that I would have loved more about these gun rests, which is that they should have been a little bigger in size.
Still, it is not something to complain about. I carry around these shooting rests on my trips in my backpack easily as they are very light in weight which is one of the great benefits of foam rests.
It is said to be heat resistant, but I am not going to try it as I don’t need to. Overall, best final rest shooting systems for professional hunters.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Things to Consider While Looking for the Best Gun Rest For Tree Stands
Buying the best gun rest under your budget is not at all difficult if you know what to look for and what factors make a gun rest more and more reliable for the stability of the gun.
1- The Material Used for Manufacturing
Everyone knows you need the best quality material to make anything most reliable and long-lasting.
Similarly, a gun rest should be made of the finest material so that it does not break down and compromise the accuracy of the shot.
So check the quality of all the parts of a gun rest no matter which material it is made of. The material used to manufacture a gun rest depends on the type of gun rest you are using.
It can be a gun bag, foam rest, stick rest, or a stand made of steel. Most of the hunters prefer a stand gun rest for tree stands which also makes it easier to spot a target if it is a sighting stand.
Besides the quality of the material, make sure that all the parts of the shooting rests are fixed correctly and do not move from their place.
2- Type of Gun Rest
Although there are various options for gun rest to use as hunting gear, all of them might not be suitable for use in a tree stand shooting or for yourself personally.
As a tree stand is not so spacious, you cannot use an enormous gun rest. So look for a shooting rest that is small and easy to carry around with you.
The various forms of gun rest that you can choose from depending on your style of gun hunting are as follows:
- Foam shooting rest
- Stand shooting rest
- Stand sighting shooting rest
- Monopods, tripods
- Shooting bag
- Shooting table
3- Stability and Durability
You can check the ratings and reviews of a shooting rest to find out how long it is going to last. Besides, the stability of the shooting rests must be compatible with the size and weight of the firearm.
If it isn’t stable enough, then the gun rest will recoil with the weight of the firearm. Therefore, most hunters buy a gun rest that is best recommended for the model and size of their gun.
4- Features and Adjustments for Versatility
You can find a number of gun rests with various features such as tilting pans for a comfortable shooting position without moving the gun rest. Also, a lot of gun rests have a scope for offering easy spotting and shooting.
Besides that, various other features, such as elevation adjustments and locking rings of the new models of gun rests, also come in handy for shooting positions with more comfort and stability.
5- Safe and Easy Use
Not only for the accuracy of the shoot, but the gun rest should be stable at full range, and comfortable to grip for hunting situation.
It should have a nonslippery handle and stand firmly to prevent any slipping or recoil during the shoot.
Although large-sized gun rests are troublesome, a small but heavier gun rest will stand firmly.
Other than that, look for a gun rest with a lock feature to keep it safe for children. When the gun is locked properly, it will definitely save you from any kind of accident.
Final Wording
The best gun rest depends on what you are looking for. If you would like something with a stand, Vanguard Steady Aim Gun Rest would definitely be a good choice for you. While the FAS Foamrest Rifle and Pistol Shooting Block Bench Sitting Rest can be used for various purposes other than shooting as it is a final rest.
But if you are looking for something to be suitable for both sitting on the ground and standing on a tree stand, Caldwell DeadShot Boxed Combo Front and Rear Bag is the best bag gun rest for hunting.
Additional Common Questions
What is the optimal height for a hunting tree stand?
If you’re looking for the best height to set up your hunting tree stand, you should aim for somewhere between 12 to 20 feet high. However, if you want a more specific range, 16 to 18 feet high should do the job perfectly. Based on my personal experience, this height range can significantly enhance your hunting efficiency and enjoyment. It ensures you’re at an ideal vantage point to spot your game while providing sufficient concealment. Hunting from this height can bring a whole new level of comfort, satisfaction, and success to your hunting experience.
Which tree stands offer the most comfort?
When it comes to comfort, the M150 Monster from Millennium stands out above the rest – so much so, in fact, that it’s the sort of tree stand you could actually take a snooze on. The mesh seat on this model has been designed to offer just the right amount of give to deliver top-notch comfort. I’ve spent countless hours in tree stands during hunting expeditions and this one is by far the most agreeable I’ve found. The expanded comfort helps increase your patience, so you might end up staying longer, which could increase your chances of getting that big buck.
What is the most comfortable ladder tree stand?
A standout when it comes to ladder tree stands is certainly the Rivers Edge RE649 2-Man Ladder Stand 18′ 2-Man. Its comfort and utility make it an excellent choice for those day-long hunts. For utmost durability, you might want to check out the Primal Treestand Double Vantage Deluxe 18′ Two-Man Ladder Tree Stand. If, however, you’re a solitary hunter, the single-man Rhino Treestands RTL-200 Deluxe 16ft Ladder Stand seems to hit the sweet spot for comfort and functionality. Through my hunting years, these ladder stands have proven to stand steadfast in the face of weather, wear and time.
What is the safest ladder tree stand?
*No answer provided by AI*