Pope's machine rest from the 1890's gave both vertical and horizontal adjustment, using V-blocks front & rear.  It wouldn't be allowed in modern Schuetzen bench competition, as the two parts were solidly attached to the bench.   

There's nothing wrong with using sandbags on wooden blocks, as you see at some public ranges, other than they are difficult to adjust for elevation, and not very repeatable.  I've gotten some very good groups in years past with that sort of setup, but now that I own my own mechanical front rest, I wouldn't willingly go back.  (Of course, in "years past", my eyes were a lot younger and sharper, too!   )   

David
Montezuma, IA

  I guess I don't see your problem with using modern front rests. Back in Pope's day they used what called a machine rest, which was basically just that, and a lot better than what we use today.

  Today I would say that all bench shooters use a pedestal front rest with a sandbag under the butt stock. At least they do around here. Many also use a Pope style "sled" along with it.

  This is not to say that you can't get decent groups for hunting purposes using nothing but sandbags. I've sighted in many a rifle with sandbags off the top of a pickup hood. If you can shoot sub MOA groups off sandbags almost on demand then you will be competitive, and will win your share of the time. But remember, to shoot a 250 on the ASSRA targets you will need to be able to shoot 3/4 MOA for 10 shots at either 100 or 200 yds.

  Even with a good front rest you'll find when you bring the gun up to battery you will be slightly off where you want to aim. Now most people will just wiggle the rear bag around till their lined up and shoot. This is entirely wrong. You NEVER move the rear bag. Always the front. And this is why the better quality front rests have both horizontal and vertical adjustments.

PETE

Joe:

Your new avitaar isn't as pretty from a distance.

But I agree sand bags can provide as much precision as the modified rests; although the fancy rests may be a bit more convenient to use, specially when your wind condition is changing rapidly.

Some of the rollers did pretty good at the ISSA Nationals this year.

Dave

MWM
Find a local match and spend some time looking over the equipment used. You will find everything from sand bags to old car jacks to sophisticated rack and pinion adjustable rests being used. Your equipment does not have to be state of the art to be competitive BUT you need to know HOW to use what you have to be competitive. The only way to do that is practice, practice and more practice either at your home range or a match.