Looking for a shooting rest (bench rest). Looking at the Caldwell bench rest model - looks like it might be oK for the $ .. ?
Have had thoughts about building one - I do have the tools, any one seen plans ?

Reproduction of Bald Eagle Windage Top.

If you are able to borrow a rest and the owner allows you to disassemble it for measurements you can make a duplicate.

A Caldwell Bench Rest model front rest was my first step up from a real cheap front rest. It did well for me, but got to be very frustrating after a number of years. 

As my shooting ability improved the Caldwell began to drive me nuts with it's inability to track straight while adjusting for elevation. And, contrary to what they advertise, it has no provision for real windage adjustment.

I finally bought a Randolph rest (as recommended to you by JLouis) and have never looked back. It truly is a fantastic rest. 

As with most things we buy to play this game, buy once, cry once is sound advise. 

JerryH

There are quite a number of very good rests available. Most built for the short range benchrest folks. I either own or have used many from the first, a Wichita, a Hart rest, with a later addition windage top, to a Farley. I, for years now, very often use a shop built windage rest made and used by Joe Pfeifer in the late 40's. It is extremely heavy, and very well made. Without it in front of me, I believe the column is 3 or so inches in diameter, and the whole rest weighs in the neighborhood of 30 lbs. I purchased it from his son, some 30 years ago. I guess it is just a good fit with these old rifles. The Hart is still a good rest, as is the Farley, the Randolph, the Loh, and a host of others. I would say spend the money for a well built and recommended rest, learn to use it properly, and as Jerry H said, never look back.

Thanks guys, just spent the afternoon in the shop on the lathe and mill, working from the photo that Schuetzendave posted (with a couple modifications of course). Probably 2 or 3 more afternoons before she's ready for a trial run, I'll post a picture when I'm done.
Thanks for the help.

Thanks Dave, yes, maybe.
Actually, we met once or twice - once at Ron Smith's place about 2016 or so, I was there with a Highwall I had built from scratch (not quite finished). Then again at Hefley in 2016 - haven't made it back since (and moved to Calgary since too).

hello 
I also meet you at Rons when you were showing your action
I make a rest that you are welcome to take measurements ect
if you want to build one
and i live in langdon  so pretty close
see attached photo 
William

its powder coating over steel and aluminum components
Will