We’ve written a lot in the past about different shooting rests and even discussed many of the models we’re going to discuss today. What makes this blog different is I’m going to give you the most versatile, practical, universal, and affordable shooting rests from the best company that produces shooting rests.
Each of these 5 shooting rests is perfect for different missions and purposes. I’ve been fortunate enough to shoot with all 5 of the rests that I’m going to show you today. This blog should be the most hands-on shooting rest review blog on the internet, hope you enjoy and learn something new.
Best Shooting Rest for AR-15 & Shotguns- Caldwell Hydrosled
The Hydrosled by Caldwell is not only the best shooting rest for an AR or shotgun, but it’s also the most versatile shooting rest I’ve ever used. I’ve taken this sled out to the range and used it on my Stoeger M3500, Colt Ar-15, and both of my hunting rifles (Bergara 7mm Rem Mag and my Springfield 30-06). Many people would argue that this is the best shooting rest for recoil-reduction as well with a 95% reduction in felt-recoil.
I would say it’s the best at recoil control, but the Lead Sled FCX has a strong claim on dealing with recoil. The Hydrosled got its name from the ability to add water into the sled for 35 lbs of added weight. I think it’s a great idea to add water because you can get water anywhere and the cleanup for water is so much easier versus the clean-up for pebbles or sand.
Another thing to consider with water is that here in America, we can get it anywhere for really cheap or for free. Most public ranges I’ve been to have a water hookup for filling up water bottles or in this case your Hydrosled. You’ll not only save money, but water is a great way to improve stability without adding messy inserts such as sand or rocks.
Pros
| Reduces up to 95% felt-recoil from any rifle |
| 2.5" Elevation adjustment for different styles and sizes |
| 1.75" of fine elevation adjustment |
| 1.375" of windage adjustment |
| Add water(35lbs), sand (45 lbs), or pebbles (60 lbs) for added stability with heavier rifles or shotguns |
| Accepts detachable magazines for ARs |
| Comes with a front retention strap to eliminate muzzle rise |
Cons
| Even at dry weight, the Hydrosled is 17lbs. I list this as a con because not everybody is going to be able to handle weight if they want to transport this shooting rest from place to place, especially if you have to walk a ways to the range from your car. |
Best Shooting Rest for Recoil Control- Caldwell Lead Sled FCX
The Hydrosled does a phenomenal job with the felt-recoil, but I think the FCX handles the stronger rifles just as well if not better. The reason I love the Lead Sled FCX as much as I do is how easy and precise the adjustments are. I can make wind and elevation adjustments with the turn of the large knurled knob on the side of the FCX sled (See pic below).
How is the Lead Sled FCX different from the Hydrosled?
The Hydrosled has an opening at the front where you can add water, sand, or pebbles. Whereas, the Caldwell Lead Sled FCX uses a portable bag on the front that holds the sled still. I would use the Lead Sled Large weight bag that holds 20 lbs of sand per bag on the front of the sled. When I’m shooting my 7mm Rem Mag, I always use the custom bag and the extra 20 lb sandbag to anchor it down.
Pros
| Reduces up to 95% felt-recoil from any rifle |
| 4" coarse elevation adjustment at the rest of the sled |
| Make your elevation and windage adjustments with one move, saving time, energy, and money while zeroes in your rifle |
| At 100 yards, the control arm allows for 5 feet of overall adjustment on target |
| The shooting rest length is adjustable to accommodate longer marksmanship rifles and shorter hunting rifles (.22LR) |
| The rear support is contoured and protects the gunstock finish so you don’t Marr or scratch or stock |
| Right now is listed at more than $100 off from MSRP |
| Incredibly lightweight for a rest designed for high-caliber rifles |
| Easy to transport with the carrying handle |
| It comes with a weight bag that is designed to fit the cradle of the FCX sled |
Cons
| Doesn’t work with most ARs due to the detachable magazine |
Best Pistol Shooting Rest- Caldwell Pistolero
You don’t often see a pistol shooting rest, but Caldwell has created an effective, affordable, and practical shooting rest for the range. Most shooters don’t use a pistol rest, mainly (I assume) because there are not a lot of options, and are too expensive for casual shooters. The Caldwell Pistolero is the most affordable shooting rest I’ve reviewed at just $25.99 right now on the Caldwell website.
The best feature of the Pistolero is the adjustment range from 0-5" in horizontal adjustment for hand support. The Caldwell Pistolero also allows for 3" in vertical adjustment to accommodate a variety of pistols. For example, this allows you to shoot your smallest CCW and your largest 1911 or Magnum Revolvers. The Pistolero is best used when you initially sight in your pistol, add an attachment (optic, light, laser, etc..), and when you’re training a new shooter.
Pros
| Works with any pistol you own, from Glock 43 all the way to the S&W Magnum 500 |
| 3" vertical adjustment allows shooters of varying sizes and heights to dial in their perfect fit |
| 5" of horizontal adjustment allows the shooter to shoot at different angles and positions |
| Lightweight and durable |
| Best Price for any pistol shooting rest I’ve seen online! |
| Designed with a special finish to repel any water, dirt, sand, dust, and any other element you come into contact with at the range |
Cons
| Some CCWs are too short to clear the padded rest for the pistol. For example, my Walther PPS M2 barely reaches the end and I worry that my muzzle flash will deteriorate the fabric over time. |
Best Portable Shooting Rest-Caldwell Tack Driver Mini Bag
Often times I go to the range, space is limited, not only in my SUV, but also in my lane. Since the pandemic started, I’ve noticed dozens more people out there shooting, which is great to see, but also scary. You can bring your Lead Sled FCX or the Hydroseld to the range, but you better have a bench to shoot from or at least a flat surface to place it on.
The reason I like the Tack Driver Mini Bag from Caldwell so much is the portability of the bag. The bag is only 5.5"Wide x5.5" Height x5.5" in Diameter and rests perfectly stable on any flat surface you place it on. For example, you can take this hunting and use it on the ground, or use it on a window seal, barricade, or any other port opening you can find. 
Pros
| It’s only around $35.00! |
| You can bring the Caldwell Tack Driver Bag anywhere |
| Undo the strap across the middle and it acts as a carrying handle |
| Works great for hunting rifles and AR-15s |
Cons
| The other shooting rests have some form of recoil-reduction built in. The Tack Driver will keep you steady and on target, but won’t help with the recoil as much. |
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