Bench & Range Accessories
Guide to bench and range accessories: shooting rests, gun vises, bench mats, cleaning mats, and range gear. Expert picks to improve accuracy and range productivity.
The right bench and range accessories make your shooting more accurate, your maintenance easier, and your range time more productive.
Shooting Rests & Supports
Front Rests
Support the forend for steady aiming:
- Sandbags: Traditional, adjustable, affordable
- Pedestal rests: Adjustable mechanical supports
- Lead sleds: Weighted systems that reduce recoil
Rear Supports
- Rear bags: Support stock for fine adjustments
- Bunny ear bags: Squeeze for elevation changes
- Monopods: Attach to stock for support
Bipods
Attach directly to rifle for field or bench use:
- Harris-style swivel bipods
- Atlas-style adjustable bipods
- Budget alternatives from various manufacturers
Gun Vises
Essential for cleaning, maintenance, and optic mounting:
- Padded jaws: Protect finish
- Adjustable: Fit various firearms
- Stable base: Won't tip during work
Popular options: Tipton Best Gun Vise, Wheeler Delta, CTK Precision P3
Bench Mats
Protect your work surface and organize parts:
- Cleaning mats: Absorb solvents, catch parts
- Diagram mats: Show disassembly layouts
- Padded mats: Protect firearm finish
Mat Recommendation
Look for mats with raised edges to contain solvents and small parts. Diagram mats are helpful for learning firearm disassembly.
Range Essentials
Eye & Ear Protection
- Safety glasses: ANSI Z87.1 rated
- Shooting glasses: Various lens tints
- Foam earplugs: Cheap, effective (NRR 32+)
- Over-ear muffs: More comfortable for long sessions
- Electronic muffs: Hear conversation, block shots
Targets & Target Systems
- Paper targets (various types)
- Steel targets (check range rules)
- Reactive targets
- Target stands and backers
Our Top Picks
Caldwell Lead Sled Solo
Best for: Recoil reduction & sighting in
Weighted shooting rest that reduces felt recoil up to 95%. Adjustable elevation with non-marring rubber feet. Accommodates most rifle and shotgun platforms.
Pros
- + Reduces felt recoil dramatically
- + Stable platform for zeroing
- + Fits most rifles and shotguns
Cons
- - Heavy for transport
- - Requires weight bags
Tipton Best Gun Vise
Best for: Cleaning & maintenance
Universal gun vise with padded, adjustable jaws for cleaning and maintenance. Accommodates rifles, shotguns, and handguns securely without marring.
Pros
- + Fits virtually any firearm
- + Non-marring padded jaws
- + Sturdy and stable
Cons
- - Takes up bench space
- - Plastic construction
Real Avid Universal Smart Mat
Best for: Bench cleaning sessions
Oil-resistant, non-slip cleaning mat with embedded parts tray and magnetic screw holders. Printed diagrams help with reassembly.
Pros
- + Oil-resistant surface
- + Magnetic parts tray
- + Diagram reference printed on mat
Cons
- - Platform-specific diagrams
- - Standard size only
Howard Leight Impact Sport
Best for: Range hearing protection
Electronic hearing protection with sound amplification up to 82dB and automatic noise-blocking above 82dB. Slim, low-profile earcups for rifle stock clearance.
Pros
- + Hear conversation while protected
- + Low profile for stock clearance
- + Excellent value
Cons
- - AUX cable can snag
- - NRR 22 (moderate)
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