Back when I was a beginning gun writer, I wanted to impress the editors and the readers of their magazines on how detailed I could wring out a handgun to the fullest. Searching around, I came across an ad describing the Ransom Rest and how it would test the gun, not the shooter. In contacting Chuck Ransom, I sent him a check, and soon this fabled machine rest was at my door. Securing the rest on a small sheet of heavy plywood with the help of my father, then at the range with “C” clamps for security, I was impressed with its performance.

Recalling the first gun I clamped into this rig was a Smith & Wesson Model 52 target gun and after placing all five shots within one five-eighths-inch hole, I was sold! I still have and use this rest on a regular basis, so when a new product called the Ransom Multi Cal Steady Rest grabbed my attention, I contacted the company.

Checking in at 7 pounds, this is one well-built rest. Machined from an American Aerospace grade 6061 aluminum billet with a base measuring .750 inch, a length of 11 inches and a width of 5 inches, the adjustable V-block upright is also the same size in depth and when combined with its backrest, totals an impressive 1.50 inches. For photographic purposes, I ordered mine in bare aluminum, but on request, the rest is available as an option with a painted, camouflage, CERAKOTE or powder-coated finish.

Other features include a leather pad to protect the grip of the gun during shooting and the rubber feet to help keep the rest in one position. These are removable as the rest is fully adaptable with quarter inch – 20 threads on the bottom to be mounted on a tripod, as is the V-block when separated from the base. This makes it easy to use this part of the rest mounted on a monopod or threaded walking stick. For protection of a shooter’s valuable handguns (or used with a rifle), a leather cover is made to slip over the V-block, which the company stated, “Helps to prevent harmonic vibrations” when shooting.

However, the best part of all is the adjustable V-block that will move up and down over two inches of vertical travel to accommodate any handgun that I could find in my personal battery without any barrel addition or with a stock like the Thompson/Center Contenders. The two large wing nuts (levers) will tighten down securely – in a perfect vertical position every time – and no matter how much I pressed down with hand or foot, would not move. Additionally, if more forward room is needed, unscrew the base of this block, turn it around and mount it on the other side for the testing of revolvers or semi-automatics, and for use with a rifle, a rear sandbag will complete this assembly at the range.

While I do have other pistol rests, this Ransom unit allows me to place pressure on the gun while it is in the V-block and with the grip frame on the leather pad; I could count on repeatable results if I did my part. Other accessories include the replacement of the leather pads, a V-block adapter for use with guns with laser-mounted hardware and rear rabbit ear supports for rifle use.

For a more than reasonable price point, I highly recommend this unit for range testing, training or just for practice. Contact the folks at Ransom for information. Their well-illustrated website is ransomrest.com and tell em’ Stan sent you.