The Master Series Handgun Rest from Ransom International

by Jeff Quinn

photography by Jeff Quinn & Boge Quinn

August 28th, 2006

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Testing various handguns for accuracy presents a few challenges for me. When firing a handgun for accuracy, the goal is to try to determine just how accurate the thing will shoot using the best ammunition available, whether it be factory made or handloaded. The absolute best potential accuracy of the weapon is the result that I am trying to achieve, so that the reader will know just how accurate the gun can be, not how well or poorly that Jeff Quinn can shoot. I will be the first to admit that I have no special shooting ability.

When accuracy testing handguns, I always try to use as solid of a rest as possible, and have tried several over the years. Usually, I can get pretty good results, with careful trigger control and a lot of effort. Consistency in the hold is really critical with handguns, and with most any rest, the gun must be supported on its barrel or frame to get a steady hold, and that is not always satisfactory. However, I have usually been confident in my results, knowing that I have given each gun a fair chance to shoot to its ability, with as little influence from me as possible.

I have read for many years of the rest produced by Ransom International of Prescott, Arizona.  Growing up reading every piece of gun literature that I could get my hands upon, many of the better gun writers would use the Ransom Rest to test the accuracy of the handguns that they reviewed. After starting Gunblast about six years ago, I have from time to time thought about getting one of these rests, but would put off doing so, being pretty well satisfied with my other methods.

Recently, a couple of things have conspired to urge me to seriously check into the Ransom Rest. One is that my eyes are not as good as they once were. With open handgun sights, I am pretty much limited to accuracy testing out to about twenty-five yards. While I plink at one hundred yard targets with handguns, I cannot shoot at paper at that distance with open sights well enough to determine if the group sizes should be attributed to the weapon or my own abilities, or lack thereof.

The second thing that happened to push me into getting a Ransom Rest is that in late July of this year, I had a heart attack. Subsequently, coronary bypass surgery left me with a split breastbone that will take several months to heal. I was told specifically, no shooting. Now, I realize that I can easily shoot small rimfire handguns and do no harm, but was told that shooting anything that might jerk my arm back could re-break my breastbone, and I do not want to do that.  So, just before entering the hospital in Nashville for the operation, I ordered a Ransom Rest.  The design of the Ransom is such that it totally eliminates all shooter input, and thus shooter error. It also takes one hundred percent of the recoil. Nothing is transferred to the shooter. This is a great asset, as when shooting particularly heavily-recoiling handguns, anticipating the shot can definitely influence the accuracy of the shooting. Also, shooter fatigue is also eliminated. When bench testing big, hard-kicking revolvers, I usually limit my sessions to about thirty rounds, as after that, shooter fatigue usually hurts the accuracy results. In other words, I start flinching. With the Ransom Master rest, I can shoot all day, without fatigue, and knowing that the results at the end of the session are as valid as those at the beginning.

The Ransom Rest securely holds the handgun by the grip, eliminating any pressure points on the mainframe or barrel. The rest uses specific grip inserts unique to each handgun. I tried grip inserts for both the Smith & Wesson round butt N-frame, and the 1911 auto pistol. Both fit precisely, and secured the handgun rigidly to the rest. The inserts use a synthetic rubber area to contact the handgun, so the finish is protected from harm. The list of available inserts is extensive, and includes most popular, and some not so popular, handguns. The chart below lists most of the inserts currently available.

In addition to these listed above, Ransom also has inserts for the Springfield XD and the Taurus 24/7 pistols. Of course, the insert for the Colt Government Model (1911) will also work with the many replicas of that gun on the market, such as the Kimber, Springfield, S&W, etc. Same with the Colt SAA insert. It will work with replicas of that fine handgun, such as the Cimarron and the USFA. If you have a really odd weapon for which no insert is available, you can purchase a blank insert and fit it to your handgun.

The rest must be firmly attached to a solid bench. The best way to do this is to mount the rest to a board, and use C-clamps to hold the board to the bench.  Attaching the handgun to the rest is very simple. The gun is sandwiched between the halves of the grip insert, and the outer plate installed, tightened with the three hand-turned knobs. No tools are needed to attach or remove a handgun from the Ransom Rest. The trigger activation mechanism is adjusted with a standard Allen wrench, which is provided.

Using the Ransom rest is quite simple. After the handgun is attached, a few shots are fired to settle the gun into the grip inserts, and then the accuracy testing can begin. Loading and unloading both revolvers and automatics can be done without removing the gun from the rest. Firing the weapon is accomplished by pressing down on the trigger lever. At the shot, the gun and upper portion of the rest will rise under recoil. There is a ledge provided to push the rest back into battery. Do not push down on the weapon. A gentle push on the ledge returns the gun to firing position. Elevation adjustments are made using a thumb screw. Windage adjustments are made using the optional windage base, or lacking that, by moving the board upon which the rest is attached. I highly recommend the optional windage base. The windage base is very handy for shooting several groups without going downrange to change targets.

The Ransom Rest is a very high quality piece of equipment. It is obviously built by craftsmen, and weighs about fourteen pounds.  It totally eliminates shooter error, allowing the shooter to quickly determine with confidence the accuracy potential of the gun and load combination tested. While it will undoubtedly prove very useful to me in testing various handguns, it should also prove to be a good tool to any serious handgunner. It will allow the shooter to test many different handloads or factory ammunition in his handguns to achieve the full potential of his weapon, determining the best loads for that particular handgun. While the Ransom Rest is not inexpensive, it costs no more than a good quality revolver or auto pistol. I get email from shooters everyday asking about potential accuracy problems with their handguns. Usually after much discussion, the problems can be traced to ammunition or shooter error. Having  a Ransom Rest, any shooter can better realize the full potential of his handguns and ammunition. Like good hand loading equipment or a chronograph, owning a Ransom Rest adds to the enjoyment of the sport, and should be considered by any serious handgunner.

I put off getting a Ransom Rest for many years, and wish that I had obtained one sooner. The Ransom Master Series Rest is a good investment, and I highly recommend it. There are cheaper imitations becoming available on the market, but the Ransom has proven itself for many years, and is still the industry standard. You never regret buying the best.

Check them out online at:  www.ransomrest.com.

Jeff Quinn

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Click pictures for a larger version.

The Master Series Handgun Rest from Ransom International.

The Ransom Master Series Rest proved to be very easy to use. Jeff wishes he'd bought one years ago!

Tension spring.

Optional windage base allows adjustment without repositioning the rest.

Author installed the windage base on a board that clamps to the shooting bench.

Elevation is adjusted with a thumb screw.

Gun is firmly nestled in synthetic rubber, creating a precise yet non-marring hold.

Grip inserts are specific to the gun, and allow for quick, easy and precise changing without tools.

Trigger is operated by remote lever.

After firing, push on ledge to return to battery.