Post by MK-M-GOBL on Mar 24, 2009 14:14:15 GMT
Caldwell Lead Sled DFT
The Caldwell Lead Sled DFT (Dual-Frame Technology) is a shooting rest intended for use at the range. It is particularly useful when sighting-in a hard kicking rifle or slug gun. The Sled's special feature is that the rifle recoils into the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT and weight, in the form of two or four 25 pound bags of lead shot or sand, can be added to reduce the effective recoil. Since the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT itself weights about 24 pounds, with two bags of shot in place you have a 74 pound rifle rest! Add to that the weight of your rifle (if your rifle weights 8 pounds the total would be 82 pounds), then calculate the recoil of your cartridge and load. You will probably find that you need to go no farther to tame the recoil of any long gun that you own.
I had borrowed my friends original Lead Sled several times and soon decided it was something I could always use and purchased my own. It’s a steady rest that reduces recoil and keeps any flinching down to nothing.
I unpacked my Caldwell Lead Sled DFT which came in a medium size cardboard box and set out to do the assemble my new purchase which took roughly about an hour and half but with plenty of interruptions from my four year old son. I managed to put the thing together by following the instructions and with very few tools. The only tools required are an Allen wrench (supplied), 1/2" open end or adjustable Crescent wrench and a smaller Allen wrench that was not supplied. Not sure why they didn’t supply the second Allen wrench but it was easy enough to find in my 3D quiver.
The body of the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT is welded from thick-wall steel tubing and the recoil brace, cradle plate, and shot tray are formed from heavy gauge sheet steel. It is protected by a dark green crackle finish. Velcro strips secure the recoil foam-lined rear cradle and front rest bag, in case they someday require replacement. Altogether, the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT is a well-designed and solidly built product. It comes with a one year warrantee, but should last practically forever. It weighs 24 pounds which I feel is the only con for this product. Rubber front feet and one on the rear gives the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT a solid grip on the shooting bench.
At the range, like other rifle and pistol rests that I have used, the new Caldwell Lead Sled DFT still takes a little time to set up but has greatly improved from the original lead sled in the time it take to adjust and precisely aligned. Rear elevation knob located under the rear cradle, adjusts 2" to make target centering an easy one-handed operation. On the front of the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT they added an easy to adjust large elevation wheel and locked in place by a "T" handle lock screw. I used the front adjustment wheel for fine tuning. They also tried to improve the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT by adding a windage adjustment that I didn’t find to be much help. If I need to adjust left and right, I just simple move the rear of the sled
The Caldwell Lead Sled DFT really does reduce recoil to a startling degree, and also serves as a steady range rest. It is adjustable, versatile, and well made. I'd say that it's a good investment. The only accessory required for a Lead Sled is the weight bag(s) that absorbs the recoil. The average price I’ve found on line for the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT to about $199 in most large shooting supply stores.
