I was able to get to the range today and actually shoot. I took my new Tikka T3 Hunter Light 30-06 and new(to me) Winchester 70 7MM and used the Caldwell Lead Sled that was made available to me by range members. That may not sound like much, but on March 13th I had a double by-pass heart surgery and less than 3 months later I was able to shoot. This was only because of that Lead Sled. It was awesome, absolutely zero felt recoil with either rifle. For anyone that has the need, which for a while I do, this piece of equipment is worth every penny if you buy one. I spent all afternoon at the range and poked lots of holes with fantastic results and no worse for the wear. If I didn't have one available to me as a member, I would be buying one.

jsmurphy: it seems congratulations are in order on several fronts.

Foremost, congrats for getting out to the range and back in action in so short a time.

Congrats on having a T3 Lite! They are remarkable and distinguished rifles and, I am sure, you will count it among your "go to" rifles.

Congrats on using the Lead Sled! I grimance when I see people benching some of the big bores and absorbing all that punishment when such an easy solution is available. Repetitive doses of heavy recoil can have adverse effects, such as retinal detachment, when shot from the bench -- unless you use a Lead Sled. I have a 416 Rigby and a 458 Lott; with the Sled (75lbs of lead on board), the recoil with full power loads is similar to my 25-06!!

May you continue with a speedy recovery!!

Congratulations Murph. It is no mean feat to back on your feet and enjoying life again in such a short time.

Take it easy and one step at a time mate and continue enjoying your shooting.

Cheers, Vince

Built this one from select top of the shelf scrap metal.

Wanted sumthin' a little fancy..........

(note: please disallow the presence of a weaver atop depicted Rifle. It serves in proxy until my Talley's arrive at which point I'll slam on a new newly turreted 3x9 VX1)

Wildswalker, that is a nice unit you built except you still get the recoil. I don't mind recoil when I fully recover but for now, I will use the Lead Sled for any long days at the range.

Lead sledish was/is still on the drawing board. Can't like the notion of my Gear slammin' hard into a preverbial brick wall so upon seeing a unit advertised in American Hunter I'm inclined to go with their idea.

It involves a heavy nylon strap, which one would think to have more give than the stock pocket on the lead sled, that wraps around the recoil pad in the same fashion/principle. Said strap is afixed to the metal "box" in which the rear bag sits.

On aside the only reason I'd seek less recoil is for uncompromised load work up. Normal practice is done less any bench or bags.

I do understand your need though and here's hoping you fully recover soon.