Deben ‘Pro’ Bench Rest and the Cleaning and Maintenance Cradle

With shooting being an equipment based sport, having all the right gear can be half the enjoyment. The fundamentals have to be in place of course; rifle, case, shooting jacket etc., yet many other accessories exist to make our lives easier, and maximize our enjoyment along the way; and in my experience, some are all too easily overlooked.

Indeed it’s only recently that I’ve really come to appreciate the luxury of a decent gun rest/cradle, and with many applications for their use, I’m not quite sure how I’ve managed all these years without one.

Many makes exist on the market, but I have two typical products here for review, kindly supplied by Deben Group, and they neatly cover both the cheap end, and the more sophisticated offerings now available.

Cleaning and Maintenance Cradle

This product really is a gem, and you only have to use it a few times to realize what fantastic value it is for around £25.

The Cleaning and Maintenance Cradle is made by Stoney Point and can be summed up in two words, “gloriously simple”. Supplied in a ‘flat pack’, it consists of two lightweight moulded ‘v’ blocks; two side rods, and four end plugs. The rods are simply pushed through the holes in the blocks, and the end caps pushed into place.

Once assembled, the blocks can be slid along the rods for the required length of rest, enabling this cradle to accept rifles of varying style and length. One end of the cradle is more of a ‘u’ than a ‘v’, giving further versatility in supporting different guns, whilst both end blocks are treated to thick soft rubber coatings to prevent scratching; and they really do grip snugly.

The rods can be set in two different positions, and assembly is so quick that the entire product can be broken down in seconds, and stored easily and neatly in a shooting box or range bag.

Side slots form part of the moulding to accept cleaning rods and other tools- further evidence of some sound thinking behind this product.

As for uses, the amount of time I’ve spent balancing rifles in a cack-handed manner, whilst trying to fit a telescopic sight, makes me wonder why I’ve never noticed these cradles until now. Resting a rifle whilst carrying out any number of maintenance tasks, be it drying off, oiling over, or screwing on attachments is made very simple indeed - with reassuring solidity afforded by the structure.

With the length being adjustable, even sitting a scope between the blocks is possible, so parallax error could be viewed, for example. All in all, one of the best accessories I’ve come across in a long while, and a steal for the asking price.

Deben ‘Pro’ Bench Rest

Rather more expensive at £59.95 is the ‘Pro’ Bench Rest, which, whilst lacking the wonderful portability of the Cleaning and Maintenance Cradle, is an altogether more robust product.

Fashioned from steel and treated to a matt black, apparently weatherproof finish (I wouldn’t leave it outdoors!), the ‘Pro’ again comes as a ‘flat pack’, but is quickly and easily assembled.

Again ‘u’ and ‘v’ supports hold the rifle, although my only minor criticism here would be that the coating on the supports could be a little more padded. With the ‘Pro’ there is full adjustment for elevation and angle - including adjustable feet and a central elevation rod, giving incredible versatility.

The sheer weight/mass and rigidity of the construction means that as well as routine cleaning and maintenance; fixing/adjusting of scopes etc, this rig can also be used as a serious bench rest for rock steady shooting.  Just bear in mind the weight, as it is appropriate to the task.

Once all these capabilities are considered, this product starts to sound a very good deal indeed.

For further information on all Deben products, call 0870 4422600 or visit their website