RIFLE MASTER REAR REST

Introduction

Ransom International Corporation has been serving the worldwide shooting industry since 1968. The company’s principal product, the Ransom “Master Series” Rest, has literally become the worldwide standard for handgun accuracy development. It has been used by the United States government agencies for years to test and develop handguns. We are justifiably proud of the reputation our product has developed internationally over the years. We pledge to you, our customers that we will continue to develop and produce products of high quality and precision.

Made in USA

What's So Special About the Ransom Rifle Master Rear Rest?

The Rifle Master® Rear Rest was introduced in late 90s. It provides a stable and tri-dimensionally adjustable rear rest for the .50 BMG rifles. It was designed to be used in conjunction with the Rifle Master and Rifle Master Enhanced for .50 BMG Rifles. For stability, the base is made from harmonically-dead cast iron, chosen specifically for its resistance to vibration transmission. The rear rest is adjustable in height with elevation screws which are locked in position with lock rings. Windage adjustments are made using the windage adjustable bag plate. Everything was designed and refined in conjunction with champion .50 BMG shooters, with the intention of bringing the most accurate, stable and user-friendly rear rest to the .50 BMG Rifle Shooter.

Let’s First Consider Your Rifle

If you are an accuracy enthusiast, benchrest shooter, varmint shooter, or just fascinated by rifles that deliver extreme accuracy, you know that certain things must be done to produce accurate rifles and ammunition.

Time and Money

Consider the large amount of time and money you have invested in creating your custom hunting or match rifles. Additionally, consider how much work it took to develop the ammunition and load you are shooting. Now, two important questions arise:

Certainly, a rest that feeds back vibration into the rifle would adversely affect its accuracy. You must have a rest that remains stable and does not transmit adverse effects.

Extraordinary Design

Its “typical” look does not readily reveal that some extraordinary elements of design and manufacture are used to produce results which are exceptional. Other rifle rests that are available on today’s market you may have used (or seen) were probably convenient, nice, “portable,” and easy to transport to the bench. They may incorporate a similar shape or style of our time-tested Master Series Rest.

Not Your Typical Lightweight Rest

The Ransom Rifle Master is heavy, approximately 19- 23 lbs. (8.6-10.4 kg), depending on selected options because this rest is meant to be shot from. Weight and mass are important factors of stability, resistance to vibration, and/or movement on the bench. Several major portions of the Ransom Rifle Master are manufactured of a grade of cast iron specifically chosen for its resistance to vibration transmission.

Adjustable

The rest’s base includes an instrument-grade bubble level so that the Ransom Rifle Master can be leveled precisely to compensate for bench variations. Six different bag plates are offered and easily interchanged. Our standard bag plate is 3×6”. We also offer 3×7”, 3×8” and 3×8.5” bag plates, along with 5×7”, 5×8 and 5×8.5” bag plates. All plates can be fitted with pivoting end plates which permit adjustable clamping of the front bag.

Accuracy

There are many factors which are detrimental to accuracy! One of those factors is vibration. From the very beginning of the ignition sequence to the exit of the bullet from the barrel, there is vibration. (Generally, these forms of vibration are understood by those of you who have studied the subject.) As you are aware, vibration cannot be totally eliminated, so it must be controlled

Our Search for Perfection

In our search for perfection in accurate shooting, Ransom International studied and evaluated all rifle rests available when we were designing our Rifle Master. We measured whether or how well these rests achieved the result of a reliable, stable and accurate shooting platform. The result of our studies is the Ransom Rifle Master. We feel that it has stood the test of time and is still the standard of the industry today.

Quick Change Adaptor

The Master series rest front and rear can also be equipped with a Quick Change adaptor and plate if you are using multiple different plate sizes and bags this allows you to easily and quickly change between the bag plates QC plates and adaptors are also available for the windage, this is also available in case you want to change between many different bags and plates on top of your windage plate.

Professionally Machined in America

Only the cap screws of the Ransom Rifle Master are common hardware parts. All other components are specially designed, carefully selected materials machined to close tolerances. In short, no part has been designed or manufactured to be merely adequate for its purposes. The quality of the Ransom Rifle Master is equal to that of any rifle you will ever fire from it.

Everything is designed to bring the rifle enthusiast a tool that is safe, accurate, dependable, and trusted.

This product is proudly made in the United States for use here and abroad. We back this product with instruction manuals, online video and phone support. It is our goal to have our customer’s needs and expectations met or exceeded.

Accessories Available

Check our website for adapters, upgrades and options for this product. This machine was designed to be as adaptable and adjustable as possible to support the widest range of firearms. If you have an idea for improvements or changes, please contact us.

The General Features of Your Rifle Master

Rifle Master Components

Instrument-Grade Bubble Level Allows the shooter to precisely level Rifle Master on any shooting bench, compensating for bench
variations.
Base Leveling Screws (3) For precise leveling of the Rifle Master, with hardened tips so the rest doesn’t shift on bench.
Bag Plate Retains front bag and can hold rifles with up to 6″ wide forend. In the standard Model Rifle Master the Bag Plate mounts directly to Minor Column.
Bag Plate Side Rails Positions End Plates and allows Front Bag to be permanently attached to Bag plate.
End Plates Mount between Side Rails of Bag Plate to tighten Front Bag against rifle forend.

Notes and Tips

End plates are equipped with nylon-tipped screws to hold position. Do not use screws to adjust end plates. End plates should be moved by hand to squeeze bag and cradle rifle forend. Once end plates are in proper location, snug screws to prevent end plates from relaxing outward. Please note if screws are used to tension end plates, the tips can possibly be damaged or destroyed.
We recognize that some modern rifle rests have a hand lever for easy adjustment in multiple directions, possibly for quickly acquiring multiple targets or for target practice. We have not adapted such a device. We feel our main goal is for repeatability and accuracy. Adapting such a feature can introduce variations when returning to battery and requires reacquiring target each time.
Our main goal is to provide a steady rest platform, assuring that your rifle can be returned to the same position (battery) each time.
This rest was designed for competition shooting and to stay within the competition guidelines.
While this rest was designed to test for repeatability and accuracy in addition to its competition roots and still is capable of this type of testing, we have recently released a new Mega2 Rest that is specifically for testing repeatability and accuracy.

Proper Care & Cleaning

Disassembly is not necessary for normal service.
Do NOT expose your Rifle Master to moisture or excessive dirt. Wipe off any contaminants using soft, dry towel.
Periodically spray exposed metal with WD-40 or similar water displacing oil. Fully extend central Elevation Columns and apply a few drops of medium machine oil. Treat all blued metal components as you would on a quality rifle. Lubricate regularly to protect finish and prevent rust.

One at a time, remove Leveling Screws and apply a few drops of oil to threads on the Rifle Master base, replace screw and work oil into threads. Lightly wipe raised lettering on base to prevent rusting.
Wipe excess oil from the rest and store in a dry atmosphere.

Rifle Master Set Up

Mounting the Bag on the BAG PLATE:

The Bag mounts in the same manner for all Bag Plates offered by RANSOM INTERNATIONAL.

Remove the eight (8) screws holding the Side Rails on the Bag Plate. The 5/32 Short Arm Hex Key, provided, fits these screws. If optional End Plates are installed, remove them to allow fitting the Side Rails.
Center the Bag in the Bag Plate.
Place the Side Rails on top of the flaps, on the sides of the Front Bag. If the bag is filled properly, it will require a bit of effort moving the sand in the bag to fit between Side Rails and align screws. Like a baseball glove, you are trying to get a nice, tight, even fit. Tighten the screws until snug.

NOTE: Most people cut the flaps off flush with the sides.

Bags

Custom Rear Bage are Available from Protektor

Protektor Model Company

1-11 Bridge Street Galeton, PA 16922 USA

Phone/Fax: 814-435-2442
Email: mail@protektormodel.com

How to Mount a Bag on Your Rifle Master

You will need:

A 5/32 Allen wrench
Small funnel, and good grade sand
A block of wood, or wood handle hammer to help shape the bag
A phillips screwdriver
A hammer

Filling Bags with Sand

Fill the bag with good grade sand. Most prefer a high density small grain black sand. You can use a fine grade brown sand or a good fine grade aquarium sand. Most competition and bench rest shooters prefer and require the black sand and find it the best vibration dead sand.
For Protektor model bags. There is a tab located under the bag at one end. The tab will be tucked into a pocket. Remove tab from the pocket and a phillips head screwdriver will help remove the tab and open the hole in the tab to accept funnel.
Untuck tab use a small funnel and fill bag to your preferred consistency. Please note an overfull bag will be very difficult or impossible to mount.
Once the bag is full, tuck back in the fill tab and place it on the flat bag plate, in the center.

Special Instructions

Note about Nylon Screws: The bag ears/end plates have nylon tipped adjuster screws, one on each bag ear. Do not use these to tighten the ear. Just cradle and squeeze the rifle forend. Only use the nylon screws to keep tightness on the ear. Squeeze the ears by hand and adjust the red thumb screw to keep tension on the bag and cradle rifle appropriately. If you use the screws to add tension, this can compromise the nylon tips, and scar your bag plate in time. The screws are only used to keep tension.
Note about Bag Leather: The leather bag is like a pitching glove. You need to work and shape the bag to fit your rifle. This is similar to how a pitcher may fit his glove to his hand. The bags may need to be broken in and worked in, to fit to suit you. Manipulate and work in the bag, adding or removing sand to your liking.
Note about Trimming Tabs: When the bag is set to approval, some shooters cut off the leather tabs that are exposed under the rails. This is normal and preferred by some. But please note, if you remove and remount the bag without the excess leather tabs, this can be more challenging. So, make sure you have the bag filled, and set to your preference before removing or cutting off the excess leather tabs exposed under the rails. If the excess leather tabs have been cut off, the bag can still be removed and replaced. Or leave the tabs if you desire.

Instructions to Disassemble Bag Ears/End Plates:

Loosen bag ears/end plates on the machine. You should not need to remove the ears, but you do need them loosen.
Back off the red thumb adjuster screw on the bag ear/end plate. No need to remove this screw but back it off.
If the bag ear adjuster screw is removed, please note it goes in the bag ear/end plate at an angle. Do not cross thread when starting this screw.
Once ear has been loosened slightly, remove the 8 bag rail screws located on both sides of the top bag plate.
There are four 10-32 SHCS (socket head cap screws) located through each bag rail. Remove all 8 screws and remove rails and end plates as a unit. This step can save time.

Mounting Full Bag to Mount

Verify the 4 tabs on the bag will be in between the bag rail screws. These 4 tabs run under the rails to hold the bag in place.
Gently lower the rail and end plate assembly over the bag into position. with the 4 leather tabs under the rails.
Gently start all 8 SHCS ( socket head cap screws)
Once all screws have been installed loosely, slowly tighten all 8 screws in a star pattern or a crisscross pattern.
Gently work all screws down equally as not to cant or twist the assembly or bag end plates.
Once bag rails are fully snug and torqued down equally, you can use the wood block or wood handled hammer and start to shape your bag into shape preferred for the forestock of your rifle.
Using a wood block and hammer to beat the bag, a #3 bag can be manipulated to a flat bottom 2.75 to 3″ width.
You can also shape the bottom of the bag if your rifle is not flat bottom. You can use an appropriate size round wood dowel to do this. Sometimes a round wood handled hammer can also work.
If you need to soften or weather proof the leather, we can recommend Obenauf’s conditioner.
In some cases, you may need to remove or add sand until the bag is the shape you require so the end plates/bag ears function properly.

Accessories

Quick change adapter and plate

Any of the Diamond Series and bag plate choices can be fitted with the optional Quick-Change adapter. The optional Quick-Change Plate mounted on the Diamond Series allows a quick change for those who need to change the bag plate sizes or the bags often for different rifles. With the optional Quick-Change Plate mounted on the Diamond Series this allows a quick change for those who need to often change the bag plate sizes or the bags, for different rifles. This will allow you to change out your bag plates in just minutes, without affecting your bag adjustments or fit for your rifle.

Windage Quick Change Adapter and Rails

If you have a windage upgrade on your Diamond Series, The QC adapter and rails will allow you to quickly change between rifle bag plates on top of your windage. This QC will allow you to change out your bag plates on your windage in just minutes, without affecting your bag adjustments or fit for your rifle or removing your windage.

Various Bag Plate Options

The different bag-plate options are available for the Ransom Rifle Master, and with a Quick Change option they can be quickly and easily interchanged depending on shooting requirements.

The Standard Bag Plate 3×6 represents a sure and steady rest for the rifle’s fore stock, suitable for the most demanding shooting. And for wider fire arms we offer a 3 x 7, 3×8 Other bag plates include 5×6, 5×7 , 5×8, 5×8 1/2 representing more surface area front to back allowing a little more sure and steady rest for the heavy gun and rifle’s fore stock, suitable for the most demanding shooting. of heaver, larger or bigger fore stocks

The older rotating Omni Series® Bag Plate was phased out. This item is special order only.

Optional Brass Tip Thumb Screws

Brass head with Standard tip screw for the Quick-Change or Brass head with soft tip screw for the bag ears.

Optional Pad Feet

The Rifle Master has turned and hardened elevation leveling screws. Sometimes there may be a need to cap the sharp point on the elevation leveling screws. Ransom offers leveling pad knobs to cap the points if needed.

They are the same knobs on top of the leveling screws. You can purchase these knobs to protect the sharp point or protect the table surface were you place your rest. This can be handy for transport or to not damage or indent a shooting bench or table.

Knobs can also be fitted with a piece of felt or a piece of leather, so they will not scratch the table.

Windage Adjustable Bag Plate

The Windage Adjustable Bag Plate is included with the Diamond Series Umpire Rear Rest. When the Diamond Series was designed, the necessary fine left-right-up-down adjustments between shots were made at the rear.
These fine adjustments can be easily made with the Diamond Series Umpire Rear Rest. The windage holds securely between shots and facilitates easy left-right adjustments.
The windage features clear graduation lines for scaling your movement. It is entirely ambidextrous. A total of 1″ adjustment is available, with 1/2″ to the left and 1/2″ to the right at the bench. There are two set screws on the windage. This adds tension to a Teflon slide, eliminating any slop. No adjustment is needed for these screws; they just prevent wiggling during the left-right adjustment. These set screws should not be tightened; they should only be snug to provide drag on the Teflon slide.

Over-tightening will cause the windage to lock. The windage is its own bag plate. A Windage QC adapter and rails can be added to allow many bag plate options on top of the windage.

For any questions regarding windages add on or input feel free to contact us directly.

Competition Forend Stop Rods

All Rifle Masters now come with the Competition forend stop. Various length forend stop rods and upright forks are available. Standard forend stop is also available.

Rifle Master Enhanced for 50 BMG

All Ransom Rifle Master Rests are designed to be adaptable and upgraded to your needs. The Enhance Rifle Master has added a threaded major column so no need to slide the major adjustment up and down. The Enhanced has a threaded Major Column with a larger diameter hand wheel for ease of adjustment. Each Rifle Master is fully changeable and adaptable.

To upgrade your Standard Rifle Master to an Enhanced, just contact us.

Rifle Master Quick Change Pluss®

Ransom Rifle Master Quick change Pluss® – Includes Standard Bag Plate QC adapter and QC plate includes the Windage adjustable bag plate and competition forend stop.
This Rifle master includes the windage plate. mounted in our QC adapter plate. The QC comes stock on this option to easily remove the windage to add various bag plates or windage. You can also add a QC windage adapter so you can easily change between bag sizes on the windage.
For adapters or to upgrade your Standard Rifle Master to an QC Pluss®, just contact us.

Rifle Master Information and Complete Assembly Video Go to

www.ransomrest.com/rmvideo
or scan QR Code

SAFETY WITH FIREARMS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Be Careful!

We guarantee the exercise of reasonable care in manufacturing, but assume no further responsibility.

Be sure to check our website frequently for sales and new products. All Ransom products can be purchased direct from Ransom International.

RANSOM MASTER SERIES WARRANTY

Ransom Master Series are warranted against defective parts and or defective craftsmanship for a period of One (1) year. After one year Ransom Rest is still fully backed and supported just email or call us for any questions or support needed.

Ransom Rifle Master Warranty

Ransom Master Series Rifle Rest is warrantied against defective parts and or defective craftsmanship for a period of One (1) year.

A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number is required in order to send any products back for any reason. If you should have a problem with your unit, or any other products, please call Ransom International at (928) 778-7899 or via email.

Please keep your receipt or invoice. Proof of purchase will be required for any warranty work to be performed. Warranty work will be void without proof of purchase.