Hunting from a tree stand can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging to stay steady and accurate when you are perched high up in a tree. This is where a gun rest can be helpful.
A gun rest is a device that helps you to stabilize your rifle or bow. It takes the weight of the firearm off of your arms, which can make it easier to hold the gun steady and focus on your target.
We have tested over 20-25 gun rests for tree stands and have narrowed down our top picks. These gun rests are all high-quality and effective, and they are sure to help you improve your accuracy and make clean kills.
Overview Of 8 Best Gun Rests for Tree Stand
1. BOG FieldPod Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Best Overall
2. Vanguard Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Multi-Purpose
3. Caldwell DeadShot Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Our Pick
4. Guide Gear Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Lightweight
5. Summit Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Premium One
6. East TN Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Easy To Move
7. Manbily Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Valuable Insights
8. BOG DeathGrip Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Silent One
Related Post:- Best Gun Holder For Tree Stand
Related Post:- Best Tree Stand Bow Holders
1. BOG FieldPod Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Best Overall
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Versatility:- It can be used with a variety of weapons, including rifles, shotguns, and crossbows. It features a dual frame construction and upper frame length adjustment, which makes it suitable for use with any size rifle.
- Durability:- Durable shooting tree stands rest that is made of over-molded, non-marring materials. It will securely hold your gun without damaging any point of contact.
- Quick Adjustments:- The tension knob is located close to the shooter and is easy to adjust, making last-minute changes a breeze. The upper part of the rest detaches for easy transport.
- Hands-free Use:- The FieldPod Max is designed to securely hold your weapon at the ready while calling or using binoculars.
- Warranty:- The FieldPod Max is covered by a limited 1-year warranty.
✔ Pros
- Stable on uneven ground
- Adjustable to fit a variety of shooting positions
- Aluminum materials
- Easy to set up and use
- Frees up your hands to scan the terrain with your binos or take photos
- Ideal for various hunting situations
❌ Cons
- Bulky and takes up a lot of space
- Expensive
- Not all models are suitable for all hunting situations
I was hunting out of a flimsy blind and the shooting sticks I had were too short. I ordered the FieldPod Max and it was a great decision 4.5/5. It is super stable and has a good range of height adjustments. Also, you will able to move it up or down to what you need and it also turns side to side. I was able to tilt the gun up and down, but it held the gun still and sat very stable on the ground.
I did go early to set it up and I’m glad I did because it took me several minutes since I had never used it before and wasn’t really familiar with how it worked yet. It’s really sturdy and has great features as I mentioned above. I would recommend it to any and all hunters to help stabilize while shooting.
One downside is that it does take up a lot of space in a shooting house or blind, but it worked with what we had so we were pleased.
2. Vanguard Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Multi-Purpose
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Ability:- Ball joint feature allows smooth pan and tilt options. Tri-stands 3 feet easily fold and lock in seconds, stabilizing your shooting stick and allowing it to function like a tripod.
- 360-Degrees:- 360-degree rotating, wide U-yoke has rubber fins to secure your rifle or crossbow. U-yoke can be removed to accommodate cameras or spotting scopes.
- Soft Grip:- Soft rubber handle provides an unbeatable grip in any weather. VEO 2 AM-234TU can be used as a walking stick with the included hand strap and carabineer.
- Tri-stand Base:- This shooting stick is equipped with a tri-stand base that can be adjusted for crossbow and gun support.
- Loading Capacity: The yoke can be removed to convert the stick into a monopod with a max loading capacity of 13.1 lbs.
✔ Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Works well for a variety of shooting positions
- Is a good option for hunters and shooters due to its lightweight
- Provides additional support and helps under certain shooting conditions
❌ Cons
- Cannot be used as a walking stick
- The U-shaped yoke can be a bit bulky
After looking at multiple options, I decided to try out a shooting stick. I found that it provides additional support and helps under certain shooting conditions. However, it does not significantly improve accuracy or scope/rifle movement when used for long-distance targets and with a scope zoomed in at high powers.
Overall, I think this is a good option and the best one I could find. I have been using it for a couple of years during my hunting trips and I have no regrets. The only issue I see is that it is a bit heavy and cannot be used as a walking stick.
3. Caldwell DeadShot Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Our Pick
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Adjustable:- The rifle rest weighs approximately 15 pounds and adjusts from 20 inches to 42 inches high. You can either sit in the chair or use it on the ground from the blinds.
- Accuracy:- The rifle rest has a dual frame for maximum stability. It also has an upper frame balance point adjustment, a tension knob for tilting the frame up or down, and independent height adjustable front and rear supports. This ensures that the rest is solid before, during, and after every shot.
- Non-destructive:- Equipped with over-molded, non-marring rear stock and front forend support. This means that it will securely hold your gun without worrying about it getting scratched or damaged.
- Ease of Use:- The tension knob is placed to allow vertical tilt of the upper frame and 180° horizontal panning ability. The rest fully supports a weapon in the ready position and frees up your hands. The upper part of the rest also detaches for easy transport.
- Versatility:- The dual frame construction and upper frame length adjustment make this rest versatile. It can be used with any size rifle, including detachable magazine rifles and even crossbows. This makes it a great option for enhancing your tree stand.
✔ Pros
- Versatile – works well with rifles and most crossbows
- Adjustable in every way
- Packs up fairly compact
- Easy to set up and take down
❌ Cons
- Does not work great with some shorter crossbows (such as the Excalibur Matrix Micro 335)
- Could be one inch taller
It is a great choice for hunters who use rifles and most crossbows. The reviewer found that it worked great with all the rifles they used it with, and even with most crossbows. However, they did find that it did not work great with their Excalibur Matrix Micro 335 crossbow. This is because the crossbow is shorter and more compact, and the rest does not adjust small enough to accommodate it. The reviewer was able to make it work by shortening the crossbow all the way up, but it was a little unsteady and tended to tilt to one side. If the rest were adjusted just another inch smaller, it would work perfectly.
The reviewer also found that the rest could be one inch taller overall. They had a blind set up on a downhill slope overlooking a scrape line in the hollow below. When pointed downhill, the rest was not really tall enough, and for the steepest angle shots, their crossbow was pointed below the bottom of the blind window. The reviewer fixed the issue by placing a couple of bricks under the lower legs of the rest to raise it up. However, this was a specific issue for the reviewer, due to the way their smaller crossbow sits on the rest and the fact that the blind they were hunting in had rather high windows.
Overall, the Caldwell DeadShot FieldPod is a great choice for hunters who use rifles and most crossbows. However, if you have a shorter crossbow or need a rest that is one inch taller, you may want to consider a different option.
4. Guide Gear Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Lightweight
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Ratchet Strap:- The metal stand includes a strong ratchet strap that will securely mount to any tree with a diameter of 8 to 20 inches. You can rest assured that your rifle will be stable and secure, even in windy conditions.
- Durable:- The rifle rest is made from extra-durable steel, so you can be sure that it will last for years to come. The flip-up design allows you to fold it away when not in use, so it won’t take up too much space in your gear bag.
- Padded:- The padded rail and padded backrest provide a comfortable and supportive surface for your rifle and your back. This will help you to stay relaxed and focused, even during long hunts.
- Compatible:- The universal design is compatible with any rail-free tree stand. This means that you can use it with your existing tree stand, or you can purchase a new one that is specifically designed for this rifle rest.
✔ Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Provides support for a shot
- Takes out the wobble associated with an unsupported shot
- Stores up nicely for easy entry and egress
- Good quality ratchet strap
❌ Cons
- The front of the unit projects too far out
- The width is a bit narrow
I took off one star because I felt that the padded shooting rail was a bit narrow. I am 6’0″ and 275 pounds, and my arms touch on both sides of the rail when I am using it. This makes it difficult to maneuver, especially with a long gun. If the padded shooting rail had an adjustable width feature, I would have given it five stars.
However, the front of the unit projects too far out and might be problematic for closer shots. If the side rails had a set of mounting holes that were closer to the front rail, this would be less of an issue.
Overall, I found that the padded shooting rail is a good item for a single-person tree stand. I would recommend it to others, but I would advise them to be aware of the narrow width.
5. Summit Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Premium One
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Sturdy Construction:- Made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements. The steel frame is strong and durable, and the zippered pad provides a comfortable and stable platform for your rifle.
- Adjustable Design:- The length of the shooting rest can be adjusted to accommodate different-sized rifles, and the height of the rest can be adjusted to allow you to shoot from a variety of positions.
- Easy to Use:- The ratcheting system makes it easy to adjust the length and height. You can rest assured that your rifle will be stable and secure
- Portable:- Easy to transport to your hunting spot. The rest also folds up for compact storage when not in use.
✔ Pros
- High-quality materials that can withstand the elements
- Adjusted to fit a variety of rifles and shooting styles
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport
- Fine-tune your shooting position for increased accuracy
- Padded rest keeps your rifle steady and secure, which can help to prevent accidents
❌ Cons
- Brackets could be made of stronger material
- Some noise when adjusting/loosening the brackets
- Protection foam is not long enough
- Squeaky when tightening
It is a great product that can help you improve your accuracy and safety while hunting. However, there are a few minor drawbacks that you should be aware of.
First, the brackets that hold the rest in place could be made of a stronger material. One reviewer had their brackets snap after two years of normal use, which could have been deadly if they were climbing up or down a tree at the time.
Second, the padding on the rest could be thicker. One reviewer said that the padding was not enough to protect their gun from the elements, so they replaced it with some black insulated pipe foam from Home Depot.
If you are looking for a sturdy, reliable, and adjustable gun rest, then the Summit Adjustable Gun Rest is a good option. However, you may need to make some modifications to the rest to ensure that it is perfectly suited to your needs.
6. East TN Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Easy To Move
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Designed with Precision:- The ETO TreePod is designed with a precise amount of resistance, so you can make precise shots from any angle.
- Full Range of Shooting Motion:- This gives you a full range of shooting motion, so you can move your rifle up and down and from side to side without losing your stability.
- Perfect for Youth Hunters: A great option for youth hunters because it provides a stable platform for their rifles and helps them to make more accurate shots.
- Anti-fatigue:- It can help to reduce fatigue, which can help you to stay focused and make more accurate shots.
- Stability:- The industry’s first tree stand retention shooting rest system that provides a stable, full range of motion shooting platform for any rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader.
- Portable:- It is portable, weighing just over one pound, and sets up in seconds. It comes with a drawstring bag, an XL tree strap, a retention cord, and a bottom pod.
- Comfortable:- The TreePod is easy to use and provides a comfortable, silent rest while you wait for your prey.
✔ Pros
- Helps to improve accuracy
- Can be used with a crossbow
- Packable and lightweight
❌ Cons
- Not suitable for all tree stands
- Can be difficult to set up in windy conditions
- Can be time-consuming to set up
- The metal rings can be noisy
This product is great! It really helped me with my shot and I was able to follow the target smoothly and fire with confidence. I also tried it with my crossbow and it worked flawlessly.
The only complaint I have is that it takes a few minutes to get it tied into the perfect spot on the tree so you have the right tension on the pull. If you do not have a shoulder strap pin, the rifle will slip all around and the straps will twist. But once you have practiced with it, it is amazing.
I also wish the metal rings were coated so they would be quieter, but a little tape does the trick.
Overall, I highly recommend this product. It is perfect for the public land hunter and it is a great way to improve your accuracy.
7. Manbily Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Valuable Insights
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Durability:- The Manbily hunting monopod is made from high-tech, durable aluminum that is resistant to abrasion. The anodized surface treatment further enhances its durability.
- U-shaped Yoke:- The U-shaped yoke can swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to target moving animals without changing your position. The wide U-shaped rest has rubber fins that securely hold a variety of weapons, such as rifles and crossbows.
- Anti-slip Rubber Grip:- The premium rubber grip ensures a firm hold in all situations. It is designed for longevity and professional use.
- Easy to Use:- The 1/4 turn knob allows you to quickly adjust the height of the monopod in seconds. The tripod support base can be tilted 20 degrees and rotated 360 degrees to meet your shooting needs.
- User Notice:- The base of the monopod is used to enhance stability. Please wrap the wrist strap around your hand to prevent the monopod from accidentally falling over.
✔ Pros
- 360° swiveling U-shaped yoke
- Wide U-shaped rest with rubber fins
- Premium rubber grip
- Tripod support base
- Rotating and removable U-shaped yoke
❌ Cons
- It is heavy and long when folded, measuring 24.4 inches
- A bit expensive, with a price tag of around $100
Overall, it is a well-made and versatile shooting rest that is a good choice for hunters, target shooters, and photographers. However, it is important to be aware of the weight and length of the monopod before you buy it.
8. BOG DeathGrip Gun Rest For Tree Stand
Silent One
★Why You Read This Gun Rest
- Adaptable:- It can be adjusted to fit nearly all shooting platforms, from rifles to crossbows. The 3-section arm allows for a 240-degree shooting range, so you can make quick adjustments to your shot.
- Durable:- The arm is constructed of heavy-duty aluminum and the clamp is magnesium for lightweight durability. The non-marring TPE padding on the dual jaw closure allows for a solid grip that won’t damage your forearm.
- Easy to Use:- Secure to the tree with the provided ratchet strap and clamp your gun into the rest with the easy turn dial even with gloves on. The clamp strap for a quick hands-free setup, so you can focus on your shot.
- Convenient:- The BOG DeathGrip allows for quiet tree attachment with all the tilt and pan capabilities, so you can find the perfect shooting position.
- Innovative Clamping:- The saddle can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of forends that ensure a solid grip on your gun when it matters most.
- Bracket:- It comes with a bracket that can be mounted to any tree stand. Which provides a steady rest, so you can make accurate shots.
✔ Pros
- Fits nearly all shooting platforms
- Made of heavy-duty aluminum and magnesium
- Quick setup and hands-free operation
- 1-year warranty
❌ Cons
- Customer service is not good
- Not stable when strapped to a tree for support
- The plastic arm clamps do not tighten enough
It is a great option for hunters who need a portable shooting rest. It is lightweight and easy to set up, making it easy to take with you on your hunts.
It provides you with a perfect shooting position. This is especially important for hunters who are shooting from different angles.
One of the drawbacks is that the ratchet strap that secures the pod to the tree can loosen over time, causing the pod to wobble. Additionally, the plastic arm clamps do not tighten enough to keep the arm from swinging loose.
If you are looking for a stable and reliable shooting rest, I would recommend this one. However, if you are looking for a portable shooting rest that is easy to set up, the BOG DeathGrip Chair Pod is a good option.
Frequently Ask Questions:-
1. What is a gun rest for a tree stand?
A gun rest for a tree stand is a device that helps you to immobilize your rifle or bow when you are taking a shot from a tree stand. This can be helpful in increasing your accuracy and making sure that you make a precise kill.
2. What are the different types of gun rests for tree stands?
There are two types of gun rests Shooting Rails or Tripod Rests
- Shooting Rails:- These are supports that attach to the tree stand and provide a firm platform for your rifle or bow. They are relatively compact and lightweight, making them a good option for hunters who want a portable and easy-to-use rest.
- Tripod Rests:- These are supports that you can set up on the ground or in the tree stand. They provide more stability than shooting rails, but they are also more cumbersome and difficult to carry.
3. What are the factors to consider when choosing a gun rest for a tree stand?
- The type of firearm you will be using:- Some gun rests are designed specifically for long-barreled rifles, while others are designed for shorter bows.
- The size of your tree stands:- If you have a small tree stand, you will need a gun rest that is compact and lightweight.
- Your budget:- Gun rests can range in price from around $50 to $200 or more.
4. How do I use a gun rest for a tree stand?
To use a gun rest for a tree stand, simply attach the rest to the tree stand or the ground and then place your rifle or bow on the rest. You can then adjust the rest to find the most comfortable and stable position.
5. Is a gun rest for a tree stand necessary?
A gun rest for a tree stand is not required, but it can be a helpful tool for improving your accuracy and making sure that you make a clean kill. If you are serious about hunting from a tree stand, then a gun rest is a good investment.
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