Smart Rest Racken Rest II from Eagleye Hunting Gear
Years ago a Racken Rest at my local gunstore caught my attention. Unfortunately the base of the device was 63cm long and as such would sit on the electric window and mirror controls in my four-wheel drive, presenting an unnecessary and potentially very expensive risk. While I toyed with the idea of shortening the device, it ultimately remained on the shelf for someone else to buy.
In mid-2020 Eagleye Hunting Gear released the Racken Rest II as part of their Smart Rest range of products. The Racken Rest II made some evolutionary improvements over the original Racken Rest, which had been on the market since 2015. Most notably the double swivel mount was no longer an optional accessory, but was instead included as standard.
What really piqued my interest in the Racken Rest II was that it came in both a long (63cm) and short (45cm) version. While the short version was designed for older Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles with short windowsills, it also alleviated any contact with the electronic controls in my Land Rover. My initial order through Tough Gear Hunting in Queanbeyan was subject to a recall by Eagleye Hunting Gear.
Michael, the owner of Eageleye Hunting Gear and inventor of the Smart Rest product range, explained to me that the manufacturer had used inferior injection moulded swivel assemblies rather than the machined stainless steel used in his prototypes and test models. Once he discovered this he ceased sale of the Racken Rest II until the swivel assemblies were replaced with the correct specification parts, and recalled those already sold. .
Eagleye Hunting Gear has sold thousands of Racken Rest and Racken Rest IIs over the past five years and warrant it against failure as long as it has not been abused or misused. In fact they are so confident with the quality of the Racken Rest II that there is no explicit time limited on that warranty, except for gas struts which are warranted for 12 months.
I received a Racken Rest II short base model, the package included clear and concise instructions with initial assembly only taking a few minutes. Fine-tuning the fit to my car took a little while longer, and I ultimately decided to cut 4-5cm off the ‘leg’ of a Y mount to afford more adjustment in elevation and depression without the bottom of the mount impacting the exterior door panel or internal trim. With the Racken Rest II fitted to the windowsill, installing a rifle is as simple as looping an elastic strap over the butt and another through the front sling swivel.
On my first trip out with the Racken Rest II, I was immediately impressed by its stability as a shooting platform. While fields of fire are somewhat restricted, despite the double swivel base, this is largely overcome by the ability to comfortably shoot with the non-master hand. In fact I have taken more shots from the drivers seat left-handed than I have right-handed, something that I would be reluctant to do with other rifle rests.
The first night I used the Smart Rest II, I was shooting a Lithgow LA102 equipped with a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x50mm and Olight Javelot—a setup that weighs nearly 5kg, with the centre of gravity well forward of the trigger. The heavy barrel and accessories contributed to the barrel dipping down to the full extent of the rests depression whenever I would take my hands off the gun. Clearly this was not ideal. Nor was I happy with the placement of the front gas strut, it was about 10mm too long to fit properly, as a result it was angled slightly rearward and the strut lock assembly could not be used. This was contributing to more roll or lateral movement in the base of the rest than I was comfortable with. The excessive width of the Land Rover windowsill also contributed to the lateral movement of the base, as the outside edge of the base rests on the interior of the windowsill and not the exterior.
Eagleye Hunting Gear had ready-made solutions for both of my problems available on their website. Firstly, a small gas balance strut to aid in holding heavy barrelled rifles horizontal in the rest. Secondly, three different length gas struts for attaching to the front of the rest. I placed my order late one evening and received a phone call from Michael at Eagleye Hunting Gear the next morning, he wanted to confirm the exact distance from windowsill to doorframe to ensure he sent the best fitting strut as they had made an extension for the small version to close the gap between it and the medium version.
With the balance strut fitted the heavy Lithgow no longer dipped down at the barrel when I took my hands of it. The shorter front gas strut was a better fit and permitted the use of the lock assembly, which together greatly reduced lateral movement and made the rest feel much more secure.
For my second outing with the Racken Rest II I opted to use a Weatherby Vanguard, although not substantially lighter than the Lithgow setup the centre of gravity is a much more rearward. The balance strut was not really necessary with this rifle, and in fact the barrel would rise ever so slightly when I took my hands off the stock. This has not been a problem, in fact I’ve found it much more desirable than the barrel dropping.
Earlier I mentioned the restricted fields of fire imposed by this type of rest. Personally, I do not see this downside as outweighing the benefits when out spotlighting solo. The Racken Rest II allows the rifle to be held very securely at the windowsill ready to be brought into action at any moment. Effective shooting angles can usually be achieved by carefully position the vehicle. When that is not achievable I often shoot left handed, or when the target is directly in front of the car I open the door, step out of the car and take a standing shot. The Racken Rest II makes a superbly solid shooting platform, from an open car door. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons and I have had far fewer animals escape from under the spotlight since I have been using the Racken Rest II.
The Eagleye Hunting Gearwebsite has an extensive list of retailers all around the country, and an online store.