BALS Mk-2, Gen 2
Featured in the July 2009 issue of American Rifleman
- 18 lb Cast Iron Rifle Rest with micro-adjustable feet? Check.
- 2.5 lb Corn-filled Sock for a Rear Stock Bag? Check.
- Humping either of these items with you into the field on a real world mission?
NOT SO CHECK.
In the precision rifle world, there are a lot of Rifle Rests that are full of promises, but at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself which ones will be with you to help you make the critical shot in the field. Now you can always count on one benchrest item being with you all the time- the Sniper Bean Bag from BALS.
The MK-2 Sniper Bean Bag from Ballistic Adjustment Leveling Systems, LLC. (BALS) is the answer to precision marksmen who want the functionality of a Rifle Rest, without the inconvenience and hassle of having to carry one and store it everywhere they go. The Patent Pending design allows for simple installation onto a wide variety of stocks with straight combs, including most factory Bolt Gun stocks, and stocks from Manners, Bell & Carlson, HS Precision and McMillan.
The rifle bean bag on the MK-2 is incorporated with the popular Stockmate Rifle Pack design from PIG, and it stores conveniently up against the rearmost part of the stock, and can be silently released for immediate usage. When deployed, the rifle bean bag can lay horizontally or vertically via a slider, to maximize the range of adjustment. At 100 yards, the standard bean bag (included) allows the shooter about 30' in elevation variation from the lowest (horizontal) to highest (vertical) arrangement.
Whether in storage or operational mode, the rifle bean bag does not interfere with the shooter's cheek weld, and it does not interfere with off-hand shooting. The location of the bag also serves as a perfect counterbalance to barrel heavy precision rifles.
The MK-2's Cheek Rest has 1 layer of integrated foam like the PIG Stockmate Rifle Pack for a comfortable shock isolating cheek weld. The Bean Bag can be removed or replaced. The standard BALS Bag supplied with Mk-1 & Mk-2 BALS units measures: 3" x 2" x 4" / Weight (approximate): 8 oz.
The following are the specifications for Enlarged BALS that may be ordered and installed:
Sizes:
- Med BALS Bag: 3.5" x 2.5" x 4.5" / Weight (approximate): 14 oz.
- Large BALS Bag: 4" x 3" x 5" / Weight (approximate): 19 oz.
- XL BALS Bag: 4" x 3" x 6" / Weight (approximate): 24 oz.
The MK-2 Sniper Bean Bag with Stock Pack is proudly made in the USA with the finest materials and manufacturing available. The rifle bean bags are filled with lightweight waterproof poly-fill, and constructed of 1000 Denier Cordura.
Whether you are on a dog hunt or using your rifle professionally, a Bean Bag or Rifle Rest can't help you if you forget to bring it, or can't set it up in time. We like to say that a Rifle Rest on the gun is worth ten on the bench.
The MK-2 will provide years of valuable service and finally give your rifle the one thing it really needs... BALS.
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Reviews
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BALS Mk-2, Gen 2 - MultiCam - Right-handed
Works great. Not difficult to figure out how to install
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Great Quality
Thus far it's constrution and design are great. I had a Gen 1, but once I raised the comb the velcro was exposed and kept haning up on my non-attached bag. The option to take the bag off the pad is great, and can't wait for the bigger bag options. Only bad thing is included bag is not big enough.
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Awesome Marksman tool!
I put a piece of closed cell foam under the BALS to raise my cheek weld. The device is well made, the sandbag is great. Fast to deploy, fast to stow. The thing doesn't shift on my stock. I'm glad I bought it. Sandbag needs a faster buckle (IMHO).
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BALS Mk-2, Gen 2
Worth every penny. Well made
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BALS Mk-2, Gen 2
The product is excellent, great quality. However, I would like to have had some instructions or more detailed pictures for installing it. I was able to do it relatively quickly but just a little guidance would've been nice.
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Exactly what I was looking for, highly recommended
Having previously used loose bags and mono pods, I knew I prefered a bag to the mono. Not having it attached to my rifle kind of bothered me though. The BALS solves that issue! The MK-2 unit is easy to take off for cleaning, but says snug for usage on my Tikka T-3 Tactical. The rear strap also helps keep my recoil pad snug. The only change that was necessary for me was removing the built in cheek rest on the Tikka stock. With the rest (completely lowered) and the cheek pad from the MK-2, my sight elevation with my scope was too high. With just the MK-2, it's perfect. The Cordura is top notch and the build was well thought out. I find having the bag vertical is perfect for making quick adjustments when using a 6-9 bi-pod. The cheek piece is soft and comfortable, but not cushiony. I can't imagine shooting without it at this point. It's great to have the bag "built-in" to the rifle, and a place to put rounds; just grab it and go!
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Brilliant Idea
I have both the BALS MK-2 and the BALS MK-1 and I give my highest recommendation to both. If you are serious about long range precision shooting, you will want to have both of them for versatility and use on multiple rifles.
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I'm a bag hater!!
I am not a bag guy at all, mainly cause it is one more thing for me to carry and I will definately loose it if it isn't attached! This thing is awesome! I have used the Eagle stock packs for years, now this is even better with the light bag attached. It is plenty flexible with multiple heights just by turning it on different edges, has good fill so its not too heavy, and Eagle always makes great gear.
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Why didn't I think of this!
I'm in agreement with most of the other reviews, the cheek rest is perfect (no more rolled up foot pads). The sand bag is just the right height (no more socks filled with sand). Once strapped up the bag fit the stock perfectly. Drawbacks? Just one, the zipper pouch could be just a bit larger. Over-all thanks for a well thought-out, functional product.