Core77

It's ironic that U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan can often not get the gear they need, while civilians on the homefront can continue improving on firearm accessory designs. A recent example of this latter matter is the X-Rest Portable Shooting Rest designed by Montie Design, a firm specializing in "industrial design, mechanical design and fuzzy front end services."

Designed to meet the needs of all shooters as well as most firearms, the easy-to-carry rest weighs less than two pounds and disassembles easily in three pieces, fitting neatly into a small carrying case. Unlike conventional bench rests, which are heavy and complex, the novel Montie Design model -- made of sturdy yet lightweight aluminum -- provides steady support for different sized long guns ranging from semi-automatic and bolt action rifles to shotguns, carbines and pistols.

...The shooting rest [is] produced in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina, using local manufacturers.

"The Triangle is full of not only thousands of ideas for great products, but many innovative, quality firms with talented professionals who can produce, market, and distribute those products throughout the world," Roland said. ADR Hydrocut, a Morrisville company that waterjets the parts for the portable shooting rest was instrumental in the development of the product.

According to Frank, ADR Hydrocut provided prototypes and extremely valuable input. "Having the manufacturer literally just down the street made the development process much easier and convenient. We call this approach 'Made Right Here,'" he said.

via triangle tech news