One of the best things about the RoadRunner Rifle Rest is that you only have to install it once. Mount it to your pole before the season, leave it there, and it's ready to go every time you head out. The whole process takes about two minutes — here's how to do it right.
What You're Working With
The RoadRunner Rifle Rest has three main components: a pivoting arm, a front plate, and a back plate. The pivoting arm is connected to the front plate via a factory-adjusted pivot bolt — you don't need to touch that. What you are adjusting are the two hex socket bolts that clamp the assembly to your pole, threading through the front plate into recessed nuts in the back plate. A hex key is included, along with two extra shorter bolts for use on smaller diameter poles.
The RoadRunner fits any trekking or ski pole with a diameter between 14mm and 20mm, which covers the vast majority of poles on the market.
Step-By-Step Installation
Step 1: Orient the plates correctly. The back plate has an upper cutout that needs to align with the front plate so the bolt holes line up. Take a second to match these up before you go any further.
Step 2: Position the pivoting arm. Make sure the pivoting arm is facing up. When the arm is extended for use, the RoadRunner logo will face down — that's how you know you have it right.
Step 3: Thread the hex bolts. Place both hex bolts through the front plate. Don't tighten them yet — you want them loose enough to slide the plates onto the pole.
Step 4: Sandwich the pole. Place your pole between the front and back plates and insert both hex bolts into the recessed nuts on the back plate. Hand-tighten just enough to hold everything in place.
Step 5: Set your position. Slide the RoadRunner up or down the pole to wherever feels natural for your shooting height. Most hunters position it near the top of the pole for maximum height when deployed, but personal preference and pole height play into this — take a minute to find what works for you before locking it down.
Step 6: Tighten evenly. Using the included hex key, tighten both bolts equally. You're looking for firm and snug — give the rest a solid pull to confirm it won't move or rotate on the pole.
One critical note: If you're running carbon fiber poles, do not overtighten. Carbon fiber can be damaged by excessive clamping force. Snug is enough — you don't need to crank it down.
Smaller Poles
If your pole is on the narrower end of the 14mm–20mm range, the included shorter bolts will give you a cleaner fit with less protrusion. Swap them in the same way — same steps, just shorter hardware.
That's It
Once it's mounted, the RoadRunner lives on your pole. The pivoting arm folds flat against the shaft while you hike and deploys in one motion when you need it. No reason to ever take it off between hunts.
