The Summit Lite is the rest I wasn’t planning to make.
Our best-selling Ambush was the do-it-all handgun rest. When it came out in 2018, I thought I reached the limit for how a handgun rest specifically designed to go anywhere should be built. It was designed to be tough, relatively light and used with any handgun meant for hunting.
One of my best qualities (at least in my book) is that I listen to what customers say. Even though the Ambush currently has all 5-star reviews, there have been several friendly suggestions to make it lighter. In early 2026, I decided to explore what a lighter rest might look like. I looked at every component of the Ambush and challenged myself to eliminate weight by either using a different material, lighter hardware, or just machining material away. I set cost aside for this process. I wanted to concentrate on designing the lightest rest I could make while keeping the same functionality as the Ambush.
After every single component was scrutinized, I discovered some interesting results. I found that I could take away a substantial amount of weight without really adding a lot to the overall cost. The biggest weight savings was skeletonizing the base. My water jet engineer helped me design a cost-effective platform that took away nearly half the weight of Ambush platform
The Trigger Guard Guide wheel and accompanying hardware package was the next largest weight factor. I went with a skeletonized aluminum Trigger Guard Guide wheel over the molded nylon used in the Ambush. I designed the size around The Thompson Center Encore knowing anything smaller would also work.
Testing at the Range
One thing that could not be compromised is accuracy level of the Summit Lite. I was quite nervous about testing the first prototype. I assumed it would be well balanced and therefore accurate, but one never knows until the moment of truth. To my surprise, the Summit Lite is more responsive to the fluid head due to the decreased weight. The fluid head helps take shot vibration out of the rest, increasing accuracy potential
How to get the most out of your Summit Lite
Equipping the Summit Lite with a carbon fiber tripod or monopod will create an overall lightweight package for the toughest mountain hunts. I like the Tricer AD tripod and Leofoto MP-284C as a great monopod option. I hope you enjoy the new Summit Lite Handgun Rest as much as I liked creating it. Take it to the Summit!