Have any of you got a shooting bench configuration you really like and recommend? I've got an ideal spot to set up a bench and shoot 100 yd targets about 20 yds outside my reloading room. I'm nearing completion on my home office (one of those long tem projects, but space is carved out of this room for reloading so I'm excited) so the bench is next. Any configuration, pix, measurements, features, etc you particularly like or dislike for a shooting bench that you'd like to throw onto the table?
Shooting bench preferences??? -- UPDATED
- Thread starter maverick2
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #3
I have this one saved in my favorite list . I always thought it looked like a very nice solid bench .if I were to build a stationary bench this would be it . I gave the plans to a friend of mine . they built one maybe 2 or 3 years ago , says it's great . Jim
http://www.horstguns.com/services/shooting-bench
http://www.horstguns.com/services/shooting-bench
If I was building a permanent outside bench I would build a concrete or metal top supported by either 2 or 3 3-4" metal pipes with a welded metal structure to support the top. Then I would build a seat that was adjustable off of the rear support pipe.
Wood is OK but it weathers and get's sloppy and less rigid. A shooting bench should be as solid as possible. My portable bench is a metal frame with a wood top that is replaceable so when it weathers I cut a new sheet of plywood.
Wood is OK but it weathers and get's sloppy and less rigid. A shooting bench should be as solid as possible. My portable bench is a metal frame with a wood top that is replaceable so when it weathers I cut a new sheet of plywood.
I'd do it out of cinder block and concrete. Pour a 4" slab, build 3 piers out of the block filling with concrete and rebar. Form and pour the top separately and then have several friends help you lift the top into place. Anchor the top with pins and mortar/construction adhesive. Use a stool or bench of your choice. I've seen these at the local ranges and they seem like the they would last forever with minimal maintenance.
Scott
Scott
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,672
- 10,001
My buddy at the farm built this shooting bench out of steel. It weighs about 150 lbs.
JD338
JD338
- Thread starter
- #8
Jim;
Thanks for the link! That was what I keep seeing and is what I had in mind -- the link will help immensely for dimensions to work from.
I'll give some thought to the use of a concrete or steel as the bench top. As much as I'd like to incorporate concrete and steel for the structural aspects, in all likelihood, wood is the answer for me. (We live in a canyon, w/ almost zero flat areas, and the spot where the shooting bench will go is on a narrow "shelf" of a steep sidehill that isn't easily accessible by anything other than foot traffic. I can do enough shovel work to build an 8' x 8' wood deck anchored on that shelf, but adding concrete and steel into the mix for structural integrity makes this a lot more complex. I've got enough practice now building on these slopes and faces that I'm confident I can make it sturdy and stable.) I very much appreciate all the suggestions -- keep them coming!
Thanks for the link! That was what I keep seeing and is what I had in mind -- the link will help immensely for dimensions to work from.
I'll give some thought to the use of a concrete or steel as the bench top. As much as I'd like to incorporate concrete and steel for the structural aspects, in all likelihood, wood is the answer for me. (We live in a canyon, w/ almost zero flat areas, and the spot where the shooting bench will go is on a narrow "shelf" of a steep sidehill that isn't easily accessible by anything other than foot traffic. I can do enough shovel work to build an 8' x 8' wood deck anchored on that shelf, but adding concrete and steel into the mix for structural integrity makes this a lot more complex. I've got enough practice now building on these slopes and faces that I'm confident I can make it sturdy and stable.) I very much appreciate all the suggestions -- keep them coming!
I used 3, 4 X 4's for mine and bedded them in concrete. I added a couple of braces to the front and side. I then used a leftover piece of board flooring for the deck. I screwed the 3/4 inch flooring in to the tops of the 4 X 4"s. Then painted the top several coats. I may have to replace the top in a few years but I keep it covered with a tarp when not in use. I can't get to it but I would guess its about 30 or so inches wide, 4 feet long. I jig sawed out a relief for me to settle in, on a metal chair, that I set on a piece of plywood nailed in the ground.
longrangehunter
Handloader
- Jun 19, 2011
- 1,484
- 11
I have an original BR Pivot Shooting Bench. Fits into a bag, will set up in the back bed of a P/U truck, portable, leveling legs, multiple seat heights, table top will turn in any position to the seat and very stable. Top Notch portable shooting bench, made to last a lifetime.
- Thread starter
- #11
I got around to building my shooting bench, so thought I'd show what I ended up with. I took the "Horst" plans and increased the table top dimensions a bit, and then built the table top out of rough-sawn 2x6's and 2x8's leftover from a balcony I built last fall. I tied the boards together by screwing and gluing to perpendicular supports made from the same material on the underside, and then used 2" pipe for the legs, attached to the underside supports with floor flanges. (Intent is to use floor flanges to secure the legs to the deck also, but I was only able to find 3 so will add the other 3 later.) I hit the topside with a floor sander to provide a nice uniform surface, and then sealed everything with a couple coats of Penofin. Set it up this AM, and am very pleased -- it's heavy, and extremely sturdy, even w/o the floor flanges to secure it to the deck. I think it will serve me well. Thanks for all your suggestions!
wildgene
Handloader
- Jul 4, 2011
- 1,597
- 2
...looks good...
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,582
- 6,748
Looks beautifully stable.
truck driver
Ammo Smith
- Mar 11, 2013
- 7,393
- 1,059
That shouldn't go any where, nice looking shooting bench.
rick smith
Handloader
- Apr 6, 2005
- 1,249
- 0
Used telephone poles for my corner posts. Before you start find out what height the bench top needs to be with the stool or chair you will be sitting on. I built three, 100/200/300 yds. A friend built one according to the plans mentioned above and the bench height to top is not correct for him or me.Rick.
- Thread starter
- #17
rick smith":3fyw3ltt said:
The "1 size fits all" bench/table top height relationship is tough. I chose not to integrate the seat/bench into the table for that reason -- I'm going to grab a height adjustable stool to use with the bench, and if I find I made the bench too tall or short, I'll adjust by changing the legs.
