Shooting Bench and Rest Opinions

C

cbhester

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I'm looking to purchase a portable shooting bench to use here on the farm and at a local range that I like to go to. I have never actually shot from a bench (I have always shot laying down), and was hoping to get some opinions on some good affordable benches that are available and some good rests as well. What kind of set-up does the typical "bench rest" shooter go with when shooting? This is something that I am just simply not familiar with (yet). Any advice and opinion appreciated as always!
 
What constitutes a good bench design, depends on what you are using it for. There is no doubt that pivoting benches are very popular. There is also no doubt that they are not quite as steady as the best of those that do not. I have a portable bench that is configured so that it may be used either as a three leg bench, or with four, one of which is adjustable.
Four legs are more stable. If you are not going to carry one far from the truck, and you are pretty much going to shoot at targets rather than fire throughout a wide angle, I would suggest that you might want to consider one of the commercial versions that are similar to what I have built for myself. Perhaps this one might be worth considering. (page 15 I think) http://www.rwhart.com/2009_Hart catalog.pdf
If you want a three legged bench, this one looks promising. http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/01/shot-show-stukey-sturdy-shooting-bench/ I did a little redesign of my bench (from the usual) and am able to sit comfortably so that my chest does not touch the bench, and my arms are well supported, as is the rifle. Through my benchrest scope, a boosted 36x. there is no reticle movement on target, after I am settled into shooting position.
 
Thanks a lot for the info guys, that will be a great help, ill let you know what I decide. I am thinking about building one if anyone has any good recommendations on where ican find some plans for one.
 
I don't have any plans but it's pretty simple to build a 3-legger. Buy a set of folding table legs from a box store. Take ONE pair of legs (1/2 of the set) and bolt it to the front of an 'L'-shaped or 'T'-shaped hunk of plywood. For the single rear leg you can find two sizes of pipe that nest and slide together (box store, pipe supplier, muffler shop) and drill and tap for a setscrew.

I've built 6 of these, all different ideas using different materials. IMO the best design uses 1/2" cdx with a 2X4 framework. All the hardware folds down inside the 2X4 rim.

Rout holes and slots for cupholders, ammunition box holders, pen holders etc and use webbing or screen to keep the stuff from falling thru.

Rout carry slots.


I built one 4-legged table with one adjustable leg. I made the adjustable leg from 5/8 rebar with a welded stomper peg. It's OK I guess, I don't think it's more stable than a 3-legger.

hth

al
 
My bench has all four legs of 1 1/2 inch pipe. All three rear leg sockets are welded to a single 1/4" plate. The top is 2 1/4" thick where the leg plates are lagged. The sockets are angled at about 16 degrees on a line that is 45 degrees from the bench CL. The rear legs are far enough forward so that I can straddle the near leg (when four are used. The adjustable leg had an inner pipe that is turned to slide inside the outer one, with slots and welded T handled bolts to hold the adjustment. It is very solid. I can configure it as a three leg and it works but four is a bunch better if you are to leave it in one place for a whole session. Come on Al, #5 rebar for a leg? Or did I misunderstand you?
 
put me in the camp the feels 4 legs are better than 3. i have built several with 3 legs and none have been as stable as the last 5 i built that used 4 legs. i make all 4 legs adjustable. i have used the rebar for adjustment on some legs - it works fine but there are lighter materials to use. if you use 3 legs you have to have a very, very solid and strong [ and heavy] base to begin with. plenty of fellows make and use 3 leggers that work so i know there are good 3 leg platforms out there.

i have a design plan in my head to build a super light wt and super fast set up rig. i dont know how to put it into words.
it would use mostly 1 inch square tube with a half inch plywood top.

send a pm and maybe i can explain it. or you call me and i can talk you through. some day when i travel through ky i could show you some designs.

if you have got the ability and material to build it dont worry - just do it. you can modify it on the fly. ray
 
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