Home range bench set up question

[swd]

I've been lurking around here for a while and decided to get into rf benchrest. I recently picked up a 40X. I live on acreage and would like to set up a range here at home for practice and postal matches but my problem is my property is anything but flat. My question is where I would like to set up my bench my rifle will be pointing up about 8 to 10 feet over 50 yards. Is this worth doing with this kind of an angle? My other possibility is flat but I would have to use a portable bench. Would some kind of a portable bench be stable enough?
Thanks, Shawn

 

[digisol]

We use the Black & Decker workmate bench (at your hardware store) with a suitable shaped timber top for L / R shooter held into the workmates adjustable clamps, these work such a treat the club bought a heap of em, they are stable, several very good (250+) shooters use em, so they are good, cheap, fold up completely to fit into any vehicle trunk and as such light and very portable.

With your front BR and rear bag + your other bags for arm comfort so you shoot in a very relaxed position each time, add several different brands of ammo and a decent made 20X or higher scope and enjoy your BR Rimfire competition or practice.

http://www.blackanddecker.com.au/powertools/productdetails/catno/WM536/:D

 

[Bill Wynne]

Where I would like to set up my bench my rifle will be pointing up about 8 to 10 feet over 50 yards. Is this worth doing with this kind of an angle? My other possibility is flat but I would have to use a portable bench. Would some kind of a portable bench be stable enough?
Thanks, Shawn

Shawn,

I don't believe that the angle you describe would have a negative effect. Very few of our ranges are completely level. I have never heard this as being a problem.

As far as a truly portable bench, you might look on page 8 of the article on bench on this website. While this bench is not truly portable, it is moveable and completely steady. We use this type at the San Angelo Gun Club and Dan Killough uses them at his 20 bench range at Winters, Texas.

I would recommend it even for your uphill site.

http://benchrest.com/articles/benches.pdf

Concho Bill

 

[TangoTwo]

I think a truly stable bench is going to be more important than the elevation change. You may want to throw your bench out of level to compensate for the up hill angle. If you mount your targets low near the ground you can minimize the difference. You could also build your bench on a mound.

Ken