outdoor shooting bench design?

[G.T. Smith]

Hey people,
I've got a beautiful place out here in the boondocks with about 2 acres of lawn. I picked out a place to use as a shooting range for handguns. I mostly shoot .357, .38's, and .22s.
I saw a shooting bench/table at the gun shop the other day that I liked. It was too low for me, and the price was too high. Any body got drawings or plans for an outdoor shooting table? I think the one at the shop was made of treated lumber, looked heavy. Anyway, I've decided to build one and thought one of you actual shooters may have the right idea about what works good. I guess I could search the net but I would rather ask people who know. I have the target part covered.
thankx for any ideas,
gordon

 

[Munsterf18]

I have a good heavy outdoor design. Simple to build. When I get back in town this weekend I'll find it and email it to you.

Munster

 

[Farmer17]

If its going to stay outdoors any wood will warp, crack, and rot eventually. You can build some 2x4 forms and lay them on some plastic layed on your driveway and mix up some concrete and pour in, to make a top. Then attach some steel pipe legs with anchor bolts, pull off the forms, flip it over and you will have a bench that should outlast you.

 

[Indiana George]

Back when cash was in a little shorter supply:

(Also used in the verticle position with an old sofa pillow for a rest!)

 

[Frank237]

I've been down the road with benches the past 40 years. I have built them SEVERAL times...a few heavy enough to hold a tank.

Take it for what it's worth but THE BEST bench I have found is made by a friend of mine in Helena, MT. He advertises in the Wolfe Publishing magazines; Rifle and Handloader. Small ad in the back.

Armor Metal, Helena, MT
406-442-5560

Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels - Articles: Long Range Shooting and Hunting: Page 1

The link has a few shots of one. I like the fact that it's SOLID, yet one can unscrew the four pipe legs and easily transport it. I NEVER could do that with any weightyof my homemade benches.

The portability also allows me to bring it inside the garage for the Winter or when it's raining, etc. Again...couldn't ever do that with my homemade models.

And the portability allows me to use it when gopher and prairie dog shooting too.
FN in MT

 

[mwtdvm]

I shot off a nice one this weekend. My friend made it from scrap lumber and only a few additional pieces. He used the plans for a picnic table with the length halved. No integral bench seat. Built a separate bench seat. I'm sure those plans are all over the internet.

 

[novalty]

Might even find some stuff on Craigslist, that is cheap for seating of card table even.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Go to Google.com.
Type in "shooting bench design"
You'll find plenty of pictures, plans, and designs.
Good luck!

 

[WC145]

I chose to go with the tried and true "Weathered Picnic Table" design. Nice and stable and plenty of room for all of my shooting stuff AND lunch.

 

[H Richard]

The one (portable) pictured in the article Frank237 posted is a near duplicate of the one I made. Exceptions are I used just three legs and find it sits on uneven ground much better. Used 5/8" or 3/4" exterior grade plywood, 1" galvanized pipe legs, 30" screwed into pipe flanges set at about a 10-15 degree angle with caps on the bottom of the legs. For the angle on the base of the legs, I cut a 2X4 diagonally to just fit under the flange. Then painted it all over in a base green with mottled tan, brown, yellow and black to give it a camouflage effect.

I use primarily for Prairie Dog shooting, but also for setting up on ranges and chronographing.

I believe the three legs set in a triangle pattern about 20" apart add to the steadiness, and keep out of the way of your feet.

This sets up quick and have been contemplating adding a set of wheels for moving to different locations. I use a 7 gal plastic bucket with a padded swivel seat for my chair. I put my bench rest, bags, ammo, water bottle, etc in it.

 

[BILL]

Try this link: Shooting Benches | StoppingPower.Info

Bill