HOME MADE PORTABLE SHOOTING BENCHES * Photos added *

1up5down

1up5down

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Since getting into reloading, I decided to build a couple of shooting benches. One for myself and one for my stepfather as a belated Christmas gift to him. I have property that I can shoot out to 600 yds. for load development so I could not see spending money going to the range. Mine will also be used on pdog trips to Wyoming.

I started the build using 1/8 angled steel for the triangle frame. Then used heave duty steel tubing for the legs.The legs screw into the base and can be taken off for transport.

For the actual top, I used 3/4" cabinet grade plywood and applied exterior urethane to help with weather protection. For now I am using a rattle can paint but I think I might get them powder coated.

I am still not quite done painting the bases but the top are done. Please give any feedback to what you guys think or if I can improve them in any way.

Here are some pics.

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Hope you guys like them.

Dave






 
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Thanks for the compliment BLOPEZ. I plan on attaching some velcro on the corner so I can have the LCD screen of my chrono right in front of me.

Dave
 
Looking good! Maybe Huntsman22 will show his.. They have notches in the sides allowing a place to rest a couple more rifles, so you can let one cool as you keep blasting at the colony varmints. Its a great Idea for Guys with more than just one rifle. Good luck.
 
Thanks Brad. The overall height is about 34 3/4 inches. I plan on using a shooting stool. Just updated pics to show it.

Dave
 
Originally Posted By: Orneryolfart357Looking good! Maybe Huntsman22 will show his.. They have notches in the sides allowing a place to rest a couple more rifles, so you can let one cool as you keep blasting at the colony varmints. Its a great Idea for Guys with more than just one rifle. Good luck.

Great idea Ornery. Being in the woodworking business for over thirty years, you think I would have thought of that!

I plan on getting a Cooper in either 220 Swift or 22-250 this spring so I will be modifying the top.

Dave
 
If you are going to cut notches for holding extra rifles, especially when Prairie Dogging, allow for some sort of covering (old sheet will do) to block the sun from the barrels/actions...It will allow them to cool farther and faster...

Some pour water or wrap them with ice cold cloths, but I have a hard time doing that...I prefer to just leave the actions open and let air run through them..
 
the one i built,wasnt to sturdy,so i screwd in some eye hooks on each end,then got some rebarr,drove in ground in front and back,put chain in front,then in the rear in the ground, and a ratchet tie down strap,ratchet it down tight and it helped alot!
not as good as a solid bench but its ok
 
Originally Posted By: jetmanLooks great.
What keeps them from sinking in to the dirt ???

Thanks Jetman.I don't think that will be a problem unless the ground is really soft.
The bottoms of the legs are wide and rounded so I hope that will prevent them from sinking into the ground. I might also make some 6" pads out of 3/4 plywood to put under the legs just in case.
When fully assembled it weighs about 60-70 lbs.

Dave
 
Originally Posted By: dan brothersLooks great to me.... good thinking...

the only problem I see...
is that I'm not another family member of yours...

LOL Thanks Dan. My hunting buddy has been telling me how good it looks. Think he's trying to get me to build him one too. I just told him he can use mine anytime he wants.

Dave
 
I have been thinking of the same with a wheel in the back to turn slightly and skid the front. Looks good though. A 5 gallon bucket with spin lid to sit on and carry stuff.
 
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Originally Posted By: OldTurtleIf you are going to cut notches for holding extra rifles, especially when Prairie Dogging, allow for some sort of covering (old sheet will do) to block the sun from the barrels/actions...It will allow them to cool farther and faster...

Some pour water or wrap them with ice cold cloths, but I have a hard time doing that...I prefer to just leave the actions open and let air run through them..

Thanks for the idea OT. I will definitely take some type of sheet to cover the rifles when I head out west. Like you, I do not like the idea of putting wet material on my firearms.

When I go to the local property for load development, I plan on taking my 10x10 ez up canopy that I used when I was roadracing motorcycles to keep cool.


dave
 
Those look great !! Only thing I can think of is make the legs adjustable for height, not always flat ground where I shoot. JM2C
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Originally Posted By: newmexkidVery nice. just plain wood screws to secure the top? Do the legs actually screw on or just slip on??

Thanks. I'm using stainless steel screws to attach the top. The legs screw into the top frame.

Dave
 
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