shooting bench recommendations?

[col_temp]

Hi all,
Searched but couldn't really find anything.

Having looked at many a different shooting benches I am still wondering what is the best layout/configuration before I go and purchase something.

This will mainly be used to help sight in a couple of rifles and probably some training. (The rifles in question, a marlin 22LR, Savage 111 270, and a Win 32 Special.)

1. How many adjustments do I really need?
2. Should I get one with an open back or something that will hold the stock?
3. What works better for the front rest?
4. Any suggestions on brand/price I should look for?

thanks ahead of time for suggestions. Feel free to point to other threads if you happen to know where they are!
Merry Christmas
Paris

 

[rcmodel]

I made this one out of plywood & pipe fittings.






For very causal sighting-in use?

A folding picnic table or old ironing board and some rolled up dirty laundry for a front rest will do just fine.

A clamp or vice type rest will teach you nothing about good shooting techniques in the real world.

rc

 

[Fat_46]

Are you looking for mobile or stationary benches?

Do you want them to rotate?

How large do you need the table to be?

I use one from Big Shooter(no longer available): http://www.thebigshooter.com/benches.cfm. Its built like a tank and is smooth. A company called DOA tactical currently sells something similar - but be prepared for a bit of sticker shock.

My backup is a Caldwell Stable table. I also have a a few other benches I've tried and didn't like stashed in various places in the garage.

If you have your own range I would go for a poured concrete bench. but I've also heard good things about Stukey's shooting benches for a non-rotating design.

Also, here is a great resource if you're somewhat handy: http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/06/free-shooting-bench-plans/

As i get older I tend to understand the adage "buy once, cry once" a bit more clearly, so please put some time into your decision so ensure you're happy with whatever you end up with.

 

[col_temp]

Have a table to put it on. More trying to get a feel for the best type of mount to hold the rifle.

Stationary is fine. More for the range I have in the back yard.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Black and Decker Workmate Bench. You can fix things on it too.

 

[aka108]

Is the bench something to be permanently installed in one location or portable? What you need is a seat that can be adjusted for position and height. I used to shoot at a range where the seat could be rough adjusted using pins thru holes in a steel tube that you could slide the seat supports up or down to get the rough seat height adjustment. The seat itself was mounted on a heavy jack screw that was fitted to the seat boom so you could get it adjusted to the most correct height for you. Nice thing was if you were a 6'5" person or a 4 foot tall kid the seat could be adjusted to fit. Make sure the front of the platform is wide enough to comfortably wilde enough for you spotting scoope and tripod to be placed.

 

[col_temp]

Thanks all,
I guess I should clarify a bit.
Not too concerned about the bench itself. I have something that will work for the moment and some of the other ideas are good ones for the future.
What I would like opinions about is the rest itself.
What is better to have the stock holder like in:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...=SBC;MMcat104792580;cat104769180;cat104212080
or open ended as in:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...=SBC;MMcat104792580;cat104769180;cat104212080

Sorry for the long links happened to have the Cabela's page open!
Thanks again

 

[col_temp]

What do you all think of this one?
I am thinking of casual practice and sighting in a couple of rifles.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...792580;cat104769180;cat104212080#BVRRWidgetID

 

[rcmodel]

Thats fine, but it doesn't do a thing some cheap sandbags can't do as well.

And you still need a solid bench to put it on.

If you have a bench, just make some sandbags out of an old pair of jeans and some duck tape.

Before you know it, you haven't spent any money at all, let alone $49.95.

And your groups will be just as small.

rc

 

[Rembrandt]

Made ten of these for our club range, cost less than $100 per. Heavy walled black pipe and one sheet of treated plywood. They have been in service outdoors for nearly 20 years. Seats are adjustable height, base is an old disc blade. Will fit anyone from kid to adult, right or left handed. Can be easily moved or set in concrete.














Here's a great prairie dog bench with swivel gun holder.

 

[red rick]

Look at the Bullsbag.

 

[Clark]

I have got up high for ground squirrels and shoot 360 degrees

But I want to get down low, shot prone form a bi pod, and only shoot in one direction at deer, antelope, and elk.

 

[col_temp]

Hey Rembrandt,

Looks pretty cool. And simple design.

Clark, Is that even legal for deer? :>