Shooting bench height
- Thread starter lancexxx
- Start date
32 to 34 inches Tommy Mc
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
The ones at the Visalia range, and the Fresno members' range are 34" tall, and I would not want them shorter. As I have often written, with an adjustable stool, it is easier for a short man to use a bench that is a little tall, than it is for a tall man to use one that is a little short. Some time back I shot from a bench that was taller, but since the stool matched it, I was quite comfortable.
JEFFPPC
Gold $$ Contributor
I disagree. As less than a taller guy I find benches higher than normal very difficult to use. Any thing over 34 is to high, when you need to stretch shooting free recoil I find it impossible.
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
Do you have a drum throne or other adjustable stool with enough range to do the job? The critical point is to be able to adjust to the bench top to seat dimension that is correct for each shooter's build. IMO evaluations of shooting bench height that do not adjustable seats with sufficient range are not done correctly.
JEFFPPC
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes I have a pneumatic seat used by many shooters. If you are taller than most you need to be sure your seat will adjust low enough to accommodate your needs.Most of the benches I have checked are 32 to 34 and seem to work . The couple of shooters I see who would desire higher benches are very long from the waist up. One thing for sure you can't have some of both, that would certainly increase the squabbles over bench assignments, lol.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
32” for me and im 6’ tall
Wow, that’s an impressive range!! I just built a bench with some brackets I bought on the forum. I am hunter and don’t use a big rear bag...just a TAB gear squeeze bag and maybe a short bipod on the front...sometimes just a couple of sand bags. This is closer to my application when hunting. My bench is 36 inches...started there since I couldn’t add to the pipe legs after cutting and figured I’d cut them shorter and re- thread if I wanted shorter. It works well for me at 6’2’’. I bought two sets of brackets and I’m still deciding if the next bench will be an inch or so higher. I would need it shorter with the type of rests you guys use...guess it just depends on the application. And as Boyd said, an adjustable stool helps a bunch.
That’s a very nice video!
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
The drone footage, some of the still footage and the editing was done by one of the competitors, Pete Kitrinos, always a sharp competitor, and fine fellow.
While we’re on the subject, how far apart between benches is optimal?
One club in my IBS region has tall benches 34". I am 5'-8". I have to adjust my stool to max height and it does not allow me to address my gun to my comfort level. My mentor that got me into BR stressed posture and planting one's feet is critical and most overlooked for shooting consistently well. The rests have height adjustments, and IBS rules allow a "vertical spacer" under rear bags so taller shooters can adjust to their needs. For those in shorter stature there is no fix short of an elevated stool and a platform for your feet. I built concrete benches for 2 local ranges and made them 32" with no complaints.
Optimal- the farther the better due to muzzle blast which causes errant shots when "doubling" with the adjacent shooter.
Practical- 3' minimum between bench tops to allow space for shooters to quickly set-up and remove equipment between relays.
BoydAllen
Gold $$ Contributor
This sounds like a stool range of adjustment issue. One thing that is probably not known about the commonly used drum thrones is that some manufacturers make bases that cover different height ranges. This is important to know so that you do not buy the wrong one for your situation. I think that stool height issues are pretty easy to remedy given all of the options that are available.
Jeff.....What is the height Of the outdoor benches at Anderson
Creek ??
JEFFPPC
Gold $$ Contributor
I don't know I was not involved at that time. I guess 30 or 31, they could be an inch or 2 higher and fit most competitors. The inside benches are the highest I have ever shot off. I cannot shoot with a normal stool right, I have used my pneumatic stool and my drummers stool, both a bit short. I use that wood stool they have that adjusts. If I can't use it I use mine but actually stand up to shoot. When those were built many decades ago they should have laid the last block sideways. I imagine our 2 long guys who don't like the outside benches love the inside benches. I have never seen benches that tall anywhere else and I have shot a lot of ranges. Just something else to "discuss" in the winter months, lol.
For most people sitting with their knees at slightly greater than a 90* angle (less bent)
gives maximum comfort. But raising the stool enough to accomodate the taller benches pitches my upper body into the gun, something I do not want and causes back discomfort. You can't concentrate well with a uncomfortable shooting position.
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