Optimum bench and seat height?

[Jeff Porter]

Looking for discussion of typical difference in the height of a shooting bench to the height of the seat for bench rest / Bench F class style shooting. I see there is no "Standard" bench in the rule book only '

Bench: A bench shall be a rigidly constructed table being of a height to permit a shooter of more or less than average height to sit comfortably there at by merely increasing or decreasing the height of the stool on which he/she sits. It shall preferably be constructed to permit firing by either a right or left handed shooter.

Too low and you feel scrunched up like and adult at the kids table, too high and you feel like a kid at the adult table with your toes barely reaching the ground and your arm pits on the edge of the table top.

Where have you found the Goldilocks height for bench an stools?

 

[JFrank]

I don’t know what the rules are but mostly I see 4 cinder blocks stacked with a 3 1/2 concrete slab equaling roughly 36 in to the top of the table, that seems pretty standard. adjustable ht. drummers throne works quite well for a stool, probably set about 20 in most of the time.

 

[dusterdave173]

Great reply! Right to the point with detail and a solid reflection of what I see--I have built three so far and the best seems to be around 35-36 range--Stool height always makes or breaks the combo --the adjustable drum seat seems to be the answer--Thanks Amazon! Walmart has a foldable $16 stool--I cut some off the legs to 'adjust" to my bench of the week --they fold flat and will bungee to a portable bench or to a hard rifle case making them handy in the PD fields where the drummers stool is Not

 

[Evan]

I don’t know what the rules are but mostly I see 4 cinder blocks stacked with a 3 1/2 concrete slab equaling roughly 36 in to the top of the table, that seems pretty standard. adjustable ht. drummers throne works quite well for a stool, probably set about 20 in most of the time.

I agree and I have a long torso so a standard metal folding chair is just right for most every concrete bench I’ve sat at. I prefer a full upright position with no hunching or hanging over the top of the gun - probably what most would feel is “stretched out” although I find it easier to practice really relaxed and thoughtful breathing in that posture that prevents unwanted movement imparted to the gun.

 

[jpx2rk]

A pneumatic drummer stool should solve most issues with height adjustment to get comfortable at the bench, just the exact placement of the stool in relation to the bench is other part of the equation.

 

[Fred Bohl]

If you are operating a public range you need to provide at least one bench at each different range that will accommodate a wheelchair bound shooter. One of the biggest issues the ADA specs require is the top being 32 inches to the bottom for clearance and not more than 34 inches to the top - therefore 2 inches thick!

 

[CSLR grandpa]

Good morning, I prefer to sit upright so 18” from top of table to top of seat works for me.
My set up isn’t as high as some, I use a Sinclair front rest or Harris BRS bi-pod most of the time, I use an adjustable stool at most ranges, I can only get 16“ with my BR pivot bench.
I believe Sac Valleys benches were 34”, local club 36”.

CSL grandpa

 

[Chuckhunter]

Drummer's throne can make most common benches comfortable.

 

[Eagle Six]

If you are operating a public range you need to provide at least one bench at each different range that will accommodate a wheelchair bound shooter. One of the biggest issues the ADA specs require is the top being 32 inches to the bottom for clearance and not more than 34 inches to the top - therefore 2 inches thick!

Is the 32" clearance to allow for the wheel chair arms to clear under it?

 

[TaperPin]

Managing ranges must require the gift of an easy going personality - not everyone will be happy with anything.

Like most “standard” kitchen counter tops and dining room tables, short people feel they are too tall and tall people feel they are too short. Who ever is building them must make them to fit themselves, because they never seem to fit anyone else.

Shooting multiple public ranges definitely requires an assortment of bag spacers and an adjustable rest with decent travel.

 

[Fred Bohl]

Is the 32" clearance to allow for the wheel chair arms to clear under it?

I'm not privy to the original intent but that would probably be for the arms of the wheelchair plus the arm of the user. Also the 34 inch maximum is intended to allow for extended arm clearance of someone seated in the wheelchair.

Several years back, I designed benches to meet those standards for my local club. After a couple of iterations we, we now use these at all bench positions for both normal and wheelchair bound members and customers. For a while before Covid, we had a disabled shooters club using our range for scheduled matches.

 

[Eagle Six]

I'm not privy to the original intent but that would probably be for the arms of the wheelchair plus the arm of the user. Also the 34 inch maximum is intended to allow for extended arm clearance of someone seated in the wheelchair.

Several years back, I designed benches to meet those standards for my local club. After a couple of iterations we, we now use these at all bench positions for both normal and wheelchair bound members and customers. For a while before Covid, we had a disabled shooters club using our range for scheduled matches.

Those dimensions, as you state, require the bench top a maximum of 2" thick. What did you make the table tops out of? I would think 2 inches a bit thin for concrete.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Just built a couple. I tried 32, it felt way too low so they ended up about 35. Im 6 1 and prefer to lean forward a little at the bench.

 

[FNSafari]

Ah, the wonderful Sinclair Intl pneumatic five leg shooting stool!

 

[Fred Bohl]

Those dimensions, as you state, require the bench top a maximum of 2" thick. What did you make the table tops out of? I would think 2 inches a bit thin for concrete.

We use Trex 5/4x6 planks on a welded 1.5x1.5 11ga. steel angle iron frame. That results in measure maximum thickness of 2.1 inch. The Trex planks have held up for over 10 years in North East Wisconsin weather. We use Trex Winchester Grey, it starts out as a "warm grey" and gradually fades to a light grey. After trying both, the preferred side is the slightly rougher texture up.

 

[Eagle Six]

@Fred Bohl, Thank You Fred for the information. I think you found an excellent solution for both non and ADA shooters. Any chance you have a photo of the benches and line?

 

[Fred Bohl]

Any chance you have a photo of the benches and line?

I'm going out to the range Saturday morning and I'll try to remember to take some bench pictures.

 

[Fred Bohl]

Well Saturday morning was a dud for bench pics. Fog and 3 inches of wet snow. I'll try again Wednesday but the forecast is for another 3+ inch snow fall for Tuesday.

Update 1/11 - We are getting a series of storms so I will post some pics as soon as I can sorry for the delay.

 

[Shooter13]

Ah, the wonderful Sinclair Intl pneumatic five leg shooting stool!

exactly what I use, put skateboard wheels on it and it is perfect!

 

[David Milisock]

Looking for discussion of typical difference in the height of a shooting bench to the height of the seat for bench rest / Bench F class style shooting. I see there is no "Standard" bench in the rule book only '

Bench: A bench shall be a rigidly constructed table being of a height to permit a shooter of more or less than average height to sit comfortably there at by merely increasing or decreasing the height of the stool on which he/she sits. It shall preferably be constructed to permit firing by either a right or left handed shooter.

Too low and you feel scrunched up like and adult at the kids table, too high and you feel like a kid at the adult table with your toes barely reaching the ground and your arm pits on the edge of the table top.

Where have you found the Goldilocks height for bench an stools?

A bench position for me depends on what I shooting and how many rounds I want to shoot.
A light recoil rifle can be leaned into with few negative affects, a heavy recoil rifle is easier to shoot especially if there's going to be many shots, if your back is vertical.
Of course both methods have pros and cons but in my opinion managing recoil is a major factor in maintaining group size.