Benchrest Benches

[BoydAllen]

As I am sure most of us know, in design, sometimes satisfying one goal is a problem for another. I suppose that at some point one has to prioritize, and in this case, decide on what will do the best job for the largest number of shooters.

I once spoke with a long time benchrest shooter, of rather short stature, who was of the opinion that desk height is the perfect height for a shooting bench, because he was comfortable, using an ordinary folding chair, shooting at a bench that was about 29" inches tall. When I told him that it is easier for a short fellow to adjust his stool higher to sit at a tall bench, than for a tall one to sit with his butt below his knees, he was not moved. He knew what what he liked, and that was all that he wanted to consider. I think that it ticked him off when I told him that I have built a range, and set of benches, and that when he built one he could make them short, because both of us knew that although he had a strong opinion on the subject, that he was not about to invest the labor that it takes to build a range. If someone does not like the top shape that most of the shooters have selected as their favorite, invite him to build a plywood top for everyone to try. My guess it that it will never happen. My experience with organizations, is that everyone has an opinion, but only a few do the actual work.

 

[dirtworks5]

AMEN to that Boyd! You just spit out a gigantic mouthful! I like your thoughts on the benches. I am wondering if a radius on the back making it round instead of square would work. Those sharp points can be hard on the ribs!
Regards,
Vern

 

[BoydAllen]

Putting a little radius on on the front and back corners is probably a good idea. On the other hand, you want a sharp corner where the top of the tail meets its sides. so that rear bags are supported right at the edge. This is one place where a conventional edging tool may be a mistake. Perhaps a steel imbed would solve the problem, in this area.

 

[mr45man]

Thanks, Joe, appreciate your insight. I'm pretty well settled on the "T" design after lots of input and emailed pictures, but still gathering info. I'm thinking of going with something along the size of: tops 36" wide, 48" long, 9" inset both sides with 18" center section. Think I'm going to mock up a couple of wooden tops just to get the feel for the different dimensions.

Free advice:
I think 36" wide will be on the narrow side
46" would provide more space and be more stable.
Shooters may have a spotting scope on a tripod that rests on the bench
A shooting bag,tool box, ammo boxes,etc.
Or a rest with a bottom plate on it takes up a lot of room also
Just sayin
Maybe cut out a cardboard model put it on the kitchen table
and put you stuff on it and see how it looks.
John H.

 

[Pete Wass]

My favorite bench style remains one shaped like Home Plate. Bellying up to the bench beats hanging over the buttstock in my view. Perhaps only we of the "yorkshire Builld" appreciate them, I don't know but T benches, for my build lead to my pulling the buttstock sideways often. The side angle on the homeplate shaped benches eliminate that issue. I think #3 would be my choice.

 

[13Tundra]

Our range in St. Johnsbury has taken some criticism because of our "horseshoe shaped" shooting benches and I would like to research it. I personally like the U-shaped benches because we are a general purpose range and they work good for general purpose shooting. For competition, though, there may be a better design. In the following, which shape do you prefer? Why? What dimensions do you suggest?

I vote for #4

 

[Luisyamaha]

Vote for #4. As for height, I'm short, and most benches are too tall for me to use with standard folding chairs, so I bring my own adjustable stool. It is also 3-legged, so very stable.
the present range where I now shoot has the #2 style. I find it nowhere as convenient as the #4 as I used to have at my former range.

Luisyamaha

 

[R.Morehouse]

#3 for me. I like to sit directly behind the gun and usually shoot it pinned. The benches at Williamsport are my favorite, there is plenty of room on both sides of the gun for whatever I may want up there.

Regards
Rick

 

[topclass2017]

like so much on this forum, a 12-year old post still has relevant information. enough to get responses