Need advice for f class platform size

[marwitz89]

I currently shoot benchrest but want to get involved in F class shooting also. I have a home range with an enclosed shack that contains several benches. I want to build an elevated platform near my shack to use for shooting f class. I need it elevated due to the terrain. I'm wondering what size I need for each shooter? I intend to build it big enough for at least 3 shooters at one time. I was thinking at least 12 feet long for each shooter and 4 feet wide. That would make it 12 X 12 for 3 shooters. Just looking for advice from veteran f class shooters on an adequate amount of space for each shooter.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[smoking-brass]

Joe ...4 foot per shooter is very tight ...I would go no less than 6 foot per shooter ....just my 2 cents. Most ranges for f-class are 6 foot wide per shooter.
Good having you aboard.
Vince

 

[marwitz89]

Thanks Vince.... Do you think 12 feet is long enough for each person?

 

[Bob L.]

6 ft. would be minimum. If you end up with more participants and need to run more than one relay, it's nice to allow shooters enough space to allow them to leave the heavy equipment like rests and rear bags on the line.

 

[Bob Sebold]

At Lodi, WI when we redo our 1000 yard firing points we are figuring 7 1/2' per shooter.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

4' per shooter is adequate, but not optimal. At Phoenix, for SWN, we had both shooters set up on the same point. Effectively, we only had ~3.5' per shooter for width. It worked, good scores were shot.

12' depth is a really good idea. That way, the shooters can keep their feet on the platform instead of dangling off the end.

Try to design it so that the front rest and rear bag are sitting as closely as possible to the underlying structure. That will reduce bounce and flex issues.