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need help with building a bench for shooting

Schandler

Silver $$ Contributor
i have just finished a 100 and 200 yrd range and need to build a bench -- i have a platform for shooting prone but would like to have a bench also -- i have seen the concrete type bench at high end ranges but i dont think i want to go to that much trouble -- im just looking for suggestions on how to make and what to use -- i have some cedar trees large in diameter and was thinking about putting them in the ground deep enough to prevent any movement but if something else is suggested i will listen -- since my dad shoots left handed then i have to fix it for left and right shooter -- the top that will be shot off of is a problem -- i thought about treated 2x6's but i really want it stable with no movement -- i dont have anything to compare or get ideas from so any suggestions appreciated
 
You want something very stable. Best one's I've shot off are 3" thick concrete, in a "T" shape. Never liked shooting off wood tops. I've seen them supported by 3 6x6's or on top of cement blocks.

The "T" shape lets you shoot right or left handed. Build 2 while you're at it, so two can play.
 
Check with Armedinutah on the Savage user's site. He has pictures of his bench and sells the leg attachment hardware. I built one using 2 3/4"-2'x4' plywood pieces glued and screwed together. Cut out a section for me to use the gun in the center of the table and was ready to go. It is too darn heavy to carry too far, but on and off the truck isn't bad. You can use a thinner and/or slightly smaller top if you want, but it is a rock solid table as is. It also lightens it up to do the cutouts for both right and left hand shooters. He has good pictures. It is a 3 legged setup so it is always solid even on unlevel ground. Makes it an hour or so project even if you sand and paint it. JimDee
 
I built one with 6x6 Post and I framed it up like I would a deck. I built it with a bench on it, all in one piece. for the top I used 5/4x6 then a piece of 3/4 plywood on top of that. then you could top that off with indoor out door carpet. You might make it a little wider then you thing you need. You will find that the room is very use full.
 
well after reading and talking to a few locals - i think i have decided to go with the concrete -- it was suggested i build a pad,not sure on the measurements) then use blocks and fill them with concrete then use a piece of plywood shaped as a T and cut out holes where the slab will sit on the block,3 columns of block) and put 4 inch sides on the plywood then put wire in the concrete as im pouring it and i got myself a nice concrete bench setting on concrete -- i will have a little over a yard of concrete and i plan on borrowing a mixer from a friend and buy sand and mortor -- i just am not sure on the deminsions of the pad or the T - thanks for the suggestions/comments
 
Plan the thing out carefully..public range benchs suc..make yours fit you & dad.& your guns..no need to go crazy big..It is much better to have the barrel overhang the bench.. If you can put up some posts to provide for a roof do that while you are mixing the concrete..As for the top..A cast in place concrete one would be nice ...its one of those it depends deals..your skills in concrete mostly...I've done & raised one big 6" thick slab to put a pizza oven on..it is some mean trick doing that 3 to 4 ft up off the ground..pic attached.If you need plans for the bracing I'll add them later...mike in ct
 

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if you really want a concrete top I've got a good idea...Just leave a wood top under there... frame the str8 parts with pressure treat [well dryed wood]i can show you how to do the curves with that cheezy luanne [thin plywood...] just dont go over 3.5 inches thick & you will be fine...mix a good stout concrete using acrylipro or any good acrylic mixing agent[about one cup per 80lb bag]..one extra coffee can of portland cement to each 80 lb sack of pre-mix concrete...u will need to buy..that will give you 5000 psi concrete..a salvaged bit of chain link fence & some 3/8's rebar you will make a good tough reenforced level top..The better the mix, the finer u can finish the surface..The surface has to be dead on near level..no excuses on that part...bench tops of concrete can be jacked after you cure them but must be near level to work the forms...after that you will be in fine shape with a really rock solid bench for two..mike in ct
 
Sometime ago a thread appeared on this forum or on br.com with plans and diagrams to build a wooden collapsible bench.

I've done a search, but cannot find it again. I remember that I was quite impressed with the design and perceived sturdiness.

I also need to build myself a bench, but it needs to be movable.

Can anybody give me any pointers?
 
fellas i appreciate all the input - i have completed it and am very satisfied with the performance and looks -- while my brother was having a large pad poured for a driveway and the cement truck was there i got them to fill my forms,5ft x 6ft pad and the two tables) i made everything 4 inches thick with re-bar -- i dont remember the exact measurements of the tops but i will post them -- they feel great and i sat them on concrete blocks filled with concrete for the pedestals - sturdy to say the least - my only problme i ran into was something to sit on - looking for a couple of adjustable stools but ended up with two metal foldable chairs and they work pretty good -- i will take a pic and see if i can post it on here -- short of the cost of the concrete estimated at 1 1/2 yards the only thing left was the block so really other than a few boards for form it was pretty cheap - i looked at pictures of bordens range and others and with a ruler and using the blocks in the pictures figured out rough measurements of the tops LOL :) - if someone finds that article i sure would like to compare - thanks again for the comments and help - now all i need is a camera and monitor to watch the target and im good to go
 

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