Shooting Bench top

[Larryh128]

I am in the process of updating a club shooting house that has a wood bench in it. My thought is 6" of re-enforced concrete for the top. I'm curious as to members thoughts on concrete tops. I also have the ability to cover the top with 1/2" thick dense rubber matting. Also if members have used concrete,what aggregate/mix did you use.

Thanks

 

[BenPerfected]

The rubber matt is a nice touch. To me, the concrete top seems like overkill for inside use. Even if you only bump your gun against a concrete workbench you will likely have some damage.
Ben

 

[BW64]

Our whole range has 4" concrete tops with rubber mats glued on. Very durable. I would say 3-5000 mix on the concrete with some wire mesh & rebar.

BW

 

[Uthink Uknow]

Nominal 4 inch inch concrete (3 1/2) is plenty and five bag mix is fine also. 1/2 inch (#4) rebar will do just fine run it in the form from leg to leg and near the perimeter with a couple criss cross through the mid section. Wood legs will do but 4 inch square tube is a nice touch.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

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Back of my shed

 

[urbanrifleman]

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Back of my shed

Can I come to your house and be your friend?

Dang those are nice.

 

[PatMiles]

Try to post a picture
Back of my shed

I do windows!

 

[Uthink Uknow]

Truth be told; I didn’t do it.
Paul built those out of “false work”, iron used to hold building components in place while the build is going on. After the job is complete that metal is considered scrap. The metal legs were sprayed with primer and then with polyurethane paint in John Deere green. The benches are copies of the benches at Western Wayne County Conservation Association (WWCC).
We have target frames out to 300 yards. The target crew might have a tough time this spring. I’ve been walking Red T. Basset out to the 300 yard line twice a day for his poops. The snow is melting, revealing the minefield.

 

[ebb]

For about 15 years I built concrete molds for a living (not much of one) I made legs for benches that were to be mounted permanent but splitting a piece of 6 inch PVC and pouring concrete legs. I still have access to the mold that makes the top, but the mold for the legs is gone. I have a set of legs and a top for a 50yd range here at the house.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Concrete, with wire in it, and no rubber on the top. Rubber isnt very conducive to accuracy. Pour the legs at the same time or use blocks filled with concrete and rebar. Use those cardboard form tubes from lowes

 

[varget204]

Agree w/ Dusty;use to shoot on public range,Cons.Dept glued 1/2" rubber mats on cement benches, like shooting off rubberbands.

 

[maym1]

Try to post a picture
Back of my shed

These are awesome! Do you sell them or have plans I could buy? How does the top fasen down to steel?

 

[Herzo]

Our club uses the 3/4"(?) stable mats available from Ruralking.com on top of a 3-1/2" concrete table. The RK mats are extremely stiff and durable, providing for protective but stable surface.

 

[sacre]

I have rubber but it isn't covered... hot when the sun hits.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

I’ve cast dozens of these over the years for the club and several friends in the area. I pour them from the left over concrete from the pours on our job sites. A friend welds the bases from 3” salvaged gas pipe from the gas fields. They’re very sturdy. I put short pieces of rebar in them going each way for reinforcement. They are very heavy so you’ll need a forklift or tractor to handle them.

 

[jonbearman]

Shooting off of concrete is the absolute best experience. My best friend built two benches for us to shoot off of and they so stable. The base is grouted cement blocks and the tops are 4 inches thick. I bring an old towel so the bench doesnt eat my elbows. Other than that it is the best. They are regulation height as well.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I’ve cast dozens of these over the years for the club and several friends in the area. I pour them from the left over concrete from the pours on our job sites. A friend welds the bases from 3” salvaged gas pipe from the gas fields. They’re very sturdy. I put short pieces of rebar in them going each way for reinforcement. They are very heavy so you’ll need a forklift or tractor to handle them.
View attachment 1610875View attachment 1610874

You work is very nice.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Shooting off of concrete is the absolute best experience. My best friend built two benches for us to shoot off of and they so stable. The base is grouted cement blocks and the tops are 4 inches thick. I bring an old towel so the bench doesnt eat my elbows. Other than that it is the best. They are regulation height as well.

what is approx height from ground to top of bench?

 

[PAUER]

Concrete, with wire in it, and no rubber on the top. Rubber isnt very conducive to accuracy. Pour the legs at the same time or use blocks filled with concrete and rebar. Use those cardboard form tubes from lowes

 

[Horsemen61]

Ttrl