Shooting Bench top

[FNSafari]

All three clubs that shoot IBS score in Maine have switched to concrete tops on three columns of blocks or cast pilars. No idea what the mix was. All have held up nicely. I would avoid a rubber topping as that might introduce movement in the front and rear rests. Get some sand bags to rest your elbows on if you don't use rests. How to avoid damaging rifle stocks, ets.? That's what they make bath towels for. Just lay one down and forget about it.

 

[Charlie-NY]

Someone might want to mention what the standard is for the top height. My club built all of their benches on concrete blocks in a "T" shape with a heavy cast concrete top. In the end, all of the benches are a bit too high. Not much they can do about it now.

 

[21PHX]

3 1/2” of 3000 psi concrete is more than adequate, easy to form 2 on a sheet of plywood using 2x4s. Just be sure to use enough rebar and/or wire inside the form. NO to rubber.

 

[BoydAllen]

The minimum height, based on my experience would be 34". Taller stools will solve your problem.

 

[D Coots]

I posted this on the wrong thread earlier. St Louis BR Club top.

 

[Herzo]

Horse mats from Rural King are what we use agt our club.

 

[6.5 forever]

Concrete is very cold. Rubber is a good idea.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Coots, your green target stand seems pretty close. Great groups from that setup?

 

[D Coots]

My friend Tony Larson made this one from pallywood.

 

[LHSmith]

I have built several for local clubs. I used the "T" design 3-1/2" thick, built forms to have the tops' edges radiused, 1/2" rebar, standard bagged concrete mix. I settled on 33" height based on shooting from various clubs' benches. I wouldn't paint the top and definitely not use rubber to cover them if top accuracy is your goal. I know of no ranges that hold registered benchrest matches that cover concrete tops with anything. The tops are mounted on concrete piers (3) formed by sonotubes which allows for maximum leg room.