anyone ever make a shooting rail for a ladder stand?

[Jal5]

I have a simple ladder stand- small seat area, small standing area, no shooting rail. Looks a lot like this one
http://www.ameristep.com/treestands/9400_warrior.html
I was thinking how much more useful this stand would be if I had a shooting rail. I am thinking of fabricating something out of electrical conduit, bent to a U-shape and have 4 metal support pieces down to the stand itself. Do you think that would be sturdy enough as a shooting rest for firearm or crossbow? alternative would be to simply attach this U-shaped piece to the stand by screws and let it be adjustable to move it out of the way if needed.

Any ideas would be welcomed.

Joe

[Hofs01]

Yes, I have one that I hunt ut of a lot. It is going up this weekend. I will take a picture and send it to you.
Basically, where the ladder stops and starts to curve, using u bolts we extended it with steel fencepost railing. We made a removeable piece that connected the two which became the shooting rail (we padded ours). We also braced it from about the top of the extention to the back of the seat(by the tree) with very small angle iron.

Hope this helps, I will add a picture as well.

[Jal5]

Hofs, a picture would be a great help, thanks.

Joe

[Land_Owner]

Definately on the right track using "U" bolts and not screwing into the existing metal of the stand.  You don't want the stand coming apart on you due to your reduction of the metal when you reach that seat elevation.  You would be surprised, it happens more than you would think.  That sheet metal is soft and the "load paths" are thin.  Adding stress (leaning on the rail) and reducing member area (by drilling holes - even though you fill them with screw or bolt) is a recipe for disaster.

A shooting rail is a good idea.  Fence rail posts "U" bolted to the upright portions of the ladder is an excellent idea.  WTG Hofs!  Inserting the shooting rail into the fence posts should be made sufficiently sturdy to provide resistance from falling as you lean into the shot.  Add a drape and you're golden!

[Jal5]

good points Landowner.

Hofs a picture would be useful even a cellphone pic.

Joe

[deerhuntertyler]

I have several deer stands that I have made shooting rails for. On my tripod stand I used copper pipeing because of the wait, but on the rest I used the wireing condut stuff. That type of tubeing makes for a strong and sturdy shooting rail. Like the guy above said, I would definatly not drill any holes into the tree stand because of how much it weakens the stand. The right sied U-bolts work great and I use wing nuts on them so It can easily be removed for bow hunting. good luck in working out the kinks and what not.

[jacksrbtr46]

I use these on lock on's and ladder stands.  You can get them at Sportsmanaguide, Bass Pro and oter places.  O have seen them $29.97 and up

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/universal-paddedshooting-rail.aspx?a=356124

Jack