Portable Shooting Bench

[quickdtoo]

I've been wanting to build a portable shooting bench for a long time, but never found a design that I liked that didn't require welding. I finally found one that is simple, inexpensive, easy to build and from the description, fairly sturdy. I'm going to use 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood, laminated together as I already have it. I also want to rout a small channel in the top perimeter around the front, back and right side to prevent small objects from rolling off. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

http://www.aeroaces.com/bench1.htm

[KN]

That looks just like the benches my group uses. The only difference is that I welded the angled leg flanges together from plates and 1-1/2" threaded unions. But I don't see why that design would not work just as well. Not as much work as I went to either.   KN

[quickdtoo]

That style was gonna be what I liked but when I found this one without the welding, the cost went way down as I don't have a welder.

http://www.larrywillis.com/shootingbench.html

[KN]

Yep, Thats what my leg mounts look like. Also two thicknesses of 3/4 plywood works pretty good but if you can find an old solid core door to cut the shape from it really makes a nice top.  KN

[Mike in Ct]

This may not help everyone..but before you build a bench...Someone suggested using one of those Workmate vise tables..they fold right up & the tabletop holds two rests that can be adjusted for shooting up or downhill...the only drawback is it is 4 legged so a shimm may be needed to steady it on uneven ground..So far it works really well & I only use 3 small sandbags with it..I use a five gal. pail with a seat on it..normally from what would be the straight backside of the table top..longest shot was from it this past sept.was under 300 yds..The bi-pod & shooting sticks were just not steady enough with the 13.5 lb. rig I have been using..Makeing the two wood rests to place sandbags on was easy..about 8 inches of 2 X 6 topped with 1/2 inch or whatever plywood to fit your bags..the rear rest can be shorter..Locked into the vise table they fold up & are ready to use by unfolding the rig..quick set ups are no problem..If you have an suv hatch back..from a pickup truck just leave it extended..ammo & sandbags keep the pail seat from flying around...I wish I had that bench with me in SW Pa. my rolling modified golf cart for chuck hunting was good but when you can drive your gear around that little bench/seat works wonders...mike in ct

[catfishingham]

Quidkdtoo,
I like the design, stright forward. I am thinking you might add a short hitch bar on the non shooting side (under neath), turn it over and slip it in your trailer hitch. You wouldn't have to mess with removing the legs. Food for thought.

Catfishingham

[Bama76]

Two words... IRONING BOARD! Adjustable hieght and the four feet type (not T-bar type) are quite stable. Works like a charm. Under $20 at the marts. I stumbled on the idea one day and am now convinced I'm a jenius. LOL

Mike