A proper bench

[Michael]

While I really don’t enjoy shooting off of a bench, it can be a useful tool when testing different products and tunes.

For years I’ve shot off of a Lifetime (like Rubbermaid) portable table, then recently I purchased a Caldwell Stable Table. Both did ok for what they were, but I needed something less portable and sturdier.

I just bought this 2ft x 4ft bamboo and steel beast. It weighs about 50 lbs, is rated to hold 2000 lbs, is height adjustable, and has leveling caster feet. I haven’t shot off it yet, but I can tell that it’s not going to flex and change my POI from the slightest external input.

What kind of table have you found works best for you?

 

[cavedweller]

for outside I bought a caldwell shooting bench that came with a seat that was always too high or too low, so i drilled a hole in the concrete and mounted the table in the concrete and use my own stool. When i don't need the bench i pull it up and voila, free space. This I have the luxury of year round shooting, and from inside I’m somewhat stealthy when shooting a noisier Airgun

this is my inside set up.

 

[beerthief]

While I really don’t enjoy shooting off of a bench, it can be a useful tool when testing different products and tunes.

For years I’ve shot off of a Lifetime (like Rubbermaid) portable table, then recently I purchased a Caldwell Stable Table. Both did ok for what they were, but I needed something less portable and sturdier.

I just bought this 2ft x 4ft bamboo and steel beast. It weighs about 50 lbs, is rated to hold 2000 lbs, is height adjustable, and has leveling caster feet. I haven’t shot off it yet, but I can tell that it’s not going to flex and change my POI from the slightest external input.

View attachment 510910

What kind of table have you found works best for you?

caster will roll on the uneven ground, shifting when you apply weight . just a thought . Wonderful looking table

 

[beerthief]

i use a SS steel table top from a restaurant sitting on two 40 gallon barrels full of water . does not move .

 

[Firewalker]

I made left and right handed bench from treated 2x10", it sits on a 2x10 box frame and gives OK stability. I'll move my 50y backstop this next spring and pour a slab for a covered concrete bench.

 

[Peashooter]

I use 1" thick wooden table top ( kitchen counter ) for our benches, in the front end it is supported by a 4 X 4" beam horizontal mounted between 2 similar size beams.
In the back end there is 1 leg, also made of the same 4 X 4

Everything is under a roof and inside walls.
I still need to oil the bench tops, CUZ i think that will be the best thing to do, that will of course be burly Danish oil CUZ that's how we roll.

Will update with a fresh pic when i get home from the range some time Saturday.

 

[Michael]

caster will roll on the uneven ground, shifting when you apply weight . just a thought . Wonderful looking table

Maybe I used the wrong term. This bench came with heavy duty adjustable feet (I called them caster feet). I certainly wouldn't use anything with wheels!

 

[Michael]

for outside I bought a caldwell shooting bench that came with a seat that was always too high or too low, so i drilled a hole in the concrete and mounted the table in the concrete and use my own stool. When i don't need the bench i pull it up and voila, free space.
this is my inside set up.
View attachment 510914

Eliminating the attached chair was smart!

 

[beerthief]

Maybe I used the wrong term. This bench came with heavy duty adjustable feet (I called them caster feet). I certainly wouldn't use anything with wheels!

where did you get the table ? maybe post a link ?

 

[Michael]

where did you get the table ? maybe post a link ?

This tiny local store https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8SDBLTJ?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[archerhmr]

The very best portable bench and even for a permanent setup is https://www.stukeysbenches.com/.
They are also the most expensive. When I purchased mine they were quite a bit less. Do not shy away, especially if you shoot expensive Airguns or powder burner, and already have a good air compressor, next get this bench. You will not be sorry.

 

[Gunnertrones]

A section of my old office table.....

 

[HeyU]

I bought a stainless steel restaurant kitchen table/stand. Has a lower shelf. I don't remember what I paid for it. I was looking for a solid microwave stand. It could'nt have been too much. I'm frugal by necessity,lol.I got it from Cosco I think. I leave it out year round. Ohio. I like the electrical outlets and the adjustable height on yours Mike.

 

[grackleblast]

My home bench is my go to for dialing in scopes or testing various projectiles , both air gun and rimfire. I built the bench from plans readily available online and think it was one of my best investments. The first picture was at completion about 5 years ago . The second picture is today ( the blue tarp is a wonderful asset as a brass catcher when shooting my 10/22 ). A good shooting bench is a beautiful thing. Then:

and now :

 

[Ranchibi]

Michael, like you, I have and use a Lifetime foldable table because I need it to be movable....your new table looks rock solid! Enjoy shooting from it

 

[AlanMcD]

My home bench is my go to for dialing in scopes or testing various projectiles , both air gun and rimfire. I built the bench from plans readily available online and think it was one of my best investments. The first picture was at completion about 5 years ago . The second picture is today ( the blue tarp is a wonderful asset as a brass catcher when shooting my 10/22 ). A good shooting bench is a beautiful thing. Then:

View attachment 511003



and now :

View attachment 511004

I really like this, and think I found the plans - they call for longer posts that get buried in the ground or cemented in place. I like that yours is moveable, if needed. Do you think you gave up anything on stability this way?

 

[grackleblast]

I really like this, and think I found the plans - they call for longer posts that get buried in the ground or cemented in place. I like that yours is moveable, if needed. Do you think you gave up anything on stability this way?

Absolutely not. This bench is a monolith. It would take at least 2 or 3 people to move it. Chances are , that if I ever move from here , it will stay.

 

[imtrigerhapy]

This is what i use

 

[Peashooter]

One Bench. ( 50 % open shudders )

Same bench with finger heater attached. ( it was a bit nippy yesterday )

 

[Trunion]

This is a great thread, a lot of creative folks here. I bought a folding table called the Predator from Amazon... what a piece of junk. Only used it a couple of dozen times and the folding mechanism failed. The plastic top seemed good enough but everything else is typical china crap. It ended up at the town dump.