Handgun and Rifle shooting bench ideas

[jimh406]

I'm building a new rifle shooting bench. Anyone have a favorite design. I'm using repurposed wood left over from a remodel years ago, so I have plenty of wood to use. It doesn't need to be portable or covered.

Current plan is 60 x 48 which is huge, but allows for being ambidextrous and plenty of room. I can put it place with my tractor, so weight is also not an issue.

I also plan to make a handgun bench, so a design for that is good as well. I'm thinking it would be probably taller to set the handguns down while standing.

If you have other ideas about racks to cool off rifles/handguns, target holders, etc please give me those ideas as well.

 

[Lil Foot]

Can't help with the most of your questions, (never built a bench) but something I find handy at the range are shooting blocks.
I have two sizes.
One is 5" x 7", the other is 4" x 6", both about 9" long, tightly wrapped with thick carpet, with a drawer pull on one end.
Handy as rests, several different heights, just by flipping them or stacking them.
I'd show pics, but I'm 2500 miles away right now.

 

[#40Fan]

If using wood, bury the legs for extra support.

I made mine from steel and cement. With just three legs (not buried), it is rock solid.

Adjustable seat heights if you plan for others to use it.

 

[imnukensc]

If I had enough space for a permanent bench, I'd build one; most likely a "T" shaped one with seats on both sides at the bottom of the T. Lots and lots of shooting bench photos and plans online that you could easily scale up to fit your needs. I've also seen several plans and photos for portable benches which were pretty nifty, but I never got around to building one of those. I can only shoot a max of about 60 yards in the backyard so I just set up a folding table, grab a chair, front and rear rests, and whatever gun or guns I'm shooting.

 

[GeoHorn]

A simple fold-up table sold at Costco, WalMart, etc…with the corner cut out for the shooter to place his upside-down 5-gal bucket for a seat.

https://www.amazon.com/Auscamotek-Cushion-Hunting-Gardening-Comfortable/dp/B08QYNCVKL/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QZw0Tcu5eFn4wTNuPWMXftlYfGIhPlqVlLADSJIWfYcJqlo70K05bTvO-KMqr10FRFDey59T1DizyPWacvOTECr5XBJkNNQFVk06kulye91McO9KdMt2d0OUbFFe26GeTytOoLsQU6rdkZ-F81DqCmJb3JfYroQtQrQHfeAsWYSxBdHjrxAYEcYBY3qwHeMOhmsg2qaJSuleacHWIxVev9uDwPQ6lI1S98zeeGaJmlh-OnupCKyFQSE9YzODGTtyEmT_wlVnHpNUKvOFALWZNdLhmMHmHeanwqKUtU3CVpA.3MP6pPAnTsymV72YNd0t5MaJl4lv_5pzmN2IwHrzE9s&dib_tag=se&hvadid=695366008286&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9028270&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=5068804403090350480--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5068804403090350480&hvtargid=kwd-369194777447&hydadcr=8433_13573156&keywords=5%2Bgal%2Bbucket%2Bseat&mcid=67d756f9f3f038e0b3f098d8248d0497&qid=1754969668&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[chim]

At our club we have benches that are like a fat "T". They're under roof on a concrete pad and are masonry with heavy wood tops. There are permanent benches on each side so both right and left-handed shooters can use them. They work well for both rifles and handguns. There are plenty of sand-filled shot bags for propping guns as desired.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I recent bought one of these and love it.

I especially like that "height adjustable, swivel'able gun rest".

It makes for a very fast and convenient rest. It also detaches in seconds and stores nicely. (although that may not be a big deal for a permanent structure)

I really like that feature, so if it's possible, maybe incorporate something similar?

Also one thing I need to address personally, is the sun beating on me.

Maybe you could incorporate some sort of "umbrella holder" to make the sessions more enjoyable.

I kinda dislike actual "covered shooting benchs" due to them being "stupid loud", but thats just a "personal beef".