Suggestions for the height of a shooting bench

[Matt@Nearfield]

When building work benches for joinery we can spend ages trying g to get the height correct.. only for it to be wrong anyway but we'd often make one slight low, then build it o er time to the correct height. Temporarily in books so we can adjust, then, in theory replace books with wood 'bearers' or similar. But often life happens and they stay on books.
The point being its difficult to get it right first time, and if you've spent ages building something its a bit soul destroying to go adjusting it.

 

[Mark Palmer]

I'd go with the hight you shoot at the local range (assuming you use one) if not the dining table start point, or even your old wobbly table. An adjustable height seat is useful, a drummers "throne" is ideal for this as 3 legs work on any surface, heavy duty and adjustable, the ratio between seat and bench is more important than the actual bench height. An L shaped top makes for easier elbow support than a flat fronted bench

 

[V1ktor]

I have a Savage Island shooting table which, according to specs, is 88cm table top height and 52cm seat height.

Works OK for me.

 

[Whispering Walter]

I'm 6' 0" and have made a bench and independent seat to suit me.
Bench = 91cms high
Seat = 54 cms high

 

[Royboy251149]

I need to make a bench. My 'placky circular garden table has worked (sort of ) for 20@ years. I feel the urge now to get into20 yard benchrest and a wobbling table is not suitable.

So, suggestions for the height, even the design will be much appreciated.

How high is your table you are using at the moment,do you use a cousion or a gun rest bag check how high.

 

[pjgtech]

The Clarkes (Machine Mart) saw horse I use on my self build bench, has adjustable legs, so can have I think four different heights.
Heres dimensions for mine.... see attached

 

[Andy from Sandy]

I would get the height of the table worked out after you find a comfortable seat height.

I actually like being on the end of the table. I'm not a fan of the cut-out tables as I can't rest my left arm fully.

 

[Sandman]

I think someone on here, made a shooting bench from ( a joinery type saw horse) from a well known building supply chain , which had adjustable legs so fixed the top on and was than fully adjustable also foldable for easy storage when not in use
Worth a look in to

 

[Andy from Sandy]

It's worth reading the thread as just 2 posts up is that person it appears!

 

[Sandman]

Maybe it was posted as I was trying !

 

[pjgtech]

I think someone on here, made a shooting bench from ( a joinery type saw horse) from a well known building supply chain , which had adjustable legs so fixed the top on and was than fully adjustable also foldable for easy storage when not in use
Worth a look in to

Erm, that would be me, see #15

 

[Danger Mouse]

Re the seating height...I had trouble getting my head height/position right, and a good cheek weld. I have to rest my head on the stock (dodgy neck).
Anyway, I bought a drummer's throne with adjustable height. Cheap as, but works great.
When shooting my CZ457 at BR I found that just 1/4" difference in height can make or break a good head position or cheek weld.
So maybe try a drummer's throne and a table/bench without an attached seat?

 

[Gap-Shot]

I need to make a bench. My 'placky circular garden table has worked (sort of ) for 20@ years. I feel the urge now to get into20 yard benchrest and a wobbling table is not suitable.

So, suggestions for the height, even the design will be much appreciated.

Regarding design, consider making a plywood top about 25mm thick to attach to a Black & Decker Workmate as a shooting bench ?
I've built a few shooting platforms for bench rest and long range varmint shooting with conventional cartridge rifles, and find this one to be easy to make, portable, and rock solid for purpose.

The rectangular top has a corner cut out and routed edges. There is a length of timbre attached to the bottom which can be clamped in the jaws of the Workmate. Mine has a single bolt in the middle of the top to attach the timbre to the underside using a large wingnut to hold it in place. This setup allows the top to be held rigidly in place on the workmate, but allows it to swivel if necessary. Here are some photos.
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