Having a passion for recreational shooting myself, I’ve often encountered the need for a shooting bench. However, I’ve found that many commercially available options can be quite expensive and may not always offer the features I desire. This led me to explore the possibility of crafting my own DIY shooting bench, which I discovered to be a surprisingly straightforward endeavor.
The idea of saving money by opting for a homemade shooting bench appealed to me greatly. I realized that with a bit of guidance, even those unfamiliar with woodworking could embark on this project confidently. The prospect of customizing the bench to suit my specific preferences and shooting style further motivated me to pursue the DIY route.
In my search for guidance, I stumbled upon a roundup of 13 shooting bench plans, which provided invaluable insights and step-by-step instructions. These plans not only demystified the process of building a shooting bench but also offered a variety of designs to cater to different needs and skill levels. Armed with these resources, I felt empowered to embark on my own DIY shooting bench project, confident in my ability to create a personalized and cost-effective solution.
1. DIY Concrete Shooting Bench
The first one we have a concrete shooting bench and slab by ultimatereloader that can be the perfect solution for those who are looking for something very strong and durable. The work can actually be done right under $300.
In A small step-by-step DIY project, the DIYer talks about his experience of building the concrete shooting bench and the slab. DIY project also shares some useful DIY projects which will help you to make the plan for your shooting bench.
Additionally, there is a list of needed materials and their prices. So, you know in advance what you will need and how much will it cost.
In the DIY project, the DIYer closely explains how to do each part of the shooting bench. For example, he first explains how to do a concrete slab.
This shooting bench plan will teach you how how to build the base, install the top, and then set the bench top. The DIYer also talks about his mistakes and what he would do differently.
It is worth mentioning, that this shooting bench plan also includes a video. Hearing about his experience can be very useful in your shooting bench project. This particular project will guide you to do the concrete shooting bench with a very strong support system.
2. Instructions For Making “2X4s” Shooting Bench Plans
With this DIY project, you will be able to make a simple shooting bench by howtospecialist with a minimum amount of materials. You will only need 2X4s plans and screws.
At the beginning of the DIY project, you will come across some useful tips. For example, the DIYer states that you will have to buy lumber that is weather-resistant. In such cases, Cedar and Pine can be useful.
In this DIY shooting bench plan, there are detailed illustrations of each step, with its measurements. So, it gives you all the essential information to do a homemade shooting bench yourself. A project will only take one weekend to be finished. You may also like to build similar project like reloading bench plans to load ammo safetly.
In addition to that, there is also a list of tools that will be needed and materials. These instructions will help you from beginning to end to build the wooden 2X4s plans shooting bench.
3. Homemade DIY Shooting Bench
4. Ultimate Shooting Bench Building
5. Shooting Bench Building Instructions
Shooting the bench-building process in an 18-minute-long YouTube video is a great way to get started with your DIY project. The viewer also gets to see what are all the needed materials and tools. As he puts the wood plates together, he also explains which materials are better and what is the exact measurement of different parts.
The DIYer in the video explains important steps as he goes through the process. As you go through the comments and reviews, you will see that many people tried to follow this DIY project and succeeded.
So, if you want to do your own low-cost homemade shooting bench, then this is the perfect video guide for you.
6. Easy DIY Shooting Bench Instructions
Wooden shooting bench such as this on YouTube video can be relatively easy to make and also will cost much less. The video is 10 minutes long and starts by showing the result of a beautiful wooden shooting bench. So, you know what will your shooting bench look like if you follow this shooting bench plan carefully.
The great thing about this video DIY project is that he explains the steps well and carefully. As the video goes on, you can see the important information is written in large font size, so you will not be able to miss it.
The building process is pictured perfectly there. The DIYer in the video slowly explains all the details such as measurements of the plates and shows shooting bench plans. Every time he uses new tool, he talks about how to properly work with it and why it is necessary.
So, by following this instruction, you can build your own homemade shooting bench easily.
7. Building Portable Shooting Bench
As we already mentioned above, there are many different types of shooting benches. One of the best varieties is portable shooting benches. This DIY project is very detailed instructions for a DIY portable shooting bench by portercalls.
It is worth mentioning that the project has very useful external links which will provide you with more information about the topic.
At the beginning of the plan, there are plans for a shooting bench. It is followed by the list of materials that will be needed. There are detailed instructions for the measurements of each material, which can be very useful.
In addition to that, there are very clear pictures that show every step of the process. This shooting bench plan, which is full of notes and useful information will definitely help you to build the portable shooting bench on your own. You may also like to learn how to build some garage work benches to do most of your work easily.
8. Instructions For Large Shooting Bench Projects
A large-size shooting bench DIY project by ‘Shooting Software’ will help you in every step of the process. However, it is more complicated too, and requires some experience.
At the beginning of the DIY project, this particular project takes more time to be completed. It also requires specialized equipment. There, you will see two types of shooting projects done.
The first bench will have an Adjustable elevation and portable swivel top. The second one is a rock-solid folding shooting bench.
The bench in this project is mainly made out of steel unlike our the plans we have discussed earlier. In the guide, you will see a list of other needed tools and materials. However, this instruction is lacking the main components- detailed, step-by-step instructions. You may also like to go through some deer blind plans to enjoy your hunting hobby.
9. DIY Mobile Shooting Bench
The next plan shows how to do the DIY mobile shooting bench by My Outdoor Plans. This particular DIY project shows only two pictures and minor information. The shooting bench that is shown there has wheels and is large in size.
The DIYer briefly talks about the materials that he used in the building process. In addition to that, you can also see the external link to the instructions. As someone who appreciates thorough guidance, I found the slow and deliberate pace of the video to be particularly helpful.
To conclude, this shooting bench plan also shows the end result. Therefore, you will probably need some previous experience to finalize this project.
10. Shooting Bench Plans For Your DIY Project
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly DIY project, then this particular shooting bench plans by Aero Aces can be very helpful. On the main page of the instructions, there are 12 steps of the process. Each of them is explained well with the pictures, tables, and illustrations.
The first part is material lists. When clicking on this option, you will see the list of all materials that you may need with the exact measurements. After that, there are steps discussing the tabletop, leg mount, Assembly, and finishing up.
This shooting bench plan is a good, brief overview of the building process. It is suitable for beginners too and when following instructions, will turn out perfect.
11. PDF Instructions For Shooting Bench Plans
Here, you will come across something different. In this case, you will see shooting bench plans by Sierra Bullets in a PDF document. At the beginning of the document, there is a list of needed materials for the diy shooting bench project. The list includes a Circular saw, Drill, level, square, pencil, tape measure, file, sander, hole saw, and eye and year protection. After the tools, then comes the list of materials with the needed measurements.
On the third page, you will come across the breakdown of how the wood needs to be cut. This is a very smart and good visualization. After that, the whole process is explained in detail, and pictures and drawings are added too.
This is a definitely DIY project that will help you build a wooden shooting bench with little to no experience. See also other related woodworking projects such as: potting bench plans.
12. Get Free Shooting Bench Plans
Are you looking for some free bench plans? This particular DIY project offers very useful information and provides free shooting bench plans by myoutdoorplans. It also teaches how to do the double shooting bench from the basic materials.
At the beginning of the DIY project, you can see the pictures of projects that were done using those plans for shooting bench. The duration of this project is one day and there, you will also be able to see the list of materials and tools that will be needed in the process.
The plans are visualized well with the illustrations. It also has the exact measurements of the wood and how to cut it. In these particular instructions, you will also get some tips that can be very helpful in the process.
In the comments section, people discuss how much these plans helped them in finalizing the project.
13. DIY Shooting Bench Under $100
Conclusion
Shooting benches are just what their name implies: the bench that is used when shooting. Shooting sports has been around since the 19th century. There actually is a sport called bench shooting.
The sport has gained enormous popularity and is followed by many people all around the world. A shooting bench’s main function is to steady the pistol as much as possible, enabling the optimum shooting technique. You can make any type of shooting bench yourself by following the instructions.
Based upon some of the most common questions asked I have prepared a questionnaire.
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to build a shooting bench?
The cost of building a shooting bench will vary according to the material you use. A sturdy DIY shooting bench can be created from concrete, wood, or metal. If recycled materials are used the cost will be lower than if you purchase all new building materials.
How high can a shooting bench be?
Since you are the one building it, a shooting bench can be as high, or as low, as you want it to be. When you are creating a homemade item, the item can be customized to meet your exact specifications. If you are building it for a customer, then customize the shooting bench to meet the customer’s needs.
What are the different Types of Shooting Benches and Tables?
Shooting benches and tables can be created for a single shooter or it can be a two seater that can accommodate two shooters aiming at the same target. They can be stationary or portable, adjustable or fixed, have seats or not have seats, and made from a wide variety of materials.
The types of shooting benches and tables can’t really be counted since the types are only limited to what you can imagine. You can build any type of design or style that you can think of when you make it yourself.
References:
Oxford Academic, Forensic Sciences Research, Published: 03 August 2023, “Assessing the shooting distance of lead-free ammunition regardless of composition using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy”, https://academic.oup.com/fsr/article/8/3/256/7236590
Pyramyd Adventures in Recreation, July 17, 2007 by B.B. Pelletier, “What is a shooting bench?”, https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2007/07/what-is-a-shooting-bench/