Building a homemade benchrest shooting rest can be a rewarding project for any precision shooter. It allows for customization to your specific needs and preferences, often at a fraction of the cost of commercial models. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, covering various designs and considerations for building a reliable and accurate shooting rest. This homemade benchrest shooting rest will significantly improve your accuracy and consistency at the range.
Designing Your Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rest
The design of your homemade benchrest shooting rest will largely depend on your specific needs and the materials you have available. However, several key features should be considered:
Stability and Adjustability: Key Considerations
Stability is paramount. A shaky rest will ruin your shot group, no matter how skilled you are. The design must minimize vibration and movement during firing. Adjustability is also vital; you need precise control over height and windage to achieve optimal alignment with your target.
- Height Adjustment: A crucial feature for proper shooting posture and consistent cheek weld. Consider using threaded rods, adjustable legs, or a combination of both.
- Windage Adjustment: Essential for fine-tuning your rifle's point of aim. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, including sliding platforms, adjustable feet, or even a simple lever system.
- Material Selection: Choose materials that are rigid, stable, and durable. Steel, aluminum, and hardwood are popular choices. Consider the weight as well; a heavier rest will generally be more stable.
Popular Designs and Their Pros & Cons
Here are a few popular designs for homemade benchrest rests, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
| Design Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Wooden Rest | Easy to build, inexpensive materials. | Limited adjustability, less stable than other designs. |
| Steel Frame Rest | Highly stable, durable, easily adjustable. | More complex to build, requires welding or bolting skills. |
| Adjustable Platform Rest | Good adjustability, relatively easy to build. | Can be less stable than a well-built steel frame design. |
Building a Simple Wooden Benchrest Shooting Rest (Beginner-Friendly)
This design is perfect for beginners, utilizing readily available materials and simple construction techniques.
Materials:
- Two 2x4s (approximately 36 inches long)
- One 2x6 (approximately 12 inches long)
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish (optional)
Tools:
- Saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Level
Instructions:
- Cut the 2x4s to length. These will form the legs of the rest.
- Cut the 2x6 to length. This will be the shooting platform.
- Attach the 2x6 to the top of the 2x4s using wood screws, ensuring the platform is level and securely fastened. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Sand all surfaces smooth to prevent snagging your shooting bag or rifle.
- Apply a wood finish (optional) to protect the wood from moisture and wear.
Building a More Advanced Steel Frame Benchrest Shooting Rest
This design requires more advanced skills and tools but offers superior stability and adjustability.
Materials:
- Steel square tubing or angle iron
- Threaded rod
- Nuts and bolts
- Welding equipment (or a strong metalworking vise)
- Appropriate fasteners
Instructions: (Note: This is a simplified outline; specific dimensions and designs will vary.)
- Design and Cut: Create a detailed design plan including dimensions and locations of all components. Carefully cut the steel tubing to the required lengths.
- Welding (or Bolting): Assemble the steel frame according to your design. If welding, ensure clean welds for strength and stability. Bolting provides an alternative for those without welding equipment, but may require additional bracing.
- Mount the platform: Attach a solid, flat platform to the frame. This will be where your shooting bag rests.
- Implement adjustments: Incorporate mechanisms for height and windage adjustment using threaded rods, or similar mechanisms.
- Testing and Refinement: Thoroughly test the rest before use, adjusting components as needed to achieve optimal stability and adjustability.
Tips for Optimizing Your Homemade Benchrest
- Use a shooting bag: A good quality shooting bag is essential, even with the most stable rest. It helps absorb recoil and provide consistent support for your rifle.
- Level the rest: Ensure your rest is perfectly level before each shooting session. A slight imbalance can significantly affect accuracy.
- Experiment with different designs: Don't be afraid to experiment with different designs and materials to find what works best for you.
- Maintain your rest: Regularly clean and maintain your rest to prevent rust and damage.
Building a homemade benchrest shooting rest is a great way to improve your shooting accuracy without breaking the bank. Remember safety first, and always follow safe gun handling practices. With careful planning and construction, you can create a custom rest that perfectly meets your needs and elevates your shooting experience. The satisfaction of building and using your own custom benchrest shooting rest will significantly improve your shooting consistency and precision.