Patently Obvious

I finally had a few free moments and some good weather yesterday so I used it to get some pics of my prototype shooting bench creation.

This is something I’ve had in my head for a while now. I had seen a number of different types of benches, both homemade and commercially available, and even created some very crude versions to use at Boomershoot. The first one that I built and took to Boomershoot 2005 used an engine stand built for a big block. Sadly, while the idea was right, it didn’t even come close to solving the problems as I had envisioned and I ended up using David’s bench built for a left-hander that year.

The second was used at Boomershoot 2006 and was a modification of David’s bench, which used straight and 45 degree angle pipe bits for the legs. While it solved the problems and served the purpose, it was wonky, cumbersome and not “aesthetically pleasing”.

During the ensuing years, I have been to the big-box sporting goods stores and looked through catalogs online and only seen uncomfortable, flimsy and forgettable products I probably wouldn’t even accept as gifts. At the other end of the spectrum I’d seen some very expensive and overly complicated set-ups that I would accept as gifts, because I could never afford them.

With the opportunity I’ve made for myself in my choice of schooling, I have set out to build a shooting bench that is fully adjustable for people of all sizes, shapes and dexterites, works with just about any shooting discipline that needs a steady rest, and most importantly of all, is comfortable enough for shooting off all day long.

I’d like to introduce to you, the Heavy Metal Bench.

Yes, I do my own modelling. I’m on a low budget.

Built from the same materials you would use to tow a boat or travel trailer, but because of its modular design, it is still light enough that a teen could carry it around. The assembly is also straightforward enough that that same teen could put it together with a crescent wrench in a couple minutes. Also, except for the seat, it is small enough to store in the corner of a closet.

The top is adjustable for height. The seat is also adjustable for height as well as distance from the top. The legs are adjustable so that it will sit level on just about any terrain. These pictures were taken on the driveway alongside my house. It is not level. But the top is.

Another feature that I have seen nowhere, is this

Because of the materials used to build it, it is compatible with your hitch receiver. I was hoping to get a picture of this bench plugged into Dave the RNS Photographer’s Suburban. I can picture this option being popular with guys who varmint hunt. Pop open the hatch of your SUV and “go dogging” all day out of the back of your vehicle. Need more ammo? Spin to your right. Need a soda? Spin to your left.

I shot all three days of Boomershoot 2014 off this bench. I even ate lunch sitting in it. No sore back or cheeks.

As you can probably tell, I’m looking to sell a few of these. If you or anyone you know is in the market for something of this magnitude of awesome, hit the email addy button and get in touch with me. These will be very reasonably priced. There is about $225 worth of steel in the rig, and I work relatively cheaply. I’d really rather not have to take a boring factory job and quit school in August. I’d rather go to school until next March and build shooting benches, AR500 steel shooting plates for up to .50BMG and these kick ass tables after class and on the weekends.

For folks who don’t need 2″ square tubular steel or who have a smaller SUV with an 1.25″ receiver, I can also build these in 1.25″ square tubing. It will be just as adjustable and close enough in strength as makes no difference. I’m also open to discussing user specific mods. Only ever shoot from the right-handed position? I don’t need to put on a center or left position. Saves me time and you money.

Sometime this Summer I will be getting a plasma cutter. When I do, I will be posting about the different shapes and designs of shooting plates I plan on making. These too will be very reasonably priced. You’ll pay my price for materials and $10 to $20 per cut depending on the complexity.

Watch this space.