Building a homemade benchrest shooting rest can be a rewarding project for any serious shooter. A well-constructed rest significantly improves accuracy and consistency, allowing you to explore the full potential of your rifle and ammunition. This guide will walk you through the design, materials, and construction of a high-quality benchrest shooting rest that can be built at home, without needing specialized tools or extensive woodworking experience. We'll cover everything from simple designs suitable for beginners to more advanced options for experienced shooters.
Designing Your Homemade Benchrest
The design of your benchrest will depend on your skill level, available materials, and budget. Consider these factors when planning your project:
Types of Benchrest Designs
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Simple, Adjustable Height Rest: This is a great starting point. A simple design uses readily available materials like wood and hardware. Adjustability is crucial, allowing you to fine-tune the height for different shooting positions and rifles.
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Advanced, Fully Adjustable Rest: More advanced designs incorporate features such as adjustable front and rear support, allowing for precise cant adjustment and windage correction. This might incorporate ball-and-socket joints for maximum flexibility.
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Bag Rest: While not a traditional "rest," bags filled with sand or other materials offer a very stable and adaptable shooting platform, particularly for smaller calibers. A homemade bag rest is easy to construct.
Materials Selection
The most common materials used in homemade benchrests are wood and metal. Wood offers a good balance of strength, weight, and ease of working. Metal provides greater durability and precision but requires more specialized tools and skills. Consider:
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Wood: Hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch are ideal for their strength and stability. Pine is softer and easier to work but less durable. Properly treated wood will resist moisture and warping.
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Metal: Steel or aluminum are suitable for metal components. Aluminum is lighter but less rigid than steel. Welded steel provides excellent strength and rigidity for advanced designs.
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Hardware: You will need screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and possibly angle brackets, depending on your design. High-quality hardware is essential for a durable and reliable rest.
Step-by-Step Construction: A Simple Wooden Rest
This guide outlines the construction of a basic, adjustable-height benchrest suitable for beginners. More advanced designs would follow similar principles but incorporate more complex features.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Wood: Two 2x4s (approximately 2 feet long), one 2x6 (approximately 1 foot long). Select your preferred hardwood or treated lumber.
- Screws: Wood screws (at least 1.5 inch long)
- Drill: Electric drill with appropriate drill bits
- Saw: Hand saw or circular saw
- Sandpaper: Various grits for smoothing
- Wood glue: High-quality exterior-grade wood glue
- Clamps: Several woodworking clamps
- Level: A carpenter's level for ensuring stability
- Measuring tape: Accurate measuring is essential.
- Optional: Paint or stain for finishing.
Construction Steps:
- Cut the wood: Cut the 2x4s to your desired length for the front and rear supports. The 2x6 will serve as a base.
- Assemble the front and rear supports: Attach the 2x4s to the base (2x6) using wood glue and screws, creating a stable "U" shape. Ensure they are firmly attached and perpendicular to the base.
- Add adjustable height: The most common method is to use a threaded rod and wing nuts to adjust the height. Drill holes through the supports and the base, threading the rod through and securing with wing nuts.
- Sand and finish: Thoroughly sand all surfaces to remove rough edges and splinters. Apply paint or stain to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
- Test and refine: Test the completed benchrest on a stable surface. Ensure it is level, stable, and the adjustments work smoothly.
Advanced Design Considerations
More advanced homemade benchrests could incorporate:
- Ball-and-socket joints: These allow for finer adjustments of cant and windage.
- Adjustable front and rear supports: This allows independent adjustment for fine-tuning the rifle's position.
- Metal components: Using metal for certain parts enhances durability and precision. This might require welding or other metalworking skills.
- Vibration damping: Materials like rubber or sorbothane can help damp vibrations, improving accuracy.
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when working with tools and firearms. Wear safety glasses and appropriate hearing protection. Ensure the benchrest is sturdy and stable before using it. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Follow all firearm safety rules and regulations.
Conclusion
Building a homemade benchrest shooting rest is a fulfilling project that can greatly improve your shooting accuracy and enjoyment. Whether you opt for a simple design or a more complex creation, remember to prioritize safety, plan carefully, and take your time. With careful attention to detail, you can create a high-quality benchrest tailored to your specific needs and preferences.