Building your own benchrest shooting rest can be a rewarding project, allowing you to customize your setup for precision shooting. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different designs, materials, and crucial considerations for building a stable and accurate rest. Whether you're a seasoned benchrest shooter or just starting out, a homemade rest can significantly enhance your shooting experience and potentially improve your accuracy.
Choosing the Right Design for Your Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rest
The design of your benchrest shooting rest will heavily influence its stability, adjustability, and overall effectiveness. Several popular designs cater to different needs and skill levels.
Simple, Sturdy Designs:
-
The "Bag" Rest: This is the simplest option. You can create it using sturdy sandbags or rice bags to support your rifle. While simple to construct, it offers less adjustability than other designs. The key is to use materials that are dense and won't shift easily. Experiment with bag sizes and filling materials for optimal support. Too soft, and the rifle will move too much. Too hard, and you may strain your rifle's action.
-
The "Box" Rest: A wooden box filled with sand or other dense material provides excellent stability. The top surface needs to be level and covered with a protective layer to prevent rifle damage. You can add adjustable supports for fine-tuning. A box design is robust, but its adjustability is limited. Consider how much weight you can comfortably handle when designing the box.
More Advanced and Adjustable Designs:
-
The Adjustable Front and Rear Rest: This setup involves two separate rests, one for the front of the stock and one for the rear (usually the buttstock). Each rest allows independent adjustment for elevation and windage. This design offers superior accuracy and control. You'll likely need to use threaded rods and other hardware for this design.
-
The "Tuned" Rest: This is a more sophisticated setup involving multiple adjustable components. The shooter can fine-tune the rest's position to compensate for variations in ammunition and environmental conditions. This level of precision demands careful planning, precise machining (or purchasing precision components), and a thorough understanding of ballistics.
Materials and Tools for Your Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rest
The materials you choose will impact the longevity, stability, and weight of your rest. Here's a breakdown of common materials:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood (Oak, Maple) | Durable, strong, aesthetically pleasing | Can be expensive, requires woodworking skills |
| Softwood (Pine) | Less expensive, easy to work with | Less durable, may warp or sag over time |
| Metal (Aluminum, Steel) | Strong, durable, highly adjustable | Requires specialized tools, can be expensive |
| Sand, Rice | Inexpensive, readily available | Can settle, require frequent adjustment |
Tools: The specific tools required will depend on your chosen design. However, common tools include:
- Measuring tape and square
- Saw (hand saw, circular saw, or jigsaw)
- Drill and various drill bits
- Screws and nuts (appropriate for your chosen materials)
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue (if using wood)
- Paint or other protective coatings (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Simple, Sturdy Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rest (Box Design)
This section details the construction of a basic box-style rest, ideal for beginners.
1. Design and Cut: Build a box approximately 12" x 12" x 6" from wood, ensuring the top is perfectly level. Use sturdy hardwood for the best results.
2. Fill the Box: Fill the box with clean, dry sand, leaving approximately 1" of space at the top. Tamp down the sand firmly for stability.
3. Cover the Top: Cover the top of the box with a piece of thick, non-slip material, such as rubber or a high-friction fabric. This will protect the rifle's stock and prevent slipping.
4. Testing and Refinement: Test the rest with your rifle. Make adjustments as needed to ensure the rifle is stable and supported correctly. You may need to add more sand or refine the top surface for better support.
Advanced Considerations for Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rests
For more advanced designs (adjustable rests), you will need to consider factors like:
- Adjustability: Use precision-machined parts or quality hardware to ensure smooth and accurate adjustments.
- Stability: A wider base provides increased stability. Consider adding weights to improve stability further.
- Material Selection: The choice of materials will significantly affect stability, weight, and cost.
- Ergonomics: Design the rest to be comfortable to use for extended periods.
Safety Precautions When Building and Using Your Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rest
- Always wear safety glasses when working with tools.
- Use proper woodworking techniques to prevent injuries.
- Ensure the rest is stable and secure before shooting.
- Never point the firearm at anything you don't intend to shoot.
- Always follow safe gun handling practices.
Conclusion: The Benefits of a Homemade Benchrest Shooting Rest
A homemade benchrest shooting rest, regardless of complexity, provides a cost-effective way to enhance your shooting accuracy. By carefully following the design guidelines and safety precautions outlined in this article, you can create a customized rest that meets your specific needs and significantly improves your shooting experience. Remember that patience and attention to detail are crucial for success in both the construction and utilization of your homemade rest.