Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints Portable shooting bench?

I'm was looking for design inspiration online and found this in an image search with the following description.

Does anyone have experience with one of these. The only reason I'm considering it is I have an extra tripod.

https://www.varminter.com/qa-vlog-3-what-shooting-rest-and-shooting-bench-do-you-use/



"Troutman Custom Table: The shooting bench I used before the Stable Table, was one I purchased back in the early 1990s, that we call the Troutman Custom Table. This table was made by an individual who advertised in the first issues of the (now defunct) Varmint Hunter Magazine. His name was Jim Troutman, and his table was made to be portable, and adjustable. For the time, it was an ingenious idea, that can be duplicated today by folks who take the time to track down parts. This table consisted of a tripod, with a large metal screw mounted to the top of the three legs. The legs were adjustable both in height, as well as extension. The large screw I mentioned, screwed into a milled aluminum block that was mounted to the bottom of the table. Although the table top could be loosened, and moved while shooting, it was not enough to expand your field of fire. The table top had a hole to carry it, and would attach to the tripod with a screw. I used this table as my main shooting bench, for almost 20 years, until I bought the Stable Table."

I haven't tried any portable benches but have started playing with one of these. Seems to work great! I was apprehensive at first but it works pretty well.

Deathgrip
I think you can get just the head since you said you already have an extra tripod.

I use a work mate ( the early ones are heavy but the best imo) they fold up and are rock solid, I used mine when I was bench shooting at a friends range.

We decided to go shoot prairie dogs once and I was told I needed a shooting bench. So I bought this one or one like it sold under the name Big Game. It folds up but as it was, it fit in the back of my truck set up ready to go. I never pulled it out, just backed up to the field and started shooting.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1017284239?pid=451794
It swivels and setting on the seat that is attached to the stand is steadier than a separate seat. I figured I could use it shooting turtles out of ponds but never did, never went prairie dog shooting again either. Don’t really even know where this bench is but it worked great the one day I used it.

Another vote for Workmate. Used one for 20 years more or less shooting Prairie dogs. Very stable and versatile.

Do you put a custom top on them? I have an old one I'd been saving to make a portable reloading bench out of.

Use the same bench as TWR (above) but added wheels and a wagon type handle to pull any where we need to move it to .The pull handle has a large enough loop to slip over a 2" ball as to tow all over the field without taking bench apart . Or just walk and pull like a wagon .Bench is very easy take down and set up .

Use the same bench as TWR (above) but added wheels and a wagon type handle to pull any where we need to move it to, Sorry about double post , trying to post photo , or I could just trying to get enough posts to send PM

No table top put on mine. I would put a short length of 2x6. 31/2 feet or so and lock it in the jaws. Lots of room for sand bags etc..

I have a Big Shooter portable bench and really like it. Not sure if they are still being made but would definitely recommend it. Dave

The problem with most tripods is the tripod, especially when the legs are extended for shooting while standing, which has advantages in some respect over shooting while seated.
The tripod in the picture appears to be a military tripod which are a better choice than the aluminum camera types as for stability.
For precise group shooting however it would be difficult to equal a good solid bench.
But terrain also comes into play when hunting, so adjustable legs are something to be seriously considered.
Even for long range hunting a good quality shooting tripod has advantages.
But good always comes at a price, and that is where the road forks for many of us.
For those not real focused on cost, id highly recommend looking into ( The Ultimate Tripod ) made in Blairsville Pa.

I just got one of these, played with it a little, but I believe it will be going with me where ever I can take it as I'm very shaky at 73.

I would wholeheartedly recommend buying these brackets from Lonny, then make your own. I love mine…

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/17094988/1

Agreed. Additionally, I've been using one of these folding tables for years, only mine's not the fold in half version; https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lifetime...hlBJXsH7uhoCfX0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I just throw it in the truck and go. It is sturdy, stable and inexpensive. Bonus, the wife can ask me to borrow it every now and then. Points for me!

Even though the thread is not about what we prefer, that is the route I'd take, if I needed a portable bench. The op's tripod type would also probably work, but I wonder if the legs would get in the way of being comfortable? I like being comfortable when I shoot from the bench. Also, what one's "portable", may not be another's interpretation of such. These are my "portable' benches:


Made that one in about an hour and a half^^^

Then there is the old 1962 military table that I beefed up:




I've shot some of my best groups off of that bench and when it's not being used at the range, it is being used as a work table:


If you are going to shoot off of a bench, it might as well be sturdy. Good enough to develop loads off of and verify accuracy or even shoot critters like sage rats or other vermin. If the OP's bench idea is sturdy and comfortable, I say why not? It may be worth giving it a try.. IF he finds out it's no bueno, I'd look in to those brackets you suggest. I've been thinking about making some of those brackets myself and trying them out. I don't see why they would not work perfectly and it would be nice to be able to fold the legs for fitting in the back of an suv or maybe even the trunk of a car...

Portability is where its at.....throw it in the back of the truck & head to the p/dog patch

Sighting in rifles...been using this one for 20+ yrs...

have a spare in the gun room for cleaning & scope mounting chores

Simple to build...once you have the brackets..although now the current price of 3/4" plywood ):

I like that set up^ Good and stable looking. That's the main thing. That Savage is probably a tack driver too.

Tikka, what's the angle on those brackets?

15* which is purty darn perfect

remember.....black pipe sleeves

Don't pizz off your welder buddy

Thanks for the details. I'm my welder buddy. I've got to see what I have in stock. I know I have galvanized. Worst case scenario, I'll grind off the galvanizing to avoid phosgene gas poisoning.

:-)

Are those 1-1/4" or 1-1/2"