Shooting bench project

[RUGER]

Thought I would start another thread for those that are interested.
I will add pictures and details as I progress.

Got the first step done the other day.
Glad I waited a year because this would have cost me about three times as much as it did this year.

The plans were awesome in terms of it showing how long to cut each piece out of every single board.
When it came time to start the actual assembly, that was a different story.
There were no details as to where to lay out each board of certain lengths.
Basically you just had to look at the picture and figure it out.
Luckily later in the process it did give the lengths of a few pieces on the seat assembly.
That, coupled with the removal of the top pieces narrowed it down enough that I was finally able to figure out what to put where.
Kinda started near the end and worked my way back wards.

Got the top figured out.

 

[DaveB]

Since my carpentry skills are about 1/100th of what I think they are I am following this very closely.

I don't have anything but a handsaw for that 4x4. My circular is about at life's end, its over 30. Think Lowes will cut it for me?

 

[RUGER]

Since my carpentry skills are about 1/100th of what I think they are I am following this very closely.

I don't have anything but a handsaw for that 4x4. My circular is about at life's end, its over 30. Think Lowes will cut it for me?

It's a 6X6 but I bet they would,,,,,, for a small fee.

 

[Jcalder]

Unless you plan on putting in on concrete, leave your legs longer and concrete than in the ground.

 

[Wiley]

I don't have anything but a handsaw for that 4x4. My circular is about at life's end, its over 30. Think Lowes will cut it for me?

Cut it on all 4 sides with the circular saw and then cut the remainder in the center with the handsaw. The slot(s) will guide the handsaw for the cut.

 

[RUGER]

Had to redo the seat the instructions were crap.
All I lack is the gun rests for each side and the beer / cup holders.
#sfmafia

 

[backyardtndeer]

Nice job. Looks very sturdy.

 

[Hammer]

Professional work for sure

 

[vonb]

Ruger,
Looks like you did a good job on building it. I built one exactly like it during COVID lockdown. After having mine almost three years, there's a couple things I'd change:

1) Cut an angle off the end of the 2x6 that the seat boards are attached to. I can't tell you how many times I've hit my shins walking around the seat of the bench.
2) Run a 2x4 across the front bottom of your 2 front legs. This will provide more support.
3) Run a 2x4 from the back legs to the front bottom edge (2x6) of the bench top. This will reduce flex front to back.

Lastly sand all of the edges around the top sides of bench. I went ahead and painted mine with Behr Shark Gray paint. One thing I also need to do is paint under mine in the tight spots. I've had wasps build nests underneath the bench. You go to sit down on a hot summer day and wasps are in your lap. Look under there in the summer time and spray first!

 

[RUGER]

Thanks !
I love building stuff lol

 

[flyinpro]

Had to redo the seat the instructions were crap.
All I lack is the gun rests for each side and the beer / cup holders.
#sfmafia

View attachment 166230

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View attachment 166232

Looks great! Also looks heavy! I've been thinking on building on to these as well. Thanks for the inspiratio!

 

[RUGER]

Looks great! Also looks heavy! I've been thinking on building on to these as well. Thanks for the inspiratio!

It's pretty heavy for sure.
Just the legs are over 100 pounds LOL
Probably gonna finish it up this afternoon.

 

[7mm08]

Ruger,
Looks like you did a good job on building it. I built one exactly like it during COVID lockdown. After having mine almost three years, there's a couple things I'd change:

1) Cut an angle off the end of the 2x6 that the seat boards are attached to. I can't tell you how many times I've hit my shins walking around the seat of the bench.
2) Run a 2x4 across the front bottom of your 2 front legs. This will provide more support.
3) Run a 2x4 from the back legs to the front bottom edge (2x6) of the bench top. This will reduce flex front to back.

Lastly sand all of the edges around the top sides of bench. I went ahead and painted mine with Behr Shark Gray paint. One thing I also need to do is paint under mine in the tight spots. I've had wasps build nests underneath the bench. You go to sit down on a hot summer day and wasps are in your lap. Look under there in the summer time and spray first!

As much as you HATE spiders paint it light blue underneath to deter spiders….. not kidding. So many houses in the Lowcountry paint porches HAINT BLUE …… the spiders think it's the sky and will not build on it! Ha!

 

[Remington700]

@RUGER how much did the materials cost you to build this? Just curious how much I might be sinking in one if I build it.

 

[flyinpro]

As much as you HATE spiders paint it light blue underneath to deter spiders….. not kidding. So many houses in the Lowcountry paint porches HAINT BLUE …… the spiders think it's the sky and will not build on it! Ha!

I don't know about that color but you need a tarp to keep the bird droppings off of It me thinks.

 

[RUGER]

@RUGER how much did the materials cost you to build this? Just curious how much I might be sinking in one if I build it.

Just under $150.

 

[hoghunter65]

I have a buddy who builds these and sells them for 325.00

 

[RUGER]

I have a buddy who builds these and sells them for 325.00

I would build them all day for $250 unless lumber went up.

 

[Carlos]

Great job, that's going to be a perfect shooting platform.

 

[Carlos]

You may want to add a few pcs of notched rails on the edge, to lean a rifle against.