Are you still confused about which shooting bench you should get? Don’t worry. We took it upon ourselves to find a suitable shooting bench for you. We are here to help you search for the best shooting bench.
We brought 14 shooting benches that are popular among the users. We designed different tests to examine various features of the benches. Also, we consulted five experts who have years of experience in guns and related tools. After 84 hours of testing and reviewing, we were able to sort out the best five shooting benches. Here they are:
Top Picks
Top 5 Shooting Bench Review
1. Caldwell DeadShot – Best For Long Range
We must admit Caldwell does something that no other shooting bench manufacturer does. In almost all the shooting bench reviews we have done, Caldwell will impress you immediately. When we looked at it for the first time, we were sure it was made for sharpshooting. After testing it, we can tell no other shooting bench could provide you the stability like Caldwell Deadshot.
With the chair incorporated into the frame, we thought it would be heavy and hard to carry, but to our surprise, it is very light. It is around 22 pounds, which is light compared to most other shooting bench.
- It can accommodate any rifle and crossbow.
- 360 degrees swivel with minimum movement.
- Big enough chair to provide comfort and back support.
- Very light.
- Easy to use and carry.
- No tabletop.
Bottom Line
If you mostly like to do the long-range shooting, then we recommend Caldwell Deadshot. The only thing that may bug you is the absence of tabletop.
2. Caldwell Stable Weatherproof Synthetic Top & Seat – Best For Changing Position
Caldwell is a reputed manufacturer of shooting benches. A portable shooting bench is a good option that presides the user’s expectations. It impressed us the right way. What we love the most is the build quality. It has a padded seat and tabletop made of molded plastic. The whole setup is held by the metal frame. The tabletop has wholes that can be used for handles. Also, there is enough space on the tabletop for extra ammunition.
If you are worried about bullets rolling off the table, you can always add rails to prevent that from happening. A shooting bench must provide the highest quality of comfort. The padded seat it has for sitting is soft and provides you with a stable base. However, we felt that it should have a backrest for added comfort.
We tested the adjustment settings. It has a quick-release pin for adjusting the height of the seat. It takes 2 or 3 seconds to adjust the height. Also, it uses an adjustable leg to counter different terrains. We tested it with all kinds of terrain. It was able to sit stably on most of the terrains.
- Very easy to use and set.
- Can accommodate any weapon.
- Comfortable.
- Aim improves considerably.
- Durable and weather-proof.
- No support for the barrel.
Bottom Line
When we were testing the product, we realized how easy it is to use and adjust. Whenever we were changing shooting position or the shooter, it hardly use a minute to shoot again. If you are looking for something that allows you to adjust quickly, we recommend Caldwell Stable Table.
3. X-Stand Hunting Seat – Best For Budget Conscious Users
When we began our research on the shooting bench, the first name we heard was X-Stand Hunting Shooting Bench. Not only experts are talking about it, but many experienced shooters also have great things to say about it. We were eager to test it. When we got to see the model for the first time, we realized why everyone loved it. Looking at it, we could tell it has everything a shooting bench must have. The tabletop is made of vinyl much softer than plastic or wood. We loved the two pockets attached to its side. It could be very useful for storing bullets or empty shells.
We also loved the comfort level of it. The set was soft and adjustable. A good thing about it is that the seat has back support. It is useful if you are going out for a long hunt. As far as the built qulaity is concerned, it is made of steel construction and coated with black paint to withstand the weather. We tried it with different terrains. You adjust the settings to make it stable.
- Barrel support is outstanding.
- The seat has back support.
- Two side pockets are attached to the tabletop.
- The tabletop is made of vinyl.
- Inexpensive compared to the other shooting benches.
- Powdered coating instead of paint would have been better.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a shooting bench that can drastically improve your shooting and doesn’t cost much, no other shooting bench does it better than X-Stand Hunting Shooting Bench.
4. Kill Shot KS-SBP – Best Under $150
The Kill Shot KS-SBP has the biggest tabletop and a lot of space for guns, accessories, and bullets. If you do a lot of target practice and own different guns, then you will love this shooting bench. There is nothing fancy as such when you look at it. However, the space on the tabletop will impress you. You can alter between different guns. We placed three guns together on the tabletop (one on rent and two on a tabletop) during our tests.
The only thing missing from this model is a swivel. It is a big reason why I consider this shooting bench perfect for target practice and not for hunting. As far as the whole design is concerned, we loved that it is light. However, not light as it should be, but you can carry it in the back of your pickup truck.
- It is suitable for target practice.
- It provides excellent stability for the rifle.
- It has a padded tabletop.
- It has ample space for extra bullets and accessories.
- Strong and durable design.
- It cannot swivel like other shooting benches.
Bottom Line
We recommend the Kill Shot KS-SBP only if you plan to do shooting for target practice or calibrating guns.
5. Benchmaster – Best For Long Term Use
Some of the shooting benches we tested had a complicated system. The Benchmaster has by far the easiest setup when it comes to folding and unfolding. You can fold it and carry it along with you anywhere, anytime. Also, there is ample space for accessories and ammunition. Even with so much table space, it has the ability to swivel in a different direction.
We tested all kinds of rifles and crossbows; there was no issue. Our shooter was able to shoot the target with precision. There is one that we realized is that the seat won’t be comfortable if you had to sit on it for hours. There are some disadvantages of having it, but the most considerable advantage we have already discussed is mobility and durability.
- Powder coating for durability.
- Easy to fold and unfold.
- It can fit easily in the back of a truck.
- Sturdy design.
- It can be used in the harshest weather conditions.
- Big tabletop.
- No back support.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a shooting bench that can be used in harsh conditions and is durable, we recommend the Benchmaster Shooting Table.
What Features Should You Consider?
Beyond being a master of weapons, other factors affect shooting. The shooting bench is one of those factors. If you understand how the shooting bench affects your shooting, you can decide on a suitable shooting bench. To help you understand, we will discuss the factors affecting your aim in detail:
1. Stability
Stability is the most significant factor for any shooting bench. Any shooter knows to make an accurate shot; you need to be as stable as possible. If you look at the sole purpose of a shooting bench, it is to provide stability. How does stability is achieved by a shooting bench? There is a shooting rest where you place the barrel of the gun. If that shooting rest is not sturdy and stable, forget about shooting straight.
This should be the first thing you look at on a shooting bench. Next, take a look at the tabletop. This is where you will place another half of the gun through the gun without being directly placed on the top. It’s your shooting hand that holds it. The tabletop provides an excellent base for your shooting hand. By keeping these two points in mind, you can sort out the most stable-shooting bench for yourself.
2. Comfort
If you have experience with hunting, you know there are times when you have to sit still for hours. This is when you wish you had a comfortable shooting bench. Fortunately, most of the shooting benches mentioned in our list have comfortable seats. The seat is even more comfortable with back and thigh support. There are shooting benches like Caldwell DeadShot that has a deep enough seat to provide thigh support and excellent back support. If you are more on getting comfort, we recommend you the Deadshot. However, one thing you have to make sure of is that the seat is weather-proof. Nothing is awful than sitting on a wet seat for hours. Good synthetic or vinyl covering ensures that the seat remains dry. So go with only those kinds of shooting bench.
3. Portability
Shooting is also about going to different places and experiencing new environments. An excellent portable shooting bench will make your shooting game even more fun. We found that not many shooting benches are made for portability during our tests. All you can do is fit and transport it in the back of your pickup truck. But if you are looking for something that is light and can be easily carried by an individual, you will have to look at X-Stand Hunting Shooting Bench which one of the best portable shooting benches we have reviewed.
4. Durability
Whatever product you, it has to be durable because you are spending your hard-earned money on it. Durability becomes an even more crucial factor for a product like a shooting bench because you may use it in harsh conditions. The most durable shooting bench has a powdered coating to prevent rust even after several years. Benchmaster Shooting Table is one of the durable products we have tested. We were fortunate enough to have a team member who goes out hunting now and then. He has used Benchmaster Shooting Table quite extensively. It’s two years since he bought it, and it is still in fine condition.
5. Space
Space becomes crucial if you use accessories like a scope, cheek pads, etc. Also, while testing or calibrating guns, you require space on the shooting bench so that you can dismantle and inspect your weapon in a much better way. Some side pockets also help you store extra ammunition or empty shells during the hunt. During our research, we kept an eye on shooting benches that had an extra inch of space. The shooting bench with ample space are Caldwell Stable Table, and X-Stand Hunting Shooting Bench. However, the shooting bench that has the biggest tabletop is Kill Shot KS-SBP. Check out these models if you are looking for a shooting bench with space.
How We Conduct Tests?
We began by getting 14 popular shooting benches to our lab for testing. We chose these 14 shooting benches based on popularity and reputation. After that, we designed several tests for the parameters like stability, portability, space, comfort, etc.
Regarding the shooting, we also got an experienced shooter to help carry out the tests. We also used different guns and conditions to ensure we covered every possible situation in which shooting benches were used.
In addition to tests, we also consulted five experts who have years of experience in products related to the shooting. They helped us understand different aspects of the shooting bench and how different factors affect it.
Moreover, we reviewed several review sites to know what users think about the product. And we also contacted the brand managers of the shooting bench to learn more about the product.
After considering test results, user reviews, and expert knowledge, we asked our team to score the products on stability, usability, and portability. We identified that these three are the most critical factors a shooting bench must have. Based on the overall score of the benches, we sorted out to create the list of top shooting benches for you. Here is the scorecard of the different benches:
shooting bench tests.csv
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why buy a shooting bench?
Everybody wants to be a natural body position when it comes to shooting. If you are sitting or standing, your body is not in a comfortable shooting position and it gets affected. But with shooting bench, you can set up the exact natural position of your body and thereby avoiding any kind of discomfort and pain.
2. Can I purchase a shooting bench without a wood top?
Yes, there are shooting benches without wood top. You get a lot of bench with good foam paddings which you can definitely think of buying in case you don’t want a wood top.
3. How to level the shooting bench on the ground?
Most of the shooting benches have good supportive tripod legs. They are designed in a way to adjust themselves on almost all kinds of even or uneven surfaces.
4. Are the shooting benches universal for the left-handed and right-handed shooters?
No, you need to purchase either a right-handed or left-handed benchtop. You need to make sure that you maintain the integrity of the bench no matter which side you will choose.
Final Thought
As we have mentioned, shooting is all about having the right tool, and a shooting bench is one of them. Before targetting one of the shooting benches, know your needs. You must know how you will use a shooting bench and under what conditions. It is vital because each model has its strengths. And you want a suitable shooting bench to complement those conditions.
Another thing that you will have to see is the budget. You might have some budget in mind. If you are sure about your need, you will be able to find a suitable bench within that budget. We believe the shooting bench that we listed in this post fits the needs of most of the shooters. So go through our list and buyer’s guide if you have any doubt.
Caldwell DeadShot -Editor's Choice
Summary
Caldwell DeadShot FieldPod Adjustable Ambidextrous Rifle Shooting Rest for Outdoor Range and Hunting.If you mostly like to do the long-range shooting, then we recommend Caldwell Deadshot. The only thing that may bug you is the absence of tabletop
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