Still confused about which shooting bench you should get? Don’t worry we are here to help you with your search for the best shooting bench. We took it upon ourselves to find the right shooting bench for you.
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
Product
Editor's Pick
Runner Up
Budget Pick
Name
Caldwell DeadShot
Caldwell Stable Table
X-Stand Hunting Shooting Bench
Best For
Best Long Range Shooting Bench
Most Portable Shooting Bench
Budget-Friendly Shooting Bench
Pros
Can accommodate any rifle and crossbow. 360-degree swivel with minimum movement. Big enough chair to provide comfort and back support.
Very easy to use and set. Can accommodate any weapon. Comfortable.
Barrel support is very good. The seat has back support. Two side pockets attached to the tabletop.
Cons
No tabletop.
No support for the barrel.
Powdered coating instead of paint would have been better.
DIMENSIONS: Weighs approximately 22 pounds with a maximum height of 41 inches and weight limit of 300lbs
ACCURACY: With a dual frame, upper frame balance point adjustment, wide format polymer feet, a tension knob for tilting...
NON-DESTRUCTIVE: This rest features over molded, non-marring rear stock and front forend support that will securely hold...
We have to admit Caldwell does something that no other shooting bench manufacturer does. Almost all the shooting bench review we have done, Caldwell will impress you right away. When we looked at it for the first time, we were sure it is made for sharpshooting. After testing it, we can tell for sure no other shooting bench could provide you the stability like Caldwell Deadshot.
It focuses not only on making the gun stable, but also the shooter. How is it achieved? Well, the bench has a chair with proper back support, and the shooting rest can support any kind of rifle or even a crossbow. The only thing missing from it is table top that can be useful for keeping ammunition and other tools. But we thing you will hardly miss that if you see your gun hitting the bull’s eye regularly. We tried different rifles and tried to shoot a target at different distance. Our shooter was able to hit long range target more often than not.
With 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 pound which is light when compared to most of the other shooting bench.
Things We Like
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.
Things We Don't Like
No tabletop.
Bottom Line
If you mostly like to do long range shooting, then we recommend Caldwell DeadShot. The only thing that may bug you is the absence of table top.
2. Caldwell Stable Weatherproof Synthetic Top & Seat – Best For Changing Position
SPECS: The highly durable, weatherproof tabletop is 34” x 23” and the allweather seat adjusts from 16”-22” in...
EASE OF USE: Table features a quick-release pin for easy seat height adjustment, an adjustable leg angle for use on...
VERSATILITY: Two cleaning forks (included) fit into the carrying handles of the benchtop and the holes on the legs allow...
Caldwell is reputed manufacturer of shooting benches. A portable shooting bench is a good option that presides the user’s expectation. It impressed us the right way. What we love the most is the build quality. It has padded seat and tabletop made of molded plastic. The whole set up is held by the metal frame. The table top has wholes which can be used for handles. Also, there is enough space on the table top 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 loved the fact that you can rotate whole set up 360 degrees if you want to change your shooting direction. What this does is, it allows both right handed and left handed shooters. We also tested it with both types of shooters. Both of our volunteers were comfortable with the setup.
We tested the adjustment settings. It has 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 kind of terrain. It was able to sit stably on most of the terrains.
Things We Like
Very easy to use and set.
Can accommodate any weapon.
Comfortable.
Aim improves considerably.
Durable and weather-proof.
Things We Don't Like
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, many experienced shooters 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 loves it. Just by looking at it, we could tell it has everything that a shooting bench must have. The table top is made out of vinyl which is 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 tried different guns with different sizes. The barrel support kept the gun rock steady. We did the shooting without the bench and with bench. The difference in result was extreme. The aim was 25 percent better. You must know the shooter was an expert shooter if he was able to achieve such good accuracy, imagine how effective it would be for the amateur shooters.
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 it 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.
Things We Like
Barrel support is very good.
The seat has back support.
Two side pockets attached to the tabletop.
Tabletop is made of vinyl.
Inexpensive compared to the other shooting benches.
Things We Don't Like
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 also doesn’t cost much, no other shooting bench does it better than X-Stand Hunting Shooting Bench.
Shooting table for hunting, target practice, sighting, and dialling in scopes
Adjustable height Shooting rest provides comfortable positions adults or youths
Includes accessory pockets for storing ammo and tools
If you are someone who does a lot of target practice and owns different guns, then you are going to love this shooting bench. The Kill Shot KS-SBP has probably the biggest tabletop and a lot of space for guns, accessories, and bullets. There is nothing fancy as such when you look at it. However, the space on the table top will impress you. You can alter between different guns. During our tests, we were able to place three guns together on the tabletop (one on rent and two on a tabletop).
As for the stability, you can place the barrel with ease. Adjusting the support is also easy. During tests, we realized that the big guns are easy to use on the shooting bench. However, if the barrel is short for your rifle, it won’t be suitable for it. You rely too much on your arm to achieve the stability. The good thing is that tabletop has good padding for the comfort of your hand. The seat doesn’t have back support, but it is comfortable.
The only thing missing from this model is swivel. It is a big reason why consider this shooting bench is perfect for target practice and not for hunting. As far as the whole design is concerned, we loved the fact that, it is light. However, not light as it should be but you can carry it in the back of your pickup truck.
Things We Like
It is suitable for target practice.
It provides great stability for the rifle.
It have padded table top.
It has ample space for extra bullets and accessories.
Strong and durable design.
Things We Don't Like
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.
Comfortable Shooting Table: This shooting bench gives you comfort, convenience and is so well made that basically does...
Durable Construction: The BenchMaster shooting table is compact, sturdy, portable and features a comfortable, well...
Large Shooting Space: Tabletop is 36" x 24 1/2 " to accommodate all the ammunition and supplies. The padded seat is...
Some of the shooting benches we tested had a really complicated system. The Benchmaster has by far the easiest set up when it comes to folding and unfolding. You can fold it and carry along with you anywhere anytime. Also, there is ample space for accessories and ammunition. Even with so much table space, it has ability swivel in a different direction.
Though it has all the good features, the best part is it is sturdier and durable than most of the benches we have tested. It has powdered coating which makes it weather-proof. Though there is no padding, it adds to the durability of the product. For instance, if you are hunting in wet and muddy conditions, a vinyl padding or any other padding can be easily ruined by the moisture, but the Benchmaster Shooting Table won’t have that problem.
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 disadvantage of having it, but the biggest advantage we have already discussed, it is the mobility and durability.
Things We Like
Powder coating for durability.
Easy to fold and unfold.
Can fit easily in the back of a truck.
Sturdy design.
Can be used in toughest of weather conditions.
Big tabletop.
Things We Don't Like
No back support.
Bottom Line If you are looking for a shooting bench that can be used in tough conditions and also durable, then we recommend the Benchmaster Shooting Table.
Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider?
Beyond being a master of weapon, other factors affect shooting. The shooting bench is one of those factors. If you understand how the shooting bench affects your shooting, you will be able to decide on the right shooting bench. To help you understand, we will discuss the factors affecting your aim in detail:
1. Stability
Stability is the biggest 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 a shooting bench, it is to provide stability. How does the 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 on a shooting bench. Next, take a look at the table top. This is where you will place another half of the gun though gun won’t be directly placed on the top. Its your shooting hand that holds it. The table top provides a nice base for your shooting hand.Just by keeping these two points in mind, you will be able to 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 bench we have mentioned in our list, they have comfortable seats.The seat is even more comfortable if the seat has back and thigh support. There are shooting benches like Caldwell DeadShot that has deep enough seat to provide thigh support and big back support. If you are more on getting comfort, we recommend you the Deadshot.However, one thing you have to make sure that seat is weather-proof. Nothing is awful than sitting on a wet seat for hours. Good synthetic or vinyl covering ensures that seat remains dry. So go with only those kinds of shooting bench.
3. Portability
Shooting is also about going to different places and experience new environments. A good portable shooting bench will make your shooting game even more fun. During our tests, we found that not many shooting benches are made for portability. All you can do is fit transport it in back of your pick-up 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 bench we have reviewed.
4. Durability
Whatever product you, it has to be durable because you are spending your hard earned money on it. For the product like shooting bench, durability becomes even more crucial factor because you may use it in harsh conditions.The most durable shooting bench have powdered coating to prevent rust even after several years of use. Benchmaster Shooting Table is one of the durable product we have tested. We were fortunate enough to have a team member who goes out for 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 are using 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 during the hunt to store extra ammunition or empty shells. 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. If you are looking for shooting bench with space, check out these models.
How We Conduct Tests?
We began by getting 14 popular shooting benches to our lab for testing. The way we chose these 14 shooting benches was based on popularity and reputation. After that, we designed several tests for the parameters like stability, portability, space, comfort, etc. As it is related to the shooting, we also got an experienced shooter to help carry out the tests. We also used different guns and different conditions to make sure we cover every possible situation in which shooting benches are used.
In addition to tests, we also consulted five experts who have years of experience in products related to the shooting. They helped us to understand different aspects of shooting bench and how different factors affect it. Moreover, we went through several review sites to know what users think about the product. And we also contacted the brand managers of the shooting bench to know 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. Because we identified that these three are the most important factors that 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:
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 shooting bench is one of them. Before targetting one of the shooting benches make sure that you know what your needs are. You must know how you are going to use a shooting bench and under what conditions. It is important because each model has its strengths. And you want the right 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 the right bench within that budget. We believe the shooting bench that we listed in this post fit the needs of most of the shooters. So go through our list and buyer’s guide if you have any doubt.
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