How to Build a Wooden Shooting Table

Shooting is a common interest, but the prices of wooden shooting tables can be prohibitive for a novice to fully get into the sport. However, all is not lost. For the cost of a few simple supplies, the knowledge of basic carpentry skills and access to a welder, you can build your very own shooting table. Here are some instructions about how you can easily build your table in less than a weekend.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drill
• Circular saw
• Welder
• Wood glue
• Clear polyurethane finish
• 2 1/2-inch by 3/8-inch bolts
• 3 1 1/2-inch pieces of galvanized steel pipe (31 inches long)
• 2 pieces of 3/4-inch plywood
• 3 1 1/2-inch galvanized pipe couplings
• Level
• 4 4-inch by 1/4-inch steel mounting plates
• 12 nylon lock nuts
• Sandpaper
• Foam brushes

1. Adhere the plywood pieces together with the wood glue. The pieces should be dry within 24 hours. Check them to be sure before you proceed to Step 2.

2. Saw the plywood down for the tabletop. The dimensions for the front and back of the table are 27 inches and 15 inches across. The total length of the table should be 36 inches. Cut the sides accordingly to accommodate these measurements. Test the tabletop out to determine if you wish to cut out any portion of the table to ease your shooting style.

3. Sand the tabletop to a smooth finish. Brush on the polyurethane finish. This first coat should be dry within 24 hours. If you choose to add another coat, wait another 24 hours for it to fully dry.

4. Attach the couplings, with the threads out, to the mounting plates. Weld these at an 18-degree angle. Screw the mounting plates to the tabletop with the couplings pointing to the outsides of the table. Attach one mounting plate to both corners in front, and bolt one plate to the tabletop in the middle of the back of the table.

5. Twist the legs onto the table and into the couplings. Turn your table over upright. Level it by adjusting the legs accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Insert caps into each leg so your table won't sink into the ground if you're using it on softer surfaces. Wear safety equipment at all times when drilling, sawing or welding.

References

• This is a great plan to build a shooting bench.
• This site includes additional ideas on building a portable shooting bench.

Resources

• Here is another way to build a shooting bench.

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