|
Forum Rules | Firearms Safety | Firearms Photos | Links | Library | Lost Password | Email Changes |
Register | FAQ | Calendar | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
July 8, 2020, 03:03 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
Wooden Platform for Prone Shooting?
Yesterday I cleared out some ground so I would have a 100-yard shooting lane free from weeds. While I was getting ready to put down a tarp and my mat, it occurred to me that it might be smart to build a wooden platform for prone shooting. It would give me a little elevation above the weeds, and it would make a small difference in the trajectory, which could make shooting slightly safer.
Do other people use wooden platforms? I was thinking of making something about as high as a chair seat, using plywood and 4x4's. I would have to put a roof on it to keep the cattle out.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
July 8, 2020, 06:36 PM | #2 |
Staff
Join Date: November 2, 1998
Location: Colorado
Posts: 21,833
|
I don't, but the WW II German army used them to train their soldiers.
Think of it like building a small deck. You may want to use that faux deck or walkway wood.
__________________
Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. Molon Labe! |
July 8, 2020, 06:38 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
I also thought about backing the truck up toward the berm and shooting from the bed.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
July 8, 2020, 06:48 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 12, 2020
Posts: 1,177
|
My local public range
Here is the setup they put together at a local public shooting club
|
July 8, 2020, 06:56 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
Those look great, but you can't spread a mat on one and shoot prone.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
July 8, 2020, 07:13 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 12, 2020
Posts: 1,177
|
It is hard to tell without scale, but yes, they do shoot prone on them.
They also shoot that weird on your back pistol form that I can never remember the name of. |
July 8, 2020, 07:19 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 12, 2020
Posts: 1,177
|
Here's a better shot to show scale.
I don't really know anything about who made them. [edit] Another club I've seen just piled up some dirt to get a bit of elevation above ground level. |
July 8, 2020, 07:21 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
Thanks for all the effort.
What that guy is doing is not the same thing as shooting prone. Actually, it looks sort of like yoga. For prone shooting, you lie on your stomach and spread your feet. I think I can manage it on a 4' by 8' sheet of plywood, but 4' is a little narrow for proper foot position.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
July 8, 2020, 10:00 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 20, 2006
Posts: 686
|
Swity....i have shot off the ground a lot....not a big deal...take your mower and cut the grass close for a shooting lane....
I doubt if you take a course they will have you on a platform....so I think you should train off the ground Just my opinion Ocharry
__________________
The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, USMC |
July 9, 2020, 12:48 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 25, 2008
Location: In the valley above the plain
Posts: 13,424
|
Platforms are good.
Do yourself a favor and elevate the end facing the targets by at least 6-8 inches, possibly more. (Mock something up and test to see what you prefer.) Prone is more comfortable when you're facing uphill, than when you're dead-flat. Easier on the neck and shoulders, too.
__________________
Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe. |
July 10, 2020, 07:54 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 2009
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 8,308
|
photo
I've got a vintage framed photo of what appears to be National Guard troops circa pre WWI, firing '03 Springfields at some type of match. Two shooters side by side, on an elevated firing point. Appears to be 2x8" lumber on edge, resulting box apparently dirt filed and then seeded and turf grown.
FWIW, uniforms are blue black shirt w/ tan trousers and campaign hat. Photo complete w/ scoreboard, spotter w/ telescope, and coach or on deck shooter, with numerous bystanders. Barracks or admin buildings in background, along with First Aid tent with flag. |
July 11, 2020, 05:14 AM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 25, 2001
Location: Alabama
Posts: 18,541
|
A friend and I shot out of the back of his van while his building was under construction.
Vehicles are usable platforms. Nothing wrong with building a platform to let you see over the weeds and terrain features. |
July 11, 2020, 03:32 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
I shot on the ground today. I had to walk to the target and back, moving grass and weeds that photo-bombed the scope.
I am no expert, but it seems like mirage is pretty heavy right down against the ground.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
July 11, 2020, 04:12 PM | #14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 6, 2014
Posts: 6,446
|
Quote:
__________________
"I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa |
|
July 11, 2020, 08:12 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: October 19, 2005
Location: Tx Panhandle Territory
Posts: 4,159
|
Jug(?) It seems Ft.Bliss, TX had shooting platforms for a time out by Donna Anna and McGregor Range areas. They were kind of cool. I think it might be a pretty good idea for you Ya'll have fire ants, snakes, gators, spiders, and critters even God probably hasn't seen. I'd be all for staying out of those!.
__________________
Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two. |
July 12, 2020, 12:58 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: March 21, 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 3,973
|
It would be nice to be off the ground. I would do it if I had property. I would add a roof though, so I could shoot in the shade and not have to worry about direct sun on my chronograph
__________________
I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload. |
July 19, 2020, 07:33 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
I finally finished the platform. The main delay was painting. Sand and prime. Wait a day. Paint. Wait a day. Sand and paint. I could have gone the Bubba route and used $3 Krylon, but I wanted something that would last more than a month.
I'm going to put hardware cloth on the right side to confine spent casings so they don't fly out into the pasture. That should be helpful. Tomorrow I have to figure out how to carry this a quarter-mile with the tractor. After that, I should be fine, provided the cattle don't try to turn it into a day bed.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
July 20, 2020, 02:35 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: September 13, 2018
Location: FL
Posts: 467
|
Moving it with the tractor turned out to be a cinch. Time to try it out.
__________________
People who think their guns shoot better than they do must not be shooting much rimfire. |
|
|