Shooting Bench made from 2x4s Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about shooting bench made from 2x4s plans. I have already designed a popular shooting bench, so the challenge was to keep the same features but simplify it so you can use just 2x4s and screws. Please take a close look over the plans and tell me if I have succeeded. See my other DIY projects HERE.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Made from this plan

 

Shooting Bench made from 2x4s Plans

Building a 2×4 shooting bench

Materials

• A – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 30″ long, 1 piece – 33″ long, 1 piece – 34 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 45 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 28 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 9″ long, 1 piece – 14″ long FRAME
• B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 30″ long LEGS
• C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 38 3/4″ long BRACES
• D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 33″ long, 1 piece – 45 1/2″ long BRACES
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16″ long, 2 pieces – 33″ long BENCH
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long SEAT
• G – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber- 36″ long, 4 pieces – 12″ long TOP

• 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• stain, wood filler, wood glue
• bench rest set

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

• One Weekend

How to build a shooting bench from 2x4s

Building the frame of the tabletop

The first step of the project is to build the frame for the shooting bench. As you can easily can notice in the plans, you need to cut the components from 2×4 lumber at the right dimensions. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the frame together tightly. Make sure the corners are square and work on a level surface.

Fitting the frame partitions

The next step is to fit the partitions to the frame of the shooting bench. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square.

Attaching the legs

Continue the project by attaching the 2×4 legs to the frame. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are square. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame. Make sure the corners are square.

Building the bench frame

Next, you need to frame the bench seat. Add the 2×4 legs and then attach the 2×4 braces. Drill pilot holes ad insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place.

Fitting the bottom braces

Fit the 2×4 braces to the shooting bench. These braces will hold everything together tightly.

Building the diagonal braces

Use 2×4 lumber for the diagonal braces. Use a miter saw to make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces and then smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the diagonal braces

Fit the diagonal braces to the frame of the shooting bench and secure them with 2 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the tabletop slats

Next, attach the 2x4s to the top of the benchtop. Leave no gaps between the boards and secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the seat slats

Fit the 2×4 boards to the bench frame and secure them to the braces with 2 1/2″ screws. You can use two layers of 3/4″ plywood for the tabletop, as well.

Shooting bench made from 2x4s plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and make sure the joints are sturdy. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper and apply a few coats of stain/paint.

2×4 Shooting bench plans

You can see my other shooting bench project HERE. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.

If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.

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