Building your own deer blind gun rest offers a significant advantage over store-bought options: customization. You can tailor it perfectly to your blind, rifle, and shooting style, ensuring optimal comfort and accuracy. This guide will walk you through creating several effective and affordable homemade deer blind gun rests, catering to different skill levels and resource availability.
Why Build Your Own Deer Blind Gun Rest?
Before diving into construction, let's explore why crafting your own gun rest is a worthwhile endeavor for the serious hunter.
- Customization: Factory-made rests often lack the adjustability needed for various shooting positions and rifle types. A homemade rest can be perfectly sized and shaped to your specific needs.
- Cost Savings: High-quality gun rests can be expensive. Building your own offers considerable savings, allowing you to reinvest in other hunting gear.
- Improved Accuracy: A stable, comfortable rest dramatically improves shot placement, crucial for ethical and successful hunting.
- Enhanced Comfort: Long hours in a deer blind can be uncomfortable. A well-designed rest minimizes fatigue and strain, leading to better focus and alertness.
- Satisfaction: There's a deep satisfaction in crafting something functional and useful for your hunting pursuits.
Simple DIY Deer Blind Gun Rest Ideas
Here are a few options for homemade gun rests, ranging in complexity:
1. The Quick & Easy Sandbag Rest:
This is perfect for beginners and requires minimal materials.
Materials:
- Two sturdy canvas bags (heavy-duty shopping bags work well)
- Sand or other suitable filling material (rice, beans)
Instructions:
- Fill the bags approximately halfway with your chosen material. Overfilling makes the rest too bulky.
- Place one bag on the blind's shooting surface.
- Rest your rifle's forearm on the first bag and the buttstock on the second.
Pros: Simple, cheap, adaptable. Cons: Not as stable as other options, might shift easily.
2. The Sturdy Wooden Rest:
This offers more stability than the sandbag rest and can be customized for your rifle.
Materials:
- Two pieces of sturdy hardwood (2x4s or similar)
- Screws
- Optional: Sandpaper, stain, or paint
Instructions:
- Cut the wood to desired length, considering your rifle's dimensions. One piece will support the forearm, the other the buttstock.
- Attach the pieces securely with screws. You may want a slight angle to the forearm rest for better support.
- Sand and finish the wood for improved aesthetics and durability (optional).
Pros: Stable, durable, relatively inexpensive. Cons: Requires basic woodworking skills and tools.
3. The Advanced Adjustable Rest:
This option provides maximum adjustability and comfort.
Materials:
- Sturdy wood or metal frame (a repurposed shelf or metal bracket could work)
- Hinges
- Bolts
- Foam padding
- Velcro straps
Instructions:
- Build a frame that can support your rifle securely.
- Incorporate hinges to allow for adjusting the angle of the forearm and buttstock rests.
- Pad the rests with foam for comfort.
- Use Velcro straps or other fastening mechanisms to hold your rifle firmly in place.
Pros: Highly adjustable, comfortable, durable. Cons: Requires more advanced woodworking or metalworking skills and tools.
Tips for Success:
- Consider your blind: Design your rest to fit the specific dimensions and configuration of your deer blind.
- Test thoroughly: Before hunting, test your homemade gun rest extensively to ensure stability and comfort.
- Prioritize safety: Ensure your rest is securely fastened and will not shift during recoil.
Building your own deer blind gun rest is a rewarding project that significantly enhances your hunting experience. By following these guidelines and selecting the option that best fits your skills and resources, you'll enjoy a more comfortable, stable, and ultimately more successful hunting season. Remember to always prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices.
