Shooterest

We (finally) got around to putting the Shooterest together and testing it out last weekend. We took a few days to let our experience sink in. The unit we received for evaluation was their Standard Shooterest and Standard Shell Deflector. The package as shown sells online for $389.00 + S&H.  The company also offers a Deluxe version for $489.00 + S&H which includes upgraded wood for the table tops and seats.

The shipment came in one box and was well packaged, arriving in good condition.  After we unboxed everything, we started separating and unwrapping the parts.  We noted that on several of the pieces, the newspaper meant to protect the paint ended up being stuck to the paint, which we presume to be due to packaging before the paint was cured.

The Shooterest assembly instructions lacked direction.  There was no list of tools, so the first thing we did was compile samples of all of the fasteners and acquired what was needed.  A couple of pictures were provided so that we could figure out which items were supposed to go where, but there was some trial and error (such as which direction do we want the knobs to face).  The table tops can be placed for either right or left hand shooters or even a combination of both.   Overall, it was no big deal as the entire assembly took approximately 40 minutes by one man.

Although the table tops and seats are made of wood, the frame is made of steel tubing and is very stout.  The Shooterest can be used mounted to your 2″ trailer hitch or as a stand alone unit.  It can easily be positioned on your hitch for transportation or of course you can put it in the back of your car/truck/SUV.

We kind of did a test run before we taking it out to the desert.   During this test, the Shooterest stayed attached to the truck hitch mount.  We noted that overall adjustability was good but the seating position was relatively high and might be a slight issue for younger users.  The table height had to be raised given height of the seat.  You can also remove the seats individually for wheelchair access or to shoot while standing as the tables will raise high enough for this.  We noted that the 7/16″ painted OSB pressboard that made up both the seat and the table portions wasn’t quite as sturdy as we’d prefer.  In addition, it came primed and would require additional protection (such as paint).   In an arid environment such as Las Vegas, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but the first time it was left in the rain, it’d be toast.   We would expect longevity of the wood to be minimized in more humid environments.

After our test run, we mounted the Shooterest for transport.  We tried to reposition the table as a single man operation but frankly it was kind of awkward.  With two people, it was seamless.  Insert the pin and away we go.  We took a picture out of the back window so that you have an idea about the rear view mirror visibility.

Once we hit the desert, it was easy to set up.  Remove the pin, raise and lower the table into the hitch receiver, insert the pin, adjust the table and shoot.  Overall, it did what we expected it to do. We definitely recommend purchasing the 3/4″ birch upgrade though.

Regarding storage, the Shooterest is able to be completely disassembled and stored. After removing the table from the truck, it takes up approximately a 4’ x 3’ section of the garage, but this was prior to breaking it down.

The only suggestion I can offer is to change the mount to a pivot system so the table can be more easily moved to the transport position by a single person.

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