Shooting Cart Lessons Learned

[FloraBama Kid]

At matches I use a Indian blanket spread on a bench for my long guns and ammo cau I've just been too dang lazy and cheap to get a shooting cart. Well, all that's about to change. With some help from a "lumber artist" pard I'm  gonna build a cart.

Before I get started, or even settle on final plans, I wanted to ask what would you want different on your cart if you did it all over again?

I'm partial to a folding cart that will fit in my SUV and I would like a removable ammo box. Other than that I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Pictures would be nice if ya got some.

[Dogwoman]

Make sure you have a way to lock valuables.  I had stuff removed from the back of my truck at a match.

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Well.. I've never had anything taken.. but I don't travel far afield, at least not yet.

I would say.. bigger is better, if you are a packrat like me and you like to take all your guns and plenty of ammo to loan out and all.

Here's my current cart (it's had some refining done since, but is substantially the same)

[Terry]

I just finished mine.....not sure if you saw it over at TFS.  I put alot of thought into it, mianly to prevent cart dings and to make sure it was stable no matter how the weight got distributed.

[Big Hext Finnigan]

There you have it, Kid.. the yin and yang..big and little..mutt and jeff..
I like both carts, but I am a space hog, so the big boy is usually for me.  I am builidng a cart based on a three wheel jogger, so I can go to shoots a bit farther away and have a bit more room in my truck for stuff.

Adios,

[FloraBama Kid]

Thanks Pards for the input...it will be a few more weeks before I get started so keep the suggestions coming...

[RemingtonDave]

Mr. Finnigan,
When it's loaded, do you find the wagon top heavy or tippy when on uneven ground or when turning?

RDave

[Rifled Slug]

I like bigger wheels (15 -20 inch )cause it seems to roll better on dirt or sand . Balance is also important .

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Mr. Finnigan,
When it's loaded, do you find the wagon top heavy or tippy when on uneven ground or when turning?

RDave

Howdy Dave,

Not now, as the FrankenCart..  Originally, yes..
This cart began as a Harbour Freight flat wagon.  That white band you see around the bottom is the original platform.  The wheels and running gear on that wagon were a good bit smaller and not really durable.  Also, the long guns used to be at the rear, instead of the front. 

Now, with the wheels and running gear from one of those heavy duty garden carts and the weight moved to the front, this cart is stable even on rocky ground.

I would say, that if I built a big cart again, I would use the plow handles, put the long guns between them and push it like a lawnmower.. I think that design give you greater control over more terrain.

Adios all,

[Manatee]

Actually, I'd like a few more slots in the gun rack.  I have 5.  But with 2 folks sharin, that doesn't leave much room for an umbrella, range rods, cleanin rods for BP, etc.

Also, I need to pack a cooler.  Last year the water coolers were far and few between.  Plus, many spots don't have food so it would be nice to throw a sandwich on the ice....

That one looks like mine...except I ain't painted it...don't have time...and I don't have wood wheels....

[Hogleg_Willy]

Here is my guncart. Started out life as a plain pine box. Added wheels from harbor freight, a vertical gunrack on back, hardware from home depot, etc. Finish is by darkening/burning with a propane torch and then spray varnish for an old west look. 

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Hogleg,

Nice work on the cart.  and good to see that pup so content, not being harrassed mercilessly by the little demon dog.

Adios,

[Piney Woods]

Here's mine...
Holds five long guns with all barrels exactly vertical (even doubles), plenty of ammo, and has a built in cooler (hidden inside the ammo box) that holds four 24 oz water bottles. Disassembles in less than three minutes and fits into the back seat of a Jeep Wrangler (with the hardtop on).
More photos at http://www.pineywoodsplace.com/STUFF/cartphotos.html.