Big Al Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 My "lidl special" shooting seat is collapsing and the time has come to replace it. I've been looking at the ones with the swivel seat - the ones one the plastic drum attached or the fold up ones with a small back rest. Now, my stature is not insignificant and it needs to be strong. Idle back - great but too dear. Begara - still a bit dear but within range if it is worth it. Any suggestions considered! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TONY R Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 Any seat you buy regardless of if your 10 stone or 20 stone will fail at some point in time, Barrels work up to a point, but tend to be high, we used to knock seats up for pigeon shooting that were aloy tubes cut to equal lengths two 12 inch to 15 inch circles cut out of 6mm alloy checker plate or wood if you cant turn up the alloy, then drill 5mm shallow holes in the plate and a length of threaded bar in the centre holding everything in line tightly, tighten the top nut up grind it off flush and same with the bottom weld it up to stop it coming loose works well. Pick your seat and base metal wisely and use alloy side tubes and just half inch threaded bar and weight is not too bad and dependent on hight you chose can be caried in a decoy bag or similar quite eassy and decoys etc will fit inside the framework. They dont sink in mud that bad and are pretty stable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 Any seat you buy regardless of if your 10 stone or 20 stone will fail at some point in time, Barrels work up to a point, but tend to be high, we used to knock seats up for pigeon shooting that were aloy tubes cut to equal lengths two 12 inch to 15 inch circles cut out of 6mm alloy checker plate or wood if you cant turn up the alloy, then drill 5mm shallow holes in the plate and a length of threaded bar in the centre holding everything in line tightly, tighten the top nut up grind it off flush and same with the bottom weld it up to stop it coming loose works well. Pick your seat and base metal wisely and use alloy side tubes and just half inch threaded bar and weight is not too bad and dependent on hight you chose can be caried in a decoy bag or similar quite eassy and decoys etc will fit inside the framework. They dont sink in mud that bad and are pretty stable. Thanks for that Tony. I think I will try that. I have most of that here already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TONY R Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 (edited) It dont have to be a circle but i just did it because i could and it is uniform, use 6mm ally and mark your three holes or four if uou like perfectly uniform same with the tubes they need to be same legth and cut properly just the hole smack in the centre weld the top emd grind off the nut so its comfortable then tighten it right up solid, then weld the bottom nut stop it working lose. Take your time cutting everything perfect bad uniformity in any drilling or cutting could compromise the seats durability, in use, they are strong enough to stand angles on uneven ground etc with no issues. if your goiing for a 15 inch version might be an idea to go four tubes but three as always done ok for us. Im due to make a few more for the lads just never bothered, to make any for ten years or more. Elasticated strap to fasten on your folded up gun bag as a bit of inssulation and padding job done. Edited September 11, 2016 by TONY R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martyn2233 Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 This http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/220178-bergara-stag-folding-shooting-seat-l67/?do=findComment&comment=1892113 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 I have one of those lightweight aluminium fold up jobbies available from garden centres and such like. Strong and rigid when sat in with a good backrest but easy to get out of quickly. Can't be doing with stools; I like to be comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 The seats made by the pigeon shooter are built for the larger chap as one of the members on here can testify. I find them a bit too low for me being over six foot. If you want a bucket type a blue pheasant feeder type barrel with a spin seat on is a good option and strong enough for 20st plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnDeere6630 Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 George Digweed used a idleback chair in this old vid ( ) they must be fairly well built as George is not a small lad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going to try making one of Tonys ones first, mainly as I have the stuff lying around home. After that I'll see how I go. BTW I'm not in big George's league - a mere lightweight at 17.5 stone. As a matter of interest, does anyone use/ recommend the bergara seat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psycho Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 Bergerac seat is superb adjustable. Hard wearing. Swivel.recommend not cheap but one of the best shooting seats available Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 Bergerac seat is superb adjustable. Hard wearing. Swivel.recommend not cheap but one of the best shooting seats available They seem to pack up well too. Hmm. Thanks for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted September 11, 2016 Report Share Posted September 11, 2016 Leave your lunch in the fridge... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2016 (edited) Leave your lunch in the fridge... Top tip. It would help a lot. Edited September 12, 2016 by Big Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPCarter Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 I've just replaced one of the bucket type seats with one of these and I'm very happy with it. Seems very strong and it's got a nice padded seat and back rest. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190525047848 The bucket ones are hard to get level and it's just not comfy sitting astride a barrel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonepark Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 I use a ron thompson heavy duty rucksack swivel seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 I've just replaced one of the bucket type seats with one of these and I'm very happy with it. Seems very strong and it's got a nice padded seat and back rest. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190525047848 The bucket ones are hard to get level and it's just not comfy sitting astride a barrel. I've been looking at that one. Good to get an opinion on it. I use a ron thompson heavy duty rucksack swivel seat. Cheers - I'll look it up too - lots of homework now! I use a ron thompson heavy duty rucksack swivel seat. Cheers - I'll look it up too - lots of homework now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow white Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 I use fold up bar stools nice light and easy to carry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPCarter Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 I've been looking at that one. Good to get an opinion on it. I wondered if it was from your description. It has a nice comfy seat on it and a back rest makes all the difference. I've spent 3 full days sitting on it since last week and I've had no aches and pains like I have with my two previous chairs. It swivels round smoothly for a good view around you. I've had the big bucket seat with swivel top and one of those small rotating stools with canvas top and three extending legs. Both very uncomfortable after just a couple of hours. This new folding one seems like it's well made and would be easy to fix yourself if anything did break or fall off it. The fold down back rest is handy in a cramped hide as you can put it down while you move around then flip it back up. Handy bag underneath for things and I think it's a good price for what it is. The only downside I can see is the legs are thin so will probably sink in the mud in winter but it's been great on the dry stubble. That could probably be fixed with some wide rubber feet. I bet you can get them off eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blade Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 I have one of the above highly recommended.Used to suffer with a bad back sat on the bucket type but these are far more comfy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masmiffy Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 Personally I use a bucket seat its a bit low but they now make a higher one!! Holds my decoys, net, face net, slasher, priest, pegs (to prop pigeons) small radio (for footie results and quiet times) flask and snacks. I tend to shoot from sitting as getting up and down is movement and pigeons hate movement! If I still had my Seamark cradle dare say that would be in there, minus the net! Anyone got one they dont use anymore? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted September 13, 2016 Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 George used to use the Bergara Stag but I suppose the new company are paying him better money...Heh! can't / don't blame him one bit, he's the archetypal Professional. I have a Bergara Stag seat and have used it for my driven shooting for three years/seasons now with absolutely no problems. Brilliant bit of kit. I' a tad over 15 stone but if one will hold George it will hold most people. I also use a three legged stool, seen in regular use on the Continent. They are much easier to carry to a static location but the swivel ability of the Stag is great and I regularly shoot whilst sitting at driven birds with no problem. I keep mine assembled because although they say they will take down and pack, it is not an instant easy job. The present seat I have seen George use is also a class bit of kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2016 Many thanks for all the replies. I'm in the middle of making Tonys seat. We'll see how that goes . The eBay one and bergara are the reserve plans! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted September 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Tonys seat has turned out well. Thanks for the direction. The only downside is that it doesn't collapse for ease of carrying. I don't think it should be a problem for most places but will have to experiment for a while. Thanks again for all the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TONY R Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 Tonys seat has turned out well. Thanks for the direction. The only downside is that it doesn't collapse for ease of carrying. I don't think it should be a problem for most places but will have to experiment for a while. Thanks again for all the input. I dont have one intact at the moment but what i did to carry it was two dog lead clips and a old enfield smle canvas sling with the dog clips rivered in to it, bouth on the top and bottom of the seat near the rim inside i had two steel d links the small ones, i took out the bolt bent them in the vice so they were a nice fit to the threaded bar and welded them top and botom inline in board so i could clip the dog clips on easy and i used to throw it over my shoulder opposite side to the gun and carry it base to the rear clen seat to my front, it sat perfect under my arm like this, my mark two was identical but i used scrap seat belts cut to length and riveted over a platted paracord loop with the dog clips on that, was more comfy than the enfield sling and lasted well. I will be making these mk 3s soon same as mk2 seat belt strap, alloy top and bottom. car seat belts are ace so good for any kind of straps used to replace old army rucksack straps with car seat belts for motorcycling long distances, they are very confortable anbd strong kind of what they were made to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted September 23, 2016 Report Share Posted September 23, 2016 The Begara seat has a weight limit of 19 st so not man enough for some,could easily overload and break it on uneven ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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