What is everyone's opinions on deer stand shelves/shooting rails? I've got a 4x6 that will be getting upgraded soon to something a little bigger. But until then I'm wanting to build some shelves inside so I've got room to set stuff. What's everyone's thoughts in different ways of doing these? Corner shelves, flush with the windows, etc.
I was wanting to do something that sits flush with the windows so I could use it as a shooting rail, but with Deer View windows that seems like it might be a pain since that's where the closers for them are. Thought about putting them in the corner but didn't know if that would be big enough. I'm a big boy, so I don't wanna anything to big to make me bump into everything even more. Input?!

Thanks guys!

My blind is 4 x 4. Me and a chair, it's perfect. I placed shelves on the outside, just to be used for a shooting platforms. Best thing I ever did. I put sand bags on them when I set up. I have a small shelf in one corner for a clock, small flash light, etc. Anything else goes with me in a pack that hangs on a hook, inside back wall.

Interesting thread. I'm about to build some blinds and am contemplating the same issue with Deerviews.

One thing I thought about was making them flush and just putting little cut outs where the closers for the windows go. That way I've still got a shooting rail but can still close the windows good. The only thing that worrys me about having them so flush with the window is having all my crap visible and sitting to where it could fall out if it was to get hit or the wind picked up.

If you could, post a pic of a wall with the windows. I have an idea, not sure if it would work. My windows hinge at the top, and are held open with a latch on the ceiling. With my shooting rest on the outside, it doesn't take up any interior room. You may be able to make some shelves for gear and put them near ceiling, above windows, or high on the back wall. Using 1/2" stock, right size screws, glue and shelf brackets I have made small shelves that are really strong and rigid.

i just put the shelves below my deer view windows and threw an old set of sandbags in blind for shooting rest.
I also have shelves above the windows

I like a shelf just above knee level on the shooting wall, but well below window level, for things like binoculars, range finder, drinks, phone, etc. This keeps them handy to reach, but out of sight and does not clutter up the gun rest area. I also like shelves up high on the side walls for things I keep in the blind like a dust pan, TP, glass wipes, etc. In a blind that is tighter, make sure the shelf doesn't take away from the usable space or maneuverability.

Here's how I did mine on a recent blind.

I appreciate it guys. I like the idea of the shooting shelf on the outside so it doesn't take up any interior room. I'll get some pics of the inside tomorrow!

I'm putting these in mine, i like the rail on the front to keep me from knocking stuff over. about 15" wide, good for my 4x4. I have another "storage" shelf at the top of my blind for things like propane bottles, etc

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6364509/Re:_blind_shelf#Post6364509

I'm gonna run to the Depot later and see what my brain comes up with... This could be bad.

Is that a fiberglass stand and if so, did you just screw those shelf brackets into the wall? Trying to do the same in mine.

This fella has a good idea for a foldable gun rest. I'll probably do something like this in the new blind we'll be building at my uncle's place. Relevant part is from about the 1:00 mark to the 5:00 mark. He also has the fold up Deerview windows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCBzZe_IoIM

I finally found a stand with enough shelves, Overhead, window height, and below window. Yes, the dog gets his own chair too.....

Not a great picture but added these shelves to my fiberglass blind. The high shelves sit on top of the window frames and use the existing holes for longer wood screws. The shooting shelf is a 2x10 that sits on the 2” L brackets that the original piece of plywood was screwed to. The shelf below provides a lot more support for the shooting shelf and adds storage for binos, drinks, etc.

I’ve added shelves to my home made 4x4 and 4x6 blinds. Don’t know why I didn’t put them there originally. My gun rest is my left hand/fist.

That reminds me to put adding top shelves to my to-do list.

Mine is a 5X5 and i have sleves at window height and about 10 inches down 3/4" X 5" with in/outdoor carpet glued to them, but there again they are 5 X 5.

I use Cedar fence boards for shelves. Smells good for a while!

Shelves just below the bottom of the window and use a sand bag as a rest.

That's how I roll. But, when I had a 4' x 4' I thought outside the box, and put them on the outside. Worked out great, didn't take up needed space on the inside and all I wanted them for was a gun rest. Just put a slight bend on the brackets so rain runs away from your blind.

mine has corner shelves built of plywood on the bracing. I think they are very handy and simple to make. I would recommend a rubber shelf paper so that when you set something on them they will make less noise.

Thanks guys that reminds me that I need to build a couple for this year for koolaid and such.