One trip to Rural King for a Horse Mat ($35), some lumber and screws ($25) and I have a new semi-portable backstop.
You'll see from the last picture that a good backstop is needed for my new range... standing on pergola over deck and shooting over the pool into a brick wall.
It is the only opportunity I have to practice from an elevated position. About 10 feet high and 13 yards out.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0243.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0246.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0245.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0248.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0249.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0250.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/IMG_0251.jpg)
AWSOME!
Nice job!! Whatever it takes!!
That's what I suggested in another thread ! They work great - can't see using anything else , had mine for several years - nothin' better !! :archer2:
Yes it does work great. I have used one INSIDE my business for over a year. No arrow damage, and no shooting thru it. The only issure is the mat is heavy and hard to handle
What is a horse mat?
Excellent! I just buillt one too, removed the plywood and placed a stall/cow/horse mat on it and it's excellent!
Very nice. Built myself a similar set up recently and am loving it.
:thumbsup:
Howard, A horse mat is a thick rubber mat they put in the bottom of spoiled horse s stalls. I guess it's more comfortable on their feet. It's also nice because the urine doesn't go into the dirt hence creating less stink in the summer.
You can find them at Tractor supply!
Nice.....I have been thinking about building a backstop like that for a while. It might result in some indoor winter shooting...instead of freezin' my butt off.
Very nice,But what are we going to do about those milk crates can you paint them the same color,or maybe use a hay bail.Just kidden Great job!
This is very cool, I need to make one right away.
Those stall mats are heavy! Should stop an arrow just fine.
Hay bale? What's that? I've never used one of them, only these rubber mats and milk crates. Hay bales! Who'd o' thunk it? ;)
So it looks like you just hang the mat, don't nail at the bottom? I saw in another thread about using 3 layers of used carpet and presume the hang from the top only too. Although you wouldn't get any "swing" from your setup as you have the bottom 2x4 to bump against.
Brian,
That's one of simplest backstops I've seen yet and I like the way it's framed...I have been wanting something in my yard that will be permanent and I may use some white ceder or pressure treated...Anyone know about how long those matts will last in the weather?I know they take a beating in the "horse stalls" just wondering about the sun if they were left out over the years...Great job Brian and maybe you can get this put up in the How to section for newcomers... :thumbsup:
Looks like I'm going to thr Tractor Supply to get me a mat.
Thanx for the info.
thats sweet! ive always used a hot tub cover lol!
I used 5 screws w large washers at the top to secure it. I don't see a need for securing the bottom. Kinda gives the mat even more "umph" absorption. From my bows nothing gets all the way through it, a few heavies penetrate through the point.
Not sure how long they last. I have one that has been up over a year w/o any deterioration. Presume it will last several more years. Then I can just unscrew the old mat and screw on a new one.
Hey Brian, you've used minimal wood there, and your supports are low. Do you find it pretty sturdy or does it seem a bit light?
Excellent idea! Just might build one myself! Thanks for the pics!
Frank
Back seems real solid as is. I used 3inch decking screws rather than nails. I left the option to add a front brace if needed... but there just isn't that much force going into the thing so I figured I'd be OK with it as is. Now if my kids decide to use it as a monkey bar set.. I may need to beef it up.
Just got back from Tractor Supply - with my new backstop. Thanks for the info . . .
Craig
Thanks Brian! When I replaced my plywood, I had to shore up two corners cause of my design. I might change it around to your style if it starts to weaken.
My backstop is now built and being used.
Craig
Very, very, very good idea! Think I'll build one like it myself. :thumbsup: Although I will use pressure treated lumber...
... mike ... :archer2: ...
What is the size of the mat?
Looks good! But that mat'd cost more like 150$ in Norway :(
Brian, can you shoot thru the mat? I mean if you miss and it takes a direct hit will the arrow go all the way thru?
Nice job!
QuoteOriginally posted by coaster500:
Brian, can you shoot thru the mat? I mean if you miss and it takes a direct hit will the arrow go all the way thru?
Nope. Not with a stick bow. My heaviest arrows (approx 735gr) out of my heaviest bow (#60) will penetrate through the field point with about 1 inch sticking out the back.
When I shot a compound at 300+fps I could get about half an arrow to penetrate.
I have not tried (i.e. missed on purpose) with a broadhead yet so can't say for sure how the mat handles a BH.
Great idea. I have compressed straw bales (3) sitting on top of a dolly, inside the garage with plywood against the wall. The stall mat would work better than the plywood. The bales weigh around 80 lbs each, and they are wrapped inside 4 mil. plastic to keep the straw off the floor. I like the mat idea better, with a Block style target much better, less mess and takes up less space. Thanks
I have the same mat. I shot it with a 54# bow, with a 593 gr. arrow and a Zwickey Black Diamond from about 10 feet away. The arrow went through about 4-5 inches.
Tough stuff :)
Thanks for the answer ---->
This is exactly what I've been looking for to put in my backyard. I'll be making mine this weekend. Thanks for sharing Brian. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
glad y'all like it. Feels good to finally contribute something here that other find usefull.
What size screws did you use to hold the mat up, it looks heavy.
Jack
Thats really nice...gives me a great idea for my new house.
I like it!! :thumbsup:
Yep, thats what I did! Works great and I have not lost an carbon arrow since!!! :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
I used 3" deck screws for the project. 5 screws on the top w/ washers hold it up there just fine.
Thanks Brian.
Jack
QuoteOriginally posted by Bel007:
I used 3" deck screws for the project. 5 screws on the top w/ washers hold it up there just fine.
Yeah, that's what I used, except no washers. Just put in about 20 screws.
How much does it cost @ Tractor Supply?
onemoreshot - the mats are 4' x 6'
Craig
I think they are $40. at Tractor Supply.
Jack
TS is having a Memorial Day weekend sale and I saw that those mats are $35.00 till Monday...
Just a "heads up". ;)
Here is another target back stop that utilizes a rack. It is just wood and black paint.
The back stop uses three layers of carpet. The carpet was being tossed out by a neighbor.
Yes, it stops broad heads.
When the carpet wears out I will put up a horse mat as well.
(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/Rack/P1010107.jpg) (http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/Rack/P1010105.jpg)
Looks like a horsemat will fit right on it. For my target, I hung my bag like yours and got rid of that stupid tub. It wasn't staying stiff enough and almost ate my feathers! LOL