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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: MiStickSlinger on October 07, 2014, 08:19:00 PM

Title: help needed for my basement range
Post by: MiStickSlinger on October 07, 2014, 08:19:00 PM
Hello everyone, this is my first post on this site so I hope I'm not breaking any rules.
Well here it goes, I would really like to shoot my bow more, but due to where I live I am unable to shoot in the backyard. Well after a little persuading I convinced my mother to let me install a range in her basement, its a long basement (30 yards) so it would be perfect for anything I'm trying to do.

She is still worried about her glass block window at the end so we were brainstorming backstop ideas. I see the rubber stall mats from tractor supply are popular, the only issue is she says they are too heavy to move around in the event she wants to throw a house party. I included a picture to show what im working with, I plan on keeping the target away from the window altogether, but I still need something to give her some peace of mind. So my question is, is there anything out there that is somewhat moveable, that will stop an arrow effectively and won't break the bank? (http://i61.tinypic.com/vq3yv7.jpg)
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: rraming on October 07, 2014, 08:30:00 PM
Archery nets, they will stop an arrow if you miss the target. I can personally tell you that shooting in the house will cause damage to something eventually, your days are numbered so don't spend much.
There is a list of rules on here you can read if you are concerned about typing something you shouldn't.

And Welcome!   :wavey:
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Archie on October 07, 2014, 08:33:00 PM
Here's what I did:

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=136324#000000

I made a foam backdrop that's about 4 feet square.  It is light, stops every arrow, and cost about $5 in materials.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Cavscout9753 on October 07, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
Oh man, I could do a lot with a basement like that. I would make a stand that you suspend the matts from using hooks and eyelits. You could pull the matts down and disconnect the frame. Easier but more riskier option would just be a board block you install over the window but it wont save the wall (or your arrows!) either way, I wouldnt give up, thats a good gig you got there. And welcome!
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Roadkill on October 07, 2014, 09:50:00 PM
Frame up your mats with caster wheels on a 2x4 rollable frame. Roll it out when needed.
Or
Hang your mat in an articulated manner and pull it up parallel to the ceiling with a block and tackle. Make a fancy frilly to hide it when partying
Heck, you might be on QVC selling it to discri inating home owners.  Some may not have a target, they'll just want to jump in to be fashionable
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Jack Hoyt 75 on October 07, 2014, 11:24:00 PM
The green 10x10 archery netting is great!  Can buy online but not real cheap.  Good luck.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: MiStickSlinger on October 14, 2014, 10:39:00 AM
Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'm going to go with the netting. How effectively will it stop a field point from a recurve, I am still somewhat of a beginner so I have a feeling it will be seeing a lot of arrows lol
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: The Whittler on October 14, 2014, 07:33:00 PM
What's on the opposite wall.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: macbow on October 14, 2014, 07:39:00 PM
On the netting it would need to be about 3 feet from the wall.
I would just stand a sheet of plywood over the wall/window and use a bag target.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Cavscout9753 on October 14, 2014, 07:41:00 PM
The samuri used to have billowing parachutes of silk tied to their backs like the parachutes drag cars eject, when they rode their horses its fill with air and stop enemy arrows from shooting them in their backs. Maybe mot totally on topic but it shows that loose fabric is excellent in absorbing energy and stopping penetration. At least at "our" speeds.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: cch on October 14, 2014, 09:34:00 PM
I would just use a sheet of 5\\8" or 3\\4" plywoo . I have shot through netting that was supposed to stop arrow .
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Flying Dutchman on October 15, 2014, 03:01:00 AM
Ishot many times trough a net,so I wouldn't recommend that for sure! Plywood sounds good though...
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: reddogge on October 15, 2014, 08:20:00 AM
I like the stall mat on a rolling frame idea myself. Remember to put a spotlight on the target. It helps a lot.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: Eugene Slagle on October 15, 2014, 11:22:00 AM
Plywood is not a good arrow stopper.

I've got a wall behind my house that is 2 panels 4" apart of 3/4" plywood & on occasion when I did miss the arrow would penetrate the first panel & stop on the second at 25 yards shot with a 47# Recurve.

The heavy netting if hung properly will stop the arrows quite effectively.
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: newhouse114 on October 15, 2014, 08:15:00 PM
I have two layers of heavy carpet hung behind my target, about 18 inches apart. Stops field points quite well, wont even slow down a sharp broadhead! LOL
Title: Re: help needed for my basement range
Post by: tim roberts on October 15, 2014, 08:42:00 PM
X2 on the plywood, especially skinny carbons!
Thanks,