I recently moved from Indiana, to Florida (South Florida) and I need to build a new target backstop-

I lived in the same house for 20 years, and used the same frame with compressed bails of straw, with rubber belting behind the straw-It served me well but I am ready to move into the 21st century-

I only have one 3 d target with me for now--and I want to built a backstop that will allow me to shoot paper as well as serve as a back stop to my 3 d targets if I happen to miss--    

I don't want straw-or excelsior- I want to build a frame that will allow me to have at least a 4'X4' target face-(I have an 8 year old son, 15 year old daughter and wife of un determined age, that will be shooting on this as well)

I would really love some closed cell foam--but do not have a source down here--

I just figured I would see what other folks are using these days-

P.J.

P.J.

I've used a 4'x4' target for years that is stuffed with shrink wrap. Just pick up the shrink wrap from a local store or factory that receives goods on pallets that are wrapped with it.

I built a 2x4 frame work 16" deep, placed it on a plywood platform that is on treated 4x4's. Put plywood on the sides and nailed old carpeting on the front and back. Then all you need to do is stuff it full of the shrink wrap, it will last for years. The only thing you will need to replace is the carpet as it gets shot out or rots. I have been using a nylon mesh on mine that I get from a cheese factory.

PJ,  This isn't a "shooting FORM" question.  Please take over to the Pow Wow.  Thanks.

Arne

i borrowed an idea i saw somewhere on here - i made a frame consisting of a couple verticle 6.5' "blunts" (fencing posts) with a couple of horizontal 2x6's screwed on, stuck it into some concrete-filled holes, then screwed a horse stall mat onto the frame... made mine 4x5'... then i use chain to hang a block target over the front of it...

horse stall mats are some seriously HEAVY durable rubber/tire material - and self-healing for the most part... the really pointy field points will penetrate a bit, the more rounded ones bounce right off... i don't see EVER having to replace this backstop...

In South Florida you should be able to get the big blue cubes of floating dock foam(Home dep. carried them at one time) they are 4'x2'x12"deep And they were not that bad in price.

 I use our old trampoline it was damaged by a fallen branch and folded in half its a big nice backstop for stray arrows.

I second the horse stall mat. I've used one in my basement for 8 months shooting 3-6 times a week and it shows little damage. I got it at tractor supply for 35$ I think.

Stall mats work great, I sunk two 4x4 posts in the ground and hung the mat. In front I put a bag target with replaceable cardboard face. The cardboard keeps the arrows from sagging and the mat stops any wild shots.

I also built a frame with 6x6 pressure treated and hung horse  stall mats from it,best back stop I ever had.I have a deer,turkey and pig 3d targets in front of the backstop.I used two mats

There are some threads on here about how to build a frame to use horse stall mats.  Some good photos too.

I went by Tractor Supply to look at the mats.  Super thick and would stop any arrow.

I also built a frame with 6x6 pressure treated and hung horse  stall mats from it,best back stop I ever had.I have a deer,turkey and pig 3d targets in front of the backstop.I used two mats

I built a frame around my Bulldog target and used some old conveyer belt from a quarry around it.VERY tough stuff.

not to change the subject pj, but where in indiana?
quite a few tradgangers here

I bought a 4'X6' 1/2" rubber horse mat from TSC for not much money and nailed a 1x3 to the top edge and hung it on a chain strung between two trees. My Rinehart deer is in front of it. I also draped a couple of rugs in front of it to absorb more of the arrows impact. With this set up I can back up to 60 yards and not be afraid of loosing arrows, even grandkids arrows.

I also use the horse matts from tactor supply

Huh.  You moved from God's country to the SWAMP!!! You need more than a backstop.

I use my minibarn     But I live in the 'burbs so I can't risk a wayward arrow.  Short shots and lots of supervision on new shooters, specially the kids.

Anyone have a link for plans to build a target frame? The one I'm thinking about is the wood top and bottom (2x6) with threaded rods vertical on the sides to compress cardboard or carpet material?

QuoteOriginally posted by Zbone:
Anyone have a link for plans to build a target frame? The one I'm thinking about is the wood top and bottom (2x6) with threaded rods vertical on the sides to compress cardboard or carpet material?

I built one not too long ago. If I remember I will get you some measurements. Not hard to make though if you decide to wing it.

I went to the local indoor range and bought their target when they replaced them. I have had it for about 2 1/2 years and expect it to last many more years. I keep it in a small tool shed in the yard and just open the doors to shoot. It's huge maybe 4 feet tall.

I think I paid $50 bucks or so for a $400 ? target....

 

I use this for going on 5 years now. It's out in the weather year round and still looks new.

http://www.bupsports.com/products.cfm

I use a piece of carpet behind the bales-stops everything.