Question on compressed carpet target butt

[Jock Whisky]

I'm about to build a backstop made of layers of carpet strips stacked on top of each other and compressed using 2x8 lumber and four pieces of threaded rod. It will be about three feet square. I'll be shooting up to fifty pounds using all kinds of arrow material.

For those of you that have made one of these how wide did you cut the strips and how well did it work.

[mmilinovich]

One of the members at the club to which I belong has done this for the past couple of years as a transition from excelsior on many of our 60-plus outdoor target butts.

The pieces are cut to make a depth (i.e. front to back of target) of less than two feet, which is more than sufficient.  

He covers the whole works with thick rubber on the top and sides, to protect against rain and snow.

Works great.  The only downside:  An occasional arrow impacts the carpet backing directly and  is "rejected."  Not a problem!

You're going to like your result.

[AZ_Longbow]

I made one that was 2x3 and one foot deep, it stops everything from my 80lb longbow to my friends wheelbow. it is HEAVY. we added casters to it and it broke the first 4. so we had to add the super heavy ones.

[BAK]

I had problems with one a number of years back in that the glue in the pad left residue on the wood shafts.  Maybe that has changed now.

[catman1]

Just get a Rag Bag Target Cover and be done with it, they work very well for $25 bucks, I know this for a fact. Just put your old clothes in it and pack it good...
I have made all kinds and this one works..

[catman1]

If your wanting a back stop just go to Tractor supply and get a large mat 4'x 6', very cheap.

[SKITCH]

Originally posted by catman1:
If your wanting a back stop just go to Tractor supply and get a large mat 4'x 6', very cheap.

Yep...after hearing about it on here and seeing what a few guys built I went and got one.  Heavy as hell as I bought the big one but they will definitely do the trick!!   If it's a backstop your after this would be the way to go. Do a search and you can see how a few have made frames for them to put behind their target.  I have also seen them used on 3D courses behind the targets so it must be pretty common practice.

[tracker12]

They are great targets if you have the material.  We used them on our indoor and outdoor range.  They last for years.

[Bob Suggs]

I suppose the mat you are talking about is one of these?  
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-6-ft?cm_vc=-10005

Do arrows stick in this or just bounce off?

[SKITCH]

Yep. That's it.  Arrows do not stick that's why they are great for a backstop.  I suspect you are looking for something to use more for a target.   ???

If so the stacked carpet would be a good one to look into.

[Scott Barr]

I made one that is 3' x 3' x 14" deep.  With no backstop. Stops 530 grain  arrows great from 50 lb bow. Although if I were shooting compounds or high pound traditional, would make it thicker or add backstop.  BTW:  it takes a surprising amount of carpet (and cutting labor) when you compress the layers.  Also very heavy as others mention.  Consequently I too added heavy duty rollers.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Will the Compresses Carpet target accept Broadheads or will that wear it out quickly? I imagine if needed, you could take it apart, remove the middle pieces and add more if needed.

On the question about the Horse Stall Matt, I gave one to my little Brother for his basement.  We Lag Bolted a couple 2x4's on each side along the top, added some big eye bolts across the Top and hung it from his Rafters.  the Bottom swings freely and all field points Bounce off.  We shot Broadheads into it to see what would happen, the penetrated but it still stopped them. I think it makes  great Backstop material.

[stickandstring]

I bought the "arrow stop" from 3 Rivers. It works great but, is expensive. The black matt from Tractor has me intrigued now. Great suggestion.