Tired of Replacing Cardboard Target Backer?

[BBGunn]

Some years ago I got tired of replacing the cardboard on my target stand. Seemed like the cardboard had no sooner been replaced, and it was 'shot out' again! So, I set out to build a target stand that was maintenance free.

I was already using the cheapest targets you can buy..., paper plates. You know the kind..., the plates that are so thin that you can't actually eat off just one. So I built my new target stand to accommodate using those inexpensive paper plates. If a person doesn't want to use paper plates, rectangular/square paper targets could be substituted by using 4 to 6-clamps instead of the 2-clamps I use with paper plates.

The stand has holes drilled for the 1/8" steel rod along the inside of the upright tubing. That way I can adjust the height of the target up or down to work as desired.

Also, if you are tired of repairing or replacing your pellet/slug backstop then spend the money and build/buy a steel backstop. A steel backstop will last a life time! I've been using mine for around 30yrs and it's held up to constant pounding from pellets. Once I started using heavy slugs from higher powered air rifles the rectangular back stop was starting to show it was getting beat pretty hard. That's when I added the 3/8" thick AR500 plate to the front of the steel backstop.

From my shooting position 50yds away my target (paper plate) is adjusted so it is perfectly centered over the round AR500 steel. That way I can shoot any of my air rifles, at any power level on target.

Hope someone finds this post helpful.

 

[Jaabaa]

Steal is the best way to go. This piece was $20 from a local plasma cutter shop, I just stopped in and asked if they had anything that would work.
Then I had a entire sheet 4x8' shipped to my daughter's farm for $160
So that what a sheet is.
My summer project will be really fun and big.

 

[PapaT]

Awesome ideas, thanks. I have an assortment of things for my shooting, but a nice steel backstop wouldn't be bad. I have also thought about concrete block backstop.

 

[jps2486]

Ever try using a rubber mudguard as used on trailer trucks? This stuff is pretty thick and heavy and most of the time, pellets hit it then just fall to the ground.

 

[BBGunn]

Ever try using a rubber mudguard as used on trailer trucks? This stuff is pretty thick and heavy and most of the time, pellets hit it then just fall to the ground.

Never used the specific material you mentioned. Did use 1" thick horse stall rubber mat for a while but it also suffered being shot-out in fairly short time.

 

[JD5]

Some years ago I got tired of replacing the cardboard on my target stand. Seemed like the cardboard had no sooner been replaced, and it was 'shot out' again! So, I set out to build a target stand that was maintenance free.

I was already using the cheapest targets you can buy..., paper plates. You know the kind..., the plates that are so thin that you can't actually eat off just one. So I built my new target stand to accommodate using those inexpensive paper plates. If a person doesn't want to use paper plates, rectangular/square paper targets could be substituted by using 4 to 6-clamps instead of the 2-clamps I use with paper plates.

The stand has holes drilled for the 1/8" steel rod along the inside of the upright tubing. That way I can adjust the height of the target up or down to work as desired.

Also, if you are tired of repairing or replacing your pellet/slug backstop then spend the money and build/buy a steel backstop. A steel backstop will last a life time! I've been using mine for around 30yrs and it's held up to constant pounding from pellets. Once I started using heavy slugs from higher powered air rifles the rectangular back stop was starting to show it was getting beat pretty hard. That's when I added the 3/8" thick AR500 plate to the front of the steel backstop.

From my shooting position 50yds away my target (paper plate) is adjusted so it is perfectly centered over the round AR500 steel. That way I can shoot any of my air rifles, at any power level on target.

Hope someone finds this post helpful.

 

[JD5]

Nice setup BBGunn, I like the adjustability. I've been using bales of straw I picked up after a halloween pumpkin display at our local market. I have them off the ground using an old pallett and cover them from the weather with an annual purchase of a good ol Harbor Freight $2.99 tarp. The straw keeps the impact noise down to a minimum ( basically whatever noise a pellet makes hitting paper ) which works great in the Suburbs. I simply run 3" galvy nails through each corner of the targets and I'm in there. One bale on edge will hold two 12x18 inch targets easily. I always get together with my neighbor for a side x side drink and plink session and it works out very well. After approx six years it finally gave up the ghost and had to replace it.
P.S. Just an FYI: Astandard size straw bale fits perfectly in the largest standard issue green yard waste container they offer.