Homemade Back Stop?

[Deadbolt]

I'm in need of a new backstop for my range...my old fence is getting replaced and I dont want to shred that one up when we miss.

I was wondering if any of you have a homemade backstop that works well and what it is?  Its gonne be 16'x6'.

My buddy mentioned framing it out w/ 2x4s and nailing rug to both sides to stop any strays but I'm trying to come up with something even more impenitrable.  I was thinking of advancing on that design and filling the inside of it with foam.  Carpet is great when it is free hanging but I dont have that much room; this backstop will be flush with the new fence just about.

So lets hear your ideas and designs that might work!!!

And if ya have pictures or plans lets see em as well!

[Shawn Leonard]

An old carpet hung in place would work great, except for broadheads of course. Shawn

[Deadbolt]

I dont have the space behind my targets though to allow a rug to just hang and swing freely...maybe 6 inches if that.  I dont think thats enough room for the carpet to do its job do you?

[PrarrieDog]

Deadbolt,
Make a rack, hanging carpet about an inch apart. You should get 3 or 4 layers that way. I think that will work.
Prarrie Dog

[Deadbolt]

prarriedog good idea bud i'll have to make a prototype and test it out tnx buddy!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

old feed bags with sand inside....

cardboard stacked on top of each other held down with 2X4's & bolts.....( like a layered target )

[ALW]

Strips of mining belt works good.  I tacked up a piece of mining belt on the back of my target frame and the arrows will only penetrate an inch or so.  Most times the field points don't go all the way through.  Now I'm not sure about the broadheads.  I'm sure that 2 layers would stop a broadhead.

Aaron

[portugeejn]

Old hot tub covers work great.

Ron

[BobW]

Simple solution & environmentally friendly.

 

[pdk25]

Let me know when the work party is.  I'll be happy to help put the backstop up.  Old conveyer belt should work great, but I don't know where to pick any up locally.  Maybe a run to a quarry in PA?

[Deadbolt]

hey pat can you say road trip?  ive heard several people mention that stuff but i dont know where i could find some.

i was thinking carpet but with all the rain and stuff i'd prefere rubber.  someone mentioned horse stall rubber matts for the walls or whatever.  it would cost me like $100 but its worth not destroying the new $6000 fence.

brb got an ems job

[pdk25]

Horse stall mats would probably work great, but the 3/4 mats are probably overkill.  They can weigh something like 100 pounds apiece for a 4ft x 6ft section.  About 70 pounds for the 1/2".  They usually can be found for just under $40 per section., so four of these out to do the trick if we can't find used conveyer belt.

[Cherokee Scout]

I am not sure about the size described 16'x6', but if you want a smaller target, one that last, try
Celotex. It is a fiberboard used to side homes. It comes in 4x8 sheets, 1/2 to 3/4" thick,cost about $6 per sheet. I cut it in 16" strips (4' wide) and stack them. 4'x4' target will cost less than $100, the last one lasted me about 14 years or so, and we shoot it a lot!
 

[Eric Krewson]

I worked in a power plant with a lot of coal conveyor belts and picked up some pieces to use as a backstop. I found them to be too hard, might not hurt a carbon arrow but would cause a kink in the shaft near the insert on aluminum if you hit one directly.

[macbow]

My experience with carpe is two layers about a foot apart hanging freely might stop most of the arrows from a 50 pound bow. anything higher and most shots make it through.

There were some backstops at comptons. I think it was some sort of mesh, maybe chicken wire over a frame. The depth was maybe 12 to 16 inches. It was filled with poly type plastic.
Anyone else remeber how they were put topgether?
I was observing from a distance watching the kids shoot.
Ron

[Deadbolt]

SipseyRiver that is an awsome target!!  I wish i had some more room to put another one u LOL...My range is gettin pretty big LOL

[Deadbolt]

Originally posted by Eric Krewson:
I worked in a power plant with a lot of coal conveyor belts and picked up some pieces to use as a backstop. I found them to be too hard, might not hurt a carbon arrow but would cause a kink in the shaft near the insert on aluminum if you hit one directly.

Oh thats not good I only shoot aluminums and woodies...I know try to hit the target but at least my wood fence doesn't hurt my arrows.  I'll have to test it out.

[Recurve50LBS]

Tom,

I thought you didn't miss! LOL Some good suggestions here though. Stay safe Bud

Larry