Ideas for 4'x4' arrow backstop (large)

[starshooter]

This

[Bill Turner]

A friend offered me a large archery target used by his daughter. It turned out to be a large piece of dock Styrofoam approximately 5x8x2ft . It makes a perfect backstop. 

[Trenton G.]

Get a couple (at least 3) squares of carpet. Hang them with maybe an inch or two between each layer. Will stop just about anything.

[uffda]

Thanks again everyone.  I think the old carpet sounds like a cheap way to go.  Time to carpet hunting. 

[Jon Stewart]

Not sure if you are looking for a target or back stop.

I will tell you that our family owned an archery shop with 8 shooting lanes. We used a frame, larger than the target  bale that we shot at made out of 2 by 4's. We then hung old carpet over the top of that frame so it reached the bottom (ground) on both sides of the frame.  The arrows went thru the first layer of carpet but not the second. That 4" of dead space between the carpet seemed to do the trick in stopping the arrow..

[uffda]

To answer for those confused about whether target or backstop, I have appreciated both answers, but what I was originally addressing was a backstop to have behind my intended target.  My area is rather confined with neighbors that I don't want to upset if a wild arrow were to show up in their lawn.  More of a security measure.  Again, I really do appreciate all of the responses.  I have a buddy picking up some old conveyor belting from the mine that he works at.

[Huntschool]

No problem.  I just took it from the way you wrote it that you were looking for a target material and frame.

By the BY.... if you stick one good in that mine belt bring some liquid soap or WD 40 along as getting the arrow out of that stuff can be a major task.  Also watch out for the metal banded types of belting.  Obvious reasons.

We had a ton of coal mines here in Southernmost Illinois, most of which are gone now so belting was easy to get.

[Jon Stewart]

No problem. I had a hunch it was for a back stop and that is why I responded with info on one. Your first sentence referencing a target is what threw me. All is  good. At 71 I am easily confused anyway.   

[STICKBENDER98]

I used old carpet for awhile, then a couple years ago I bought a horse stall mat from Tractor Supply, 3/4" thick and very dense.  I have straw bales stacked in front of it with ratchet straps to compress them, it has stopped all my arrows, none have penetrated through it.  I haven't shot broadheads at it, but I believe it would stop them too.  I'l try to get a picture posted later.


Jason

[STICKBENDER98]

Not the best picture, but shows the size of it.


Jason

[TIM B]

I’ll repeat what was said above.....a round bale is hard to beat.  I’ve never even had them wrapped extra- just use them as is. They typically are wrapped w the orange bale twine that lasts forever.  The bale starts falling apart after 3 yrs or so.  I like to cut cardboard deer or turkeys and pin them to the bale.
Tim B

[TIM B]

Here is one of mine
Tim B

[JAH518]

I've had great luck with a large rubber stable mat as a backstop. 

[GCook]

Here's my horse stall mat backstop.

[MdDave]

i have to agree with the horse stall mat.. 45 bucks at tractor supply.. minimal lumber for a frame. can add wheels to move if ya want to.. a whole lot easier to move than a round bale. I actually use mine as a target,I hang tennis balls from the top. some times my arrows will stick but the right wind could blow them off. broadheads do penetrate but MAYBE at most 1/2 sticking out other side shooting about 47 pounds

[wood carver 2]

If you need a large backstop, and are willing to spend a bit more, take a look at the ones that Three Rivers sells. I know someone here where I live that sells them. I have shot with him in his yard and these big curtains work really well.
Dave.

[Gdpolk]

Just a few ideas:

• large round hay bale
• stacked square hay bales
• horse stall mat on a simple homemade frame
• stacks of carpet or cardboard
• styrofoam boat dock blocks
• dump truck load of sand (kids can play in it too)
• cinder block or brick retainer wall with a load of sand, rubber mulch, or natural mulch in it...you could even use the natural mulch to touch up flower beds as needed
• get a small shed to shoot into, sew up a the sides of a 2 yard section of burlap fabric sold by the yard, and stuff it with old clothes/linens...I do this and my bag target also becomes my grease rag supply
• get one of the hanging shooting curtains from 3 Rivers

[Michael Pfander]

I build mine out of 1/2" sound board.  I buy 4x8 sheets, rip them to 12", use an LVL top and bottom to compress them, replace sections as needed when they wear out.  You get 4" of 4' target out of every sheet.  So 12 sheets is 4'.
MAP

[GCook]

i have to agree with the horse stall mat.. 45 bucks at tractor supply.. minimal lumber for a frame. can add wheels to move if ya want to.. a whole lot easier to move than a round bale. I actually use mine as a target,I hang tennis balls from the top. some times my arrows will stick but the right wind could blow them off. broadheads do penetrate but MAYBE at most 1/2 sticking out other side shooting about 47 pounds

I'm gonna put wheels on mine.  Cheap lawn mower wheels screwed on with lag screws should work.

[JAH518]