My home made backstop

[FrankM]

OK, not pretty but it works! I spent about 50 bucks or so. Used 1 4x8 3/4" plywood. Cut 1' off each end and attached them at the bottom to make a 5x6' backstop. I cut off of each end so I'd have a straight edge on both pieces. About 9 2x4's, some metal brackets, and assorted screws.

 

Here's the back end. The braces are cut 1/4" shorter than the front so it slightly tilts back.
The tub is filled with old carpet.

 

Here's my bow and some shots from 10 yards. Try to ignore the arrow in the upper left.   :rolleyes:  

 

[Zach Mikita]

What bow is that you have there against that sharp looking backstop  

[Deadbolt]

question for ya...why not hang carpet instead of using plywood?

Just tack the carpet to the top and let it hang and it will stop the arrow in a few inches and wont ruin anything...plywood bites back sometimes LOL.

[Raging Water]

I used 3 pieces of carpet, cut into 4' X 4' sections, for my backstop. Got the carpet from someone throwing it out. The wood and paint is about $30. The PVC pipe is perfect for holding arrows while pulling out an arrow.

     

[FrankM]

That bow is a Martin Takedown Jaguar.

[FrankM]

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I built it so the front can be replaced. Can the carpet you have there stop a broadhead?

[Deadbolt]

as long as the carpet is free hanging it will

[Raging Water]

Frank,

Yep. Originally, I only had two layers of carpet and even field point arrows went in all the way to the feathers.

So, I tried a 3rd layer. It stops everything about half way down the arrow shaft.

It must have something to do with the layering.

If I had a a 4th layer, I would put it on.

I don't know the density of the carpet, as I pulled it out of the trash. But, the denser the better.

Oh, because the carpet is layered vertically, the carpet dries quickly after a rain. No mold, or anything. Works pretty good for free!

[SpencerL]

Great Idea with the loose carpet. My grandfather just had his living room redone, I guess I'll be taking some home.

[FrankM]

I might switch it out. I have some small pieces of carpet. I think I'll layer them hanging and do some test shots, if it works well, when I find some carpet, I'll switch it out.

One concern though. We have an ongoing war with widow spiders out here in the boonies. My wife would be "much afeared" if they decided to take up residence in the carpet. Any issues with that for you?

[J. Cook]

No worries Frank...they are much smaller targets.  If you get to where you can hit a black widow spider at 17 yards you are ready!!!!!!  LOL

If you shoot alot, you probably won't have much trouble with black widows in the carpet, but you could always just spray it twice a year or so with bug killer/repellant too in order to keep them out.

[Zbearclaw]

I layered some scrap foam insulation and patch it every few months with spray expanding foam, but will make a hanging carpet backstop with the boys here shortly.

Nice work.

[FrankM]

Originally posted by J. Cook:
No worries Frank...they are much smaller targets.  If you get to where you can hit a black widow spider at 17 yards you are ready!!!!!!  LOL

Them thar varmints better watch out then! Should I use my Black Diamonds or get some Grizzleys?

[Onehair]

I always just use my neighbors fence. Works great and cost next to nothing.

[FrankM]

Originally posted by Onehair:
I always just use my neighbors fence. Works great and cost next to nothing.

Last thing I want is a broadhead in his yard and I have to ask for it.

[Bent Rig]

You can get a "Cow mat " at Tractor Supply for $36 - I believe they are 4'x 6' and 1" thick . They won't damage arrows at all , mine was tested with a 70lb compound - stopped it halfway down the shaft . The thing will last forever !  

[FrankM]

I wonder if I could cut a couple inches off of the cow mat with a razorblade knife to fit my wood frame?

[Raging Water]

Frank,

So far, no bugs. I think there was so much Cat urine on it (that's why they threw it out) that bugs don't like it.

Also, it is a back stop. Don't miss and you won't have to deal with Black Widows.

[lpcjon2]

I just don't miss, it's much easier. No building and cost less...LOL

[FrankM]

So I says "screw it", I stop by the feed store, get a 4x6 mat, cut off a few inches and mount it replacing the plywood. Then I shot four arrows at it, they went in tip deep only.

The big test! 10 feet away with a Zwickey Black Diamond. It goes in a total of tip + 4 inches of shaft!  

I am a believer.