Built a new target backstop

[Bel007]

One trip to Rural King for a Horse Mat ($35), some lumber and screws ($25) and I have a new semi-portable backstop.

You'll see from the last picture that a good backstop is needed for my new range... standing on pergola over deck and shooting over the pool into a brick wall.  

It is the only opportunity I have to practice from an elevated position.  About 10 feet high and 13 yards out.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[chuckbow]

AWSOME!

[ron w]

Nice job!! Whatever it takes!!

[Bent Rig]

That's what I suggested in another thread ! They work great - can't see using anything else , had mine for several years - nothin' better !!  

[Glenn Hickey Jr.]

Yes it does work great.  I have used one INSIDE my business for over a year.  No arrow damage, and no shooting thru it.  The only issure is the mat is heavy and hard to handle

[ranger 3]

What is a horse mat?

[FrankM]

Excellent! I just buillt one too, removed the plywood and placed a stall/cow/horse mat on it and it's excellent!

[yukon chuck]

Very nice. Built myself a similar set up recently and am loving it.

[pdk25]

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Howard, A horse mat is a thick rubber mat they put in the bottom of spoiled horse s stalls.  I guess it's more comfortable on their feet. It's also nice because the urine doesn't go into the dirt hence creating less stink in the summer.

You can find them at Tractor supply!

[KentuckyWolf]

Nice.....I have been thinking about building a backstop like that for a while. It might result in some indoor winter shooting...instead of freezin' my butt off.

[lpcjon2]

Very nice,But what are we going to do about those milk crates can you paint them the same color,or maybe use a hay bail.Just kidden Great job!

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

This is very cool, I need to make one right away.

[Ringneck]

Those stall mats are heavy! Should stop an arrow just fine.

[Bel007]

Hay bale?  What's that? I've never used one of them, only these rubber mats and milk crates. Hay bales!  Who'd o' thunk it?  

[Hopewell Tom]

So it looks like you just hang the mat, don't nail at the bottom? I saw in another thread about using 3 layers of used carpet and presume the hang from the top only too. Although you wouldn't get any "swing" from your setup as you have the bottom 2x4 to bump against.

[Keefer]

Brian,
  That's one of simplest backstops I've seen yet and I like the way it's framed...I have been wanting something in my yard that will be permanent and I may use some white ceder or pressure treated...Anyone know about how long those matts will last in the weather?I know they take a beating in the "horse stalls" just wondering about the sun if they were left out over the years...Great job Brian and maybe you can get this put up in the How to section for newcomers...  

[Eugene Slagle]

Looks like I'm going to thr Tractor Supply to get me a mat.

Thanx for the info.

[Cherry Tree]

thats sweet! ive always used a hot tub cover lol!

[Bel007]

I used 5 screws w large washers at the top to secure it.  I don't see a need for securing the bottom.  Kinda gives the mat even more "umph" absorption.  From my bows nothing gets all the way through it, a few heavies penetrate through the point.  

Not sure how long they last.  I have one that has been up over a year w/o any deterioration.  Presume it will last several more years.  Then I can just unscrew the old mat and screw on a new one.