Shooting Indoors

[Rhorn]

Hello all,

Just a quick questions about what is the shortest safe distance/useful distance that you can shoot indoors?

I recently gutted my basement so I have no walls anymore.  I already have a area where I practice throwing knives, but the extra added space has got me to thinking.

I have a total distance of 35ft across.  Keeping in mind that I will have to build up my target space, "Is 30ft enough to practice traditional archery indoors?"  I don't have a traditional bow yet so type of bow is not a factor.    

Thanks, all comments welcome

[Shawn Leonard]

Way more than enough, a lot of folks do bale work and do it at 6-8ft. I myself will do blind bale work, close my eyes and shoot just concentrating on my form and release, you have to be close to do this!    Remember if you get 35ft. acrossed or lengthwise, you will pick up a few feet shooting Kitty-Corner so with a target set up that way you may get 12 yards which is plenty. I used to shoot inside in my old house sitting on the back of couch, out thru dining room into the kitchen I could get 13 yards. I made sure the house was empty, the doors all locked and the pets all outside!!    Be safe and Have Fun! Shawn

[STICKBENDER98]

I can get 11 paces in my basement which is around 10 yards, use my block target and haven't had a problem yet.

[Rhorn]

That is great news guys thanks.  Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to buff out my target area and go grab some gear.  

I can only imagine the look my wife would give me if I told her I wanted to shoot through our livingroom and out a window...

[Shawn Leonard]

Look here on the classifieds and an old carpet just hung loose behind your target makes a great backstop. Remember start out light, say around 45#s, it is enough to hunt with if you choose and not too bad a weight for most guys to start out with. Lots of great good priced bows out there, look at Samick and some of the Bear bows as well. Some great bows on the classifieds for around $125 or so that will get ya started too!Keep in touch! Shawn

[pukwana]

I have a 12yd range in my basement, works good keeping my form in check during these long ND winters.

[jwhitetail]

Heck yeah.  My basement range has a max range of 10 yards... keeps me shooting for those few months when work hours and darkness keep me from going outside.  
Have fun

JW

[glenbo]

I can shoot 14 yds in the shop/basement. After working outside all day in the winter it is sometimes a chore to shoot outdoors.  My shop is a refuge and it affords me the opportunity to loose a few pre morning hunt arrows as well. I would  say that you are fortunate to have the space you have. Have at it. G

[Bowwild]

You bet!  I shoot 13 yards on my indoor home range. Do it almost every day in the winter and bad weather.

[Shawn Leonard]

I have to sit down when I shoot one of Glenbo's bows in my basement, They is long!!    He makes a sweet, sweet selfbow! Shawn

[threeunder]

I can 12 yards....nice when the snow is blowing!

[damascusdave]

Hey Ryan...I am from Canada too, eh...welcome to tradgang

DDave

[Shinken]

I shoot indoors frequently because of my daily schedule, time constraints, and where I live.  Indoors, I make EVERY shot count with emphasis on shooting form - primarily blind bale with eyes open and eyes closed - but I am able to shoot up to 25 feet.  As possible I shoot many arrows to work on conditioning so that when I am outdoors conditioning is not an issue.

When one has their form grooved, it is easy to go to the range or into the field stumpin' and train the computer (brain) on windage and elevation.

Keep the wind in your face!

Shoot straight, Shinken

   

[STICKBENDER98]

I have to sit down as well im my basement, makes shooting from a tent or sitting down in a stand seem not so awkward.  Makes you more aware of where your limb tips are when seated so when the a shot opportunity comes up and you have to be seated it just comes naturally.

[akbowbender]

I shoot at 25 ft in my garage. My target is on the workbench, so I'm shooting level. I use a piece of plywood to stop pass-throughs.

[Rhorn]

I currently throw knives at a Styrofoam target, head to chest height.  I use the styrofoam for knives because I throw no spin, and even when I off my throw I want to see the angle the blade hit the target.  Soft styrofoam catches the blade most times.  

For my new target I am thinking compressed cardboard (12"or so) plus a back drop (heavy carpet or plywood or both).  I can put a sheet layer of pink insulation on top to catch the knives.

I am 6'6", so I thinking that I am going to be shooting from a crouch or sitting position.  Thanks for all the replys so far,