While the camera was out, thought I'd share some of the different targets/backstops I use in the back 40. Years past, I've shown my 3D trail course, my running target system, and how I repair all the 3D targets. But I recently dressed up my simple nock around trail walk and practice range that my kids enjoy to use. Was thinking some pics might be helpful to someone looking for ideas.
Pretty simple stuff, but versatile and lots of fun. I have a lane shooting on this target butt with marked yardage out to 50yds. Straight forward with multiple set-ups for target arrows on scoring targets, blunts and bludgeons on reactive targets, and broadheads on blocks and animal silhouettes.
The most basic I use, which is the most fun, is a strung ball hung in front of the bale. Used tennis balls for years, but recently came into a supply of old Safety T-Balls, which are basically reinforced rubber baseballs. I poke a hole through them with a leather awl and string them with some inexpensive 7-pound test cordage. The one in this pic has a 6-foot cord, so it is very lively with much movement when struck. Always moving and a fun challenge, about the size of hitting a squirrel. I also have a bunch of small white fiberglass washers, leftover from tub/shower faucet cutouts. Bigger than a lifesaver, but smaller than the balls. They take numerous hits before breaking up.
For hitting the balls, I like to use my favorite rabbit/roving head. I take an old Tiger claw small game head, remove the threaded screw and attached claw, and use this as a blunt. Over top this blunt, I press on a Saunders Bludgeon. I then use a razor knife to cut out V-notches between the ribs on the face. They fly same as a 160-Hill and 160 to 200-Grizzly. Will kill a rabbit, and can be used to hit about anything when roving.
I can also stick a block target on the bale for shooting broadheads. My favorite is a big Rinehart block. Thing lasts forever and then some. For practice, we also hang animal silhouettes using closepins. Kids often make nutty looking alien bad guy targets from scrap cardboard and shoot them in some imaginary battle.
For plain target shooting, I like to use a good old fashion grass matt. Shoot straight into the matt, or pin a scoring target over the matt. Can be set at numerous heights, to include a proper target height for scoring.
This shows the Matt set low with the hanging ball strung out in front.
Topic: New Hill “Wesley Special” lookin’ GOOD! (Read 534 times)
