Outdoor (backyard) 20 meter target range

[Davio]

I'm just trying to prepare for having some fun with these guns. 

I started constructing this home target range Saturday, but rain (glad to get it, though) spoiled my endeavors for today or I wold have finished it.  I chose 20 meters just because ten meters felt too close and 25 and 30 felt too far. Reason enough. 

Dimensions: Table Rest is 6 feet wide 20".  Height is 42" (from ground to table height).  The two posts will be cut to just below shoulder (mine) height, then topped 12" square for use as a standing "prop".  The "target" post is cemented into the ground and currently stands 78" tall.  The outdoor pellet trap will be attached so that the bottom of the trap to the ground is 30" so that all shots from the bench or from the standing prop will be level shots or lower.

Still a bit of work to do, but you get the idea. 

[HappyHunter]

Looking good so far, Davio!  Nothing like having your own personal range, huh? Enjoy!!!

Here is my 50 yard range (targets every 10 yards) made out of some scrap lumber I had laying around:


Todd

[Crosshairs]

Nice set ups guys nothing better then shooting in the your own back yard you both realize how lucky you are.
                                             mike 

[Davio]

Looking good so far, Davio!  Nothing like having your own personal range, huh? Enjoy!!!

Here is my 50 yard range (targets every 10 yards) made out of some scrap lumber I had laying around:

Todd

That is too cool, HappyHunter.  Nothing like having the space to do it like you want it, I bet. 

Only way I'd be able to have a 50 yard range off would require renting the neighbors back yard along with mine!  I don't think they'd go for it. 

[Davio]

On this project, I have been working on the target end of the business.  I'm not done yet, but it is coming along.

In completing the pellet trap I primed it, varnished that, then sprayed with bedliner spray.  It should be able to take rain now. 

I finished the target clamping with the stainless wing nuts that secure the clamping board from behind.  That works as planned... only having to loosen 1 turn to shove the target into the slot, then tighten with one turn again.

It got loaded up with 16 pounds of duct seal. Test fire (in the house to scare my wife) penetrated about 1/2" depth. 

On the post, I have made provisions for shooting cans on a shelf and also to hang some targets from an upper ledge.  All 1 1/2" thick treated. 

Thanks for stopping in.

[1377x]

sweet set up!

[joe k]

nice looking set up you have there.
joe

[sbcrockett]

i really like the way you incorporated a trap and a shelf in the same target. good job!

[chongman]

Wow, you both have sweet setups!

[Davio]

Thanks for the comments. 

I already know that Grandson Alex likes hearing his shots hit the target much better than the splat targets or even Osama Bin Laden target.  I guess a little kid gets juiced when he pulls the trigger and the can he hits makes noise and moves, etc.  So that is why the shelf and the ledge to hang something. 

The shelf is easy (soft drink cans, tomato paste cans, the toys that come with Happy Meals, and anything Teletubby or YoGabbaGabba, etc.).   

The hanging is a mild challenge.  I'm thinking very small threaded eye bolts or cup hooks into the underside of the top ledge, then string or monofilament line (something cheap and plentiful that I can tie things onto easily).  I've been "saving" (with the wife's help) the tops off frozen orange juice cans that are fairly thick metal and 2 1/2" diameter.  I can just make a hole in them with a punch, then hang them easily enough. They'll turn in the wind, but that's okay,too.

A pint-sized cowbell (like the size of Harley Gremlin bells  ) would be nice as it might take many many shots without actually breaking.  I don't know... maybe put nuts up on the very top (when Alex is away) and blast squirrels.  Good times.

[Davio]

A little update here: I just added one of the Birchwood Casey Re-settable Pellet Targets to the range.  It is made very solidly and works just fine for less than $20.  The targets are about 2", so it works nicely with sights at 5 meters and with scope at 20 meters.  It is nice to hear a clang and see the one you shot at move.  Highly recommended.

[BDS]

A little update here: I just added one of the Birchwood Casey Re-settable Pellet Targets to the range.  It is made very solidly and works just fine for less than $20.  The targets are about 2", so it works nicely with sights at 5 meters and with scope at 20 meters.  It is nice to hear a clang and see the one you shot at move.  Highly recommended.

Davio Is that target levitating? How's it mounted on your backstop? I just got the same target today from walmart, looks like it will hold up well to my pellet pounding?

[Davio]

Davio Is that target levitating? How's it mounted on your backstop? I just got the same target today from walmart, looks like it will hold up well to my pellet pounding?

The two pieces of steel rod are shoved (technical term that) into the joint of the two 2x12's exactly enough to give everything "flipping clearance".  They are securely there forever unless I choose to remove them. This is working really nice and the angle is ideal for flipping them.

I will trim off the lower (no longer needed) metal with a dremel next chance I get unless I can think of something to hang from them as well.  I might add a horizontal there at the bottom and suspend a row of Cartman dead soldiers from fishing line, etc. 

I believe these will serve us well.  I'm seeing that we'll need to pull the stickers off the target at some point and spray them red or orange t freshen the visual up a bit.

Good times.

[BDS]

Now I see it 

I'm gonna do similar except, it will be two 1x2 pine board runners to make "feet" for the steel rods in a fixed position and the feet will have 2 holes drilled in each for stakes (super size framing nails).

Also... see pic below, Birchwood Casey makes these adhesive target dots that will fit perfectly, I use e'm all the time, 1.5" diameter, any sporting goods that has guns will have e'm.

[RC1947]

Two excellent range set-ups  Damn nice work too. RC