Challenging and cheap: Paint balls on golf tees.
Ideas for Inexpensive Targets?
- Thread starter joey93turbo
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Carlos Cabeza
Member
I go to the junk store and buy old pots and pans then hang them in a tree with some twine and let 'er rip ! Makes a nice "clang" or "ting" or "thunk" sound. Try some old refrigerant cylinders. Be sure to properly reclaim the remaining contents to comply with those pesky federal regs. Please Please pick up whatever you shoot at. The last time I went to the range (last saturday) we ( me and SO ) picked up three trashbags full of stuff that had been left by the previous bunch. I don't mind so much, just could use a little help. Stay Safe !
Warren
Member
I hear some folks shoot saltines. By a couple of boxes for almost nothing and have a day of exploding wheat products.
George S.
Member
Get some pint size milk containers (the paper ones), cut the tops off and fill them with water and some food coloring. Freeze them solid and pack in an ice chest to take to your area. Let them sit out for a few minutes and the ice cube will drop out.
The cube will shatter when hit and the ice melts and no cleanup. The paper containers are reuseable so just fill them up again.
For somethng really spectacular, fill a 1-pound coffee can with gasoline and toss a match on it. The gas will burn in the can but when you hit it from 100yds with a high-powered rifle round, it gives you a really nice fireball! Unfortunately there will be lots of black smoke so you may want to try this 1) in a big open field, and 2) away from anyone that can see the smoke! Or make it the last shot of the day
The cube will shatter when hit and the ice melts and no cleanup. The paper containers are reuseable so just fill them up again.
For somethng really spectacular, fill a 1-pound coffee can with gasoline and toss a match on it. The gas will burn in the can but when you hit it from 100yds with a high-powered rifle round, it gives you a really nice fireball! Unfortunately there will be lots of black smoke so you may want to try this 1) in a big open field, and 2) away from anyone that can see the smoke! Or make it the last shot of the day
fmjcafe
Member
These aren`t too exciting but they`re cheap.
Silhouette Targets from Paper Grocery Bags
http://www.sportshooter.com/improving/brownbagtarget.htm
Silhouette Targets from Paper Grocery Bags
http://www.sportshooter.com/improving/brownbagtarget.htm
PATH
Member
My mother in law! Okay it is just a joke!
I like to use balloons and put a different color baloon inside a group of same. I then wait to pick off the odd colored balloon amongst the others. I find red and blue good colors to use. Sometimes it takes a good long while before I can get a shot off. When successful it is truly satisfying!
Okay it is just a joke! I like to use balloons and put a different color baloon inside a group of same. I then wait to pick off the odd colored balloon amongst the others. I find red and blue good colors to use. Sometimes it takes a good long while before I can get a shot off. When successful it is truly satisfying!
manwithoutahome
member
I *nth paper plates also.
How are your welding skills? I suck but I made a couple of spinners (ugly looking but worked) a couple of years ago (okay, about 8 years ago). Used the auto shop on the base
Clay pigeons(sp) are cheap and you get a ton for little $$.
Make your own targets from that link that was posted.
Cardboard boxes, you can dumpster dive and get lots at major stores. If you really wish to be creative (and the wind isn't going like crazy) cut out a "body" target in the middle of the cardboard. Take and put string on the "head" and the bottom. when you hit it "spins", unless you hit COM or anywhere in the middle, then it just "bows" back and forth.
Go to the dollar store in your area, you'd be surprised what your imagination will come up with to use as targets... and everythings a dollar.
Wayne
How are your welding skills? I suck but I made a couple of spinners (ugly looking but worked) a couple of years ago (okay, about 8 years ago). Used the auto shop on the base
Clay pigeons(sp) are cheap and you get a ton for little $$.
Make your own targets from that link that was posted.
Cardboard boxes, you can dumpster dive and get lots at major stores. If you really wish to be creative (and the wind isn't going like crazy) cut out a "body" target in the middle of the cardboard. Take and put string on the "head" and the bottom. when you hit it "spins", unless you hit COM or anywhere in the middle, then it just "bows" back and forth.
Go to the dollar store in your area, you'd be surprised what your imagination will come up with to use as targets... and everythings a dollar
.Wayne
Daedalus
Member
Apparently someone thought it was a good idea to shoot my spinner with a FN FAL when I turned my back for a second. All I had left was shrapnel.
Average Guy
Member
I built free-standing target frames from 3/4" PVC pipe and joints, with a cardboard backing zip-tied in the middle and a bad guy silhouette on it. Light and portable. With different "legs," I can adjust the height. Take three and do El Presidente. Use as barricades or mock up rooms. Tons o' fun.
If you want to go cheaper, get some cardboard and trace around a friend, then cut out your own silhouette targets.
If you want to go cheaper, get some cardboard and trace around a friend, then cut out your own silhouette targets.
Detachment Charlie
Member
Can't believe no one has mentioned these:
Charcoal Briquettes.
Supercheap, no clean-up and a small black cloud when you whack `em.
Charcoal Briquettes.
Supercheap, no clean-up and a small black cloud when you whack `em.
M2 Carbine
member
I make very cheap paper targets on my computer printer.
I buy VERY cheap no name brand ink in the internet.
(it's not good for serious use)
Then I set the printer at the lowest "draft" print.
I use thin borders/ lines on the targets to use less ink.
I usually print in one color.
Then I use the cheapest 8x11 inch paper I can find and also recycle used paper already printed on one side.
I haven't counted the number of targets I get from one cartridge but it's a LOT.
You can make up whatever targets you like to shoot.
This is my "standard" target for most pistol and rifle shooting.
The head of your choice can be copyied/pasted on it.
This is another fun target that's printed the same way.
It's actually a scaled down Texas CHL qualification target (without the head) that I've turned into a hostage target.
I buy VERY cheap no name brand ink in the internet.
(it's not good for serious use)
Then I set the printer at the lowest "draft" print.
I use thin borders/ lines on the targets to use less ink.
I usually print in one color.
Then I use the cheapest 8x11 inch paper I can find and also recycle used paper already printed on one side.
I haven't counted the number of targets I get from one cartridge but it's a LOT.
You can make up whatever targets you like to shoot.
This is my "standard" target for most pistol and rifle shooting.
The head of your choice can be copyied/pasted on it.
This is another fun target that's printed the same way.
It's actually a scaled down Texas CHL qualification target (without the head) that I've turned into a hostage target.
NavajoNPaleFace
Member
And who cleans up the non-biodegradable junk left behind?
Let me guess, everyone taking junk always picks up after themselves. How silly of me...I forgot.
I seldom say something dissenting but taking junk out in the wild, shooting it and leaving it lay is inconsiderate and irresponsible and it's acts like that that give decent shooters and gun owners a bad reputation in many parts of the country.
I applaud the posters in here that, at least, mentioned such degradable items such as cookies, crackers, charcoal, and, in part, even balloons that leave very little debris.
It's hard not to see old washers and dryers, doors, propane tanks, lawn mowers, pots and pans, steel plating, etc. that have been shot up and will lay there until time immortal.
In fact, here, the BLM and Arizona State are thinking of passing state laws prohibiting 'open shooting' because of just this type of thing.
And after seeing many of the shooting sites and the garbage left behind I can't say I blame them......let the shooters be blamed.
The VFW/4WD Club (combined effort) I belong to just recently voted to NOT continue it's quarterly practice of going out with a roll off container and cleaning up various sites in the desert areas north of Phoenix.
It's just becoming a task that just can't be kept up with.
Sad, sad, sad.
OK, I've made my point but it's certainly no rant. I'm just telling it as it is.
Let me guess, everyone taking junk always picks up after themselves. How silly of me...I forgot.
I seldom say something dissenting but taking junk out in the wild, shooting it and leaving it lay is inconsiderate and irresponsible and it's acts like that that give decent shooters and gun owners a bad reputation in many parts of the country.
I applaud the posters in here that, at least, mentioned such degradable items such as cookies, crackers, charcoal, and, in part, even balloons that leave very little debris.
It's hard not to see old washers and dryers, doors, propane tanks, lawn mowers, pots and pans, steel plating, etc. that have been shot up and will lay there until time immortal.
In fact, here, the BLM and Arizona State are thinking of passing state laws prohibiting 'open shooting' because of just this type of thing.
And after seeing many of the shooting sites and the garbage left behind I can't say I blame them......let the shooters be blamed.
The VFW/4WD Club (combined effort) I belong to just recently voted to NOT continue it's quarterly practice of going out with a roll off container and cleaning up various sites in the desert areas north of Phoenix.
It's just becoming a task that just can't be kept up with.
Sad, sad, sad.
OK, I've made my point but it's certainly no rant. I'm just telling it as it is.
I am by far not an environmentalist tree hugger but I have to admit that dragging trash out to shoot at it and leave it is just.....well... ignorant.
Gotta clean up after ourselves if we plan on keeping a respectable reputation for our sport/hobby.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way.....
A note on cardboard targets. I usually make my own stands for the cardboard targets thats are easilt portable and super cheap. I get some 1.5" PVC piping and cut it into 12" lengths. I attach a piece of 1.5" furring strip fashioned into a spike to the pipe using 1" bolts. I drive the stand into the ground and then slip 1.5" furring strips into the 1.5" PVC pipes to stape the targets to. It works great.
Afterwards, if I have alotta cardboard or have to travel light on the way back we can burn all the junk (minus the PVC pipe and bolts)
Gotta clean up after ourselves if we plan on keeping a respectable reputation for our sport/hobby.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way.....
- Cast iron pans hanging from a tree would be cool. (Taken with you afterwards.)
- Clay pigeons
- Cardboard targets. (Can be burned to reduce waste.)
A note on cardboard targets. I usually make my own stands for the cardboard targets thats are easilt portable and super cheap. I get some 1.5" PVC piping and cut it into 12" lengths. I attach a piece of 1.5" furring strip fashioned into a spike to the pipe using 1" bolts. I drive the stand into the ground and then slip 1.5" furring strips into the 1.5" PVC pipes to stape the targets to. It works great.
Afterwards, if I have alotta cardboard or have to travel light on the way back we can burn all the junk (minus the PVC pipe and bolts)
sturmruger
Member
I used to shoot a ton of paper plates they worked very well. I also started buying some IPSC targets because they are only $0.50 a piece where I buy them.
manwithoutahome
member
NavajoNPaleFace,
That's rule number two when you leave a site, you take what you brought with you (if not biodegradable). I also pick up other peoples trash that they leave if any is there.
That is one things that burns me up. You find old computers, toasters, etc.. The washers/dryers, cars, etc.. are ones that been there for years and can't move but when they had river cleanup day, if it was on a saturday I would volunteer to help as well as keep an eye out if I seen any dumping and get tag numbers.
But, you are right, too many people leave their trash.
Wayne
That's rule number two when you leave a site, you take what you brought with you (if not biodegradable). I also pick up other peoples trash that they leave if any is there.
That is one things that burns me up. You find old computers, toasters, etc.. The washers/dryers, cars, etc.. are ones that been there for years and can't move but when they had river cleanup day, if it was on a saturday I would volunteer to help as well as keep an eye out if I seen any dumping and get tag numbers.
But, you are right, too many people leave their trash
.Wayne
eric
Member
i shoot in a rock quarry in washougal that is maintained by the
correctional facilities 3 times a year
i still clean up what i shoot but the big stuff is cleaned up by losers like
tonya harding
correctional facilities 3 times a year
i still clean up what i shoot but the big stuff is cleaned up by losers like
tonya harding
Spieler
Member
I've moved quite a bit over the years and accumulated quite a number of cardboard boxes from packing, new appliances, etc.
I cut my own silhouette targets from the cardboard. I've got an almost indefinite supply of home-made targets, and as I fill them full of holes I can re-use them by pasting paperplates or regular 8.5x11 in. paper over the kill zones and keep on trucking.
Seldomly do I buy pre-printed targets anymore. You can be creative, use materials already on hand, be eco-friendly and save money all at the same time!
I cut my own silhouette targets from the cardboard. I've got an almost indefinite supply of home-made targets, and as I fill them full of holes I can re-use them by pasting paperplates or regular 8.5x11 in. paper over the kill zones and keep on trucking.
Seldomly do I buy pre-printed targets anymore. You can be creative, use materials already on hand, be eco-friendly and save money all at the same time!
entropy
Member
Watch out when using cast iron for a target; my 9mm Kectec rifle puts 'em right thru. The Mosins just crack off hunks! and .22's ricochet like crazy! (I didn't get hit in the butt, luckily! ) You'll be picking up hunks of cast iron for a while.
While shooting at appliances, old cars, etc. is fun, please do so at the dump where it is legal, and preferably out of sight of the public. Nothing sets people against us more than the sight of such things (or worse, street signs) with bullet holes in them.
Nuff preachin'! I like the paintball ideas, my kid loves 'em! I download targets, too, but my main 'serious' targets are the 75m M16A1 targets. Sportsman's Guide has them cheap.
and .22's ricochet like crazy! (I didn't get hit in the butt, luckily! ) You'll be picking up hunks of cast iron for a while.While shooting at appliances, old cars, etc. is fun, please do so at the dump where it is legal, and preferably out of sight of the public. Nothing sets people against us more than the sight of such things (or worse, street signs) with bullet holes in them.
Nuff preachin'! I like the paintball ideas, my kid loves 'em!
I download targets, too, but my main 'serious' targets are the 75m M16A1 targets. Sportsman's Guide has them cheap.- Status
