Printing your own targets

[DeadCalm]

This isn't about target shooting per se, so hope this post is appropriate here.

Has anyone printed their own targets on target stock? I have a cheap H-P inkjet printer and a decent Canon laser photocopier, and free target artwork from web sites. I can imagine a few problems with this: (1) Where to get blank target stock. (2) Heavy stock might jam printer or copier. (3) Ink or toner may bleed excessively on such a porous surface. (4) Too expensive.
Your thoughts?

 

[Pure Kustom]

plain regular paper works fine.

 

[mccook8]

I print them on regular inkjet paper.

It's probably a little more expensive than having them copied commercially, but not as expensive as storebought targets.

I like the ones with 5 3-inch targets on one page. Perfect for scoped rifles at 100 yds.

(If I was better at it, I might go for more and smaller targets on one page.....but I'm not, yet.)

 

[TEDDY]

targets

ITS CALLED TAGBOARD,I am not sure if you can get it in less than bulk.and it may coat as much as commercial targets.try national target co.get friends togethe and buy in bulk.(1000).(I used to order for my club by the 5000)many yrs ago.

 

[Speedo66]

If you are just stapling the target to a fiberboard or cardboard back, the thickness of the paper shouldn't matter.

 

[Pure Kustom]

If you are just stapling the target to a fiberboard or cardboard back, the thickness of the paper shouldn't matter.

Especially if you are going to shoot holes in it.

 

[JackBurtonJr]

I find that a free CD from AOL, a fat marking pen, a ream of paper, and an hours work while watching the Sarah Connor Chronicles gives me a couple of hundred nice five inch targets with a good aiming point in the middle.

If I'm feeling cheap that night I can even put two on one sheet of paper.

 

[rcmodel]

I print a master copy of the target I want off of a website.

Then take it to a copy center and run off several hundred at a time on recycled printer paper.

Many of the B&W copiers will print 50 P/minute or so.

Much cheaper & faster then buying ink or toner to print them all at home.

rcmodel

 

[Pure Kustom]

Many of the B&W copiers will print 50 P/minute or so.

Much cheaper & faster then buying ink or toner to print them all at home.

This one only uses blue ink, and even has sighting rings on it.

I know my bad

 

[armoredman]

I have one similar!



Seriously, I always print my own targets, save a bundle.

 

[the_right_reverend]

I buy them by the pack at Staples

http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p4_Staples-Round-3-4-Diameter-Print-Write-Color-Coding-Labels_37690_Business_Supplies_0_10051_SC1:CG24P3866:CL158984

 

[MD_Willington]

I recycle heavy paper plates

 

[usp9]

I look for heavier card stock in Dollar Stores, Big Lots, etc, and use it for my homemade targets. It doesn't tear as easily as regular copy paper. It's the darned ink that costs a mint!

I get my homemade targets here...
http://www.gun-shots.net/free-printable-targets.shtml

 

[Old Grump]

I print a variety of targets on my paper on the cheapest paper I could buy that goes through my printer. Junk mail with a blank back side works just fine for my purposes.

 

[230RN]

I used to use a well-inked stamp pad and a sewing thread spool to stamp out indoor targets for my pellet and airsoft and BB guns. A softish surface under the paper helps.

A certain amount of wigglement is required while pressing the inked spool onto the paper.

Wigglement and softish are technical printer's terms.

Terry --230RN

 

[jad0110]

I do this, except I couldn't find square ink stamps, so I made some using that green hobby styrofoam stuff:


http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu73.htm

 

[Rmart30]

I usually just copy them off at work on standard paper
Or use white cardboard boxes with the sticky dots as someone previously posted.

 

[cuervo]

I usually just copy them off at work on standard paper

Ditto. I'll use AutoCAD to produce the targets, either big circles for large caliber pistol and rifle targets, or little circles for .22 rifle.

I print a master on a laser jet printer and then copy it on the Xerox machine.

I try to save Xerox paper that's been printed on one side and reuse the paper by printing on the other side. This way I have "green" targets and can recycle the shredded paper when finished with them.

The downside to doing most things at home/work is being limited to 8.5x11" paper unless you have access to an 11x17" printer or want to try to span a target over several pages.

 

[Mickstix]

Sorry to sidetrack, but could someone explain the square "box" that's included with some circular targets, like in the example below? Thanks!

 

[MP5]

I get free targets off the Web, print master copies at home, and have them run off at a local copy center on heavy card stock. Way cheaper than buying pre-printed ones at the local ranges.

The downside to doing most things at home/work is being limited to 8.5x11" paper unless you have access to an 11x17" printer or want to try to span a target over several pages.

To me that's an advantage, forcing me to shoot better at smaller targets instead of those big old silhouette targets lots of people use.

 

[eyebrows]

I'll print em off at home, but I set the printer to FAX quality. Uses MUCH LESS ink that way.
Also you can't beat the little sticky dots from the dollar store stuck in the middle of a paper plate.

 

[bensdad]

I just put a dime on a post at the 1000 yd. mark and wait for a fly to land on it. I gotta wipe fly guts off my change, but I save money on targets.

Magic markers and scrap paper. I make a small dot for 100, little bigger for 200, etc. (whatever my eyes need at a given range).

 

[moooose102]

USUALLY, i just use regular printer paper, as i tape them to a backer anyway. but on occasion, i have used CARD STOCK, which is heavier paper. it feeds and prints just fine through the last 3 printers i have had.. they are stiffer, but more expensive, and if your using a back board of some type, it is just more money down the toilet as far as i am concerned. but it is your money so what ever you choose is up to you.

 

[2TransAms]

I just print mine on regular paper. I've got a couple different bullseye targets and an ace of spades that I use. Only problem is past 100 yards I like to use the Shoot-n-See or Dirty Bird targets because I can see my hits better.

For cheap handgun targets,get a pack of paper plates and a can of orange spraypaint.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Sorry to sidetrack, but could someone explain the square "box" that's included with some circular targets, like in the example below? Thanks!

For use with a scope while doing accuracy testing. The blank center makes it easier to consistently line up the reticle, while a black bullseye obscures it.

I too wondered about the cost of ink cartridges making this not cost-effective, but turning down the resolution of your printer is a good idea. They certainly don't need to be photo quality.