Target frame

[armoredman]

I got a mixed blessing recently - I moved into an area with a free public range. That was great until I got out there, and discovered free also meant no chairs, and no target frames. We shot standing up, targets pasted to old cardboard boxes I had in the car. Lousy, moved in the breeze, can't put rocks in them to keep them down, etc.
Well made target frames cost money -I splurged on a metal one at Sportsman's Warehouse, $14 for a cheesy metal frame, plastic carrier, and a few generic bullseye targets. Well, that oughta last about one volley, until someone else hits the metal frame - I hope I am at least a little better than that!
Inspiration hits the dullest of men, sometimes. It seems my "community" is just getting started, (three occupied homes in the whole development). and tons of empty lots...and houses under construction...
I am no thief - I called the construction superintendant, and asked him if he minded me snagging some of the scrap lumber. He laughed, and said take a 2x4 for all I care, you have permission. So...I took ONLY scrap lumber, and this morning broke out the handsaw and hammer. Now, please excuse my horrible carpentry - my grandfather would be SPINNING if he could see this, as he was a professional who built hospitals in France during WWI. But, like I told my wife, it's good enough to shoot at...and with the easy dismount of the frame from the base, it will transport easily. The front board is also angled in slightly at the bottom, to snag the frame uprights as they come down. It sort of works. The biggest problem was no wide head nails to attach the cardboard, (our old moving boxes I hadn't recycled yet), but I will grab a box for $.99 - I think I can afford that.
Sheesh, lots of powder/primers/brass, casting my own bullets, free range, free target stand material...how long can I shoot before I have to buy something else?
Uh oh...still need a chair or two. Wal Mart, here we come...

 

[ZeSpectre]

Great minds think alike. Looks almost exactly like what I was planning to build for a range near where I live. I like your method of "slotting" the uprights into the base better than what I'd planned though. I'm gonna steal your base design <grin>.

Another fun idea is to hang some wire from the crosspiece and hang a few automotive type "peanut" sponges. They dance really nicely when you hit 'em and survive for a lot of shooting before you need to replace 'em.

Ze

p.s. I just use a staplegun for both the cardboard backing and the targets on the stand.

 

[armoredman]

I got the base design here, actually.. Total time from saw to finish was 20 minutes.

 

[ceetee]

One improvement you could make would be to put blocks in the base, so the uprights will slide in and be held straight. That way you could do without the brace spanning across the back of the target (and waiting to get shot up). Several years' supply of staples should only cost you a couple bucks...

 

[Highland Ranger]

another design couresy on anjrpc:

They also sell one w/o the bottom cross piece, cut the legs and two stove bolts and wingnuts and you got folding legs.

Made a base for it too, I'll post pics if I get a chance.

More info here.

 

[MD_Willington]

Two "tree posts" @ $1.99 each
Four old decking screws, found on ground
One piece of 3/8 plywood from a dumpster

fun fun fun!

 

[scout26]

Another possible free item to be found in construction dumpsters is Celo-tex. It's kinda like dry-wall for the outside wall of the house and it made of wood dust stuck between two pieces of heavy paper. Lasts longer then regular wood, plywood, or cardboard as a backer board. Easier to staple targets onto also. (it's what we use at my club) And did I mention that it also might be found in dumpsters at construction sites ??? The insulating foam boards scraps work good also. All kinds of good stuff in the scrap pile(s) at construction sites to use for shooting.

Good on you for asking for permission first.

Those frames look as good as any that I've seen anywhere else. If it works, it works. The only mod I would make is maybe writing on the side "Donated to this range by Armoredman, for all to use in the safe enjoyment of our sport." or words to that effect.

 

[jacobhh]

I "acquired" my target frame which I still have, when I bought
my home 20 yrs. ago: the realator's SOLD sign. Worked perfectly
at Ft. Dix semi-public range ($20 & a drivers license to join, RO
in a tower with a megaphone). There were benches but no target
stands, 350 yd. berm. The realtor signs used to be made of angle
iron and you could hammer them into the ground. Now they're
made of cheap coat hanger wire. Wonder why? Seemed like every
other shooter at Dix had a realtor sign.