Waterproof targets?

[Tim the student]

OK, so I want to go console myself from the embarrassment of the Iowa game last night with some shooting. The trouble is that its raining out.

What do you guys use to waterproof targets?

Or maybe just to make them water resistant to a certain degree.

I was thinking about a gallon zip lock bag, but I don't think that will be stellar. Anyone have any suggestions?

ETA: I have to use paper targets.

 

[russ69]

Shoot under a cover and just use regular targets. A "Shoot and See" paste-on is fairly waterproof. I run down to the target frame, post one up real quick and call it a day. That one target will work all day while I stay dry under cover. If I get bored I'll shoot some dirt clumps or something.

Thanx, Russ

 

[mbopp]

When I was backpacking in my younger days I'd use Thompson's Water Seal on my maps.

 

[Prion]

I shoot rain jackets, umbrellas, ponchos, waders, rain boots, etc.

Also, Shoot-N-C and clay pigeons.

 

[John Wayne]

Rocks and cans stay pretty waterproof

Clay pigeons are very bright and easier to see on cloudy days, and take a LONG time to degrade in the rain.

Waxy/plastic-like papers and cardboard, such as those used for making campaign signs, work very well as a substitute for paper targets. You might need a paint marker to make a target out of it though, and not many markers stick to this material if it's already wet.

If you have access to a laminating machine, those work pretty well for waterproofing stuff long enough to shoot it. Kind of cost-prohibitive if you're paying someone to do it though.

 

[oneounceload]

Steel plates work well

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Yeah, steel doesn't care if it raining or not.

 

[Tim the student]

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.

I neglected to mention that I have to use paper targets. Its against the rules at my range to use anything other than that, so steel, clays, etc are out. If I could, I would.

 

[Al Thompson]

Tim, go to your local dry cleaners and get several of the clear plastic bags they hang clothes in. Cover your targets with that. I use a wood backer and the bags will just slide over the backer and target.

And send that rain over this way....

 

[oldgold]

Al beat me to it. We used to buy rolls of garment bags from a local dry cleaner for our USPSA shoots. You can even paste the targets under the plastic.

 

[oneounceload]

On a more permanent basis, use pressure-treated wood............otherwise, any plastic covering will work temporarily

 

[NAK]

Tanerite

 

[Legionnaire]

I neglected to mention that I have to use paper targets ...

In that case, I'd start looking for and saving old plastic sheet signs that have been trashed: For Sale, political ads, "posted" signs, and the like. Might even buy a roll of the latter at a hardware store. Draw your target with permanent markers on the back of said signs, and use them on rainy days.

Another option is to insert targets in the protective sheets used in notebooks. $25 for 200 at Staples, so not without a cost, but might do the trick: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Heavyweight-Presentation-Sheet-Protectors-200-Pack/product_612997

 

[Just One Shot]

I use Dirty Bird targets for wet weather. They're made out of plastic and you get a big bright hit marker when you shoot it.

 

[ishida]

If you don't mind spending a premium on it, and I don't particularly suggest it, Rite in the Rain makes targets I'm pretty sure. I use their memos and notepads for all my field work, but they are not exactly cheap.

 

[Langenator]

Would the red/blue throw-away plastic plates be allowed? You can buy those in packages of 100 at most supermarkets, and just staple them to the target backing.

 

[gdesloge]

Wax paper?

gd

 

[Legionnaire]

ishida, thanks for the tip. Rite in the Rain makes photocopy paper on which one could print his or her own targets.
http://riteintherain.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=8511
Looks like very cool stuff. I may have to order a box just to experiment!

 

[Rail Driver]

Waxed paper plates are great (think Chinete or however you spell it) and would fit the "paper targets only" requirement.

A 50 pack for $5 plus a sharpie and you could have targets for at least a couple weeks.

 

[czarjl]

I use the left over plastic table cloth stuff that comes in a roll at the party supply store. Just darw on it with a sharpie marker and it makes a great traget. the 3 foot wide rolls work great for sighting in too.

 

[oneounceload]

For paper, buy the wax-coated paper plates in bulk at Costco or Sam's, or if they'll let you - get the foam ones - draw a dot on it.

Personally, I HATE shooting in the rain - I'd rather shoot in the wind or even snow over rain - was never fun.

 

[Travis McGee]

Political signs and illegal bandit signs made of corrogated plastic are ideal. They even come with little metal bracket stands. The letters make great aiming points, and they take a lot of rounds. Grab the illegal bandit signs anytime. After an election, all parties are happy for you to collect them. Saves them the trouble.

 

[Tim the student]

Lots of good ideas here gents, thanks.