36 replies to this topic

[oldnovice]

I was looking for a portable target to take while fishing so I could practice when the bite is slow. I had this box that I got steaks in these narrow boxes w/i the big box. So I shot the small boxes w/ expandable foam, covered the outside w/ contact paper (thinking the dark background would set off the targets and waterproof a bit). The target is a freebie online from the G&PC. Shot it at 10yds. The arrow came out the other side about 1/2to3/4 inches, just the field tip showing. The arrow was a little tough to remove at first, but just a little twist and easy-peasy. The target was heavy enough that the impact didn't knock it over. Don't know how long it will last but I can move the targets all over the face so I think it will last awhile. Total cost about $18.00, that sure beats the $99 plus S&H that I was seeing.

Attached Files

•  xbow 002.jpg   69.8K   13 downloads
•  xbow 001.jpg   63.88K   12 downloads
•  xbow 003.jpg   62.92K   12 downloads
•  xbow 004.jpg   97.85K   13 downloads
•  xbow 002.jpg   69.8K   13 downloads
•  xbow 001.jpg   63.88K   12 downloads
•  xbow 003.jpg   62.92K   11 downloads
•  xbow 004.jpg   97.85K   13 downloads

[Gimmy]

I'm always looking for small portable unloading targets.  This sounds easy enough and the price is right.  Thanks for sharing your invention.

[Crossbowgilly]

I like that idea, cheap and easy to make. Thanks Gilly

[jopsa]

Ladies and gentlemen! With pleasure I present my homemade target.
Cost: only 3 $. Is ugly, but lighter than a target made of the books:

http://www.fotosik.p...a4bd1286c5.html

Wonderful retain arrows, better than the targets made of ethafoam! Has two different sides: first softes dedicated to the vertical bow, and second more hard for crossbow.
First shot with a vertical bow - carbon arrow Easton PowerFlight 32", total weight 355 grain, velocity about 200 fps:

http://www.fotosik.p...fc0e7b9401.html

Second shot with crossbow - carbon arrow Easton PowerBolt 22", total weight 442 grain, speed about 330 fps (of course, all my vanes are white and red, as the Polish National Flag):

http://www.fotosik.p...2a95fcd578.html

Now see what is inside this box:

http://www.fotosik.p...812b800543.html

Right side: It is strongly compacted cotton and linen rags. The old bed sheets, old curtains, old tablecloths and similar (warning - never use synthetic!).
Left side:A piece of old mattress (ordinary sponge). Stopped arrow bad, but it reduces the target total weight.

Compacted cotton rags perfectly captures arrows. On the floor I lay down additional arrows - you can see how small is the penetration - only about 6 inches! But on the other hand, can easily remove the arrow, using only two fingers.

Postscript:
On the picture you can see a rope cocker, who also I did myself. Factory rope cocker is cheap, but if something to do yourself, it is greater satisfaction.

regards - Robert

Edited by jopsa, 25 May 2010 - 02:04 AM.

[ridgehunter]

jopsa, thanks for sharing your pictures and ideas.  That is a great little invention.   Next time my wife unloads material I will know what to do with it.

old novice, your idea is great also but I don't know if I can come up with that combination of boxes.  However the foam idea will stick in this peabrain of mine if I run across something similar that will work (I hope!)

I really appreciate the sharing of both ideas as I am always trying to find a way to get by as cheap as possible these days.  Unfortunately I am not as inventive as you fellows.  Thanks again.

[jopsa]

ridgehunter said:

Next time my wife unloads material I will know what to do with it.

Thanks and good luck!
If you want to have as I have very little penetration - must be firmly compress large pieces of rags, using a hot iron:

http://www.fotosik.p...918d8473aa.html

But when you put inside any cotton old cloth (t-shirts and similar) penetration will be greater, but also enough and this target will be lighter

Postscript:
My homemade rope cocker is ugly, but better as factory cockers! Hooks are wrapped around thin soft rope with wax. Less wipe the crossbow string during cocking.

rergards - Robert

[Sporty87]

For a cheap target (or unloading target) I took a deer corn feed sack and stuffed old rags (old clothing from a neighbors garage sale, they were fixing to throw away) took the buttons and zippers out of them first, I can shoot an arrow from my 180# crossbow into it from 1' away and pull it out with two fingers.  The arrow has not at this point gone through the other side of the bag.  Total cost:  $0.00  (unless you want to use the cost of the bag of feed, but that was a purchase I was going to make any way) I save the bags and I still haven't had to replace one, but I've only been using it for a month or so.

[jopsa]

Sporty87 said:

For a cheap target

I use this target not because it is cheaper than ethafoam targets, but because is better:
1. You can more easily removed arrows.
2. Shoots mainly to the middle of target. After many shots the center part is destroyed. Ethafoam - it is necessary to buy a new center part or all new target. Rags target - enough only mix a rags inside the box

Sporty87 said:

I save the bags and I still haven't had to replace one, but I've only been using it for a month or so.

I also first experimented with a jute sack. After 100-200 shots is a lot of holes, the bag is falling apart. Cardboard box - you can shoot about 1000 times, after only enough attach (sticky tape) on the front a piece of a new flat cardboard - and you can shot 1000 times again.
Only one inconvenience - not suitable for use in a wet condition.

regards - Robert

[ridgehunter]

Thanks for the tips, guys.  I am learning a lot from you.

[Sporty87]

JOPSA, I agree that the cardboard will last longer, unless it's outside, which is where my target is.  The bags are free after I put the corn in the feeder, and I have plenty of them so it it needs to be replaced I just dump the old clothing into the new bag and I'm off shooting again.  

I'm including some pictures for those that want a visual.  Arrows are removed with two fingers only.  20" arrows from my crossbow, as you can see they did not penetrate to the back side of the bag.  Shots were from 20 yards this time, but I keep a 1/2 full bag to use as a discharge tgt and I shoot that one from less than 3' and still no problem.

Attached Files

•  SmRagBagTgt1.JPG   86.96K   4 downloads
•  SmRagBagTgt3.JPG   96.06K   3 downloads
•  SmRagBagTgt4.JPG   96.57K   3 downloads
•  SmRagbagTgt5.JPG   96.72K   3 downloads
•  SmRagBagTgt1.JPG   86.96K   3 downloads
•  SmRagBagTgt3.JPG   96.06K   3 downloads
•  SmRagBagTgt4.JPG   96.57K   3 downloads
•  SmRagbagTgt5.JPG   96.72K   3 downloads

[jopsa]

Sporty87 said:

The bags are free after I put the corn in the feeder, and I have plenty of them so it it needs to be replaced I just dump the old clothing into the new bag and I'm off shooting again.

You have free bags, I am free cartons. The idea is the same, works great. Thanks for the pictures. How you did the red circles?

regards - Robert

Edited by jopsa, 26 May 2010 - 12:52 PM.

[Sporty87]

Jopsa
Those are stick on target dots.  I also have a piece of cardboard with 1, 2 and 3" circles cut out that I use as stencils to spray paint dots on the bags.  I was just in a hurry to set that bag up so I could take pictures to post so I used the stick ons.

Your right box or bag - it's the same idea.

[hikerman]

I use a burlap bag. They are around 3'x 2. Stuff it full of grocery bags. It will stop a bolt at 10 yards. Great for field points.  Once I shoot it out with broad heads I just stuff the old bag into another bag. These are used coffee beans bags costs $2.50 each and that's it.

[IN2DEAP2]

Great ideas thanks......

[Ticran]

IN2DEAP2, on 04 July 2010 - 11:44 AM, said:

Great ideas thanks......

This is a good thread! I plan on making a crossbow target at this time I'm thinking of clothing and blanets as some of you have used. Thanks for taking the time to post. I Like Jopsa's idea of making his own cocking rope.

Ticran

[Dereck]

Here is mine just a mesh bag with old clothes(all zippers, buttons and so forth removed)layered in the bag with some thin foam to give a flat front and put in a box so it will stand up.Not for broad heads.
Two finger arrow removal.

Did the same for broadheads but no mesh bag just thicker foam from an old archery target bit of a pain to get the broadheads out.

[Gimmy]

I used a corn bag loaded with thousands and thousands of Wal-Mart grocery bags, but I'm afraid to shoot my unloader into it.  I may never see that arrow again.  It's light weight, but my arrows are going through store bought targets, all the way down to the fletching, so I really don't have any confidence in my hair brained idea.

[Hurricane]

Gimmy~ place the target on the ground and shoot your "unloader" into it. That way if it's a pass through, it's gonna go into the ground, NOT the neighbors bedroom window.... hehehe I don't think the idea was 'hair brained" at all. Sure seems like it should work. let us know... 'K??


'Cane

[KLS]

Gimmy, on 18 October 2010 - 07:05 PM, said:

I used a corn bag loaded with thousands and thousands of Wal-Mart grocery bags, but I'm afraid to shoot my unloader into it.  I may never see that arrow again.  It's light weight, but my arrows are going through store bought targets, all the way down to the fletching, so I really don't have any confidence in my hair brained idea.

instead of using the hundreds of plastic bags you should go back by their shipping department and ask them if you can have some of the old plastic wrap off of their deliveries, or if they can save you some, they gladly gave me all i wanted for nothing, the plastic wrap is a different kind of plastic than the bags, its "stickier", and i found that when you pack it in an old feed bag it works alot better, and lasts alot longer, than the plain old plastic bags

just an idea...

[Hurricane]

Wish there was some way to get this to Gimmy. As I said, work in a corrugated box factory and we throw tons of that exact same stuff (shrink wrap) away every month. Will have my target in a bit. Was off yesterday because of some minor out patient surgery, but, tonight I start collecting. Just love this "inventing" stuff.

You're right is is a different plastic from bags. a lot more stable and heavier gauge (mil) than used in bags.

Thanks for confirming what I was "thinking".

'Cane