[chandne]

It's a different ballgame when shooting in outdoor (appropriate) areas. It can be windy and the ground can be hard at times. I'd like to use a portable (in vehicle) yet not too bulky target base that I can attach or stable targets too.

What are you guys using? I have to be able to carry it in a vehicle like a small or mid-size SUV (Forester, 4Runner, etc.). Preferably, it should be 3-5 feet off the ground and somewhat stable if it gets windy. Thoughts?

I have considered swinging or resettable steel targets but don't know too much about the best ones and if they are safe. I will be shooting from 7 yards to 20 yards.

[motorcyclist]

The public range I go to is 100 yards with chicken wire and clips to hang your targets. If you want to shoot less than 100 yards you can bring your own target holders, but no metal. I made a square base from 1" PVC and weighted it with pieces of chain (had some lying around) in the tubes. Used 1/2" PVC for the uprights with unions so I can break it down and get it in the car. I zip tie a cardboard back to the upright section and then tape or staple my targets to the cardboard. Should I hit an upright piece I can spice with connectors for repair or just make a whole new top section cheap.

[Jitterbug]

I can load up 3-4 real estate signs in the back of my 4 Runner for trips out east in the winter or the hills in the summer.

Each sign will hold two standard sized targets and I can pound them into the ground with a small 5 pound sledge. After the metal portion of the sign is shot out, I replace it with plastic.

The frame is made of angle iron and is quite sturdy.

I think i have about $40 bucks a pop in the signs, I've got over 7 years on them now.

Google Real Estate sign companies.

Works pretty well.

[FLIPPER 348]

Originally Posted by Jitterbug

I
I think i have about $40 bucks a pop in the signs, I've got over 7 years on them now.

Google Real Estate sign companies.

Works pretty well.

I just gather up a few dozen after the elections!


I shoot mostly clays on the ground and aircraft turbine oil & hydraulic fluid steel 1 qt cans.

[rv4driver]

Chandne, these guys don't even know what you're talking about here in Northern Colorado. Anvils get blown over here. I made some 1.5" PVC frames to use in my classes at Pawnee Sportsmen's Center. I hold them down with sand bags. Even that isn't enough some times, as the target paper won't even stay on the cardboard backing. The steel targets are the best for when it blows around here. Just be aware that the splatter from jacketed ammo will get your attention from time to time. Bring good shooting glasses and a first aid kit if you're going to shoot within 10 yards or so.

Jeff

[chandne]

That's funny, Jeff. It does indeed get a bit crazy here with the wind gusts.

I like the PVC idea, and will look into steel...and just keep it past 10 yards.

[bama_glock]

G20 and G21=grapefruit or watermelon
G22 and G33=oranges or apples
G17,G19, and G34=beanie weanie cans (unopened), canned corn is fun too.

[glockaviator]

Best targets:
1. Take a cardboard box and flatten it. Sharpen 2 1x2's and drive them inbetween the two layers of the cardboard box. Might need some duct tape. You can put your sticky orange bullseys on these.
2. Steel reactive targets. Pound them in to hold them up (or just push them in with your heel)
3. Clay pidgeon.

All of these are "biodegradeable" and won't litter. The cardboard is better in that regard than the white plastic "plastic cardboard". Boxes can be purchased cheap at Home Depot if you dont have any.

[chandne]

Great ideas. I definitely don't want to take stuff that will litter and be there forever. I have not shot much outdoors so I really like these ideas. Shooting outdoors is so much more fun than at an indoor Range.

I have been looking at good steel targets that are resettable or swinging, along with ways to build ones out of wood and PVC. Just have to keep them portable.