Cheap targets

[tominboise]

I use paper plates a lot, and also save all the big cardboard boxes for target backers. I will say that one thing I have learned over the years - "Smaller dots mean smaller groups". I bought a box of 1" square target pasters from Sinclair years ago. I often aim at the corner of the square depending on what scope I am using. It makes a difference.

 

[SSL]

I will say that one thing I have learned over the years - "Smaller dots mean smaller groups". I bought a box of 1" square target pasters from Sinclair years ago. I often aim at the corner of the square depending on what scope I am using. It makes a difference.

I'm with you on the small targets. I generally use square target dots for scopes with "plain" cross-hairs and try to use the edges to center and round dots for scopes with a dot at the cross-hair juncture. I try to match the size of the dots so that the round dot on the cross-hairs cover the target with just a "halo" of the dot surrounding the scope dot. (Lose anyone yet?) Kind of like shooting with peep sights...your eye automatically centers it.

 

[jpx2rk]

I use a variety of targets, depending on my mood more than anything. I've made some up from the unused portions of targets I've found at the range, piece 'em together with tape and make copies as needed. I use the multi-colored dots and re-enforcement rings to highlight the POA, found some "yard sale" price stickers in different colors that work as well on the back/plain side of a cereal box, and use cereal box panels as backers as well. I can barely see yellow thru the scope at 100yd, so I use that color for fouler shots, the bright orange, green and red show up well for me, so..... I'm always looking at target stands to see if anyone left a "usable" target on the home range. LOL.

 

[mikeinct]

Cheap is good. Free is better. I made a few clear plastic cut-outs. 2.5 3inch Square. I set that Sq. like the points of a compass. Broad tipped black marker makes a crisp edge to line up on at distance. Works very well for these old eyes w my hunting scopes too. mikeinct

 

[bsekf]

Google "printable targets" and have at it! My target carrier is 3, 24 inch 2x4's covered with cardboard, a pipe flange and 3 feet of 1/2 inch pipe.

 

[K22]

My favorite target for range practical range practice off my shooting stick is a 3 x 5 card stapled to a resueable piece of cardboard. I get them a Staples in a 300 pack. Also great for making shirt pocket notes.

The target represents the approximate vital area of the critters I hunt, i.e. ground hogs and predators.

Place hozontially, it simulates a crawler, vertically, a standing hog.

 

[Topwater]

I'm with you on the small targets. I generally use square target dots for scopes with "plain" cross-hairs and try to use the edges to center and round dots for scopes with a dot at the cross-hair juncture. I try to match the size of the dots so that the round dot on the cross-hairs cover the target with just a "halo" of the dot surrounding the scope dot. (Lose anyone yet?) Kind of like shooting with peep sights...your eye automatically centers it.

I agree totally. Aim small, shoot small. That is one of the beauties of the reinforcing rings. Out to at least 200 yds. , I can quarter the center and have white outlining my crosshairs. In most conditions, I’ve found that blue is the easiest to see and still discern bulletholes.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I use 60lb. paper and print the load development ones available on the Daily Bulletin. I must be livin' high on the hog.

+1

 

[Forum Boss]

Here's a recent deal at MidwayUSA. 1008 1" Hi-Viz circles for $5.99.
This was featured in our Deals of the Week on 1/10/2022.
Link: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019016279?pid=734497




You can also use the bright colored dots that come on rolls. Here are 1000 fluorescent Red for $8.99.

https://amzn.to/320spA9

 

[Bill Norris]

I copied an old 1 inch grid sewing table pad onto regular card stock and pasted 1/4 inch black dots and 1 inch red dots. I store it in my gun related folder on my computer and print at will. Helps with aim small hit small idea.

 

[mr45man]

And many places sell the hole reinforcements already colored

Yep, keep them in my range bag.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I just use the little stick on dots the boss posted. They come in various sizes on flat sheets at staples. I think i have 1/2” and 7/8”

 

[ben lurkin]

I use the orange version of the 1” target dots posted by the boss. Pretty tough to beat that deal and definitely not worth worrying about.

 

[LonewolfMcquade]

Huh, can't believe nobody thought of the free discarded pasties from the gentleman's club...

 

[Adam in WI]

They don't stick very well cuz of the coconut oil

 

[Adam in WI]

I hear...

 

[BlackGrouper]

As a diesel mechanic I'd keep parts boxes and packages. A headgasket box was usually good for 4-6 targets depending on size. An inframe kit was a bigger score. All nice heavy cardboard without much printing on it.

Those long Cummins gasket cardboard with cellophane wrapping are perfect for ladder testing ain't they!

 

[Riesel]

For you high rollers, Labelvalue.com/target
Not associated with company but do like their targets. Use 3" at five hundred yards.

 

[BlueWater]

About the cheapest and simplest I've found: a good-sized roll of artsy "butcher" paper, with 1" or 2" circles drawn (or painted) onto them. A roll lasts practically forever. Just requires a target frame and stapler, and you grab the next one you've prepared. Inexpensive, assuming the time to craft them doesn't seem too costly.

 

[PigButtons]

I use beverage 12 pack cartons, the wife drinks two kinds of soft drinks. Split them along the seam and just use a sharpie to make dots, circles, or X's. Then cover the holes with masking tape and shoot at the corners of the tape. When the tape weights more than the cardboard it's time for a new carton.