Target Stand

[itchyTF]

Recently, in the Daily Bulletin, there was an article about a portable target stand made of PVC tubing assembled on site. I made an inexpensive stand using 2x2 lumber for poles and 18" spikes (can't remember their official name).

The poles are longer than necessary for target use but I also use them to hold up a tarp in the PD fields to extend the shade.

First bore a 3/4" hole in the bottom of the poles about 9" deep.
Cut the poles to the desired length.
Hammer one spike in the ground.
Staple one edge of the target or backer to the pole.
Slip the other spike in the bottom of the other pole and position it so it lines up with the other edge of the target/backer.
Use the pole as a starter for the spike by sliding it up & down like a hammer.
Slide the pole off and use a hammer to finish setting the spike.
Put the pole back on and staple the other side of the target/backer.

It may sound like a lot of steps but it really isn't and it's flexible for any size.

In the picture, the cardboard is painted white to be able to see 6mm holes at 400 yds. (without mirage).

 

[bozo699]

Looks good. Is it stable in the wind?
Wayne.

 

[itchyTF]

Wayne,
I guess that depends on how big the target/backer is and how much wind! I don't have the cardboard in front of me but I'm guessing it was at least 18" wide by 3' to 4' long. On breezy days (didn't have my Kestral with me) I didn't notice any movement of the target in the scope. If you wanted to get exotic, you could use "guy wires" on the poles which is what I do when I use them with the tarp.

Can't make out the "guy wires" well in the picture but they made the tarp fairly stable although the wind was not "howling". Vegetation was fairly high! The extended shade made the extra setup time well worth it.

(You probably already know this, but after clicking on the thumbnail click again on the picture to enlarge it.)

 

[sscoyote]

Pretty good system Itchy. Another option is to use electrical conduit as the poles, and cardboard backers attached all along the poles with zip straps. Have made 5 ft. tgts. using this sytem that hold up well in wind even this big. The secret to stability with the stakes is to angle them into the ground away from each other a bit. This way when the poles are slid down over them the tension of the stakes holds the poles very still.

When i used to use this tgt. system (before i started shooting portable steel) i would make up 5 or 6 tgts. (very portable and light) and set them away from my portable bench at hundred yd. intervals. It was quite a sight really to see all these tgts. out on the prairie.

 

[bozo699]

itchyTF,
I forget some people have soil, the ground where I live is very rocky. I did in fact build me one of your target stands and am looking forward in using it when I get somewhere there is enough soil I can get the spikes into the ground Thanks for your contribution it is a great idea.
Wayne.

 

[itchyTF]

For those who have rocks for "soil", you can always bring one of these with you although it's not very portable!!! ;D

 

[bozo699]

itchyTF,
Don't laugh I have my fall fencing projects coming up here on the ranch and I just might need one of those LOL.
Wayne.