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Archery Back Stop

TinyTucky

Active Member
910
66
The Flatlands
Putting in a small range at my house in the near future now that I’ve cleared out all of the brush the previous house owner left for me. I’d like to think I’ll never miss but I have to be mildly realistic lol. What have you had the best luck with? I’ve seen stall mats, hanging a rug over a rope, hay bales, etc. It’ll be left outside and only used with a compound or stick bow. I appreciate any insight, thanks fellas.
 

5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,676
238
North Central Ohio
I just cleared out our range this weekend, had straw out there for the last 4yrs. I found 1 arrow from my old bow from 2-3yrs. ago🤣. A rubber stall mat hanging on a treated wooden frame is where im headed next. Post up some pictures once u settle on a design.
 
We have the Morrell Outdoor range bag to shoot into, had an old frame I used to put hay bales in that it is hung from. With it being so large it sure helps with those errant arrows we all get now and then. In our basement I have a similar target with a large chunk of carpet hanging behind, not really to stop the arrow if I were to miss but to perhaps slow it down enough to keep it from ricocheting around. The stall mat sounds like a great idea for a back-up.

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It has held up well in 7 years

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brock ratcliff

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
25,020
261
@brock ratcliff has some pretty large targets that get used a shit ton and live outside.
Mine are Big Boy targets. I’ve had everything on the market. These are the best I’ve found. They catch thousands of arrows a week probably 50 weeks of the year. So far, nothing compares and that includes the 4x4 block targets that are around 1000/per. The Bog Boys were manufactured in Michigan but I believe they moved to Georgia. I used to get them shipped. They would deliver to Fastenal stores and you’d drop in to pick them up. Much cheaper that way. Maybe they still do that. Ours are all 4x4.
 

5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,676
238
North Central Ohio
We talking backstops or targets? You and Mason don't miss for thousands to be hitting it lol. I'm confused, as I'm not shooting a rubber mat in the near future lol.
 

TinyTucky

Active Member
910
66
The Flatlands
I ended up getting a 4’x6’x3/4” stall mat from TSC on sale for $35. Built a frame for it out of scrap 2x4s and has been working perfectly. Only thing I wished I had done differently is maybe made the backstop slightly smaller, because those stall mats are unbelievably heavy lol.
 

Knelly

Junior Member
87
94
I have a stall mat that I use in the corner of my barn. Set it upright and bend it around the corner. I can fit two deer targets in front of it. I've only hit it a few times and the field point barely makes a mark. And yes, they are heavy!
 

TinyTucky

Active Member
910
66
The Flatlands
I have a stall mat that I use in the corner of my barn. Set it upright and bend it around the corner. I can fit two deer targets in front of it. I've only hit it a few times and the field point barely makes a mark. And yes, they are heavy!
I was surprised when the dude at TSC said I’ll come out and help you load it. I figured he thought I was a bitch (it’s true but whatever), but jesus, it’s gotta weigh 50lbs+ and incredibly flimsy and awkward to move 😂
 

TinyTucky

Active Member
910
66
The Flatlands
Like I said, I framed it with scrap 2x4s, reinforced the corners and made 3 “legs” to keep it upright. Have a shit ton of old bricks and pavers laying around that I have to keep the target up a little higher, and to completely eliminate any chance of super low shots sliding under the back stop or target. I’m planning to remove that shitty cherry tree (I think) that’s kinda blocking the lane, and plant a row of either rose of Sharon or arborvitae’s along the right side to make it a true lane, and be a back drop for when the garden goes in.
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