You may be one of the lucky ones who has a beautiful berm in their backyard and a shooting area. Some people are not so fortunate and need to find other berms. It is always a good idea to visit a range. They can be expensive and often overcrowded. The best alternative is to find a good berm that is legal and quiet to shoot from and then go there. You will need a portable target stand that can be easily transported to your shooting location.
How to Build Your Own Portable Shooting Target Stand
There are many options for target stands, but they can be expensive and heavy. This may not be an issue if you plan to shoot all your target shooting in your backyard. If you need to travel to do your regular shooting, it can be cumbersome.
All I needed to make this shooting target stand cost $51.77 plus tax (minus tools) at Menard’s. I also bought a few extra pieces to make it more robust. Although the initial investment is higher than premade stands, it’s very affordable and you can easily replace any part. This is especially important for new shooters. It is also portable.
It is important to note that it is not intended to hold a steel target. You might be able modify it to do that. You are free to be creative.
Tools Required:
SharpieTape measureWoodsawHack sawSawhorses
Materials Required:
2 – 10-foot-long PVC pipes (1.25-inch in diameter)2 – 8-foot-long wood furrings (1.25-inch x 0.75-inch)4- – 1.5 inch PVC Tees4- – 1.5 – 1.5 – PVC Elbows
Step 1
Measure a 10-foot length of PVC, mark it and then cut it with a hacksaw. If you want to save time, you can measure in 2-foot increments along all the length of the pipe. To ensure that each piece is exactly the length I want, I prefer to measure it one at a while.
Continue this process until you have six pieces measuring 2 feet in length. These will make up the bulk and height of your base.
Step 2
You will cut three more pieces from the PVC, just like in the previous step. You will need to cut these 18-inches in length. These will be the crossbars for your base and the stand’s crossbars.
After you have cut all your PVC, you will have a 3.5-foot length of extra PVC. This can be saved for future repairs. You can also cut three smaller pieces if you wish to fit smaller targets. You’ll understand what I mean when I say it later.
Step Three
Cut the two wood furrings to a length of 6-foot-3-inches. Make sure you use the 1.5″x.75″ furrings to fit inside the PVC pipe. These furrings will be used to attach your target to the stand.
PVC shatters if it is struck by a bullet. That’s why I chose wood. An old friend and I built stands like these from PVC years ago. We had trouble with it when multiple people were shooting with us.
I have found that wood can be broken when it is hit. However, it is much cheaper to replace. It doesn’t shatter so it can often be left standing after being hit.
Another reason to choose wood is because it is easier and faster to attach the target to the wall with a staple gun. A PVC frame, on the other hand, requires you to attach your target using other methods. They also require cardboard backing.
Wood can also be used to attach paper targets directly without the need for a cardboard backing. It is important to note that a cardboard backing helps to keep the target stable.
Step Four
Two 2-foot pieces PVC should be taken and connected using a PVC tie. Continue this step. You will now have four pieces measuring 2 feet and two tees. This is the base of your stand. The 4-foot length will provide stability.
Step Five
Attach a PVC elbow at the ends of each of your newly-created base pieces. Next, take two 18-inch pieces PVC and connect them at one end. These are the crossbars which define the stand’s width.
To attach the stand, ensure that the tees on each side face upwards. You can also place shorter crossbars if you plan on using smaller targets. You don’t want the integrity of the side to side balance to be compromised so make sure you don’t go too short. Particularly if you have windy shooting areas.
Step Six
Attach the 2-foot lengths of PVC to the ends of the remaining pieces. Attach them so that the tee extends to the side. This will serve as the crossbar connecting point to the stand, allowing it to be adjusted in width. You must ensure that the opening is able to pass through the PVC tube.
Step Seven
The remaining 18-inch crossbar connects the two pieces of the stand. If you have smaller targets, the shorter crossbar can be used here. Once the crossbar has been attached, attach the stand to your base using the PVC tees at the middle.
Press down on each joint until the PVC is all bonded together. This will allow you to move the PVC around to place it, and also ensure that it doesn’t fall apart during shooting.
Step Eight
To complete the final assembly, push the two wood furrings through the PVC tees into the stand. Next, attach your target and choose the best position. Then, get shooting!
You can paint your shooting target stand if you want to add a finishing touch. I don’t because I take mine apart and put it in the back of my truck. It wouldn’t take long before the paint started chipping away. However, I tend to be more utilitarian. Some prefer a more finished look and that is perfectly fine.
This stand has the advantage of being customizable so that the pieces can be cut to your specifications. As I mentioned, crossbars can be made shorter if you have smaller targets. You can make the stand shorter by using a shorter berm.
This stand is not pre-made. You can customize it to your needs. It is also affordable and can be disassembled so you can use it for different occasions.
Please review the basic rules for firearm safety if you are a novice shooter. These rules are vital and could save your life or the lives of a loved one. Feel free to download our Gun Primer, which includes links and first-time shooter content.
Be safe and happy shooting.
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Personal Defense World published the article Build Your Own Portable Shooting Target Stand.