My new back stop

[Rookie]

I decided to build a back stop so I can shoot quietly and not worry about where the bullets go. I built a 4x4 back stop using 10 gauge steel, angle iron, and 3/4 inch rubber horse mats. It's nice and quiet, and I don't have to worry about ricochets.

It's 40 yards from my porch, but I can get more if I move into the front yard.

 

[wizardfitz]

Very nice. I kick myself for not buying out in the country when i moved here.

 

[Rookie]

View from the side...

 

[BogWalker]

What calibers do you plan on using? Tell us how it works out. I've got a few of those mats laying around.

 

[RobbyMaQ]

Forgive my ignorance? Is that hinged at the top or something? like it's a trap that drops/deflects round down?

 

[Pip Logan]

Looking good buddy!

 

[Rookie]

What calibers do you plan on using? Tell us how it works out. I've got a few of those mats laying around.

Just 22. That's all I set it up for. Some time, I'll put thicker steel in the back.

Forgive my ignorance? Is that hinged at the top or something? like it's a trap that drops/deflects round down?

The mats drop in from the top and can be pulled out to replace easily. Rounds drop out of the bottom...

 

[ctb1]

I'm not questioning your skill, but it only takes one stray bullet to create a lifetime of regret. If it was me, I wouldn't be comfortable that no bullet would ever miss a 4x4 target at 40 plus yards.

 

[AKMSU]

Looks good

 

[Rookie]

I'm not questioning your skill, but it only takes one stray bullet to create a lifetime of regret. If it was me, I wouldn't be comfortable that no bullet would ever miss a 4x4 target at 40 plus yards.

Fortunately, there's 1,000 yards of dense woods behind the stop.

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

Looks good Rookie. I wish I could shoot at home.



Oh, and...reported.

 

[mom45]

Fortunately, there's 1,000 yards of dense woods behind the stop.

I know you say you are just shooting 22's into this target, but dense woods (especially if they do not belong to you) is not a good backstop. You are liable for any damage to the trees beyond your property. Our neighbor is finding out just how expensive that can be. I can't give more detail on our situation, but this will be addressed in court as a criminal matter.

 

[Rookie]

Listen people, if I can't hit a 4x4 target at 40 yards every time, then I have no business shooting. True?

 

[mom45]

Listen people, if I can't hit a 4x4 target at 40 yards every time, then I have no business shooting. True?

There is always room for error. A gun that is not sited in and is way off...things happen.

 

[Rookie]

Only two guns being used. Both were sighted in at an indoor range and both are sub MOA at 40 yards.

 

[esrice]

You won't ever be able to build a backstop complete enough that it will catch every mistake or act of ignorance or idiocy. The goal is to simply minimize the possibility as much as possible. For some that means a 20ft wall of dirt in every direction. Or a simple pile of dirt 6ft high. Or in this case, a 4'x4' steel barrier with dense woods behind it.

Apparently Rookie knows his backstop and what's beyond it. While we've seen some home backstops presented here on INGO that were obviously too risky, I don't think this is one of them. It sounds like he's made an acceptable effort to ensure the final resting place of every round.

Now if he was planning on shooting a full-auto AK at it . . . . . . .

 

[mom45]

Only two guns being used. Both were sighted in at an indoor range and both are sub MOA at 40 yards.

 

[Rookie]

Now if he was planning on shooting a full-auto AK at it . . . . . . .

I was planning on doing that tomorrow. Bad idea?

 

[DRob]

That horse stall mat is great stuff and very versatile. I've been using it as a bed mat in the back of my Tundra for 3 years and it is virtually unmarked after several trips out west loaded with p doggin' gear. I'll be interested to see how well it holds up stopping .22lr bullets.

 

[HoughMade]

I think the trees alone would be OK.