A backstop for archery is a piece of equipment placed behind your target to keep arrows that change direction from flying away. They are also useful if the arrows get through the target, which would be possible if you utilize specific targets with specific arrows. All arrows or arrowheads are not created equal.
Backstops are made of quality, spongy material designed to absorb the stress from the arrow. Backstops provide a place for the arrow to rest if it misses the target. Although backstops will assist the arrows land on a larger surface, you should always have lots of open space behind the backstop.
An archery backstop is not only necessary for safety, but it is also a very practical way to keep arrows from flying too far. You can construct your backstop in a variety of ways. Before you start building, think about each choice and how it might work best for you.
Horse Stall Mat For Archery Backstop
A horse stall mat backstop is one of the most popular options for archers. To construct this backstop, you will require a 3 by 4 inches stall mat, 3 inches wood screws, self-tapping metal screws, an old roofing tin, a bag of concrete mix, a yellow plastic chain, 5 wood lag screws, 4 treated boards, 2 treated posts, and a target.
You will also need tools like a saw, tape measure, drill, level, tin snips, posthole digger, shovel, rock bar, bucket, socket, and drill bits. First, dig some holes and install the posts with the faces slightly outside the width of the stall mat. Then, concrete the posts in place and ensure they are perfectly straight and not bending.
Now, build a box for the roofing and attach the roof to the posts, joining them with some screws. You can add a spreader board between the posts to stop them from pulling together. Then hang the stall mat when the columns and roof framework are completed.
Next, pre-drill some holes for the screws which will compress the stall mat; fill the stall mat and use the screws to hold an end of the stall mat and fit the screws. Thread the S hooks through the eyelet and connect your chains after completing the structure. You can now hang your target.
What Can Be Used For An Archery Backstop?
You can select appropriate materials for the type of archery you conduct while making your backstop. You must construct your backstop so that arrows cannot travel through it. Moreover, the whole objective is to keep your arrows from hitting anything at the back of your target.
Plywood, rubber mats, hay bales, and archery netting are typical materials used to construct a backstop. Your backstop's structure could be fashioned out of 2×4, metal pipe, or PVC pipe; among the most popular and easy backstops you can create is out of hay bales. You can purchase hay bales online; hay bales are normally inexpensive, and ordering online will almost always result in higher transportation costs.
Foam blocks will survive better than hay bales, but they are unattractive and must be anchored because they fly around readily. The foam blocks would be stacked and secured the same way that hay bales would be. You can purchase foam blocks from any local craft store or the internet.
The freestanding backstop is another common choice since they may build to be moveable. The frame would be light enough to be kept in a garage or shed and used when you want to practice archery. The wooden frame freestanding backstop is another excellent method for using plywood.
A fence post freestanding backstop is a great choice for a permanent backstop. Only a few people will benefit from the hanging backstop. You must make the most of what you see in your yard. For example, if you had a couple of trees, you might attach a rope between them and hang archer's nets as a backstop.
How Many Bales Of Hay For Archery Backstop?
Hay bale is one of the cheapest and most popular archery backstops; they are easy to build. Arrange the hay bales at the back of the target you will be firing at; stack the hays some feet beyond the target's side and above the target. One common question people ask is how many bales of hay are needed for the archery backstop.
Depending on how big you want your backstop, you will need about 2 to 5 bales of hay for the archery backstop. You can enclose the hay bales with poles dug into the ground to keep them clean. Wrap them in twine; this is not strictly necessary, but it is an option if you want to appear good.
Additionally, securing the hay bales will prevent major waste on your lawn in windy conditions. The best part about hay bales is how simple they are to keep up with. The only activity you should avoid is taking them to locations where it is really hot or exposing them to water.
The only issue with hay bales would be that they deteriorate over time; the hay will crumble, decay, and attract pests in typical weather conditions. To begin with, if you place it near a heat source, it will most likely burn. Hay is particularly dry, so it will quickly burn if you leave it near a fire supply.
You will also need to protect them from water and other moist areas; the dryness of hay is a big part of its appeal. Only after it is dry can you move it, manage it, and use it correctly. The best thing about hay bales is that making an archery backstop from them is very easy.
How To Make A Backstop For Archery?
You will need to identify an appropriate site and pick which material you like to use to create an archery backstop. The backstop is designed to prevent arrows that fail to hit from flying too far away. You will not have to collect arrows from everywhere in the yard after installing your backstop.
The tools required to make a backstop are a level, wheelbarrow, cordless impact driver, liter saw, shovel, post digger, four bags of concrete, six inches Timberlock 8 feet pressure-treated 4 by 4s, and a thick horse stall mat. Use the post digger to drill two holes for your vertical posts.
For each hole, dig three feet down so that the backstop will not tilt later on; add a thin layer of gravel to each hole. Next, brace the first 4 by 4 using some scrap 2 by 4s and measure how high from the ground you want your horse stall to be. Then trim the 4 by 4s, and level and brace it one more time.
Use your wheelbarrow and shovel to mix the concrete and add it, then wait for it to dry for a few days. You can wait for about three days for the concrete to become solid to avoid adding additional strain and weight that could compromise the strength of the backstop. Now, use some washers and stainless lag screws to mount the archery bag.
Use three lag screws to pre-drill holes on the backstop. Then connect your J-hooks to the backstop and mount your target bag. You can now start practicing your shooting to test your work.
Also read: Different Types of Bows for Archery
Final Thoughts
There are several archery backstops types that you can utilize; building your archery backstop is either simple or difficult, depending on the type you are constructing. Each archery backstop idea has its strengths and weaknesses; some are reliable, durable, and last longer, while others only last for a certain period. Nevertheless, you can have as much fun building an archery backstop as you would when arching.
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Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.