Stall mats for targets?

[Tim]

I’m looking for something more durable than cardboard for target arrays. Like these:

Self-Healing Rubber Targets | Infinity Targets

Self-Healing Rubber Targets | Self-Healing shooting targets that are reusable for up to 110 Rounds per square inch.

infinitytargets.com

But, without the ridiculous cost.

Has anyone used a stall mat or similar to make targets? Use case is Pistol and < 50 yd rifle. Definitely no shotgun.

The idea is they’d self-seal and paint over to freshen as needed.

Something like this:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-3-ft-x--frac12-in

 

[Tim]

Could get 4 18”x24” targets per mat, ~$8/eac

 

[Slacker]

Steel isn't an option I assume?
Or cost.

Used Conveyer belt is what your looking for.
It's typically 20" wide and similar to what you linked. Much cheaper.

 

[Frack N Cylons]

I had never seen those infinity targets. “Pretty neat” I thought until I saw the price. Phew!

 

[Tim]

Steel isn't an option I assume?
Or cost.

Used Conveyer belt is what your looking for.
It's typically 20" wide and similar to what you linked. Much cheaper.

We use a ton of steel for pistol in bays and rifles at distance.

I’m looking for something that we can use for rifles inside our bays for matches. For the matches I run, that would make the targets rifle OR pistol at shooters discretion.

 

[Tim]

I had never seen those infinity targets. “Pretty neat” I thought until I saw the price. Phew!

I think I’m gonna pick up a stall mat tomorrow and go play around.

 

[Tim]

Found a DIY review..

 

[avenomusduck]

Been considering stall mats for a while and after seeing the ones OP posted...their price is out of reach especially with other options mentioned
Cutting stall mats should not be too bad...
Like Tim's idea so Might get out tomorrow and hit Tractor Supply 😁

 

[Tim]

Benefits over paper…
- faster reset, quick hit with a spray can
- ok for rifle at contact distance (vs steel)
- weatherproof
- durable

Cons…
- weight, could be PIA to move around
- cost, though the durability factor evens that out
- running out of paint
- lack of “A” zone markers
- maybe? Harder/longer to repair a broken stand, need screws and driver or heavy staples in hand

 

[DrScaryGuy]

lack of markers is a thing, but you can take an IDPA target, cut slots where the lines/markers are, and spraypaint through the slots with black or some other color.
I made one of those and have used it for a whole bunch of cardboard sheets. could probably paint a sheet of rubber just as easily.
I'm not doing competitions in my back yard, but the markers are more than good enough to give me a good center mass circle, head circle over the tzone, shoulders, etc.

 

[Frack N Cylons]

Im all for trying new things, but what is the gripe with cardboard targets for a match? If you buy bulk, what do they cost? Maybe 40 or 50 cents if I had to guess. Pasters are around 10 bucks for 1000. They’re easy to staple and shift and move. You can double them up. You can build arrays. Flip em over for a no shoot.

So if you have 50 paper targets in a match (that’s probably double reality) you’d be into them for $25, call it $45 for pasters as well.

Now I’m considering the pain with mounting these mats. I’m thinking about having to buy all this spray paint and them inevitably being empty when I need them. They don’t have scoring zones unless I cut them in myself. Etc..

 

[Slacker]

Im all for trying new things, but what is the gripe with cardboard targets for a match? If you buy bulk, what do they cost? Maybe 40 or 50 cents if I had to guess. Pasters are around 10 bucks for 1000. They’re easy to staple and shift and move. You can double them up. You can build arrays. Flip em over for a no shoot.

So if you have 50 paper targets in a match (that’s probably double reality) you’d be into them for $25, call it $45 for pasters as well.

Now I’m considering the pain with mounting these mats. I’m thinking about having to buy all this spray paint and them inevitably being empty when I need them. They don’t have scoring zones unless I cut them in myself. Etc..


View attachment 569231

Yup.

 

[Tim]

Im all for trying new things, but what is the gripe with cardboard targets for a match? If you buy bulk, what do they cost? Maybe 40 or 50 cents if I had to guess. Pasters are around 10 bucks for 1000. They’re easy to staple and shift and move. You can double them up. You can build arrays. Flip em over for a no shoot.

So if you have 50 paper targets in a match (that’s probably double reality) you’d be into them for $25, call it $45 for pasters as well.

Now I’m considering the pain with mounting these mats. I’m thinking about having to buy all this spray paint and them inevitably being empty when I need them. They don’t have scoring zones unless I cut them in myself. Etc..


View attachment 569231

Well, you’re no fun

 

[Tim]

If you buy bulk, what do they cost? Maybe 40 or 50 cents if I had to guess.

$1.30-1.50/ea. usable for 1 match (~100 impacts) kratetactical.com

Rubber seems to be $7-8/each
The infinity targets claim 3-5000 rounds. So…30-50 matches

 

[Slacker]

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[rdinatal]

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[BrettB]

Im all for trying new things, but what is the gripe with cardboard targets for a match? If you buy bulk, what do they cost? Maybe 40 or 50 cents if I had to guess. Pasters are around 10 bucks for 1000. They’re easy to staple and shift and move. You can double them up. You can build arrays. Flip em over for a no shoot.

So if you have 50 paper targets in a match (that’s probably double reality) you’d be into them for $25, call it $45 for pasters as well.

Now I’m considering the pain with mounting these mats. I’m thinking about having to buy all this spray paint and them inevitably being empty when I need them. They don’t have scoring zones unless I cut them in myself. Etc..


View attachment 569231

The cost of cardboard targets are through the roof , so are staples and pasters
You forgot the most expensive part - the 2 wooden sticks of wood that is stapled to - the cost of anything wood has skyrocketed in the last few years. These are “real” costs on consumables that require replacement often.

The mat idea is interesting to me. Curious to hear the after action report

 

[john galt]

Found a DIY review..

Cool vid. She needs to shuffle not cross her feet over. Anyways cardboard is cheap we’ll use the infinity targets and staple a piece of plain cardboard on the back of the frame to review hits. Often staple plain cardboard both sides and simply turn the target around. Exit hole entry holes.

 

[Scsmith42]

Cutting stall mats should not be too bad...

Dont be too sure of that…. Them damn things are tough! I’ve had to trim them before to fit around posts in a barn and it is a major pain.

 

[bigtrack]

I’m looking for something more durable than cardboard for target arrays. Like these:

Self-Healing Rubber Targets | Infinity Targets

Self-Healing Rubber Targets | Self-Healing shooting targets that are reusable for up to 110 Rounds per square inch.

infinitytargets.com

But, without the ridiculous cost.

Has anyone used a stall mat or similar to make targets? Use case is Pistol and < 50 yd rifle. Definitely no shotgun.

The idea is they’d self-seal and paint over to freshen as needed.

Something like this:

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-3-ft-x--frac12-in

Old polical signs left up work well.

 

[Beef15]

Dont be too sure of that…. Them damn things are tough! I’ve had to trim them before to fit around posts in a barn and it is a major pain.

Long straight lines aren't too bad, flop 'em on a saw horse or something so the cut opens, good luck getting a clean 90° edge.
I would not even try scoring zones, paint will probably not leave a crisp line, certainly not after restoration, and the healing aspect of the rubber will make overlaying questionable at best.
Wonder how HPs and SWCs would treat the mats?

 

[Majicmike]

Little late now but a couple week ago we were remolding a fit4llife and they pulled up about 2k sqft of the rubber mat flooring. If you been in a gym you know what I’m talking about. Next time I’ll send out feelers to see if anyone wants some. That stuff is really dense and is about 1/2 thick

 

[HawgBonz]

FWIW around here I use insulation board cut to shape with paper targets. Holds up well outdoors.
Not very expensive and lightweight. Push pins or clamps to hold the target paper down.

 

[redhawk485]

Dont be too sure of that…. Them damn things are tough! I’ve had to trim them before to fit around posts in a barn and it is a major pain.

Plan on using a circular saw for any straight line or angle cuts.... anything else like even a small bit of a curve will take a reciprocating saw... do not even bother taking your utility knife/box cutter/razor/etc from the tool box because it will not work.... ask me how I know 😂

 

[redhawk485]

@Scsmith42, I can tell you already know what I'm talking about.... I was just using your post to second your opinion so the OP will understand what he needs to cut it 😁

 

[Elenaidan]

Welcome to Foam Factory

www.usafoam.com

Welcome to Foam Factory

www.usafoam.com

Welcome to Foam Factory

www.usafoam.com

I have been using these things as shooting mats for several years. Mostly the T-EVA. I have used it from 1/4 to 4" thickness for different projects. It is hard to make cleans cuts without the proper tools, but it is durable and water resistant. I have never thought of trying this product as a target, but I am now. I have some extra pieces and will definitely give it a "shot".

 

[Elenaidan]

Versatile High-Impact Rubber Solutions by CRS | Industry-Leading Geometric Parts for All Needs

Explore CRS's precision-engineered rubber parts for industrial, athletic, and ballistic applications. Robust, reliable, and ready for any challenge. Discover our solutions at CumberlandRubber.com.

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Just found this supplier for the actual ballistic rubber. They do not list prices for the blocks, but they have similar prices to the ID targets. (probably the same company or at least the same product.

 

[Tim]

Versatile High-Impact Rubber Solutions by CRS | Industry-Leading Geometric Parts for All Needs

Explore CRS's precision-engineered rubber parts for industrial, athletic, and ballistic applications. Robust, reliable, and ready for any challenge. Discover our solutions at CumberlandRubber.com.

cumberlandrubber.com

Just found this supplier for the actual ballistic rubber. They do not list prices for the blocks, but they have similar prices to the ID targets. (probably the same company or at least the same product.

I don’t think “ballistic rubber” is what I’m after. Isn’t that used for bullet capture/backstop?

I’m looking for pass through, self-healing, material for a high volume targets.

 

[Average Joe]

I don’t think “ballistic rubber” is what I’m after. Isn’t that used for bullet capture/backstop?

I’m looking for pass through, self-healing, material for a high volume targets.

I believe you are correct. I’ve seen it used in many indoor ranges and shoot houses.

 

[Gator]

Last year I bought one of the horse stall mats from Tractor Supply to put under a safe in my garage. That thing is heavy, 36 lbs. Cut it in half or thirds and you may still need to modify your target mounts.

.

 

[lostchild]

I use used conveyer belts, the local quarry gives it to me free. They also make good "sidewalks" over gravel for wheelchairs and walkers. I've shot mine with a-max and v-max 556 and they self healed.

 

[Button Pusher]

Dont be too sure of that…. Them damn things are tough! I’ve had to trim them before to fit around posts in a barn and it is a major pain.

Hot knife would work well.

 

[contender]

I can see there are some good options for very reusable types of targets. However,, I can't use any of them in USPSA matches. Not considered as USPSA approved targets. The scoring marks need to be very identifiable,, and self sealing stuff doesn't give the correct bullet diameter hole for proper scoring.
But for other purposes,, I see this as a good option,, ESPECIALLY for informal shooting of all kinds.

 

[Majicmike]

@Tim Ya tried one yet?

 

[Tim]

I'm working a Run n Gun this weekend with ~120 shooters coming through. We're using rubber targets on at least one stage, so I'll have some real world feedback by Monday.

@Majicmike

 

[BatteryOaksBilly]

Found a DIY review..

I Really like this...I'd like to have some cut to mimic Head, Spine and Heart only...5 inch head tapering to 3 inch spine-neck back to a 5 inch heart and tapering again to a 3 inch wide spine.....so 5 inch at it's widest and 24 inches long.....hmmmmm. we'll see....

 

[Tim]

I Really like this...I'd like to have some cut to mimic Head, Spine and Heart only...5 inch head tapering to 3 inch spine-neck back to a 5 inch heart and tapering again to a 3 inch wide spine.....so 5 inch at it's widest and 24 inches long.....hmmmmm. we'll see....

Why not cut a template to paint the CNS areas a different color? That way the shooter has a better reference for where those things are vs total target area/body.

 

[georgel]

Last year I bought one of the horse stall mats from Tractor Supply to put under a safe in my garage. That thing is heavy, 36 lbs. Cut it in half or thirds and you may still need to modify your target mounts.

.

The weight, manageability and structure to support it are some of my concerns.

 

[Tim]

We used stall mat targets at the Run n Gun this past weekend. They worked great. Perfectly in fact.

Other than being heavy, requiring something more than furring strips for support, I can’t see a reason not to use them.

 

[avenomusduck]

Replies and info much appreciated 🍻
Got sidetracked by Wife's hunny doo list so ....
Still going to pick up a horse mat!!