Target Backstop - Firearms

[Contenderizer]

I live on a farm in a very rual area and have a backyard range (yes, lucky me). Currently I am using a load of sand as my backstop, but this makes it necessary to move my shooting position forward for handguns and back for long guns. I have a nice covered area that I would like to use for firing all of my guns, so a target backstop that I could move seems ideal. I was thinking of building something with a plate-metal back, sloped to deflect the bullets down. I could drag that contraption around with my ATV. I don't believe it necessary to trap the bullets, only deflect them down into a small pit that I will fill with sand. I suspect I won't be using the backstop for my longer shots (the big sand pile works fine for that) so for the most part it will be used close-up for handguns (up to 45 Colt) and out to 50 yards for 22 Hornet. Does anyone know of building plans for such an animal or have suggestions on the gauge, angle, size of the metal plate? Or, do you have a better suggestion?

[Rottweiler]

Before I built something that I had to move, I'd build a second backstop.slightly to the side of the existing one at the closer or further range.

Anything built heavy enough (1/2" plate minimum IMHO) to work for you is going to be HEAVY. After a good rain or two it will probably sink into the mud far enough that your ATV will think it took root.

[Rapier]

With PVC or steel pipe sections in the ground (like a post), set below mower level, you could build 2x4 target stands like a squared A or H with a top, adjust your leg hights, move the targets and use one backstop. :)
Ed

[Minihuntur]

2 ft styrofoam glued to 2in steel might do if ya dont shoot "the big ones" i got a nice big hill, 125yd range
minihuntur

[Swift]

Originally posted by Minihuntur
2 ft styrofoam glued to 2in steel might do if ya dont shoot "the big ones" minihuntur

Daym, which "big ones" get past the styro and 2 inches of steel?

[Contenderizer]

It sounds like someone is using armor piercing in a 50 BMG !! Dang, that sounds like fun.

[Minihuntur]

put the steel at an angle to reduce ricochet
minihuntur