Backyard quick change target frame

[ivans]

I thought I would share some pictures of this past weekends winter project. It's a frame for holding targets for our backyard shooting range.

My goal was to design a frame that would not require any tape, clips, tacks, etc. to hold the targets. I wanted to be able to hold large targets and multiples of medium and smaller targets.

This what I came up with:
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/manwithtools/Target%20Frame/SNB14297.jpg

I envisioned a clamping system that would hold the targets via a clamp, I wracked my brain for while until I hit on the idea of two pieces of angle iron pivoting against one another via a piano hinge thus clamping the target. Then how to provide the clamping force? After some thought it dawned on me - binder clips would work. You know the ones used to hold stacks of paper together or pinch the crap out of your hand while your playing with them.:rolleyes:

Here is a close up of a clip mounted inside the angle iron. I removed the wire handles from the clips and formed a piece of stainless TIG welding rod into a shape that fits through holes drilled in the angle, there by holding the clips in place.:
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/manwithtools/Target%20Frame/SNB14325.jpg

The frame is split into three sections, the left and right sections are operated by hand which is sufficient for loading small and medium targets, I welded a couple of small bars to the back side of the right and left section back angles - when you are standing in front of the frame these serve as handles to help open the clamping angles:
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/manwithtools/Target%20Frame/SNB14328.jpg

Then for the center section; hanging large targets is always a pain in the butt. You know the drill - clip the right side while the left side falls down, clip the left side and the right side falls out of the right clip, etc....:(

I decided I needed a third hand, not having one of those handy I decided I could use my foot. I was having a hard time lifting my foot that high ;) so I settled on a linkage from a foot pedal to the clamping angles. When you step on the pedal, the clamp angles in the middle section opens about 3/8" so you can slip the target into place, take your foot off the pedal and the angles clamp together.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/manwithtools/Target%20Frame/SNB14305.jpg

I had some tube laying around that serve to make a couple of bases, the uprights slide into the tubes if you are on a level hard surface. Pull the frame out of the bases and you'll find the angles are sharpened on the end so you can stick the frame right into the ground.

I'd like to hear any comments, positive or negative. Hope the weather warms a little this coming weekend so I can try it out.

I hope the pictures sufficiently explain the operation, if you have questions ask away.

Cheers!

[Bawanna]

Looks darn good Ivans. Well thought out. Even though I can't move my feet the foot pedal is an awesome idea to help get that center target in place.
The sharpened ends along with the stands is a great concept.
I think you better get your patent attorney's on the horn, I think theres a market potential for this.
A lot nicer than some I've seen in catalogs etc, actually better than most.

Nice work!

[RONDO]

Hey ivans ! Thats a really cool design, I think you could sell those $$$;)
I'd check into costs and make a couple, see if yout local gun shop is interested, seriously. :cool:
How did your garage door hold up during live testing? :D

[Tilos]

Nice.
I've built a few with binder clips too, that quickly got shot off.
I put them behind the steel now.
That full length clamp idea will keep the target from swinging too.
Good job.
Mine are to take to the range, so don't tell me you to shoot in your own back yard.
If so, I'm jealous.
Tilos

[ivans]

Nice.
Mine are to take to the range, so don't tell me you to shoot in your own back yard.
If so, I'm jealous.
Tilos

Tilos,
Yep it's for the side yard. I've got a nearly perfect location; a 30 foot high hill with about a 60 degree angle as a back stop. I have used a friends frame with the binder clips unprotected and held on by zip ties; it was susceptible to swinging targets.

Rondo,
As for costs, I've got about $60 in materials invested. That does not include the bases, that would add another $15 or so. If you include my time for tig welding it together and cutting/drilling; I'd need to sell these for upwards of $200 to make it worth my time. Even then I'd be reluctant to make these for anyone other than close friends due to liability issues ( isn't it sad that you have to consider that, but .....). Garage door is fine, imaginary fire does not leave holes ;)

As it is, I built this for my use and enjoyment and thought that it might give others some ideas for making their own. It could be built without welding if you were without that equipment or skill, you would need to apply some more thought on how to bolt the frame together but it could be done I'm sure.

Thanks for the positive comments.

[Tilos]

ivans:
So true, many, many good products never get to market because of liability.
Blood sucking lawyers AND insurance companies(and banks) and their lobbyists have bought our politicians, choked industries, and we let them do it.

Drive into any major US city and the tallest buildings belong to insurance companies (and banks).
Wake Up America!!
They are stealing your future, shut off the sports and pay attention!
And a corperation is NOT the same as an individual!!

Mr.B, sorry for what I just typed.
Tilos