Building your own shooting targets saves money and lets you customize your practice sessions exactly how you want them. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just love a good DIY project, creating effective targets from everyday materials is easier than you might think. Continue reading to discover materials you can use to build a DIY shooting target.
Bales of Hay
Hay bales remain the gold standard for DIY shooting targets because they stop bullets effectively while staying incredibly affordable. A single rectangular bale costs around five to eight dollars and provides hundreds of shots before needing replacement. The dense, compressed hay absorbs impact energy gradually, which prevents bullets from ricocheting or passing through completely. You can attach paper targets to the front surface or spray paint designs directly onto the hay.
The natural material also biodegrades over time, making cleanup environmentally friendly. Position multiple bales in different configurations to create challenging shooting scenarios or use them as backstops for other target materials.
Wood
Wooden shooting targets offer incredible versatility and durability for serious shooters. Manufacturers use durable wood to create pallets, making them an ideal choice for your DIY shooting target since they can handle significant weight and impact. You can often find free pallets at construction sites or warehouses with permission. The thick wooden slats stop most calibers effectively, and you can easily mount paper targets, hang steel plates, or paint scoring zones directly onto the surface.
Sand down rough edges and apply weatherproofing stain to extend the life of your wooden targets. The modular design of pallets also allows you to stack or arrange them in creative configurations.
Steel
Steel targets create the most authentic shooting experience with their distinctive “ping” sound and immediate feedback. Quarter-inch AR500 steel plates withstand repeated impacts from most rifle calibers while lasting for years. You’ll need to weld mounting brackets or purchase commercial hanging systems, but the initial investment pays off through longevity.
Always position steel targets at appropriate distances, minimum 100 yards for rifles and 10 yards for handguns, to prevent dangerous ricochets. The instant visual and auditory feedback helps shooters improve accuracy faster than paper targets alone.
Cardboard
Large cardboard pieces from appliance stores make excellent targets for air rifles, .22 caliber firearms, and archery practice. The material is completely free in most cases, and you can easily draw custom scoring zones or attach printed targets.
Cardboard works particularly well for beginners learning basic skills since it clearly shows shot placement without the intimidation factor of more permanent materials. Stack multiple layers together for increased stopping power, or use single sheets when you want to see exactly where each shot lands.
Plastic Barrel
Large plastic barrels or containers create outstanding long-term targets that handle all weather conditions without deteriorating. Fill them with sand, dirt, or rubber mulch to absorb bullet impact and prevent pass-through shots.
The curved surface adds an interesting challenge for accuracy training, and you can paint different scoring zones or patterns on the exterior. These targets work exceptionally well for outdoor ranges since rain, snow, and UV exposure won’t damage the plastic material.
Ready to start building your perfect DIY shooting target? Gather these materials and transform your practice sessions with targets that match your specific needs and shooting style.
Casey Cartwright
Latest posts by Casey Cartwright (see all)
- How Police and Security Dogs Stay Calm Around Gunfire – November 12, 2025
- The Outdoorsman’s Gear Guide: Firearms, Camping, and More – November 7, 2025
- What First-Time Pickup Truck Owners Need to Know – November 6, 2025
Leave a Reply