Setting up the target line is a very important job to do right the first time so you don't have to fix it later. We borrowed a design that was used at Van Etten, NY this year - Imker's range. The idea is to run a row of
heavy fence that will support all your backers, even on a very windy day. Don't skimp on posts to save money - you need to keep the about 6'-8' apart so the wire tension can remain high and you will not get movement in the wind when fully loaded with backers. I used 6.5' heavy steel t-posts and true 12 guage high tensile fence wire. The reason I say "true" is that most heavy fence wire today is 12 1/2 guage (to save a little money). It will NOT save you money. Here's why. 12 1/2 guage fence wire has a tensile break strength of around 1,000 ft/lbs if energy. A .22LR can break this wire at 25M with a direct hit. The true 12 guage high tensile wire has a tensile strength of 1,450 ft/lbs energy. A .22LR will not break this wire at 25M. But centerfire will, so you need a roll of easier to work with 14 guage fence wire to make quick loop, loop, tie, twist tight repair - takes about 30 seconds if you are a good farmer or rancher - not kidding.
You string the two wires to be the same distance apart as the target backers heigth. You then attach the target backers to the wires using four large 2" binder clips at each corner. Occaisionally a clip will get hit and need replacement, but they are cheap if you buy them right. Walmart wanted $3.29 for a pack of four which was cost prohibitive - more than the backer itsself! I went online and found a wholesale office supply company that sells them for $0.99 for a pack of 12! Now I can afford $0.0825 a clip.
The backers we are using are professional target backers made by MTM Molded Products. They are a special self healing polymer that can take several thousand rounds. I have a wholesale account and can get them for Appleseeders for $3.99 each plus shipping. Sold in packs of 12.
In the pictures below are B9, Josey Wales and son Matt setting up the target line on 10/30/09 ay the NY DAR Barre Center as described. I will add a close up of a mounted backer later tonight to this post.
Doug
