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JustPaul89

JustPaul89

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Hi everyone,
I'm hoping to join a club soon, but I would like to do a little plinking between in-between visits.
My question is, I have about 15-20m to play with, would this be far enough for a bit of fun? I was thinking a little pellet trap in front of a paving slab, or should I save it for the range?
TIA
 
JustPaul89 said:
Hi everyone,
I'm hoping to join a club soon, but I would like to do a little plinking between in-between visits.
My question is, I have about 15-20m to play with, would this be far enough for a bit of fun? I was thinking a little pellet trap in front of a paving slab, or should I save it for the range?
TIA
Click to expand...

What about neighbours?
Are you overlooked?
You might want a bigger backstop?
 
Byronic said:
What about neighbours?
Are you overlooked?
You might want a bigger backstop?
Click to expand...
I can certainly set up a bigger backstop, we're not overlooked, we're end of terrace, and friendly with all the neighbours anyway. I'd probably shove some rags in the traps to reduce noise a little bit, and of course stop if it became a problem!
 
JustPaul89 said:
I can certainly set up a bigger backstop, we're not overlooked, we're end of terrace, and friendly with all the neighbours anyway. I'd probably shove some rags in the traps to reduce noise a little bit, and of course stop if it became a problem!
Click to expand...

A cardboard box stuffed with rags is a great pellet catcher.
Sellotape your targets to the frront.
Virtually silent, free, takes a few minutes.
Just do not let it get wet!!!
 
JustPaul89 said:
Amazing, thanks everyone! Feels like everything is coming together!
@Byronic that sounds great, I'll make one of those up!
Click to expand...

It does not need to be massively thick.
I used an old Amazon box which gave about 8 to 9 inches depth - with a sturdy piece of wood at the back which nothing ever reached.
Just stuff it fairly tight and consistently, mine was just old clothes and rags.

Do NOT let it get wet - it stinks and you will never dry it out!
 
Paving slab makes an ideal final backstop. I have a box of foam 'jigsaw' floor tiles that are 60x60 like the slabs which I put in front for pinning card targets. One lasts about 6-12mths depending on frequency of use...
1000020345.webp
 
That distance is fine, I do, it's a great way to get a bit of practice. Good for testing pellets, if they don't group tight then there's little reason to waste range time testing at greater distances.
The box of rags is a great quite catcher and takes minutes to make. If the neighbours aren't a problem baking tray filled with lead is a great catcher and every now and then heat it up and smooth off.
 
If you get bored with plinking, at 20 yards, you can shoot recognised NSRA disciplines.

Bench rest with these targets:
www.nsrashop.co.uk

NSRA 20 Yard Bench Rest Target (2010 BR17-18)

Official NSRA 20 yard 10 bull bench rest targets Price per pack of 1000, including delivery Please phone the shop for smaller quantities 01483 485500 NB. BR17 supersedes BR15 Please be aware that all target orders require, as a condition of sale, your consent to pass your name, shipping...
www.nsrashop.co.uk

Lightweight sporting rifle (standing) with these:
www.nsrashop.co.uk

NSRA PL14-18 (20 Yards Free Pistol Comps)

Official NSRA PL14 - 20 yards (Free Pistol Comps) Price per pack of 1000, including delivery Please phone the shop for smaller quantities 01483 485500 Please be aware that all target orders require, as a condition of sale, your consent to pass your name, shipping address and telephone number...
www.nsrashop.co.uk

Get yourself a match pistol and/or rifle (doesnt have to be expensive) and you can also do 10 metre shooting.
 
Kennyb said:
If you get bored with plinking, at 20 yards, you can shoot recognised NSRA disciplines.

Bench rest with these targets:
www.nsrashop.co.uk

NSRA 20 Yard Bench Rest Target (2010 BR17-18)

Official NSRA 20 yard 10 bull bench rest targets Price per pack of 1000, including delivery Please phone the shop for smaller quantities 01483 485500 NB. BR17 supersedes BR15 Please be aware that all target orders require, as a condition of sale, your consent to pass your name, shipping...
www.nsrashop.co.uk

Lightweight sporting rifle (standing) with these:
www.nsrashop.co.uk

NSRA PL14-18 (20 Yards Free Pistol Comps)

Official NSRA PL14 - 20 yards (Free Pistol Comps) Price per pack of 1000, including delivery Please phone the shop for smaller quantities 01483 485500 Please be aware that all target orders require, as a condition of sale, your consent to pass your name, shipping address and telephone number...
www.nsrashop.co.uk

Get yourself a match pistol and/or rifle (doesnt have to be expensive) and you can also do 10 metre shooting.
Click to expand...
Those BR 17-18 targets are so nice to shoot thanks to the white centres compared to the all black ones. My best card to date at 40m is below on the all black version

20240827_161814.webp
 
For my target box I use a wooden wine crate I got from the off license, lined it with steel sheeting and a wad of 12'' carpet samples. I pin paper targets to that. It's very quiet, completely safe and easy to store away when done.
Cost me about a tenner, perfect for garden plinking.
 
All good suggestions above, that distance is fine for shooting.
As others have said, make sure theres a good backstop, and beware of neighbours, etc. I tend to avoid shooting when my neighbours are in the garden, they have kids, dogs, etc.
Paving slabs are great, very quiet, the pellet just gives a little thud when it hits. Most of the noise that you hear (as the shooter) is from the action, which is right next to your head/ears!
I only have 21yds max and have a slab based target box, frame made out of old pallet wood, and slabs were just spare and laying around, so I recycled them. I also shoot 6m in the garage (pistols), but some people use their hallways, lofts, etc.
Slab backstop 15apr2022_7.webp
 
Sound advice above, you can't go wrong with that and 20m is a healthy distance too 👍
 
Lovely, thanks everyone! I was concerned I'd have to save it for the range, but it's nice to know I can use the garden!
Good news, I had a chat with my only adjoining neighbour, and he used to shoot and would like to start again, so I can't see there being any issues there!
I'll get building this weekend I think!
 
I get far more practice at home over 20m than I could ever get at the range, I use a Wolfman pellet catcher with 3 layers of building lead to help with the noise. I do tend to only use a springer when the neighbours are out though. PCP are so quiet I am less concerned.
 
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