How To Make a DIY Target Stand For $10
Here is a low-cost DIY target stand that you can easily make.
Between guns, gear, ammo and range time, training with your firearm can be very expensive. And if you're like me, you probably like to conserve money where you can. So I am going to let you in on the method I use to build target stands for about $10 apiece. This is just one method that I use. There are certainly different designs and you can modify the product to fit your needs.
This is just one method of making a target stand:
You may be able to get these products cheaper somewhere else, but I got all the materials from Home Depot, and my total cost was $43. Everything I bought allowed me to make 4 target stands. You may be thinking that you don't need 4 stands. But think about setting up multiple targets, barricades and having a target for your shooting buddy. Plus, it would probably cost you nearly as much to build one stand as it would be to buy the material in bulk and build 4.
What you will need:
- 3 pieces: Charlotte Pipe 1-1/2″ x 10 ft. schedule 40 PVC end pipe
- 1 piece: Charlotte Pipe 1-1/2″ x 2 ft. schedule 40 PVC end pipe
- 8 pieces: 1-1/2″ ABS hub x hub x hub sanitary tee
- 16 pieces: 1-12″ ABS 90 degree hub x hub elbow
- 4 pieces: 1×2″ x 8 ft furring strip
With around $40 dollars you can create 4 target stands.
Cutting the materials:
I've done all the math, and if you follow along with these cut lengths, you won't have any leftover, wasted materials. One note about cutting the PVC. Home Depot will cut the PVC for you. You won't want to get the same guy I had, as he was not too happy about making all the cuts for me. But hey, I put up with his grouchy disposition because it kept me from having to cram 10 ft lengths of PVC pipe into my car.
You will need to cut the PVC pipe into the following lengths:
- 16 pieces: 12″ long
- 8 pieces: 18″ long
- 8 Pieces: 6″ long
You will then need to cut each of the furring strips in half. This will leave you with 8 pieces of 4-foot long furring strips.
Assembly of the stands is so simple a child can do it.
Assembly:
It is so simple to put these stands together that I had my 5-year-old help me. The hardest part is keeping all the parts organized.
- Attach one of the sixteen, 12″ sections of PVC to opposite ends of the sanitary tee.
- Attach elbows to opposite ends of the eight, 18″ long PVC pipes.
- Insert the eight pieces of 6″ long PVC pipe into the remaining hub of the sanitary tee.
- Link the elbows to opposite ends of the 12″ PVC pipes.
- Insert furring strips into the 6″ long PVC pipes.
(you may choose to use an adhesive like liquid nails on the joints to permanently fix them together.)
The Finished Product:
I like the size and portability of the stands. They are only 6″ high, so you can fit them in the trunk of most cars. I can staple a full-sized 18″ IDPA cardboard target to the furring strips and I'm in business.
The stands are low-profile and easy to transport. They can fit into a passenger car.
What Are Your Ideas?
Again, this is just one method and seems to work best for my portability needs. It doesn't mean I am not always looking to try and improve the design. I have thought about filling the PVC with something like Quickcrete or sand to add some weight to the base of the stands, although I haven't tried it out yet.
Hopefully, you found this helpful and saved you a few bucks for some extra ammo. Stay safe!
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This is fantastic! I can’t wait to build my stands. Thank you so much.
– Arzee
The Real Person!
Anything that is useful and can save some $$ I’m all for! Lol and I love to pass on little hacks like this. Thank you so much for the feedback!
I am just curious why you need abs hubs and tees. Why can’t they be the regular white pvc type? Is it a cost thing?
Great idea! These are perfect. One note: Instead of filling them with Quickcrete, maybe just adding sand bags on top of the horizontal sections would weight them down enough without the hassle of mixing and the mess? Just a thought. Great info guys!
Thanks,
MH
Just built 4 of them, though I went with 1 1/4″ pipe to try and save a few extra dollars.
These will be perfect for shooting out in the woods or gavel pits.
Thanks man!
The Real Person!
Awesome idea! Glad you like them. Have fun shooting!
Afternoon,
what type of backing do you recommend for targets that will be left outside on my property?
The Real Person!
Hey Dedglan, corrugated plastic cardboard sheets are great and will stand up to weather. You should be able to get some from Home Depot or someplace similar. It will wear out over time, especially if you’re shooting a shotgun, but it will last for some time. 🙂
Normal PVC will go brittle and rot in a year or so in direct sun. These are fine to take to the range once a week but I wouldn’t leave them out.
I believe there is UV rated stuff, and I don’t think ABS has the same problem.
Thank you so much for the information to build these. I just went to Lowe’s and purchased all these materials to build this myself, I can’t wait! Although, the cost for me in February 2019 was about $85.
The Real Person!
Hey Stuart, I am happy you liked the article. Wow, prices have gone up, or Lowes might be a little higher not sure which or maybe both factors made it more expensive. The plans should make 4 targets so around $22 a target still isn’t bad but double what it cost before. Have fun making them 🙂
Hey Matt,
I just completed my set of 4 and the total cost was $43. That’s with an extra 2″/1.5 PVC. Now debating between quickcrete or sand to weigh them down.
Here’s a price update, March 2022, $117.00 at Home Depot. Still not bad about $30
I think I did something wrong. How do you fit a 1×2 piece of wood into a 1 1/2 in pvc pipe?
1×2 is really .75×1.5 so it is a snug fit into the 1 1/2 PVC
I’m with you, Jeff C. I just put this together and double checked all my parts, and the 2×1 furring strips definitely do not fit into the 6” PVC sections. But what I found is if you remove the 6” sections, you can slot the 2×1 into the T connector. Not sure why this is an issue, but there you have it!
I built 4 of these last week in two different widths and all weekend shooting just switching out the targets. It was amazing! Thank you for the idea.
Fill the base with water and then you can dump it when you move them
looks like you have the sweeps backwards on all but one?
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service! I was wondering how deep of a base to build to prevent tip overs in a moderate wind and your design seems to fit the bill. I like the replaceable parts as I am teaching and expect “stray” shots. God bless!
Couldn’t help but notice in your post. Said “build a target stand for $10. Really? Maybe I need to shop where you do.
The Real Person!
Hi Rafael, thanks for taking the time to read the post and leave a comment. I know you noticed the title of the post, but perhaps you didn’t notice the publication date is nearly 7 years ago. So yeah, it really cost $10 to build a target stand back in 2017.
Thank you for your service and being part of the Navy – Yes, I’m retired navy and just can’t pass an opportunity for a dig on a “leatherneck.” Good job! Oorah! I especially like the cut list. Eliminates having to think. LOL
Again, thanks brother for serving and doing more than your part. Semper Fi.