Simple Target Holders

These target holders are perfect for standard 23x35" paper targets or "bullseye gong" metal targets.

Materials

• 2x4x96" wood studs (quantity 2 per target holder)
• 2.5" screws (drywall or wood type, quantity 8 per target holder)
• 1/2 gallon white exterior paint

Tools

• measuring tape
• pencil
• metal square (small "triangle" type)
• skill saw
• drill
• drill bits / screw driver
• paint can opener
• paint brush
• painting rags
• painting tarp
• hammer (for closing the paint can lid)

Cut each board at 32 inches (creating a 32 crossbar and 64 inch post, respectively).

On one end of each 64 inch post, measure 1.75 inches to the center and mark that point. Use the metal square to make two 45 degree lines extending from the center mark.

(Finished post point shown.)

Use the skill saw to cut the 45 degree lines, 2 cuts per 64 inch post.

Paint all sides of each piece of wood with 2 coats. This will typically require 4 painting sessions since you will need one side to rest the board on while the other sides are being painted / drying.

Allow all of the pieces to dry completely before continuing to the next step.

I used the triangular scraps from the step above to keep the boards elevated off of the painting tarp.

On each 64 inch board, measure down and mark 38 inches from the top (non-pointy) end. Make 2 measurements / marks per board to ensure the measurements are correct.

Use the metal square to mark a straight line through the 2 marks.

(Finished bottom crossbar and post shown.)

Carefully arrange the wood pieces as shown in the fished picture / schematic. The 64 inch posts should lie on the floor, and the 32 inch crossbars should lie on top of the posts.

Use the metal square to ensure that everything is properly aligned.

A sturdy workbench and clamps would certainly help keep everything in place, but those things aren't strictly required!

Use the drill and a wood drill bit to drill pilot holes down through the crossbars and into the posts

Drill 2 holes per each end of each crossbar for a total of 8 holes per target holder.

Be careful not to bump any of the wood pieces out of place!

I used a 3/32" drill bit for this task, but you may need to use a different size depending on the size of the screws you'll be using. Select a drill bit that is slightly slimmer than the screws!

Use the drill and a Phillips driver to screw the crossbars to the posts using the pilot holes.

Again, be careful not to bump any of the wood pieces out of place!