Cardboard Target Base
- October 27, 2024
- By Jared Daub
Cardboard Target Base: Built by TA Targets
Our cardboard target base is purposefully designed to be portable and capable. Training with paper targets is an important method for tracking performance and understanding how your skills are DIRECTLY translating into impacts. Before we talk about the cardboard target base, let’s dive into why we train with paper targets to begin with.
A Steel target company promoting the use of paper? Weird.
I’m not sure exactly why the stigma exists, but over the years many people have looked at me puzzled. “Why are you talking about shooting paper targets?”, they would ask. To be honest, in the beginning of our company I probably didn’t explain paper targets vs steel targets well enough. I think that somewhat led to this weird stigma. Contrary to popular belief, I train on USPSA targets. A LOT. I use them EVERY range day. But I also train with our steel targets every range day. Some range sessions are strictly steel targets, some are strictly paper targets.
Your goals and objectives determine your pathway
The objective of the range session is what will determine the tool I use for the job. Think of it like the tools you would use to build a new deck. You gather your lumber, you cut everything to length per the design specs. You look down at your feet and you see a hammer, a cordless drill, and a box of screws. What are you picking up? The hammer, or the drill? Well the answer is, you have screws so you better pick up the drill.
What we want to accomplish drives the tools we use for the job
Cardboard targets and steel targets are simply two tools that accomplish a job. The job and the end result is different, so they are to be used at different times. When I am specifically tracking performance and speed as well as measuring my accuracy and precision, it’s paper. If I am focusing LESS on where my bullets are landing and more on other aspects of shooting, I will transition to steel. Is there overlap between the two? Absolutely.
This isn’t black and white. For example: Using a smaller steel target can force you to make your hits. Consequently, you also will not SEE where your “misses” are landing, which is a downside of small steel targets. It is also why it is so vital to CALL your hits (and misses). When I only have a steel target, or I have run out of staples or forgot my staple gun, I will use steel targets with our steel target stencils. If all you have is a C Zone, use our stencil to mark a true A Zone. Push the accountability.
Cardboard targets and steel targets both offer accountability, they’re just different
While I do appreciate the level of accountability a cardboard target offers, I think they’re elevated to a level that is likely not proper. They aren’t the “almighty” solution. They’re just A solution. In another blog I’ll dive into why steel targets matter a bit more. Just do me a favor and remember this: They’re just two different tools for two similar jobs. One isn’t always better than the other. Steel targets offer an immediate feedback that increases the fun factor on the range. Additionally, I attribute my learning to shoot a pistol to our steel target systems and other similar systems. The immediate feedback, when used properly, does give a confidence boost. It makes you hungry to land those successful hits. It can also lie to you if used improperly. Which is why we have bases and components specifically for running cardboard shooting targets, like our USPSA targets.
Solutions for effective training
The cardboard target base (See HERE) was purpose built to be inexpensive and to serve as a stable platform for training with our USPSA targets. This base is completely able to be disassembled for transport. You assemble the base with included wing nuts for speed. We appreciate portability and clean manufacturing. When you first handle this base, you’ll notice that it is a no-frills, simple, robust, yet elegant solution. The paper holders can be installed in multiple positions to accommodate different styles of paper targets.
Two paper holder models for versatile training
Our standard paper holders are perfectly suitable for USPSA targets or similar sized cardboard backers. If you are looking for an option for 24X36 targets, check out our extended paper holders. The Extended Paper Holders can be mounted on the bottom of the cardboard base and will perfectly accommodate larger backers and paper targets. Additionally, you can stake this base to the ground using our stakes if you desire.
Cardboard Target Base fits all training styles
This base will perfectly match your training routine. Use it in combination with our other steel target systems to maximize your range days. As with all our products, we manufacture this base using high tech equipment right here in SE Pennsylvania. If you have ANY questions about our cardboard target base, simple email us at info@tatargets.com.
Need a different base? Consider our Breakdown Base or our Extended Breakdown Base.
Why should YOU support US?
This company is about far more than just making steel targets for training. This is about a vision of every able bodied American exercising their rights to own and carry firearms. This is a vision to be a player in this cultural revolution, a pursuit of personal excellence. We put our money where our mouths are. We reinvest in our team, our community, and the culture. The money you give us by purchasing our products enables us to continue that mission. If you want to learn more, HERE is our mission.