My local archery range had replaced all its 3-D targets, and left the old shot up targets in the parking area. I chose a pig target that had a 10″ hole blown through the center; it looked as though it had been blasted with a shotgun…numerous times.
Rather than fix it with expensive two-part target repair material, I purchased a can of aerosol foam insulation that came with a long nozzle. I sprayed most of the foam into the cavity, using the nozzle to probe deeply into the arrow holes. After letting it dry for a few days,I then sawed off all the excess foam. I’ve also heard you can wrap the target body with cellophane wrap to keep the foam contained, then remove it after the foam dries. I spray painted the pig a flat brown and I’ve been shooting away at it ever since.
The foam insulation, while softer than the original stuff, stops arrows very well. Shafts pull out easily, and when it’s shot up again I’ll repeat the foaming process. For only a few dollars I’ve made a throwaway target whole again…given it new life.
I’ve done the same thing with my shot up targets. It’s a great cheap fix. I use the brand Great Stuff. I also tried wrapping it to contain the foam. The foam never expanded proper and stayed more or less gooey.
King Target Repair, in Wisconsin. They have a facebook page. Reasonable price even for a private user. The foam is denser than the commercial targets, they do a good job contouring the repair to the target and they have quick turnaround.
What a great tip and many thanks for posting it. For the cost of a few dollars and a small amount of work I’ve saved an expensive target box from the scrap heap.
Cheers.
Peter Skinner