Are you looking to pick up a 3D target or two? Whether you’ve got a backyard archery range or are just looking for more targets for your local club, you’ve probably noticed that 3D archery targets aren’t cheap. In fact, most of them are pretty pricey.
While it may not be as big of a deal for a club to fork over $500 to $1000 for a quality 3D target, that’s not exactly affordable for most people who just want to get a hold of a few targets for their backyard archery range.
And before we get started, no matter what 3D target you end up getting: Do yourself a favor and pick up one of these, it’ll make your life a lot easier. Now, let’s get started…
There are some cheaper 3D targets out there, but from what I’ve heard, you get what you pay for. That normally means less durability and less realism cosmetically.
Cheap 3D Archery Targets
Both Rinehart and Delta McKenzie are known for producing well made and detailed 3D targets that will hold up for years. But in recent years there are some other manufacturers that are trying to get into the 3D archery target market.
Seeing a gap in the market where there’s a lot of demand for targets, but few affordable options out there, these companies began selling 3D targets for a hundred dollars and up. There aren’t many good things being said about these cheaper targets.
Most people who’ve bought them seem to feel that they’re not very well made, don’t look all that good, and that they don’t hold up anywhere near as well as their more expensive competitors.
I can’t really say how good these targets are because I haven’t personally tested them, but from all that I’ve heard about them so far, I wouldn’t purchase one until I started hearing about one that doesn’t have the above issues.
If you are still interested in some of these cheaper alternative 3D targets you can search for “3D archery targets” on Cabela’s web site. They’re currently offering low cost versions of a boar, black bear and coyote. These currently run from $150 to $200, and are made by the BlackOut brand.
Another option are 3D targets made by the Field Logic brand. They’re pretty much available from all of the same retailers that sell the more high end 3d targets, and offer very cheap 3D targets.
They’re very lacking on details, and most aren’t realistic at all. They are cheap though, as I’ve seen them from $50 and up. They currently offer several variations of deer, a boar, a black bear and a turkey.
One interesting thing they do offer is a 3 pack of small game 3D targets. Consisting of a muskrat, a prairie dog and a rabbit, these might be a fun trio of targets for only $100 for the whole set. Like I said though, I haven’t personally checked these out so buyer beware.
If you’re thinking about buying any of the cheaper 3D targets that aren’t made by either Rinehart or Delta McKenzie, you should at least try to read some reputable reviews online first.
Any when I say reviews, use your best judgement on how honest and sincere the reviews are. Beware of the review sites online that tend to come up when you search for “target name review”. There are lots of affiliate sites that will just tell you that every single product is great – and then link to them for a commission.
Instead, try to find reviews on some of the more popular archery forums online. If you can’t find any reviews for the specific target that you’re interested in, why not sign up to the forum and ask? You may find that several of the forum members already have that target, and will give you an honest review of it.
Check with Local Archery Clubs
If you don’t mind a used 3D target, a great way to score one really cheap is to get one from a local club when they buy their new targets. These will, however, be really used. They’ll be shot up like crazy, but if you don’t mind that – or want a fixer upper type project – pick one up.
For a few bucks and an afternoon of work you could end up with a pretty decent 3D target. Believe me, I’ve seen some amazing things when it comes to home made and repaired targets.
Maybe pick up a new vital area with scoring rings (usually around $50 to $70 for each), and a can of spray paint could fix that old target up. Use some air hardening putty to fill the holes left from the 5 point shots, and finish it with a coat or two of Thompson’s water seal clear outdoor sealant.
Plus, some people swear that even an old, used and shot up target will last longer than those cheap new targets that we discussed above.
Check On Ebay
Ebay can be a great source for a cheap 3d target, just be absolutely sure of what you’re buying before you click that buy button. If you don’t mind a used target, you might find some killer deals there.
Plus, the people selling used 3D targets on Ebay will mostly have targets that are in way better shape than those you would get from years of abuse from a local archery club.
There may also be some good deals on other newer brands of targets, but remember buyer beware. Cheaper doesn’t usually mean better, and do your due diligence before buying.
Always read the fine print in the listing, you don’t want to buy a target only to find out that it’s going to take two months for you to get it because it’s shipped directly from the manufacturer in China. And yeah, I have heard things like this happening on Ebay.
Use the Special Search Functions
After you search for anything on Ebay, there are special search filters available on the left side of the page as you scroll down. These can be very useful for not only weeding out all of the junk that you’re not interested in, but also help you to drill down to the really good deals.
Make sure to search for targets that are only sold if you physically go to pick them up. Some sellers and auctions for things that are large and hard to ship have this option. A lot of people don’t want to go through the hassle of trying to ship large, oversized and heavy items – like 3D archery targets.
If you can find any of these within driving distance from you, you may just be the only one that’s interested in the item. Sellers that use that option really limit how many people can buy the item from them, which makes things way better for you. Think of it like this, they’re trying to sell an item but they’ve only got one customer to sell to – you!
Be sure to use the search details to search for sellers that are using the “accepts best Offer” option. Items like that will have their asking price, but you can make them an offer lower than their asking price.
Don’t abuse that option though, you are limited in how many offers you can send to them. Don’t insult a seller with a crazy super low ball offer!
If you find a target for sale with the self pickup option and they’re using “Accepts Best Offer” – you may have just found a killer deal.
Check on Craigslist
Don’t forget Craigslist if you’re looking to get a deal on a 3D target. Craigslist is not only the leading classified site online, they’re pretty much the only game when it comes to classifieds at all these days.
Just be sure to do your due diligence when shopping on Craigslist, always try to get as many pictures of the target as you can.
When you go to see any used targets, have a buddy to go with you, especially if it’s in a particularly rural area. There’s nothing wrong with Craigslist, but when you don’t know who you’re dealing with – it’s better to play it safe.
Also, be sure to have the most that you’re willing to pay for a target on you, in cash. And it doesn’t hurt to offer them a little less than their asking price, and tell them that you’re ready to pay them cash.
It’s worked for me numerous times in past, they can maybe get $100 sometime in the future, or I can give them $70 right now. Use this trick – it works.
Shop Nationwide
Some areas just don’t have a lot of archers, or a lot of good deals on 3D archery targets. If you’re in an area like mine, there aren’t tons of archery clubs, let alone 3D specific clubs.
You may be in an area where you’ve got a five minute drive to several different 3D shooting clubs, if so congrats! You’ll probably have lots of potential deals for a new target for your backyard. If not, use the internet to shop for that target nationwide.
One of the best ways to shop all of the listings for used things nationwide is to use a web site that will search all of Craigslist – not just your local area. Sites like searchcraigslist.org and searchalljunk.com will do this for you.
Remember, you want to be doubly sure that the target is what you want before you even consider the drive to see it. Insist on several clear, well lit photos of the targets in which you can clearly see all of the details on the target.
Definitely have a buddy go with you and don’t overdue it when considering the distance that you’re willing to drive to get your target. Just be sure it’s worth the time, effort and gas money to make the trip.
Try Posting on Popular Forums
Another great way to find deals is to find people who don’t know that they’re willing to sell. The people already on Ebay or posting classified ads are already looking to get rid of something and know what they want to get for it.
Think about the guy who’s got a 3D target collecting dust in the garage. He’s a hunter and thought that a 3D target would be fun, but after a while he just stopped using it. He’s got a great target, but he’s forgot all about it, so he’s not really motivated to get rid of it.
When you post on an archery forum, you’ve got the eyes of hundreds, if not thousands of archers – some of which may be willing to part with that target that they’re no longer using. There are plenty of archers that will have 3D targets that they’re willing to sell to you, for a variety of different reasons.
Just don’t spam these places and be respectful of whatever forum rules the web site has. Try to write eye catching, good headlines for your post. Don’t type in all caps or write anything that would annoy the forum users.
Improvise
Try to come up with some other creative ways that you can find a good deal on a 3D target. What about a swap meet, garage sale or flea market? Are there any near you?
Take a day or two to check them out, you don’t even need to spend a lot of time do it. You could just speed walk through a flea market and quickly scan for targets, but don’t get sucked in by other things – if it’s not not a 3D target, you’re not interested in it.
While you’re there, don’t forget to ask for help. If you see someone selling a lot of hunting gear, sporting goods or the like, ask them if they know where you can get a good deal on a 3D target. If they don’t have one, they might be able to point you into the direction of someone who does.
Also, check out this page all about clever ways to make your own 3D targets, maybe it’ll give you some ideas on how you can make a cool target or two for your backyard.
I hope that this will help you find the perfect 3D target for your backyard. There are some great deals out there, they’re just waiting to be found. Now get out there and find some, and good luck on your search!