Canadian Airgun Forum

I am trying to design a pellet trap for home use. I live in the country so shooting and making noise is a non-issue. Ricochets into my workshop or the neighbour's solar panels is a concern. I'm shooting with a .177 about 800 fps currently but plan to add a .22 at some point in time. Originally I wanted to set up 1/10 scale silhouettes for air rifle but I got concerned about ricochets. I'm looking at making 4 traps so I can separate the silhouettes to their appropriate distances of 20/30/36/45 yards. I also have the capability of adding kill zone sized spinners beside each silhouette.

Version-A has a simple 60 degree back on it and a flat bottom. The front edges of the side plates are bent to accept a cardboard backer and a 8-1/2x11 target. I have tapped holes in the side plates to add a couple screw to support the cardboard backer. The spinners are on a 3/8-16 threaded rod that can be quickly removed if a paper target is desired. The material is 10ga (.135") plain carbon steel. This should be sufficient to withstand .177 and .22 air rifle pellets.

Version-B is similar but I have wrapped the bottom plate back on itself similar to a Champion bullet trap capable of withstanding a .22 LR. This would give me the capability of better controlling pellets bouncing out. I have used bolts down the side to control the paper target and backer. I could also add some 1/4 flat bar to create a slot for them to slide in to. The side plates have holes at the bottom so angle or something can be bolted on for support, if required, down the road.

Is there anything I am missing or am I making this more complicated than it needs to be?

Very nice. Version A is a dandy. Puts my wooden one to shame. When you build an extra one I will drive down and pay you for it.