Preparing Your IDPA and USPSA Targets for Rain: A Practical Guide
Competitive shooting sports like IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association), USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association), and PCSL (Practical Competition Shooting League) often require participants to shoot outdoors, which means dealing with the whims of the weather. Rain can be a particular challenge, as it can damage paper targets, making scoring difficult and potentially ruining the match experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective methods to waterproof your targets, ensuring they remain intact and readable, even in wet conditions.
Preparing Targets for Rain in IDPA, USPSA, and PCSL Matches: A Practical Guide
Important Disclosure: The links provided in this blog post are solely for informational purposes. I want to clarify that I have no affiliations or financial relationships with any of these companies, and I do not receive commissions or any form of compensation from them. These references are intended to guide and assist you in finding the right products for your needs.
Table of Contents
Using a Multi-Surface Exterior Wood Sealer
One effective way to waterproof your targets is by using a multi-surface exterior wood sealer, such as Olympic WaterGuard. This product is readily available at stores like Home Depot and provides excellent water resistance. I’ve found this to be very cost effective and works well. I simply use a paint roller and roll on the front and backs of the targets. They will tend to curl, so after they dry I stack them on a flat horizontal surface and weight them down to straighten back up.
Steps to Apply:
- Prepare the Area: Lay your targets flat on a surface that can get wet.
- Apply the Sealer: Use a roller, spray bottle or a brush to evenly coat the targets. I find rolling to be quick. Make sure to protect the front, back and edges regardless of your approach.
- Dry Thoroughly: Allow the targets to dry completely before use.
Protecting targets with Poly Bags
Another method I personally prefer is using thick poly bags. These bags need to be durable and properly fitted to the size of your targets. A good choice is the 20″ x 30″ 4 Mil Industrial Poly Bags from Uline. You can also buy longer length for vertically stacked targets or wider bags as needed. These hold up very well and a rigid enough for the staff and competitors to easily lift straigt up to patch targets, then drop back down for the next competitor.
- Product Link: Uline 20″ x 30″ 4 Mil Industrial Poly Bags
Opting for Pre-Sealed Targets
For shooters looking for a hassle-free solution, pre-sealed waterproof targets are available. These targets are designed specifically for shooting sports and come ready to withstand wet conditions.
- Product Link: CED/DAA USPSA/IPSC Waterproof Targets
Using Waterproof Pasters
Waterproof pasters are essential for this, ensuring that they stick and stay visible despite the rain. I’ve used these and they work well in wet conditions and tend to stick better than normal pasters.
- Product Link: CED/DAA Waterproof Target Pasters
Cold & Wet Weather
Good luck navigating the challenges of cold and wet conditions. When the temperature dips below 40 degrees and you’re dealing with moisture, securing pasters to waterproofed targets can become a significant challenge. In such circumstances, my experience suggests that using bags to protect your targets and opting for regular pasters might be your best bet. This approach seems to offer more reliable adhesion and durability in the face of cold and damp weather.
Bonus Tip to Prevent Floppy Target Heads
When using bags to protect your targets in wet conditions, it’s crucial to manage the target heads effectively to prevent them from becoming floppy. A useful technique is to adjust the height of the target sticks. Ensure they are level with, or just slightly above, the top of the target head. This positioning helps avoid the bag resting directly on the target and causing it to droop.
In scenarios where this adjustment isn’t possible, such as with clamshell targets or those angled at 45 degrees, an alternative method involves using skewers. Insert these skewers into the corrugate of the target to provide extra support and maintain the head’s rigidity, especially when wet or under the weight of the bag. However, if the target material is too thin for skewer insertion, a practical workaround is to tape the skewers to the back of the target head on each side. This simple step can significantly enhance target stability and improve your shooting experience in adverse weather conditions.
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