| Like all sports and activities the only way achieve higher goals is
through practice. Archery is no different whether you spend your
weekends in a treestand or on a 3D course. In my 25 plus years of
bow hunting my practice habits with targets have changed dramatically.
Growing up on a farm my first targets were of straw bales or hay bales.
Speeds back then are no where close to what they are now and straw doesn't
have a chance of stopping my 280 fps plus hunting rig. From straw
I matured into compressed cardboard targets.
These I built myself from a number of large boxes, cut up and stacked
with a couple two by sixes with long bolts. I thought of myself as a real
genius for concocting such a monster but transporting the target around
was a pain in the neck. Cardboard also made for a messy pick up when
your target began to shred. Broadheads were sometimes a bear to remove
because the tightly compressed cardboard didn't want to loose there grip.
Many became detached from the arrow upon removal. My many years of
frustrating targets seem to be coming to an end with the recent introduction
of the Morrell Carbon Six Shooter target.
The Carbon Six Shooter Target from Morrell eliminates all of the bad
traits listed above and encompasses many of an all around quality target.
First of all it is lightweight and the built in handle makes it very portable.
What really makes the Six Shooter valuable is that you can shoot at
all six sides. Most targets on the market today allow for only shooting
at two sides. Shooting a minimum of two sides can tear up a target
very quickly. You can rate several of these targets as really one
sided. I call attention to this because these targets are so thin
that arrows have more than enough kinetic energy to either pass threw or
stick out the backside. This virtually cuts there life cycle in half.
Not so with the Six Shooter. The size, at a whopping 22"x 22"x
22", combined with the high density foam insert can stop any carbon or
aluminum arrow from the fastest of today's rigs. It is also big enough
to allow for multiple targets to be placed on each side. This further
adds its durability because more surface area means more area to shoot.
Each side is composed of a variety of targets from single large circles
to a number of small ones. The circles are actually cutouts
within the durable plastic like cardboard material which encases the arrow
stopping foam layers within the target. This material is very durable
and waterproof. It is held firmly together by well placed and adequately
sized staples and plastic fused welds. It has taken quite a beating
from the way that I throw it in the back of my hunting rig.
Included with the target are 24 stick on bulls eye targets. The
targets peel and stick firmly on the Six Shooter. After a couple
dozen hits the "experienced" targets can be quickly replaced by a fresh
one.
Arrow removal is easy but does require two hands. The high density
foam material does an excellent job of absorbing the arrows impact.
On average from a 70 lb. bow my Easton ACC arrows would be stopped before
they plunged halfway into the target. Removal required a firm grip
on your arrow while you steadied the target with you other hand.
Even pulling pressure removes the arrow in one smooth motion. No
jerking, straining or foot holds are required. One thing I hate is
working up a sweat trying to remove arrows from selfish targets.
The Six Shooter, although not the easiest to remove, is very acceptable.
I guess I need to clarify the last statement. Some burlap and
mesh targets claim and do require two fingers to remove arrows. These
targets are nice for field points but broadheads tear them up quickly.
When I tune a bow for hunting, I tune for broadheads and not field points;
therefore a broadhead target is a must. The Six Shooter as mentioned
earlier utilizes stacked sheets of high density compre
ssed foam. The sheets compress on the arrow shaft as it passes
through. The multiple layers are what give it the stopping power.
So upon removal you are pulling against the many sheets that are compressed
against the arrow. A firm steady pressure is needed to remove, therefore
not the easiest but still a pleasure. The sheets are somewhat self
healing and do not leave large gaping holes from the broadheads.
This combined with the large surface area greatly adds to the life cycle.
Design 4 of 5
The overall design of the Six Shooter is a combination of good qualities.
It is lightweight yet gives the shooter a large, six faced target.
Each side utilizes a variety of target circles to accommodate a wide range
of shooters. The large circles give beginners adequate area to place
their arrows. While the smaller circles combined with the stick on
targets allow shooters of all levels to hone their skills. The large
base of the target will allow you a free standing target no matter which
side you shoot at. You do not have to worry about the target falling
back onto your arrows.
Durability 4 of 5
The plastic like material that encases the high density foam is durable
and waterproof. Although the plastic framing material is waterproof,
the high density inner foam sheets will retain some water. The Six
Shooter is meant to take the hard punishment of broadheads. They
will damage the Six Shooter, just as they will any target, but the larger
surface area makes it quite a bargain.
For information on this and the other
fine Morrell products contact:
Morrell Manufacturing, Inc
1721 Hwy 71 North
Alma, AR 72921
501-632-5929
Email: morrelltargets@aol.com
Web Site: www.morrelltargets.com
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