Paper Bag Target / IDPA

Most people that shoot IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) have probably seen this one before.

The basic idea is to take a standard size grocery bag, and with a few simple cuts you can get (2) IDPA targets that are very close to the right size. The only down side is that the finished targets are just a tad short, but well out of the scoring rings (0 point) so it’s not that big of a deal. The price of new cardboard targets is around 100 for $62.00 + shipping. So if you ask for paper on your next shopping trip the cost will be free.

This idea has been around for a while. The best I can tell it’s out of a book by Louis Awerbuck called "Hit or Myth".

Materials and Tools:

Step 1

Fold the bag so it lies flat, as if it was a new bag. I marked mine down the center so it would be easy to see were the cuts will be made. Mark the center of the bag, most are 12” so mark at 6” for center.

Cut the bag lengthwise, each side will become a target.

Step 2

Take one side and cut the bottom on each side as shown in the pictures.

Once the sides are cut fold the “head” up and flatten everything out.

If you want to go that extra mile and be the envy at the range, now would be a good time to clip the shoulders or just bend them back and staple. This target works best if stapled to a cardboard backing of some kind.

I included a picture of an “Official IDPA Target” so you can put the score zones in if you want. Have fun and be safe.