Abstract: A mold for making a free-standing target from a frozen water-based liquid which includes at least one open-mold cavity configured to form a free-standing target. The open-mold cavity has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first depth and a first portion vertical length. The second portion has a second portion vertical length, and a substantially planar support surface. The second portion is contiguous with the first portion. The substantially planar support surface is configured to support the free-standing target on a surface where a depth at or about the support surface is greater than the first depth of the first portion. The open-mold cavity has a total vertical length, and the vertical length of the first portion is at least 0.60 the total vertical length.