How to merge two shapes and create a space between them

Question

I am trying to merge these two shapes in Adobe Illustrator, so that the black line makes a cutout through the grey rings of the target, and leaves a specified gap around the edge between the black line and the target (2px). I am trying to do this in Illustrator 2015.

Here is what I have currently.

If it helps, I am trying to create an icon which consists of a target and an arrow going into the centre of the target.

I have tried using the pathfinder tool, and have tried a number of different Google searches, though am struggling to describe my problem well enough for a Google search to yield any useful results.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You'll first want to use the Offset Path command, to offset your arrow by 2px (or whatever value you so please):

Giving you a second instance of your shape, at the newly specified size:

Then, you can place your new, wider, arrow into a group above your rings. Open the Transparency Window (Window > Transparency) and adjust the wide arrow's opacity to 0, ensuring that Knockout Group is selected.

This accomplishes the same thing as using the Pathfinder, with the benefit of being non-destructive. That means all of your shapes are still there, in their original configuration, and can be modified at a later date, if need be. This is most useful when working with text.