2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: astro575 on June 12, 2014, 03:42:42 PM

Title: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: astro575 on June 12, 2014, 03:42:42 PM
I have a 1/2" steel plate about 11" x 15". I would like to set it up at 100 yards on the rifle side. Any concerns or requirements that may be necessary for holding up the target. Looking to build a frame and any suggestions or advice would be nice. Pics also would be helpful. Thanks
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dafrtknocker on June 12, 2014, 04:53:35 PM
These threads have some photos.

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=2124.msg17350#msg17350

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=10635.msg103652#msg103652
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: BLKDRGN on June 13, 2014, 07:25:22 AM
That plate is too big. Would give you no challenge. I shoot my 8" gong with my rifles standing up. Bench rest and 4" target is good.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 16, 2014, 01:47:30 PM
read the 2 threads, interesting ... so gongs are allowed on the rifle range? and/or silhouette range?  are there any specific size requirements to adhere to?  i assume gongs are not allowed on the pistol side because its all within 50yds but correct me if im wrong?
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dustoff003 on June 16, 2014, 03:45:27 PM

read the 2 threads, interesting ... so gongs are allowed on the rifle range? and/or silhouette range?  are there any specific size requirements to adhere to?  i assume gongs are not allowed on the pistol side because its all within 50yds but correct me if im wrong?

Rifle range yes gongs are allowed only at 100 yard line and they have to be free swinging. The silhouette side has hanging metal targets at various distances (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/17/4anuvuny.jpg) 
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: mauidog on June 16, 2014, 04:49:42 PM
Rifle range yes gongs are allowed only at 100 yard line and they have to be free swinging. The silhouette side has hanging metal targets at various distances

Not exactly right.

50 yd steel targets are okay, but only if shooting .22 caliber at them.

100 yd steel targets are okay, and any caliber can be used that's allowed on paper targets.

As stated, the steel targets must swing freely.

If you have more questions about specific targets, ask the RSO before setting them down range.

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 19, 2014, 02:06:35 AM
thanks!  the pic of the silhouette range is also helpful.  :thumbsup:  can shotguns be used at the silhouette range?
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dustoff003 on June 19, 2014, 05:56:21 AM

thanks!  the pic of the silhouette range is also helpful.  :thumbsup:  can shotguns be used at the silhouette range?

Nope no shotguns on the silhouette range only rimfire rifles and handguns. Shotguns may only be shot in the action bays, the trap/skeet ranges, and on the rifle range but on the rifle range you have to shoot slugs only.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: s197 on June 19, 2014, 07:34:30 AM
Also, it doesn't have to be metal plates.  I seen guys hang golf balls at 100 yards.  I'm not exactly sure what the criteria is for material.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 19, 2014, 11:14:36 AM
Nope no shotguns on the silhouette range only rimfire rifles and handguns. Shotguns may only be shot in the action bays, the trap/skeet ranges, and on the rifle range but on the rifle range you have to shoot slugs only.
:thumbsup:

so no centerfire rifles on silhouette?  and when are the action bays open?
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Dirtyc on June 19, 2014, 12:36:07 PM
Could I setup a dueling tree at 100 yards on rifle??
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: BLKDRGN on June 19, 2014, 01:02:17 PM
I think you have to ask an RO. The post is a little thick so I'm not sure if they will count that as non moving target. Some posts are angled to deflect so you can try show them a pic first. You know that it will be pretty heavy to carry out there each time right? I'm assuming you will go with AR500 steel. If not your rifle rounds will just tear it apart.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dustoff003 on June 19, 2014, 01:12:01 PM

:thumbsup:

so no centerfire rifles on silhouette?  and when are the action bays open?

Correct no centerfire rifles on the silhouette range. To shoot in the action bays you would have to shoot there as part of a group/club.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 21, 2014, 05:43:41 PM
would an old wooden saw horse suffice as a gong frame?  your thoughts?
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: gt1_911 on June 21, 2014, 06:17:36 PM
This is the a-frame stand I use using 1/2"x 5' rebar with ends made by a company called the last stand. MIke the RO has approved this for the rifle side and have been using it for about 2 months.
http://www.laststands.com/ (http://www.laststands.com/)
(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l219/palisocm001/IMG_20140621_175943_zps87fed9b5.jpg) (http://s97.photobucket.com/user/palisocm001/media/IMG_20140621_175943_zps87fed9b5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: mauidog on June 21, 2014, 07:47:57 PM
would an old wooden saw horse suffice as a gong frame?  your thoughts?

Brand new 2x2 target frame at 100 yds with four AR500 round targets suspended. 

Shot with Ruger 10/22 .22LR, AR-15 5.56, AK-47 7.62x39, and Mosin 7.62x54R.

Used once on the rifle range.  I'm using steel legs next time!!   :rofl:

(http://i.imgur.com/U1aKJb9.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/7nvtMpK.jpg)
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 21, 2014, 08:52:49 PM
Brand new 2x2 target frame at 100 yds with four AR500 round targets suspended. 

Shot with Ruger 10/22 .22LR, AR-15 5.56, AK-47 7.62x39, and Mosin 7.62x54R.

Used once on the rifle range.  I'm using steel legs next time!!   :rofl:

Lol gotcha    :thumbsup: :shaka:
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: BLKDRGN on June 21, 2014, 09:21:08 PM
No need metal. Just hang the targets slightly back from the legs. The splash will miss the legs.

Brand new 2x2 target frame at 100 yds with four AR500 round targets suspended. 

Shot with Ruger 10/22 .22LR, AR-15 5.56, AK-47 7.62x39, and Mosin 7.62x54R.

Used once on the rifle range.  I'm using steel legs next time!!   :rofl:

(http://i.imgur.com/U1aKJb9.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/7nvtMpK.jpg)
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: mauidog on June 21, 2014, 09:36:51 PM
No need metal. Just hang the targets slightly back from the legs. The splash will miss the legs.

You're looking at the back of the legs.  The hardware was attached to the back of the legs, so the targets were basically flush with the rear of the frame.  Except for the top target hanging from the top cross bar.

Based on the level of damage, I'd have to hang the targets at least 2-3 inches behind the frame, and I'd need something like a metal bracket to suspend them.

Whatever the targets are suspended from is going to get hit, right? 

If anything, I'd think having the targets in front of the frame would be better, since the splash would deflect at a forward angle?

I have a couple of old bed frames made of steel I was going to try and use.  Haven't taken the time to really look at how to do that, but seems like a good recycling project!
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 22, 2014, 03:45:45 AM
This is the a-frame stand I use using 1/2"x 5' rebar with ends made by a company called the last stand. MIke the RO has approved this for the rifle side and have been using it for about 2 months.
http://www.laststands.com/ (http://www.laststands.com/)
(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l219/palisocm001/IMG_20140621_175943_zps87fed9b5.jpg) (http://s97.photobucket.com/user/palisocm001/media/IMG_20140621_175943_zps87fed9b5.jpg.html)

interesting design  :thumbsup: and not bad $40 + s&h for the last stand + cost of 6 - 6' rebar + chains, gong, and connectors and nuts and bolts = ~$100

do you get a lot of wiggle from the frame when the gong gets hit? 
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dogman on June 22, 2014, 11:32:15 AM
I haven't used this yet. The gong is 4" in front of the stand. The eye bolts are from Home Depot.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 22, 2014, 11:51:48 AM
 :thumbsup:
I haven't used this yet. The gong is 4" in front of the stand. The eye bolts are from Home Depot.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup:  let us know how it goes!   
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: gt1_911 on June 22, 2014, 07:41:37 PM
interesting design  :thumbsup: and not bad $40 + s&h for the last stand + cost of 6 - 6' rebar + chains, gong, and connectors and nuts and bolts = ~$100

do you get a lot of wiggle from the frame when the gong gets hit?

Yes it wiggles but I have yet to tip it over shooting 308. Here is a link done by 8541 Tactical shooting the set up at less than 100 yards.
http://8541tactical.com/2013/12/31/the-last-stand-review/ (http://8541tactical.com/2013/12/31/the-last-stand-review/)
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: BLKDRGN on June 22, 2014, 09:05:33 PM
You're looking at the back of the legs.  The hardware was attached to the back of the legs, so the targets were basically flush with the rear of the frame.  Except for the top target hanging from the top cross bar.

Based on the level of damage, I'd have to hang the targets at least 2-3 inches behind the frame, and I'd need something like a metal bracket to suspend them.

Whatever the targets are suspended from is going to get hit, right? 

If anything, I'd think having the targets in front of the frame would be better, since the splash would deflect at a forward angle?

I have a couple of old bed frames made of steel I was going to try and use.  Haven't taken the time to really look at how to do that, but seems like a good recycling project!

Reverse the horizontal braces so it's on the back side. That will make the eye screws hang the chains behind the legs. The target backing will only attach on the vertical frame and not on all four sides but not a big deal. I've tested it multiple times with .308 and .338 and not a scratch on the legs. I have steel on the legs in this pic but i've tested it without it and no problem.

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/blkdrgnphotos/Firearms/28CE20BD-DB9D-488D-9236-E832FDBE5C7A_zpsnrz7kpvi.jpg)
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: BLKDRGN on June 22, 2014, 09:10:58 PM
I haven't used this yet. The gong is 4" in front of the stand. The eye bolts are from Home Depot.

I like this gong style. Kinda tired of blowing off chains and links if someone misses. Let us know how you like it and how it reacts when you hit close to the left or right edge. Wondering if the spin is going to affect the eye bolts.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Sturmgeschutz on June 22, 2014, 10:06:58 PM
This beast was made from scrap and $5 in hardware
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: yurcarmeean on June 23, 2014, 05:35:03 PM
This beast was made from scrap and $5 in hardware
nice design   :thumbsup:  i could totally construct this
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Frog on June 25, 2014, 03:05:34 PM
Quote from: yurcarmeean link=topic=15202.msg144037#msg144037 date=1403419969
[/quote


This is why i dont like shooting next to guys with plates. My paper targets always gets trashed from the splash of hitting the gong. 
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dogman on June 28, 2014, 08:38:38 PM
I haven't used this yet. The gong is 4" in front of the stand. The eye bolts are from Home Depot.

Obviously not AR500 plate. Since this was an experiment I used 3/8" mild steel. The gong swings freely where ever it was hit, no problems with the eye bolts. There is some frame damage from edge strikes. Next step is to make one from AR500.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Heavies on June 28, 2014, 11:42:52 PM
Shooting at mild steel with high powered rifles is asking for trouble.  All we need is for someone to get hit by a ricochet and its all over.  If you all are going to shoot steel, do it right, get the right steel and use the appropriate ammo.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dogman on June 29, 2014, 06:55:04 AM
I told the RO it was just mild steel and I was using 223 FMJ before taking it out and he didn't have a problem with it.  They asked me to show it to them when I was done so they could see how the system worked. They thought the gong would've been in worse shape then it was.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Heavies on June 29, 2014, 08:50:27 AM
The pits and dents can cause projectiles to bounce and curve in unpredictable direction.  Better to have armor steel so the target does not dent or pierce, the bullet can flatten, then bounce straight down, when target swings.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Heavies on June 29, 2014, 08:51:35 AM
Also, do not use steel jacketed or steel core ammo.  Steel cores or jackets can come back at the line and kill someone.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: dogman on June 29, 2014, 08:18:56 PM
Also, do not use steel jacketed or steel core ammo.  Steel cores or jackets can come back at the line and kill someone.
The pits and dents can cause projectiles to bounce and curve in unpredictable direction.  Better to have armor steel so the target does not dent or pierce, the bullet can flatten, then bounce straight down, when target swings.
Appreciate the advice  :shaka: Better to be safe. . .
I do have customers at the shop I work at buy steel plates for targets, I will now highly recommend against it.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Heavies on June 30, 2014, 12:26:39 PM
No prob...  shoot safe and have fun! :thumbsup: :shaka:
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: numbertwo on June 30, 2014, 07:18:57 PM
I to get excited about possibly using scrap metal to make gongs but it looks like I won't be using them  :-\

Better safe than sorry though. Thanks for sharing that important piece of advice.


I dont' suppose there are any local shops here to buy the appropriate steel for shooting? I'd only be using .22lr and 223/556.
Title: Re: Metal targets/plates questions
Post by: Heavies on June 30, 2014, 10:41:31 PM
I to get excited about possibly using scrap metal to make gongs but it looks like I won't be using them  :-\

Better safe than sorry though. Thanks for sharing that important piece of advice.


I dont' suppose there are any local shops here to buy the appropriate steel for shooting? I'd only be using .22lr and 223/556.

Mild steel is fine for .22lr, any centerfire rifle, I wouldn't.  It'll just pit or pierce the steel badly.