Hanging steel targets- chain, or wire...?

T

tobnpr

New member
I built a couple of these a few months back, they'll let us use our own targets at the club at the 200 meter range.

I get ****** when one of us hits the chain, and I need to re-weld a new section. I always keep wire on hand for a quick fix in the field, but the range officer suggested that using thin wire would be better than chain, because it's such a thin cross-section (profile) it's unlikely to get hit.

Logical, wondering if anyone uses light wire, instead of chain?

IMAG0214.jpg
 
instead of welding the chain to the frame, Why not weld a hook on the frame and keep spare chains on hand?

When a chain gets shot off, unbolt it from the target, put the new piece on the hook and keep shooting
 
instead of welding the chain to the frame, Why not weld a hook on the frame and keep spare chains on hand?
Click to expand...

Dooohhh....

I like that idea... thanks.
Much easier than practicing my welding skills...
 
That is a much better idea, and as mentioned, if you have breakage you can fix it up quicker.
The hanging targets are so much fun.
I work in fabrication, and I'm now inspired to cut out some stuff on my Komatsu torch and weld up a hanger of my own.
I do have some spinning targets I made out of 1/4" for .22's and they've worked well and held up nicely.
I can't quite tell from the picture, are those 1/2 or 5/8?
 
How about having the plates suspend from a small piece of angle iron.
The top of the rod or angle iron would pivot from the frame, while the other end would be welded to the plates.
 
Never cared for chains, hit the target on the side and it flops all over the place. Prefer fixed swingers, doesn't matter where they are hit, always go in one direction....back.

Targetframe1.jpg
 
I like that idea, Rembrandt. I've downloaded the picture and when we get ready to make swingers that'll be the template.

Where do you guys get AR500 steel? Is it fairly common? Can I cut it on a plasma table?

Thanks in advance.
 
A guy I asked who runs a business making targets has them laser or waterjet cut the sections since plasma can wreck the heat treatment around the edges.

I'm sure you can cut it with whatever you want-O/A plasma, grinder,etc.
You'd have to be careful how much heat you're dumping into it of course, since AR500 is relatively pricey.

I weld some for rimfire targets, and repair rimfire and handgun targets myself, but I just buy my rifle rated targets. Last I checked, AR500 was only available in large 4'x8' sheets in my area, so it wasn't practical (for me) to buy unless making many targets for sale.
 
I read another poster who said he used leather straps. He stated that they were cheaper than chains, easier to attach, and that the straps could withstand more hits than the chains.

Haven't had the opportunity to try it; but what he said made sense to me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top