Metal targets

M

MikeM

New member
At a recent shooting school we spent a considerable amount of time shooting metal targets at very short range--5 yards--that were angled down so that the fragments where directed toward the ground.
I'd like to get some metal trgets to shoot at home, but you get into issues like minimum distances of 25 yards and shooting mostly lead RN.
Would appreciate comments and experiences with metal targets to help me decide if it would be worth my while to try out.
thanks in advance.
 
Sorry I don't have a specific answer for you, but I can tell you, when shooting metal targets, safety glasses/goggles are a must wear item. When the metal is made to deflect rounds to the ground, you are probably safe, even at close ranges. Perpendicular (upright) targets and those tilted back are not as safe. The issue isn't so much ricochet of the whole bullet as it is bullet splatter (fragmented ricochet). Wear your glasses!
 
I assume you're talking about "pepper popper" type targets that fall over backwards when you shoot them??? If that's the case, they won't always be angled forward. Especially if you're multi-tapping them.

Stay a minimum of 15 yards from them, wear all safety equipment.

Or,

Go to the local bowling alley and work a deal to get all the old pins the next time they change out. They're alot of fun and last surpisingly long. Alot more fun than the poppers.

------------------
"Charlton Heston is my President"

Danny45
NRA, NAHC, Buckmasters
 
I have and use a mild steel "spinner" for .22 and a hardened steel spinner for .38+

Cheap to buy at gunshows (about $30), and give you 2 different target sizes (big plate below, smaller above)

Spinners don't deflect the bullets, just stop their momentum, so "close-in" danger is less than with a static metal target.
 
IPSC and IDPA recommend a minimum distance of 10 yards. I shoot a lot of steel, static plates, falling plates, pepper poppers, steel IPSC targets and so on. I have no qualms about shooting them at 10 yards and further as long as I wear safety glasses. Shooting steel closer than 10 yards is just asking for problems. In fact, I know of no big name school or shooting instructor that would shoot at anything other than paper at five yards.
 
Definately wear your safety glasses. I once shot a steel plate at 25 yards with a .41 mag, lead round, and a piece came back and hit me in the leg (was wearing shorts). It drew blood and left a half-dollar sized bruse.

------------------
I used to sleep at the foot of Old Glory
And awake in the dawn's early light
But much to my surprise
When I opened my eyes
I was a victim of the great compromise. -
John Prine.
 
Hi Mike,

Check out this link in the Smithy section. It has plenty of good info and insights on metal plates:
http://www.thefiringline.com/NonCGI/Forum8/HTML/001815.html

BTW, some of the more progressive law enforcement agencies are going towards frangible ammo against plates. For one thing there is less hazard with splatter (yes, I've been hit by splatter and sometimes it even hurts) and second, there's no "toxic waste" to clean up. Personally, I like lead and will scoop it up and remelt it for bullets.
 
First not all steel is the same. Call your local steel supplier and tell them you want a quenched and tempered steel. They may refer you to Ryerson or Jorgensen Steel. Ask either of these distributers for any of the following:

From Ryerson
T-1 Type A
Ryerson AR-400
Super 500 AR

From Jorgensen
T-1 Type A
AR-360

I would get 3/8 thick minimum. It will take a pounding. Note this stuff rusts. You will need to keep a coat of paint on it if letting it sit out in the weather.

------------------
John

[This message has been edited by John Forsyth (edited October 25, 2000).]
 
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