shooting metal targets safely

G

gringojosh

New member
I am interested to set up a "hanging plate" type metal target for shots around 150-200 yards. Is there a way to minimize the danger of bullets ricocheting back in my direction?
 
Like the other thread said, the 2 most important things are:

1: Get the right steel. Real armor plate, not mild steel.
2: Hang so the face is angled slightly away at the bottom, like this: \

Look on Ebay, lots of places taking advantage of the USPS Flat rate shipping on these. They are downright affordable now.

Pretty sure this is the one I got: http://www.ebay.com/itm/120587423160

It doesn't look like much, but so far it has stood up to .30-06 and 7.62X54R milsurp ammo just fine.
 
I bought these from Quality Steel targets http://www.qualitytargets.com/servlet/the-Gong-Targets/Categories

5049e4ab.jpg
 
emcon5,
Just wondering....how do you hang them so the bottom is angled away? I've shot the fixed/mounted targets that are positioned that way but always wondering how this is achieved with a suspended/free swinging steel target.
 
arizona98tj said:
Just wondering....how do you hang them so the bottom is angled away?
Click to expand...

If you bolt them with chain, put the chain behind the target. Setting up the target like that will naturally make the bottom of the target angle away from the shooter.

The problem in hanging targets with chain is that an errant bullet will cut the chain. It's just a matter of when it will happen. Try to find something like old conveyor belt or worn-out firehose They're wide enough that an errant bullet won't cut the hanger material. Chain is easy to get, and those other materials take a bit of looking around and scrounging, but eventually you'll find what you need.
 
The best steel target I have seen was simply an "A" frame with a steel plate, and a hinge welded on the top of the plate. Then attached to the top of the "A" frame, so the plate hangs down. And when struck with a bullet it just swings backward and the bullet goes downward. Of course it was out at least a 100 yards, and only lead bullets when pistol shooting up close.
 
emcon5 said:
...It doesn't look like much, but so far it has stood up to .30-06 and 7.62X54R milsurp ammo just fine.
Click to expand...

Was that 7.62X54R milsurp ammo the steel slug FMJ stuff? I'm considering getting one of the Arntzen armor plate gongs, and I was wanting to know how it would stand up to this ammo.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top