Use of steel knockdown targets

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Biggreg

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I was wondering if anyone had experience using steel knockdown targets. We use them during training sessions at work. Recently somewhere in Ill. there was an incident involving a ricochet where the range officer got hit with a piece of the bullet. Their response to the incident was to use frangible ammunition while firing at steel targets. If anyone has any thoughts on using frangible ammunition or advice on the use of the steel knockdowns please post.
 
Steel knock down targets have been known to cause ricochets back towards the shooter. I myself have been hit by fragments (but not to the extent of some of our members). For safety of your shooters and to lessen liability you must maintain a distance from steel targets (sometimes in police training your shots are going to be close and the firearms instructor should select a safer target and target stand for close quarter shooting). Another worthy consideration which you've broached is frangible ammunition. It's not a matter of lead, which is one of the environmentally friendly boasts of the makers of frangible ammunition, it's reducing backsplatter and potential injuries.

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Point of order: this thread should be in the handgun forum.

Powers that be, move this thread (repeated three times, libations poured near keyboard, oracle bones being interpreted at Delphi).

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Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt
 
I just bought some mini-poppers. On the manufacturer's web site, they mention using them at 12 yards away. However, there's a sticker on them saying not to use closer than 15 yards. Oh, well. I have some Federal Nyclad I'm planning to try on them.

Otherwise, just keep covered up as much as possible - hat, safety glasses, long-sleeve shirt.
 
I guess if you don't scroll down through the forums, it's not obvious that Suggestions, Questions and Feedback isn't the forum for questions. On the other hand, Nuclear Security Trainer, Greg? Doh! ;)

[This message has been edited by Ewok (edited August 08, 1999).]
 
Wow, the mantra worked! This got moved from Suggestions and Feedback to the Handgun Forum.

Next for libations, it won't be "Night Train" or "Wild Irish Rose." Bottled Water if it pleases the Gods.

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Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt
 
If you shoot steel targets with a handgun, according to what I have read the distance must be at least 25 feet. Even from that distance you might be hit by a ricochet, but it should not have enough power to penetrate your clothing or skin.

Protective shooting glasses should be used always when shooting to targets made of steel or other hard material. Even a very slowly flying ricochet that otherwise cannot hurt you can damage your eye.

Also, avoid FMJ ammo when shooting on steel targets. They are the best (worst) bouncers. JHPs are safer.

Ossi
 
First off my apology for posting in the wrong category. I was thinking at first to put it in handgun forum but we use .223 & 00buck as well on the steels. Anyhow thanks for the replies.
 
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