first steel targets - rifle impacts update!

[AreWeNotMen?]

So I finally got some steel to shoot:

The silhouettes are from "Make It Ring" - they had a GREAT sale on 5/8" (read as "HEAVY!") AR500, plus a coupon for another 10%, and free shipping. Father/Son company in Indiana.

The top brackets are Champion, on sale from MidwayUSA (also got the T-Post version with bolt/spring mount on one side, hook on the other - also on sale). I used longer bolts and two springs to keep the bottom edge of the steel from bonking the 2x4 upright when shot. (second photo)

Bottom standards are by Highwild off Amazon. I liked these as they will always form a true tripod base (v. a flat-to-the-ground design which would wobble just enough to piss me off just like that table I always get in restaurants!)

[Preston-CLB]

They look real nice. Good job.

Just curious, but which zoo agreed to loan the gorilla to carry them for you?
-p

[Fastattack]

Looks like you are going to have fun with that! Good job.
Nothing like shooting steel and getting the instant gratification of a hit.

[Jeepergeo]

Nice! You need to get out and put some splatter on those gongs.

[AreWeNotMen?]

Preston-CLB - I bet my mail carrier was pissed - they shipped these in two flat rate boxes. All I could think about while bringing them in was "don't drop it on your foot, don't drop it on your foot!

Jeepergeo - Going to my club tomorrow morning (before it gets to 107 degrees here!) to try them. But...I did splatter a .177 pellet on each after the photo was taken just to break them in/"first steel"!

[audiophil2]

THANKS. I JUST ORDERED 10

[tabascoz28]

I never went with bottom stands because I take the targets out past 300 so I got small T and U post housings in the back and pound cut posts into the ground. The short post are lighter and if you make them the right size it will never be hit by bullets. I can carry 2, 2/3 size IPSC torsos in my hands and 2, 12 inch targets in my backpack with all posts and the 2.5lb hammer. The transformer targets you have to think up when you only have a sedan...

[golfish]

Nice targets. I've noticed the price on most AR500 steel targets has come down over the past few years.

Thanks form sharing OP...

[AreWeNotMen?]

Nice targets. I've noticed the price on most AR500 steel targets has come down over the past few years.

Thanks for sharing OP...

You bet.

Their 5/8" stuff is price about the same as their 3/8". It's 40% off, then you get the extra 10%. But as referenced above, this thickness makes them really heavy!

[AreWeNotMen?]

I never went with bottom stands because I take the targets out past 300 so I got small T and U post housings in the back and pound cut posts into the ground. The short post are lighter and if you make them the right size it will never be hit by bullets. I can carry 2, 2/3 size IPSC torsos in my hands and 2, 12 inch targets in my backpack with all posts and the 2.5lb hammer. The transformer targets you have to think up when you only have a sedan...

I needed these bases for my range - they would frown on me pounding posts in their groomed ranges. And I did get the t-post fittings for the boonies...and like your shorty ideas! Thanks.

[Beendare]

Keep us posted on ricochets. I have 3/8" rounds on hooks welded to #4 rebar and #5 rebar posts.

I'm thinking the heavier steel might not angle the bullets away like a lighter plate. ...probably overthinking it.

[AreWeNotMen?]

Range Report - First Steel

So here's my set-up at the range. After reading 15 - 20 websites about target placement, distance etc, this is what I ended up doing. Target sizes are:
20" x 12" x2
15" x 9"
12" x 7"

I attempted to stagger them three or more feet laterally if on the same plane, and more than a 20* angle if forward...I almost got it right. You can see spall marks on all vertical 2x4s from their respective targets - that's expected. The left-most one also had a fair number of lead and jacket shards on the right side (its left). I suspect from the target on the far right. Seems unlikely from what I read as they were more than six feet apart...but I can't explain another cause.

Other notes:
We shot handguns - .22, .380, 9mm, .38 Spl, 45ACP. I'd read numerous references from manufacturers; anywhere from 8 - 15 yards was safe for "mild" pistol rounds (.22, 9mm. .38 Spl...some included .40 S&W and .45ACP). We shot from 10 yards. No indication of anything spewing back at us at all. All shots on the three different size targets made very good, pronounced sound (except .22 on the small target at the back - it was pretty barely a "tink"). And these are 5/8" AR500...so thinner ones would really sing. I bought these THICK ones due to the crazy good deal, and because they will also serve as longer range rifle targets when I get out in the sticks to shoot at distance.

And now I wounder why I couldn't use full-box metal stud 2x4s for the verticals for longevity...thoughts?

[mooner760HD]

What's the coupon code for 10% and free ship?

[audiophil2]

I bought these THICK ones due to the crazy good deal, and because they will also serve as longer range rifle targets when I get out in the sticks to shoot at distance.

You realize distance lowers bullet impact strength right?
Not sure how far you will be shooting but at 1000+ yards 1/4" plate or even ar400 or lower will handle most rifle rounds. My 6.5cm is like a 38spl at 1200 yards.

[AreWeNotMen?]

What's the coupon code for 10% and free ship?

shootmir18 is what I got from another post here...it worked.

And they say right on their site for each product what ships free.