Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
12/12/2010 2:47:43 PM EDT
I am wanting to make my own steel targets for my AR. What thickness of steel do you all think I would need to make one? I want to have 4 12"X12" squares. I was thinking about 1/4" but I am concrened that it may be a little to thin. What says the hive?
TD
12/12/2010 2:55:19 PM EDT
[#1]
Unless you don't mind holes being punched in the plates, you will need at least 1/2" thick abrasion resistant steel.  This is not your normal steel plate material.
12/12/2010 2:56:10 PM EDT
[#2]
my .22 lr spinning targets are .25" thick...
12/12/2010 3:06:35 PM EDT
[#3]
for rifle targets you need to use AR500 plate.

otherwise you will pock it which can cause rounds to return uprange... VERY dangerous.

Also you want to engage them at a slight angle and at least 50-75yards away

look at port-a-targets design
12/12/2010 3:14:09 PM EDT
[#4]
Thank you all for the quick responses. Is the hardened steel someting that one could attain from a local steel supplier like Pacific Steel and Recycling? Also, how hard is it to weld on this hardeded steel?
Thanks,
TD
12/12/2010 5:53:37 PM EDT
[#5]
I don't know what part of Idaho you are in but if near Boise you should check out MGM targets.  You can get round or square in steel from them that will hold up but it is not cheap.  Problem with buying harden steel then cutting and welding it yourself is it softens the steel near where it is cut  or welded and it will crater.

That said, I have used 1/2" plate steel of unknown hardness and it does crater but if you are at least 50 yards out, you should be OK. If your source of steel is cheap then getting it shot up and having to replace it is not a bad deal.  If you do use regular plate steel and it craters, DO NOT shoot it with a handgun, you will get lead and jacket back at you for sure.