Posted: 12/5/2011 10:01:46 PM EDT
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Thought I would posts some pictures of my new targets and give some info in case anyone is looking to make their own. My goal was to make a target that could be set up by one person, with cheap, easily replaceable mounts protected by the target, for both pistol and rifle practice.
I had some IDPA size targets made up by a local metal supply shop. They are made out of 3/8" thick Hardox 500 which from what I have read, is equal to AR500. Targets also have laser etched IDPA score zones which does not come through in the pictures very well or in person. Next run will have to try a deeper cut or multiple side by side passes to increase the width. Chain is 5/16" and the bolts are 7/16". They fit through the links pretty well. I had square holes cut in the targets so I could use carriage bolts but I made them to small. Should be .450" instead of .4375". Chain is wrapped around the post with a 7/16" bolt which rests on the notches in the t-post. Might cut the chain and go with a u-bolt style mount to alleviate the binding of the chain as it wraps around the t-post which can cause the target to hang crooked although the single chain makes for a nice carry handle. Base is 2"x2" 1/8" wall tubing. Jamed some 3/4" conduit in there to take up the slop. Might also try multiple pieces of 1/2" conduit. Updated version of the base has the angle iron running at 45 degrees and the tubing about 5" off the ground to limit contact points on the ground. Angle iron also has hole drilled in it to allow for rebar stake to keep from tipping forward or moving. Will use base for pistol work and pound t-posts into the ground on the rifle range. Angle of the target is about 8 degrees forward when post is vertical. Helps for some deflection and absorption. I played with the mounting points to see what angles I would get. The lower the mounts on the target the greater the angle. Thinking I will move them bolts out as far as I can on the next run but keep the height the same. Base 
Angle 
Chain Mount 
Full View (sorry for the crick in your neck) 
Option Mount 
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| Nice looking setup. I have heard that lots of folks are going to old fire hose, or pieces of tires for hanging targets. The fire hose and tire pieces take alot more rounds than chains do before failure, and they don't have any issues with ricochets. Cheaper, more durable, and safer is a good deal. Only thing is that I don't know where to get free sections of used fire hose. |
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The chain on my setup is behind the target so they "should" never be in the line of fire so the only consumables are the t-post, which is fairly cheap and the bolts. I know the bolts will take direct hits of .45ACP FMJ just fine. I have carrige bolts on some other rifle targets that are chipping from impacts. Would like to remove those from the setup but can't think of how to do it without welding but that can soften the steel if not done right and then the target isn't reversible.
I like the tire idea. Wil have to look in to that. Free is better than cheap. |