Steel Targets and Alternatives

[Ebonyknight]

I was considering buying a steel target, since every so often (maybe more thanks to hearing about The Cove Campground) I will shoot at an open range. It's slightly annoying to have to carry around bowling pins, since you have to stand them back up, so I wanted to hear about target alternatives.

Gunderwood gave a good suggestion in another thread, so i wanted to start a thread about steel targets (since you don't have to worry about knocking them over) and wanted to hear suggestions for steel targets or alternatives.

I encourage everyone to shoot paper and steel silhouettes. I think steel is better training, but good steel is expensive. The last steel target I bought was this one and I love it: https://www.saluteproducts.com/product_ ... cts_id=155

and the stand: https://www.saluteproducts.com/product_ ... cts_id=154

This target breaks down so it can be transported even in small cars. It is angled forward so you can safely shoot it at closer distances (guys who shoot them for a living tell me it is safe to shoot at 7 yards, but manufacturers recommends further distances for liability reasons). It is AR500 so it will practically last forever; it won't dent up which causes bad ricochets.

If people could give some alternatives (his suggestion is on the medium expensive end for me) or comparable experience with other steel targets, it would be appreciated.

[Ebonyknight]

Anyone have experience with this one?

http://www.letargets.com/estylez_item.aspx?item=DPP-LP

[gunderwood]

This guy makes some good steel too: http://www.lvsteeltargets.com/

Depending on what you want, he is a little cheaper. Most of the cost is in the AR500 steel. Don't buy anything not AR500 as it will dent and cause problems. Most of the places selling cheaper steel targets are not using AR500. There are only a few AR500 steel manufacturers (3 I think?) in the country, so the raw material prices are pretty constant for everyone. Choose based off of the stand, etc.

Edit: Avoid wields when possible. They weaken all the steel in the area.

[gunderwood]

Anyone have experience with this one?

http://www.letargets.com/estylez_item.aspx?item=DPP-LP

They claim to be using 500 hardness steel, but don't explicitly say AR500. I would call them on that. AR500 is an industry term. If it doesn't say that, it is inferior steel that just happens to be as hard. AR500 must be hard enough to breakup the bullet without denting, but also not brittle.

They don't list how thick their steel is. Rifles generally are ok at 100 yards or more, but you need thicker steel to absorb big rifle rounds. 223/308 are ok at 1/2" thickness, but 300WM needs at least 5/8" IMO. Salutes 50BMG target is 1" thick. If they aren't at least 1/2" thick, they shouldn't be used for rifles IMO. Pistols will be ok though.

Also, pay attention to how expensive replacement parts are. That dueling try has a $60 replacement upright. My Salute 1/2" plate holder/stand is only $30. These will get shot and are not hardened.

Steel that leans forward can be shot at closer distances safely.

[Ebonyknight]

After looking at some other sites, I think I will go with your original recommendation.

What about a stand for other types of targets? Like zombie targets. I have looked at a few, but don't have experience with them. Paper targets or other materials.

[gunderwood]

After looking at some other sites, I think I will go with your original recommendation.

What about a stand for other types of targets? Like zombie targets. I have looked at a few, but don't have experience with them. Paper targets or other materials.

Don't have any. I have made my own though as material selection isn't as important. After shooting steel, paper is boring. I use paper for rifle groups though.

[Jakeiscrazy]

After shooting steel, paper is boring. I use paper for rifle groups though.

+1 Nothing beats that satisfying ping, except Tannerite.

Checkout http://www.shopactiontarget.com/ they are AR500 steel and they have portable targets the breakdown and setup also. They laser cut, not water cut and Gunderwood was saying that steel can chip at the edge if laser cut(heat ruins temper) so that is a consideration. These things are highly recommended by a couple guys on Youtube.

[acguy45]

another alternative for reactive targets that I have tried are the duraseal targets. they have them in various shapes bottles, bowling pins, Gongs, critters,and such they dont make the same sound as a good whack on steel but they are fairly cheap, light and hold up to alot of shots (over 500 from .22, .223 & .45 so far). and the risk for close in type shooting is greatly reduced. Also, technically this is my 1st post so i would like to say hello to.

http://www.championtarget.com/targets/i ... aseal.aspx

[Jakeiscrazy]

Also, technically this is my 1st post so i would like to say hello to.

[Ebonyknight]

+1 Nothing beats that satisfying ping, except Tannerite.

Checkout http://www.shopactiontarget.com/ they are AR500 steel and they have portable targets the breakdown and setup also. They laser cut, not water cut and Gunderwood was saying that steel can chip at the edge if laser cut(heat ruins temper) so that is a consideration. These things are highly recommended by a couple guys on Youtube.

Yeah, those are nice, but if I am going to play 300 bones for a AR500 target and stand, I can't see myself plopping another 200 for a paper target stand. Anything comparable for around 50 bones?

[Ebonyknight]

another alternative for reactive targets that I have tried are the duraseal targets. they have them in various shapes bottles, bowling pins, Gongs, critters,and such they dont make the same sound as a good whack on steel but they are fairly cheap, light and hold up to alot of shots (over 500 from .22, .223 & .45 so far). and the risk for close in type shooting is greatly reduced. Also, technically this is my 1st post so i would like to say hello to.

Now that is kool. Do you get the stand as well for the 50 bones? Will it stand up to a 30-06? I think I will get this until I determine that I like shooting at Cove Campground. If Cove Campground pans out (or a I find another good outdoor range), I will still get the AR500 target and stand.

But this looks like a good starter set!

BTW, anyone know of any other fairly cheap outdoor ranges to the west or north of NoVA?

[graybeard321]

I go to the party store and purchase a few Piñata's. You can get them in many different sizes and shapes. We have shoot them with hundreds of rounds of handgun ammo , most 9mm and 45 cal and they have held up really well. We have also used a 2 lr and 223 on others that have held up well. At the end of our shooting day 4 or 5 of use will hit them with a 12 gauge at same time to put them out of there misery. They are cheap targets , that are easy to setup (some stand on 4 legs) and last long time.

[zephyp]

Hey Brent, unlike in our day pinatas are now made from cardboard rather than paper mache. I guess its more important that no one gets hit by one of those flying fragments than a kid with a stick trying over and over and over trying to break an unbreakable pinata...I bet these new ones were all some idea from a genius in Kalifornia...

[gunderwood]

Hey Brent, unlike in our day pinatas are now made from cardboard rather than paper mache. I guess its more important that no one gets hit by one of those flying fragments than a kid with a stick trying over and over and over trying to break an unbreakable pinata...I bet these new ones were all some idea from a genius in Kalifornia...

It isn't cardboard...


It lightly recycled toilet paper and it saves the planet...


Jerk.



/sarcasm

[graybeard321]

No matter what it is made of it is a fun target to shot at.

[zephyp]

It isn't cardboard...

It lightly recycled toilet paper and it saves the planet...

Jerk.

/sarcasm

Ew, yuck. And they put all that candy in there for the little ones to eat. In the interest of saving the planet I do wonder what all them candy wrappers are made of then...

[Ebonyknight]

Well I decided to take the plunge and ordered the 2/3 Ipsc 1/2 in AR500 Steel and large spring stand. I also ordered some duraseal targets as an alternative.

We'll see how it works!

[gunderwood]

Well I decided to take the plunge and ordered the 2/3 Ipsc 1/2 in AR500 Steel and large spring stand. I also ordered some duraseal targets as an alternative.

We'll see how it works!

I'd be interested in hearing how the spring mounted stand works. I only have the fixed stand.