Need to build a linear moving target

Jimmy D in AK · Jul 8, 2018

Anyone build a DYI mover? Need it to be able to move an 18”x 24” AR500 plate at 1.5-2.5 mph (bottom of plate will be mounted at least 24” above the top of base). Over a distance of 50yrds then reverse and do the same in the opposite direction. Open to most ideas except hanging cables (ground cables ok). Thanks in advance.

BOLTRIPPER · Jul 9, 2018

how much money you got/

BOLTRIPPER · Jul 9, 2018

have you weighed that size plate?

Jimmy D in AK · Jul 9, 2018

Just under 47lbs

Jimmy D in AK · Jul 9, 2018

I could armor up a motorized wheelchair and attach r/c servos to it... it’ll run me about $2K... but I’d rather do a ground cable, reversible eclectic motor to move an ATV chassis; much less $.... Before I jumped into the deep end, I thought I’d check with the masses to see if someone has already skinned this cat. Any suggestions that don’t involve me contacting my ex mother-in-law would be appreciated. Thanks

sinister · Jul 9, 2018

You'll need a wagon with a pulley and steel cable, small electric motor (Tractor Supply, maybe Harbor Freight). Think old-style laundry line. Old technique for tank and machinegun gunnery practice. This is fancier, with rails:

sinister · Jul 9, 2018

Rails or a concrete walkway are going to add cost. First rail below is 2x4.

40-50-125-MotoShot-MotoTRAX-Moving-Target-Track-System-1.jpg

This one's German:

This one's built out of garage door channel.

tcole75 · Jul 9, 2018

Very interested in trying this concept for my range

tcole75 · Jul 10, 2018

What would you use to power it and move the target? Would an electric motor work ran off batteries. Using solar to keep them charged?

sinister · Jul 10, 2018

Never tried batteries, always hard-wired.

Here are some other rigs, and pulley system ideas:

Sean the Nailer · Jul 10, 2018

electric motor/solar panel charging system..... For the weight of the target, and the amps needed to move it the distance you want... I'm not sure of the "cycles per week" that you'd get, but my guess is you could count them on both hands. Obviously it depends on how many solar panels you have, but....

What about incorporating a small 'lawn mower engine' to a drive? With limit switches and a forward/reverse transmission you can regulate the speed with the throttle and only need to bring a jerry can.

sinister · Jul 10, 2018

This is a trainer for cutting horses -- to cut cattle from the herd for neutering, vaccinations, branding, etc. You can reverse speeds and directions quickly, up to gallop, then stop. Although the original poster asked for no hanging cables, this will work for cardboard and paper targets. The motors and pulleys will work for a ground-cable or rail system, but you'll need a larger 1/2 horsepower or more motor for a big steel plate.

Jimmy D in AK · Jul 12, 2018

sinister said:
This is a trainer for cutting horses -- to cut cattle from the herd for neutering, vaccinations, branding, etc. You can reverse speeds and directions quickly, up to gallop, then stop. Although the original poster asked for no hanging cables, this will work for cardboard and paper targets. The motors and pulleys will work for a ground-cable or rail system, but you'll need a larger 1/2 horsepower or more motor for a big steel plate.

sinister said:
Rails or a concrete walkway are going to add cost. First rail below is 2x4.

This one's German:

This one's built out of garage door channel.

Jimmy D in AK · Jul 12, 2018

sinister said:
You'll need a wagon with a pulley and steel cable, small electric motor (Tractor Supply, maybe Harbor Freight). Think old-style laundry line. Old technique for tank and machinegun gunnery practice. This is fancier, with rails:

Sinister,

All great ideas- THANK YOU!... I'm going to go with the 2x4 rail option and see what I can do with it. I can run a Honda EU2000 generator of a few dollars a day for as little actual run time it'll have AND the 2x4 rails are easily replaced. I keep you posted on the outcome and if you ever find yourself in Alaska- come on by and shoot the thing (if come during hunting season there are other things you could shoot that'll taste better).

Regards,

-James

Cattlebaron1 · Aug 5, 2018

I've debated throwing one together also I'd probably be only guy in the area with a mover I like the idea of the cutting horse trainer except cable would end up cut in half so ground rail is best option.

msbr · Oct 29, 2018

I’ve been wondering about this myself.......thanks for all the pictures....definitely worth a few thousand words.

TexasUplander · Oct 30, 2018

Very cool ideas

Snapple80 · Nov 8, 2018

I’ve seen one of the battery powered garage door openers used before

daleyj45 · Dec 25, 2022

sinister said:
Rails or a concrete walkway are going to add cost. First rail below is 2x4.

This one's German:

This one's built out of garage door channel.

who makes that blue thing with the track? cant quite read whats on the side of the box, tactical something?

Jscb1b · Dec 25, 2022

Southern border!

daleyj45 · Dec 25, 2022

?

Jscb1b said:
Southern border!

Maggot · Dec 25, 2022

daleyj45 said:
?

You rind some wets fresh across and tell them that youll pay $100 USD cash if they will just run across the berm with this piece of steel. If you make it you get the $100 and some soft tacos for lunch.

And a ride to Nancy's house.

Anb618 · Dec 25, 2022

daleyj45 said:
who makes that blue thing with the track? cant quite read whats on the side of the box, tactical something?

Looks like this; Tactical Tracker from Superior Ideas, Inc. Targets

Sitargets.com Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. AR500 Targets Made in USA

Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. Made in USA AR500 Steel Targets! IDPA IPSC USPSA targets.

sitargets.com

daleyj45 · Dec 25, 2022

Anb618 said:
Looks like this; Tactical Tracker from Superior Ideas, Inc. Targets

Sitargets.com Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. AR500 Targets Made in USA

Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. Made in USA AR500 Steel Targets! IDPA IPSC USPSA targets.

sitargets.com

yes, thank you thats the one. any idea where i can buy it? the link in their video doesnt have any.

accurate obsession · Dec 25, 2022

Local range here installed a mover track system this summer. Appx $7000
In-motion targets

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.facebook.com/inmotiontargets/&ved=2ahUKEwiVrZva9ZX8AhUYSzABHYdxDnAQFnoECEYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3kxsOi7IAhuXXL3bOUAdIq

n2ishun · Dec 25, 2022

Garage door opener....chain drive.
You'll get the pulleys, the chain, the motor, and the tracks.
A couple of trip switches, one at each end, that trigger a relay that reverses the direction.
Simple, I could do it in a day, easily.
It shouldn't have any trouble pushing and pulling a 50lb plate because a garage door weighs at least that.
Now available in 1/2, 3/4, and full horsepower models at your local Homie De Pot.

n2ishun · Dec 25, 2022

Edit....even better.
Use the optical safety lenses as your motion limiter and the motor control will already be wired to reverse direction when they are tripped.

Get after it.

Darayavaus · Dec 25, 2022

Redneck 101: use a remote controlled vehicle with a target holder on it.

the problem is, everyone always tries to shoot the vehicle not the target

accurate obsession · Dec 25, 2022

Another local range has used the garage door opener solution for years. It will work, but will not withstand a continuous diet of centerfire without serious track mods.
If you plan to run competition stages with them, best of luck. As I said, the range in question used them for years but there was always random aggravating failures.

sinister · Dec 25, 2022

Darayavaus · Dec 25, 2022

Maggot said:
You rind some wets fresh across and tell them that youll pay $100 USD cash if they will just run across the berm with this piece of steel. If you make it you get the $100 and some soft tacos for lunch.

And a ride to Nancy's house.

Maggot · Dec 26, 2022

Darayavaus said:
"Paco, hold up your hat"

"We have a plethora of pinatas, Jefe"

Bob1234 · Sep 22, 2023

They can't hold steel, but these systems could do the trick on a budget. https://www.dynamicrangex1.com/

accurate obsession · Sep 22, 2023

Bob1234 said:
They can't hold steel, but these systems could do the trick on a budget. https://www.dynamicrangex1.com/

Attach files

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View attachment 8233103

Someone shoots cable in 3-2-1.
Not dissing on your post, we've done DYI targets on cables in years past, the cable gets shot on a regular basis.
But, if you're on a budget and want a mover.

patriotnation · Friday at 9:05 AM

Bob1234 said:
They can't hold steel, but these systems could do the trick on a budget. https://www.dynamicrangex1.com/

View attachment 8233103

I was looking at these for rimfire mover for matches where we have berms. I was thinking make up a track of some kind for behind the 100 yard berm, and have a sled of some kind on maybe roller skate wheels or something attached to this so the cable is protected, the sled is also behind the berm and the rimfire target stand is holding the target up above the berm. I would prefer to power it by deep cycle 12 volt marine battery but electric power might be possible I suppose.
Anyway, that system for under a grand is a good start if it can be adapted.

accurate obsession · 2024-12-21T17:19:24-0500

patriotnation said:
I was looking at these for rimfire mover for matches where we have berms. I was thinking make up a track of some kind for behind the 100 yard berm, and have a sled of some kind on maybe roller skate wheels or something attached to this so the cable is protected, the sled is also behind the berm and the rimfire target stand is holding the target up above the berm. I would prefer to power it by deep cycle 12 volt marine battery but electric power might be possible I suppose.
Anyway, that system for under a grand is a good start if it can be adapted.

I have seen DIY movers made from garage door opener tracks. They are capable of taking rimfire abuse and the lighter targets for RF, but were always kinda finicky.

patriotnation · 2024-12-21T22:01:56-0500

Yes I have seen comments on garage door opener but you need to use Commercial duty ones to run it all day in a match. If they were reliable, it is a good start.

A mover at a range in NY was a Ferris wheel type with 4 rimfire targets, homemade also. It had adjustable speed. Not linear but a mover.

6.5SH · 2024-12-21T23:45:33-0500

patriotnation said:
I was looking at these for rimfire mover for matches where we have berms. I was thinking make up a track of some kind for behind the 100 yard berm, and have a sled of some kind on maybe roller skate wheels or something attached to this so the cable is protected, the sled is also behind the berm and the rimfire target stand is holding the target up above the berm. I would prefer to power it by deep cycle 12 volt marine battery but electric power might be possible I suppose.
Anyway, that system for under a grand is a good start if it can be adapted.

For what they are $1800 is reasonable:

https://www.d-mtargets.com/store/p112/rimfiremover.html

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