Hanging steel targets... need some input

[jtb33]

I have wanted to make a steel gong target for a while, so I've looked up a lot of the posts here for ideas. I eventually went with some of the 5/8" welded target stands that ACE sells here that are meant to use 4-5' lengths of rebar. I picked up five pieces of 4' long 1/2" pre-cut rebar at Home Depot since they didn't have 5/8" pre-cut. I have four targets: 10x10" 1/2" AR500 square plate with 1/2" holes in each corner. Also have an 8x8, 6x6 and 4x4 with the same config and spec's.

My intent is to use this setup from everything from a .22LR to .308, from 50 feet to (up to) 1000Y. To avoid getting hit by jackets, I think it would be best if the target has a slight angle to it, perhaps downward. I think that would be easiest to achieve by putting 1/2" eye-bolts in the AR500 plate's holes and having the "eye" extend a couple inches behind the plate. Then using something to suspend the plates from the horizontal piece of rebar.

So my questions are:

Will that work to make it safe to shoot?
eg: using 9mm @ 50 feet? using 5.56mm @ 150 feet?

What should I use to hang the targets from the rebar? Chain? Or perhaps some sort of wire that I can tie (saw a pic of someone using that and it looked cheap and easy)?

Will I be able to hang more than one target at a time (eg, the 10x10 and the 6x6? If so, any suggestions to keep them from sliding around on the horizontal rebar as they swing from hits?

 

[ss10ring]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

I have the same setup and use fire hose or old rubber conveyer belt. For the slight down angle I use a piece of angle iron on the back bolted through the holes and then bold the conveyer belt to the bottom of the angle iron gives it just the right angle

 

[Rundownfid]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

On a related note, what is the best way to cut the holes in the rubber conveyor belt straps? They are bit difficult to put holes in, is there a "trick"?

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rundown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On a related note, what is the best way to cut the holes in the rubber conveyor belt straps? They are bit difficult to put holes in, is there a "trick"? </div></div>

A cheep, hot drill bit.

 

[vinconco]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

For shooting at closer ranges this target is ideal because bullet splater is directed downward due to the target angle. The target is reactive so it is possible to get instant feedback on the location of the hit. All the hanging hardware is protected by the plate so no damage to the target system can occur.

<span style="font-size: 17pt"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Two videos below</span></span></span>



VIDEO

 

[jtb33]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

Where can one buy some conveyor belt or used rubber fire hose?

Of course, assuming that it's cheaper than other options.

 

[utahstroke]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

Check your Fire Dept, they should rotate used hose from time to time. I cut holes in hose and belting using a 1/2" x 6" pipe nipple with on end sharpened using my grinding wheel and put a cap on the other end for my BFH to kiss. Put a block of wood underneath to protect the sharped edge.
Good luck and let the steel Ring!

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2545867

 

[jtb33]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

That was one of the threads I was reviewing.

This method of hanging them looked to be the easiest and least costly, but I don't know where to find that steel wire. Any downsides to hanging it that way?

In conjunction with the "steel wire" I was thinking of using a similar method of hanging them to this (so that it has the slight downward angle to it):

 

[The_Hoff]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

Well that wire would not hold up to alot of abuse and chain breaks real easy if hit, most will say that firehose, or straping works best and is fairly inexpensive.

You can still get an angle to the target while having a more durable and longer lasting hanger material

 

[sudnrush]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

here is the stuff I use I get it at work we sell it for 1.99/foot
I just use a hollow punch to punch the holes I got that from work also

 

[ss10ring]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wheres-Waldo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rundown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On a related note, what is the best way to cut the holes in the rubber conveyor belt straps? They are bit difficult to put holes in, is there a "trick"? </div></div>

A cheep, hot drill bit. </div></div>

+1

 

[Furtaker_.223]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

Here is what I got from the hide. I really like it.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

</div></div>

Glad to see I'm not the only one using dollar plates and blinds hung from coathangers.

 

[260shtr]

Re: Hanging steel targets... need some input

I use a 4" piece of mud flap from the farm store. Fold it double and drill a hole in it, run a hardened bolt through it with a washer on the target surface. The mud flap makes a loop and hang it by a piece of rod. Bullet spatter doesn't effect it much. Mine has had many hundreds of rounds put on it and still on the original piece.