thermal targets

[taliv]

what do you guys use for mid to long range thermal targets? i've heard of people using hot hands. i tried ice water. i'm thinking about trying some 12v heat tape on the back of steel targets with batteries.

i suppose a higher wattage laser could heat a target if you could aim it well enough and you had a significant power source at the range.

 

[srt-4_uk]

On a sunny day, small squares of aluminum foil tape.
I doubt you are heating up a target at distance with any portable laser.

 

[taliv]

maybe first i should ask a different question. how much of a difference in temp does the target need from the background to generate contrast on the screen? is there a spec for this listed on most clip ons?

 

[shoots100]

During daylight hours, I also use foil tape or a small size hot hands cut in half so it doesn't bloom.
I've heard of others using aluminum foil wrapped around a 9 volt battery, but I've never tried it.

SJC

 

[srt-4_uk]

maybe first i should ask a different question. how much of a difference in temp does the target need from the background to generate contrast on the screen? is there a spec for this listed on most clip ons?

Depends entirely on the thermal you are using. It's the NETD in the specs.

What is NETD in a Thermal Camera

Many people don't know that thedifferences between therms “thermal sensitivity” and “thermal resolution”. But what do they mean and which factors affect? Read in the article.

www.agmglobalvision.com

 

[taliv]

ClipIR ELR at the moment.

 

[TheHorta]

I duct tape live puppies to a plywood backstop.

 

[smoooth1]

I duct tape live puppies to a plywood backstop.

What kind of monster uses plywood!!

 

[jhoyda]

What kind of monster uses plywood!!

It’s fine, lumber prices have finally dropped.

 

[atepointer]

I'll second tin foil in any temp as long as you have black hot/white hot options. From 30 Florida winter to 100 degree summer days never had an issue tweaking a zero with various Pulsar thermals using black hot for zeroing. I prefer white hot fer huntin

 

[Charger442]

I have been thinking about using a 2 part epoxy, like the old school sticks of JB.

Mix and spread on like peanut butter onto bread .

Only thing I can't be certain of is time you'll have until it cools. I would say it'd stay elevated for a good 45 min to an hour. Should be plenty

 

[diggler1833]

Set a steel target out in the sun for a bit if you have the time. If steel isn't an option I've been known to put an ice cube into plastic wrap and tape it to the target.

Steel isn't the best, but it will contrast enough for me to make out the 4"x4" box of the head on a 2/3 IPSC target. I can get a pretty repeatable aiming point from that.

However, the hot hands is probably the best idea if you're trying to shoot a group on paper as it will take a little punishment before giving up.

 

[db2000]

What kind of monster uses plywood!!

Sounds like a poor move. Very out of character for him. His account must be hacked. I personally use Agarwood from 17th century Japan.

 

[db2000]

Torch behind steel heating it up if logistically possible for you.

 

[taliv]

20V MAX* Cordless Heat Gun (Tool Only)

The 20V MAX* Cordless Heat Gun lets you go places your corded heat gun can't. Its compact design allows for use in tight spaces and diverse applications. From heat shrinking wire tubing to paint and decal removal, this cordless heat gun gets the job done. It features up to a 990° max output...

www.dewalt.com

this thing is supposed to do 990*F which would prob heat a steel target pretty well but not change the temper?
I only have <500 yard range right now so I try to keep my targets to 3" - 6". I've been mostly shooting the heads on ipsc silhouettes but heating the head would prob blur into the body a lot

Sounds like a poor move. Very out of character for him. His account must be hacked. I personally use Agarwood from 17th century Japan.

yeah, i was expecting some sort of exotic endangered animal instead of mundane puppies

 

[db2000]

20V MAX* Cordless Heat Gun (Tool Only)

The 20V MAX* Cordless Heat Gun lets you go places your corded heat gun can't. Its compact design allows for use in tight spaces and diverse applications. From heat shrinking wire tubing to paint and decal removal, this cordless heat gun gets the job done. It features up to a 990° max output...

www.dewalt.com

this thing is supposed to do 990*F which would prob heat a steel target pretty well but not change the temper?
I only have <500 yard range right now so I try to keep my targets to 3" - 6". I've been mostly shooting the heads on ipsc silhouettes but heating the head would prob blur into the body a lot



yeah, i was expecting some sort of exotic endangered animal instead of mundane puppies

I like the heater idea. One review said it drains a 4mAh battery in 15 minutes though. I suppose a 12 mAh would work ok.

 

[taliv]

When ambient temp was 50* I was hoping just putting my hand on the target for a min would be enough to warm it and see my hand print. I can walk barefoot across the floor and see footprints through a pas23 a few min later. But that didn’t work from 400 yards with the ELR. Surely 15 seconds of 990* heat would be enough to make the target visible against an earth berm

 

[Conqueror]

Yeah we use a torch and it works great on cool days. Hit the steel for like 15-30 seconds and you'll have a good hot spot for a while especially on smaller plates. If you have access to electricity you can also park an electric space heater behind a larger steel target and have it blow on the steel directly. Works as long as you protect the extension cord from bullet splatter.