Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

[JoeMartin]

I enjoy shooting our SH Matches and enjoy both the paper and metal matches. Recently we added the 2 1/2" metal disc for 100 yards shooting. The problem I ran into was that my Birchwood Casey Triple Spinner's did not have a 2 1/2" disc on it, so I did mount the 2 1/8" disc on my home made spinner;

I then got to thinking how to come up with a 2 1/2" spinner so I could come up to size for that 100 yard SH Match. It finally came to me.

I work at a hardware/lumber yard and we have in our nut & bolt section a lot of washers of various sizes. Tomorrow when I go to work I'm going to see if we have one that has the 2 1/2" outside diameter (which I think we very well might have) and if so, I will replace the BC disc above in the picture (it's just bolted on) with one of those washers. They are thick enough to absorb 100 yard .22LR hits and should work well.

I'll continue this post tomorrow night and let you know if all goes well going that route.

The BC Triple Action Spinner advertises 3 5/8" (Actual is 3 1/2"), 2 1/4" (Actual Size is 2 1/8"), and 1 5/8" (Actual size is 1 9/16")...

Now I'm not that concerned over the stated BC Spinner sizes being smaller then what's advertised on their packaging, and in reality the 3 1/2" (advertised as 3 5/8") actually is correct for the other 100 yard 25 shot SH Metal Disc Match.

So perhaps I can come up with the correct sizes using those big washers we stock at work so I can get to the 2 1/2" disc size allowed instead of giving up that 3/8 of an inch on the BC Spinner...

 

[JoeMartin]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

I did find a 2 1/2" washer today at work. I also bought a washer to be used as a center bushing and two fender washers to lock the 2 1/2" washer in place against the 5/8 x 6" mending brace.

I gave the mending brace a 90 degree turn in my vise, and attached the washers to it with a 1/4" carriage bolt and nuts (one of which is a nylon locking nut)

I then installed the new 2 1/2" spinner on my 5/16" threaded rod, painted it black, and now I have a 2 1/2" round disc spinner to shoot in the SH 100 yard monthly match for this size of target. It should work fine as the washer itself is 1/8th inch thick (I can always double this if needed), and the 1085 to 1100 fps ammo I use to shoot this target from 100 yards should do little damage to the washer.

Hope this helps any who are looking to make this 2 1/2" spinner. I already had the angel iron frame made up.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Nice thing about it is you can change the washers easy. I would keep some spares handy if you plan to shoot it much. Nice swinger!

 

[JoeMartin]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Very true. When a washer does wear out - just put on a new one. I can also change this washer setup out to a 3" diameter washer/target swinger if need be.

 

[kansas45]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Great idea Joe! I have some steel plates hanging from chain on some PVC stands. I like them, but it takes a little time for the plates to stablize after a hit. I'll try your spinners design this weekend.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

good idea and economical, love it! i like the idea that the washers could be replaced, enven bigger or smaller target. guess i have to make a trip to home depot now.

i did make something out of a metal clothes hanger that was shaped like a "U" with a loop in the center, then splipped on another piece of hanger that had a loop on it with a 1" piece of metal jb welded to it for some air gun F'n around in the yard that was obvioulsy low cost and swung, but your idea will replace my yard target.

 

[JoeMartin]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Thanks for the positive review my friends. When I got home from work tonight I decided to rework my spinner/washer set up to accommodate these three sizes;

2.5" - 3" - 3.5"

This should work well for my needs and I'm looking forward to giving them a try this weekend.

Some thoughts on the Birchwood Casey Triple Action Spinner;

I've never been happy with how close the BC Spinners are, nor do I like the flimsy way the stand sticks into the ground.

This setup of mine should give me years of good service as well as a "steady" platform and plenty of space between the spinners.

I sure hope this post helps out those looking to make a home made triple spinner setup.

 

[JoeMartin]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

You're welcome.

My next project target stand will be one that I will be able to post paper targets on the right side, and the some metal swingers on the left side.

I've got it worked out in my head, I just have to build it. This way I can shoot the 100 yard SH matches with carrying only one target stand down range. (2.5" & 3.5" spinners on the left - and the TQ-4 NRA target on the right).

That'll be next week's evening project.

 

[JoeMartin]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

I field tested the washer spinners today and I found that from 100 yards using subsonic and standard velocity ammo - the washer spinners do work ok.

I then tested the washer spinners from 50 yards, and again the subsonic and standard veloicity ammo did little or nothing to these home made spinners that would cause them not to last for quite a'while...

However, when I tested high velocity ammo (1240 fps) from 50 yards it was different story. The 2 1/2" washer takes a beating as does the front fender washer on both the 2 1/2" and 3 1/2" washer/spinner's.

In the picture below, the middle 2 1/2" washer spinner that is hanging on the Mending Brace (Mending Brace was used today) - is a new one. It is double washered with a double "front" fender washer. I haven't tested it as yet, but I see no reason why it wouldn't yeild the same "100 Yard" results, and at 50 yards it should do all right as well, perhaps even with the HV ammo.

Something to keep in mind... I would use at least the 7/8" x 8" Mending Brace as a hanger (minimum) as the smaller one will take a beating from 50 yards and is prone to bending a bit from HV ammo from 50 yards. It just is not as stout as the 7/8 x 8 inch Mending Brace.

 

[hrt4me]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Thanks for the follow-up; I was considering making something similar based on your results

 

[dunecrew]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Good looking targets for no more that is invested.

 

[JoeMartin]

Re: Thoughts On Making Some Metal Spinners

Thanks, hope it is helpful.

Here is my latest creation I just finished tonight.

My 2.5" [washer/swinger is on the left next to the 3.5" washer/swinger to the right of it]... As can be seen to the far right is my target board for 100 yard shooting.

This will be my practice and Sniper's Hide 100 yard target stand setup - "all in one"... I'm going to field test it in the morning if it's not raining.

This is just made of 1 - 2x4x16 [frame], 1 - 2x2x8 [braces], and a cut down 5/16" thread bar. Overall measurements are; 39" wide x 36" tall - Swinger opening is 16" wide x 21" tall so that the swingers can make a complete 180 degree swing without hitting any wood, and the paper target side opening is 18" wide x 21" tall... This really was an easy quick fix project for carrying one target frame to do triple duty down range at 100 yards.

Hope it's helpful.