What to make steel targets with

[Foul Mike]

There was a thread about making steel targets on here a while back.
I posted about using old discs from farm implements and thought that might work.
Although I had never done this, I gave it a run and built several as we have them around the farm.
They work great, really make a noise when hit.
Weld the chains on the back side of the disc on the concave side. Hang them so the convex side is toward you.
They ring loud and the only thing you have to do is weld a patch on the center hole if you are good enough to hit the hole.
They make good noise and there is no doubt as to a hit or miss.
When we tried the prototype we did get a few shots that we were sure were good, but no noise.
Going through the hole in the center, so plug that up with a patch and the welder and I am sure you will be happy.
Put the concave side towards you and weld on the back side for the chains. Minimal damage to the chains as the bullet splatters out away from them.
I have not tried them with anything other than 22 LR and they hold up well to that other than a few dings on the very edges.
We will move them out and try the 223 and see how they hold up.
Regards, FM

 

[OldmaninNeb]

Re: What to make steel targets with

here's hoping no ricochets

 

[faverric40]

Re: What to make steel targets with

It is not possible.

 

[Foul Mike]

Re: What to make steel targets with

I didn't hear any.
I put the convex side toward me in the hope that any splatter would deflect to the sides and not toward me.
I didn't hear any splatter hitting the dry weeds etc. around me and was about 75 ft. away.
It is so remote where I shoot at them that even if there were ricochets they wouldn't hurt anything but me and I don't think anything is going to come straight back except what hits the patch in the center.
I sure could be wrong and if that becomes a problem I will post about it if I survive. I'm not too concerned about it. Regards, FM

 

[timelinex]

Re: What to make steel targets with

Tell us how it goes with the 223. Ive found that even thick mild steel works for 22lr, but the 308 doesn't even stop to say hello!

 

[Foul Mike]

Re: What to make steel targets with

I will move them out a long ways and pop em with other rifles later.
Right now I am using it with 22 LR to teach a friend that there is fun in shooting.
He has come around and since they are in his AO and I notice spray cans of paint and brass on the ground, I know they are being used quite a bit when I am not there.
In the past, he could not understand my fascination with shooting and why I like it so much.
I would explain to him that it settled my nerves and gave me a peaceful feeling.
I would have him shoot whatever I was shooting at the time, but it didn't seem to settle in on him.
Now that he has his brother's[now deceased] pistol that my Old Lady put back together for him, things seem to be changing, i.e., spent brass on the ground and paint to spray the targets with.
He went to Cabelas with me the other day and was amazed at what was in there and quite confused as to what to buy. We left with nothing other than 22 ammo as he knew he needed that.
He now wants to shoot,"Some of those rifles you have so I kinda know what I want."
I will do that and help him all that I can.
I now believe that there is a "Shooting God" and he will take in the most Liberal amongst us and give a second chance to them.
When in Cabelas, it was literally a "Kid in the Candy Store."
Regards, FM