In the past I’ve made target stands out of PVC for close pistol work.
But this time I had a torso-sized piece of rusty plate steel (25 x 15”) that I wanted to hang at the far end of the pond on our property. It’s 206 yards from the dam. That’s a good distance for rifles (and pistols if you’re steady…ask Integraholic!). I like steel targets because of the sound and swinging/movement you instantly get with a hit!
So, with six 2x4x8s and some hardware I built a stand for the big plate and also a flange on the side.
Here’s how it turned out.
Target stand
The top board really isn’t curved. The camera lens did that. The top and side boards are designed to be replaced after they get shot up.
The stand is 29 inches wide since the door to the storage shed is 29.5 inches wide. The top cross piece will have to be unbolted for storage.
As is my typical approach, it’s a bit over-designed and reinforced. I want it to last, even with that very heavy piece of plate steel swinging around.
The plate I used was left on our property when we moved in. The type of steel is unknown. It had been shot by rifles quite a bit. I cut off the worst part of it. It’s still not in great shape with several pock marks and one hole. I know that for safety, it’s best to have a totally flat surface with steel. I’m figuring that at 200+ yards, ricochets will not be a concern.
Plate close up
I only painted the fronts of the targets.
Back of target stand
I think a pseudo-IPSC type plate hanging on the stand would be wonderful. Preferably made of A500 grade steel. I sent the following sketch to INGO member Field King to see if he might be able to make a plate like that.
A slick way to get the same thing done without building anything is to use an old children’s swing set or the frame from a two-person garden swing. Some chain and a few bolts and you’re in business! Unfortunately, I gave a frame to my sister before thinking of that!
For others that are equipping a range, I built a shooting bench last summer. Here is a link to that posting.
Shooting bench plans
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/access..._pictures.html
Happy Shooting!
But this time I had a torso-sized piece of rusty plate steel (25 x 15”) that I wanted to hang at the far end of the pond on our property. It’s 206 yards from the dam. That’s a good distance for rifles (and pistols if you’re steady…ask Integraholic!). I like steel targets because of the sound and swinging/movement you instantly get with a hit!
So, with six 2x4x8s and some hardware I built a stand for the big plate and also a flange on the side.
Here’s how it turned out.
Target stand
The top board really isn’t curved. The camera lens did that. The top and side boards are designed to be replaced after they get shot up.
The stand is 29 inches wide since the door to the storage shed is 29.5 inches wide. The top cross piece will have to be unbolted for storage.
As is my typical approach, it’s a bit over-designed and reinforced. I want it to last, even with that very heavy piece of plate steel swinging around.
The plate I used was left on our property when we moved in. The type of steel is unknown. It had been shot by rifles quite a bit. I cut off the worst part of it. It’s still not in great shape with several pock marks and one hole. I know that for safety, it’s best to have a totally flat surface with steel. I’m figuring that at 200+ yards, ricochets will not be a concern.
Plate close up
I only painted the fronts of the targets.
Back of target stand
I think a pseudo-IPSC type plate hanging on the stand would be wonderful. Preferably made of A500 grade steel. I sent the following sketch to INGO member Field King to see if he might be able to make a plate like that.
A slick way to get the same thing done without building anything is to use an old children’s swing set or the frame from a two-person garden swing. Some chain and a few bolts and you’re in business! Unfortunately, I gave a frame to my sister before thinking of that!
For others that are equipping a range, I built a shooting bench last summer. Here is a link to that posting.
Shooting bench plans
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/access..._pictures.html
Happy Shooting!