Steel Target Stands

Training Training and Tactics
1

I am starting to take more of my shooting outdoors, and am looking for a steel target setup. Was checking out stands by Salute, and Action Targets, and noticed that most of the stands are under 3’ tall. Will this be tall enough for most purposes? I plan to shoot anywhere from 10 to 100 yards, with both my pistol and M4.

Just asking because I am used to indoor ranges, which have the hanging target holders which hold the bullseye around my eye level. I’m not sure if shooting a target that tops off no taller than my lower chest is going to feel weird (shooting downward?).

Thanks in advance!

2

Give MGMTargets a look. They make great stuff! Very happy with mine.

3

2nd on the MGM targets. I have been very happy with their selection of differnent targets and the quality of product. I started of with a coulple, next thing I knew I had to build a shed to hold all the steel I had purchased!:sarcastic:

4

There are a lot of steel target configurations you can use, so it’s not clear what you’re looking for.

I shoot at hanging gongs, 8-12 inch diameter. I use a swingset-type frame I built myself out of some 1-inch black pipe I bought from the hardware store. They cut and threaded the pipe into 5 foot lengths and it’s assembled with a few T-fittings. That cost about $45 to make and and took about 20 minutes. I can hang three gongs. Works great for pistols, or even AR15 at 50 yards or greater.

If you’re going to shoot at steel, make sure your target will stand up to .223/5.56. IMHO, you need 1/2 inch AR500 steel. The gongs I’ve been using have held up well. http://www.qualitytargets.com/servlet/StoreFront

5

Thanks for the suggestions. Are the MGM target stands tall enough? My only concern with some of the 32" stands is, I don’t really want to be shooting downwards at closer distances. Not sure it matters out to 100 yards, but at pistol ranges, I’d like to keep the point of aim at a realistic height.

6

This is what I like to shoot at.

For pistol and 9mm carbine I bought this, it’s on sale for $225 by using promo code PTH2011AR550.

For rifle at 100 yds and longer I use these, I built 3. Got the plates from wideners and I think they’re a good deal. Unfortunately they’re out of stock right now. They have other shapes in stock though.

Then I took some chain and bolts and a little treated lumber and built these.

7

I use these and cut 2"x4" to different heights
http://mgmtargets.com/tstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=42

This will be my next purchase

http://mgmtargets.com/tstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=32

8

Is that AT target not usable for rifle rounds?

9

I have had great service from metal targets:
http://www.metaltargets.com/

MGM is great also. They are the top dog in steel targets.

10

It is if you set it out at to least 100 yards distance.

11

I should have added, it’s pretty heavy. I didn’t want to be having to move it around. That’s why I made the other 3 rifle targets. They all stay where I put them.

12

You should never shoot a steel target with pistols closer than 10 yards, or with a rifle closer than 75 (some say 100) yards. At those distances, the slight downward angle is not going to affect your training.

Gringop

13

I have been hit several times by splash back and it can hurt… Blood has been drawn numerous times. I have seen splash back travel as far back as 20 yards, usually the jacket material.

I know of one situation where splash back actually penetrated into a person’s abdomen causing serious injury.

Never shoot at steel without eye pro. Always keep a safe distance and replace steel as needed.

GT targets makes static steel that can mount to a 2x4 so you could customize your Target height easily.

14

Lots of options for adjustability and portability to be found here, too.

http://tacstrike.com/index.html

15

Another vote for TacStrike Steel. I’ve put a lot of rounds into them during Pat Goodale’s classes and they are pretty damn slick.

16

Has anyone ever tried these targets and target stands? http://www.arntzentargets.com/products.htm

The folding stands look like they’d be pretty easy to transport to the range. I wonder how long they last with the front 2 legs getting hit with fragments from every shot. Also, how well would the 3/8" targets hold up to 5.56? I’ve heard it’s better to go with 1/2" AR500 targets for rifle calibers, right?

17

We use 3/8 AR500 for our Signal Targets(like MGM’s flash targets). We have 2 models that we produce, a 3gun model with a 8in AR500 plate and the Tactical model with a 2/3rd IPSC AR500.

Both have held to thousands of rounds in our tests and in the Indiana Multigun Series

MGM makes damn good stuff, I have quite a few of their auto poppers, hard to compete with but we’re just trying to bring them to the masses more affordably.

18

Sheperd’s hook from gardening section of lowe’s.
8" steel plate $27 from:

http://www.arntzentargets.com/products.htm

This combo is a great setup for cheap.

I’m going on 2 years on the four 8" steel plates. Lots of .223 at 100-300 yards and close range pistol (9mm to .45) with no problems. Every once in a while a rifle round will cut the sheperd’s hook but they are cheap enough.

edit: Don’t expect steel to last very long if your shooting rifle rounds at distances less than 100 yards.

19

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. What is the minimum height most of you prefer for a steel target to sit at? I just want to make sure that if the target stands at 3.5 - 4’ in height, it won’t be too short. I’m sure it won’t matter much out to 100 yards, but I’d also like to shoot pistols at 10-15 yards.

20

measure from the ground to about chest level of a average height person(like 5’ 10" is average height I think?). That would put the top of the chest around 4’ 8".

Put the top of your steel at 4’ 8" and you’ll be good