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Gunslinger
PLRS
Metal Reactive Targets from Metal Spinning Targets: Rings and Swings |
www.gunslinger.net.nz |
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Metal reactive targets such as this 28"
high Auto Reset Pepper Popper are ideal
for practical long range shooting. This one shows bullet impacts
from 857m with calibres up to .338 Lapua Magnum - but no indentations
or holes! |
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Introduction When I first contacted Dave Kasinsky of Metal Spinning Targets
in New York state USA, and ordered a 28" auto reset pepper popper -
with airfreight delivery to New Zealand - he must wondered what was
going on. There have been more orders since then because the
reality is that Dave's targets are sturdy, take a lot of punishment,
operate reliably, and most pack down for easy transportation. |
Purchase metal reactive targets from Metal
Spinning
Targets at: |
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Metal Targets Metal targets can be cut in any shape or size. But for
shooting from high velocity precision rifles targets
must be of hardened steel. Mild steel will easily be holed and
cast steel will tend to shatter when hit. Gunslinger events use
metal targets with a Brinnell
hardness of 500 and a thickness of 3/8” / 10mm and usually aren't
placed closer than 400m away, because we shoot up to .338 Lapua
Magnum at them. Depending upon target distance and the calibre
and
bullet velocity, thicker targets would be required. For example a
.308 with an impact velocity less than 2400fps would not be expected to
hole 3/8” plate at more than 200m. But for .50 BMG targets are
usually 1” thick. It's bullet velocity that primarily affects
target damage, and in the Gunslinger events having a maximum muzzle
velocity of 3450fps seems to have minimised target damage but stil
allowing most shooters to compete. Some of the targets from Metal Spinning Targets used in Gunslinger events are: 28” Auto Reset Popper. A 28” high plate, with an 8” round. The target sits in a frame, pivots in the middle of the plate, falls back horizontally when hit, and then self resets (gravity) back to vertical. 42” Auto Reset Popper. A 42” high plate, with a 12” round. Operates the same as the 28”. Auto reset metal targets provide a very visible response when hit. They have either just two or three pieces and therefore setup is really easy and fast (literally a few seconds). The frames are quite compact and easily transportable, so unlike most ‘A-frames’ one or two of these can easily fit in say the boot or back seat of a car (particularly the 28”). 1/2 sized IPSC Swingers and full sized IPSC Swinger. The frame is reinforcing rod and slots into a rectangular rod base. The target swings when hit. Coyote and deer with swing out vitals. The target stands on a horizontal frame, and has a vitals section which swings out when hit and shows a flag. The Coyote has withstood being shot with .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Magnum at 615m with no indentations or holes. The swing out flag provides a very visible impact. The shooters really seem to enjoy the animal targets, as many are hunters, and the impacts provide feedback on their capability to effectively take long range shots.Safety A less obvious issue is the lead 'vapourisation' that occurs
on the target, so basic hygene for washing hands after handling the
targets after they have been shot needs to be observed. |
Read an article about Reactive Targets A
Consumer’s Guide to Reactive Targets for Long-Range Rifles at 6mmbr.com
at:
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Flash Targets |
Purchase Flash Targets from: |
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Range Estimation and Colours
By standardising the sizes and colours, competitors can know the size of the target, and if using a mil-dot type reticle, they can then estimate the range to target. These targets are from the USA. Consequently the imperial measurements will create the most accurate range estimates. The metric conversions shown are a simple approximation, but not likely to cause much of an issue at the ranges being shot. |
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Disclaimer: Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix. You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner. |
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