Reddit mentions: The best hunting targets & accessories

I'm just going to use this space to write a potential post and then copypasta it to the mods, see if they wanna use it.

Hello! This is sk8s's guide to the holidays!

You're probably here looking for gift ideas for the gun enthusiast in your life. Now, each individual person is unique and preferences, but here's a little launching pad to get you started.

Here is a list of stocking stuffers for the shooting enthusiast in your life, in no particular order.

• Ammo - Can't shoot a gun if you don't have ammo for it. Know what caliber (size) of ammo to get. If it's a handgun or a rifle, most guns won't be terribly picky about what brand it is. Depending on the caliber, the prices can vary greatly. A box of practice 9mm (50 rounds) will be in the $10-15 range, whereas a box of practice .45 ACP (50 rounds) will cost about $20-$25. Whether it's bulk practice ammo or a box of match grade ammo, it will be enjoyed immensely.
  
  
• Eye and ear protection - I have a pair of these in my bag as a loaner pair (and I use them frequently if I forget my nice pair). Lucky Gunner has a fairly comprehensive guide for eyepro. As for hearing protection, Gunnit recommends the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic earmuffs. I have them, I love them. A pack of regular foam earplugs is great as well for doubling up at an indoor range.
  
  
• Targets - Gotta have something to shoot at. A pack of paper targets makes a great, cheap stocking stuffer. I like the Shoot-n-see targets for when I'm shooting with friends, and these for when I'm trying to shoot the best I can. However, there can be something quite satisfying about hearing the ring of a bullet hitting steel. If the person has a .22LR, this is an incredibly fun target. My buddy and I have shot well over 2000 rounds at his, and it's just as fun every time. For a centerfire handgun or rifle, check out MOA targets for some great steel targets.
  
  
• Range bag - gotta take all the crap to the range in style! The most recommended range bag here is the Midway USA compact competition range bag. My favorite bag that I've seen (and will probably buy soon) is the GPS Range Bag, but that's because I'm anal about organizing my crap.
  
  
• Range membership - Range fees can be very expensive. A range pass or membership allows the shooter in your life to go whenever they want!
  
  
• Concealed weapons permit class - Has someone in your life been in a situation where they wished they had a gun to protect them? Is someone looking to have gun to prevent that situation from happening? Pay for them to go get their concealed weapons permit. They may or may not carry, but if the state allows it, it is never a bad idea to have such a permit. You know, just in case.
  
  Now, these are all just some generic questions and are not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution (though I'm of the opinion that nobody will turn down ammo). Feel free to comment if you have any questions and we can help you out! Happy holidays!
  

Definitely the safety part, cleaning and disassembly (trust me its very zen experience once it becomes routine). I use Shooter Lube for my cleaning and oiling stuff. I also bought micro fiber cloths for it. Qtips are also very handy. Lastly I use an Otis 9mm ripcord after I use the included Glock brush. Keeps my barrels super clean.

Another thing to do is stockpile on ammo. Sounds very zombie-apocalypse, however i use 100-150 rounds per range visit and go to the range easily 2-3 times a week. And since you already paid the DROS, buy ammo on the day you pickup. Otherwise its a hassle and they charge you a $1 each time.

Practice-wise the best recommendation I gave my new-shooter friends was to “shoot small”. Everyone likes to get the “hostage” or zombie target and the range, but I told my friends to get the 5-circle targets and focus on grouping. Once they were relatively focused I brought out these 3” Splatter Target Stickers and placed them on the paper target and told them outside the sticker is fine but inside is better because it changes color. Within a few sessions their grouping went from a 12” grouping at 20ft (yes they were that bad) to 3-6” groupings. Still not marksmen, but the “shoot small” logic paid off.

Lastly once you master disassembly, and basic shooting skills using stock parts, a Ghost 3.5 connector might be good upgrade. After that a flat trigger might be worth trying. The Overwatch Precision DAT is budget friendly and has many a kudos from other shooters as well as myself. But learn your stock gun first.

I grew up around guns but never got into it until January this year. I’m a 9-month newbie so feel free to msg me on any info about mods or new shooter recommendations. I’m in So Cal too.

Here are some of the better things I"ve seen:

• Creative food stuff. Like I used to get sent chicken in a bag, old el paso tortillas, seasonings and some other stuff to make chicken tacos. Even the good food doesn't have much spice and some days, you just want to hang out in your hut and not go to the chow hall/tent.
  
  
• I will assume he has access to internet, if that's the case Amazon and iTunes gift certificates let people download and watch shows that they are into that are out right now.
  
  
• Homemade cookies and stuff are always good, just make sure you box them up well. Find out how long it takes for him to get mail. Sometimes it's only like 2 weeks. Other times it's more like 2 months.
  
  
• Tobacco is very valuable. It's basically like you think of cigarettes in prison. It's hard to come by and people will trade for it.
  
  
• Spices and Sauces to jazz up boring food.
  
  
• ODA tends to shoot all the time so something like this:
  http://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Battle-Target-Pack/dp/B006ESIUHM
  
  might actually go over pretty well and make a day at the range more fun.

There's a whole list of awesome and a few pretty big drawbacks for the labradar in my book. This is my second chronograph. First being the Caldwell Ballistic Chronograph. I used this one for several years and had excellent results with it. Its your basic optical chronograph and while inexpensive, does the job. The shortcomings of this type of chronograph are several:

1. You have to set it up and shoot through a space above the two sensors. Alignment is tricky at first, but on a crowded range, you're going to be "that guy" out there dicking around with chronograph placement.
   
2. Does not work at all in typical indoor ranges which are lit with florescent light. The optical chronographs sense the shadow of the projectile as it passes across the two sensors and then calculates the time for the first sensor trip to the second sensor trip and thats how speed is computed. With florescent lights, the 60hz on/off blink of the lights mess that up something fierce. There's LED kits to alleviate that problem, but that's an additional cost.
   
3. it doesn't work well with low angles of light. In the late fall through early spring, the window of opportunity for good light is less. These work the best when the sun is fairly high in the sky.
   
4. You'll probably shoot it at some point in time. Its not "if you've ever shot your chronograph, its when." You can go on an on how that'll never happen to me, I'm a good shot, I'm responsible, I'm just better than that.... Until you blast it. My instance was with a 44mag and I simply got fatigued, and my last round gouged a trench across the entire length of the top of mine. If its not you that'll shoot it, it'll be your friend.
   
   However, the optical chronographs are less expensive, that Caldwell unit ran me $80 at the time. The caldwell mobile device app is stellar. Not all mfg have an app, and not all of them come close to the caldwell app.
   
   Option B - the Magnetospeed. I can't really comment on this one, having not owned it. There's several models available at several pricepoints. The basic one is a high-value, high-accuracy simple setup. The drawbacks are the entry-level Sporter needs an adapter to shoot suppressed. To use it for pistol work, you need a pistol with a rail and the higher-end magnetospeed. I shoot suppressed, I shoot pistols and revolvers so the magnetospeed didn't make my "upgrade" cut.
   
   Option C - Labradar : There's a thread over on /r/reloading comparing the three higher end options and I commented extensively there. The original article written by that redditor on his own blog is worth the read.
   
   I love my labradar, but there are definitely some shortcomings with it.
   Pro:
   Accurate
   relatively easy setup
   
   Con:
   fuck-all expensive
   shooting suppressed and especially rimfire suppressed, you need accessories.
   lack of accessories in the box and a barebones app.

This is pretty helpful practice.

I got the Laser Ammo kit for 9mm, and also a laser ammo cartridge for our 380. The long securing threaded adapter does a couple of things. It does make it obvious the laser's installed, and it quite accurately aligns it with the barrel. The target cards in the kit are a reflective material, so it helps you know you hit it by the bright flash. I've been using the laser ammo for months now, still on the first battery.

For targets, I have a half dozen of these LaserLyte target cans. They're fun. A little too light sensitive, so I made some filters for them by printing gradient-density rectangles on clear sheets, and taping them around the cans. When you hit the target spot, they flip over on their side.

I also got a couple of these electronic targets. They beep and flash when you hit them.

Early on, I had a problem using the laser ammo with my Ruger SR9c. The firing pin in mine didn't retract after firing, so it hit the laser ammo switch and just stayed on. No good. Another company made one that is audio activated, and that worked ok, though being inserted from the front of the barrel it wasn't as handy.

Oh, and one more aid. I took a mag and carved the follower a bit so it won't lock back the slide. That way I can practice with the magazine inserted so the grip is right, and can manually rack it easily. I painted the mag blue so it's designated for training. A cool exercise at the actual range is to use that mag with one loaded round. Chamber and fire that round, and since it won't lock back you can immediately dry-fire the next trigger press. It very quickly reveals any anticipation or flinching, and will help cure you of it. That has been an ongoing issue for me with my Shield, for some reason. I still fight that tendency, and is something I practice at the range occasionally with my blue trainer mag.

Looking at the list, I realize I've spent a small fortune on laser training tools! It's a very active and fun way to practice at home though.

I bought this set a year ago as a relatively cheap test to see how well I like shooting steel, in general. https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Solutions-Combination-Complete-Target/dp/B01F486786/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485224781&sr=1-3&keywords=viking+shooting+stand

Overall, I am very satisfied for the price. The steel is only 3/8" thick but the one plate and stand I have tested so far has withstood several thousand rounds of 9mm and .45, as well as 1-1.5k rounds of 5.56, with only minimal chipping at the edges of the plate from the 5.56. The stand is lightweight but has also held up well, though the finish on the inside of the stand is pretty worn from bullet fragmentation. The face of the gong is still completely flat and the original chain has held up, as well, though I have needed to replace the bolts every few hundred rifle rounds (a few cents each at the local hardware store). Pistol rounds do no damage at all that I can discern.

One cool thing about this setup is the ability to shoot at two different distances (e.g. 100 and 200 yards) without needing to move the targets around. It is also good practice for working on transitions, especially with a pistol, since you can stand closer to the targets without damaging them (it's pretty hard to hit 10" plates off-hand at 100 yards with a rifle).

I also looked at silhouette-style targets but at the distances I shoot (always under 300 yards) I wanted something that would be relatively challenging to hit at distance, but which was still large enough to practice pistol shooting at 10 yards. This setup has worked out well. Also, if the targets ever wear out or you want to try a different shape/size, replacements gongs can be purchased for $20 on amazon.

EDIT: If you are planning to shoot your AR within 100 yards of the target, you may want to go with a harder and thicker steel. This target works fine at distance but within 100 yards 5.56 will likely cause pitting. All pistol rounds are fine at 7+ yards.

I use a LaserLyte for my G19 (and one for my AR-15). It's a little pricey and only lets you do first shot training, but I feel like that's the most important thing to work on anyway.

I have both the reaction targets and the can targets. The reaction time targets are great! I like to set them both up in a room and then walk outside; when I hear the beep I open the door, have to acquire the right target and fire before it times out (3-4 seconds). If they both go off at the same time, I treat it like a malfunction drill by slamming the mag before racking the slide to reset the firing pin. The cans have to be set up each time and are pretty light sensitive, so I don't use them quite as often.

I did have an issue with the 9mm laser within the first 200 "rounds". After racking the slide, the laser was off almost 4" at 5 yards, so it defeated the purpose. LaserLyte said it is usually just wear on the o-rings and sent replacements. When that didn't fix it, they paid for shipping both ways for a whole new laser and a bunch of batteries.

Stand: The Last Stand Target Stand

These are rubber things that you stick rebar through and they make a great stand. You can pick up some rebar for very cheap but might want let him do that so he can make the call on how tall he wants it. I think I got 4 pieces of rebar at 2' for the legs and 2 pieces of rebar at 4' for the top which holds the targets.

I use it and like it very much. It's a little expensive for what it is but I couldn't find anything else and it's very compact. I'm not sure how well the starter kit that nvgeologist probably linked would work for him unless he has a truck or big trunk because you need a piece of wood for it it looks like.

Targets: Anything Ar500 rated at least 3/8 of an inch. I do 1/2 inch just cause it's a little heavier for bigger rounds. Get maybe 3 or 4 sizes since he can use them closer or further for pistol or rifle shooting. I get mine from here on amazon.

Hanging Material: Firehose from Ebay is good because it can withstand multiple shots where as chain will be broken on the first shot.

That's all you need for the steel targets other than some nuts to secure them to the firehose and the rebar mentioned above.

$47.19 for Target stand
$22.77 for Fire Hose
~$120 for 3 - 4 Steel targets depending on what sizes you get. 8" is great for 100 yards plinking. 4" is a little challenging at that distance but would be nice for a difference and work as another target for up close with pistols. Throw in a 3" if you feel devious and maybe a 6 inch too if you want. (8", 6", 4", 3") would be probably be good.Might want to get a little bigger if he shoots further but most private ranges don't go much further and if they do, they probably have some of their own steel targets out there.

I stick targets on them. I get rolls of 4" adhesive backed targets and stick them on pieces of cardboard, then I use thin wooden BBQ skewers (the kind we use for Asian BBQ) to hold up the targets. I see other people use things like golf tees, nails, pieces of stiff wire, or whatever they can come up with. The archery ranges I go to use various things for targets -- bales of straw, stacks of old carpet pieces. The indoor ranges use building foam and just cover the whole wall, then stick targets on it anywhere people want. Adhesive tape will work on paper targets. Pretty easy really.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018UZUAJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm also seeing some archery targets that look like you could fill a gunny sack with foam pellets and make one up pretty easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-Stinger-Field-Target/dp/B00AI9IXJS/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1510717212&sr=1-5&keywords=archery+target&dpID=51uAkborJlL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

> Using big numbers is click bait.

Oh yeah, this happens a lot. They call 200 rounds insane and 6 guns is an arsenal. I just took my parents and siblings out shooting last weekend with 6 guns. We had 7 people, so there was always someone waiting. We were there 3 hours and went through 800 rounds just shooting at steel and paper, giving a safety demonstration, and teaching my mother how to shoot. Probably a quarter of that was spent playing Battleship over and over again. It was a lot of fun (Battleship targets below).

http://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Battle-Target-Pack/dp/B006ESIUHM

I'm always excited to meet someone who is open to learning about something they previously didn't know about, so pardon me if I come across as overly eager. I discovered in college that I love teaching people how to shoot and do so responsibly. My college roommate's parents had 750 acres out in Roosevelt, UT and we would take groups of around 8-10 out there and go camping, 4-wheeling, horseback riding, shooting, and help them build dirt roads out on their property. Part of that was teaching people how to safely handle guns and shoot them. The largest majority of gun owners are good, responsible people. However, there are a few idiots out there (as with every demographic) that mess things up for the entire lot. It always saddens me to see someone behave so vile as to smear an entire group of people based on an extremely small minority.

Anyway, I've rambled enough. Great to meet you!

Start with Diagnostic Targets you can print or buy. These were of great help.

Edit: There are some caveats

Edit pt.2: Pro training, if it can be afforded is a great plan, too.

Looks pretty cool and better than the LaserLyte.

"...nose to the charging handle." Never heard this before. Anyone have any good links about this?

You'll be fine, they offer you like 8 million chances to qual. We had one kid who repeatedly couldn't qual and had like three cadre with spotting scopes standing over him coaching him for like 3 hours until he qual'd.

That being said if you want to prepare ahead of time, find the kid in your program who drives a lifted pickup truck and offer to pay for ammo in exchange for getting to practice shooting iron sights with his AR15. Buy these targets and keep shooting until you can put at least 23 rounds out of 40 in the black targets. Take a maximum of 4 shots at each and do 20 shots prone with a support under the gun, 10 shots prone only supporting it with your arms, and 10 shots kneeling. Also, learn to use a sling to brace the weapon, like this

The clay pidgeons are great. Honestly I have some .22 spinner targets that are between $13 and $20 and they are great. Buy a can of white spray paint or flourescent green (or both), and repaint them real quick every 100 rounds.. I have a couple of these http://www.amazon.com/Do-All-Outdoors-22-Spinner-Target/dp/B000FDTQFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377890144&sr=8-1&keywords=spinner+target+.22

and a couple of these.

http://www.amazon.com/Do-All-Outdoors-Auto-Reset-Target/dp/B001UI8GH0/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1377890192&sr=8-26&keywords=spinner+target+.22

and a couple of these, that are rated for handgun. .22 doesnt give them any trouble!
http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Double-Center-Handgun-Swinging/dp/B0001M4BRU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1377890256&sr=1-2&keywords=spinner+target+handgun

So far the best way I've found without having my target break or drop is using the following:

• 2"x4" x (however wide you want the stand)
  
  
• These stand brackets
  
  
• 3/4" black pipe (or galvanized, black just stands out better in my opinion), get whatever length you want the height of your target at, I went with 6' and happy so far.
  
  
• 1/2" bolts to attach to both the 2"x4"
  
  
• 1/2" chain to attach from the 2"x4" to the targets.
  
  
• I had tried this set here and the 1/4" chain did not hold up after 20+ shots of .308.
  
  
• These also work pretty well, but if you're shooting larger caliber rifles or handgun and hit them, they will tear a bit. I've hit them with .22lr and 9mm and they pass right through, but the .45acp and .30-30 left some nasty rips in them.
  
  
• for my silhouette target, I use this when shooting 200 yards, it's on a 2"x4" with a box frame at the bottom, I also thrown a small 25lbs bag of sand on the base to be sure, it's worked amazingly well so far.
  
  

You can get the fancy kit: Birchwood Casey Sight Touch-up Set.

If that's too expensive, you can go down to the craft/hobby shop and get individual paint markers. Clear nail polish, or super glue, helps prevent rapid wearing away.

I'm very happy with this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTN5DTE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love that it plugs into my phone and calculates and records everything.

Great deal

How does your saw horse bracket compare to this?

Patented 2x4 Target Gong Stand AR500 Steel - 250lb Capacity - Powdercoated - Most Popular Stand On Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VR6XL16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ocsezb95Z102K

They’re custom targets: https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Battle-Target/dp/B01MQQJLMI

The poker ones have a deck of cards, and you try to shoot the best hand you can in the time limit (10 seconds?)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HQQNZNK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517963578&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=poker+targets&dpPl=1&dpID=51VyY1QfZeL&ref=plSrch

Both of these targets are a bit pricey, but you can google around and find free PDFs you can print of both

Actually just bought it right off amazon. Super easy to tear down for packing up. LINK

I've also purchased from here. If OP was aiming for just one or two targets, it might be cheaper to buy from the amazon store and get free shipping.

In fact, when he first put up his 1/4" targets on amazon, there was a typo on the store page. I sent him an email on a Sunday letting him know and he replied within an hour.

If you have to carry it out to a less convenient location, I've seen
The Last Stand, which seems interesting. However, I have no experience with it.

If anyone is curious, I've got a few pics of my shooting targets 7 targets, after a few trips. Imgur album link It may not help anyone, but it is nice to see real world use. Only the last few pics indicate .223/5.56 use and were too close to prevent pitting, but that's just how it is.

I have that, and can only recommend it. The free app that comes with it, is really nice for log keeping.

At the pistol range I've been a hero recently, because the IPSC shooters have been able to test their ammo and get an idea of thier power factor.

I got the deluxe set, and it is quite nice. The tripod is rather cheap, but gets the job done.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTN5290

The light set that comes with it, makes it possible to use the chronograph indoors.

If you get a chronograph, be aware that it needs to be able to see the sky (or you have to use the light set).

That sounds super fun! We like to play Battleship , but we are talking about getting our hunting licenses next month and going rabbit hunting. Have you guys ever gone hunting?

I've never shot a revolver before, but Hus has talked about getting one. I'm into old timely type guns. Like my rifle is from the 1930s. It's actually short because it was marketed as a child's first gun model.

Battleship is awesome. We've got some with dime sized targets and do 7 yards for handguns or 100 yards with the Ruger Precision Rifle with bipod and monopod. The bigger ones like you posted we did at 10 yards.

I know the 'bang' is the exciting part. But if you want to get some practice is you can get one of these along with a barrel laser of your choice. I have one and it's great for dry fire practice in the living room (or wherever). Make you have absolutely zero ammo in the room you're practicing in! Check, double check and then triple check.

Could check amazon.ca as another option for the caldwell magnum rifle gong without stand - http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00806C43W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages01

Price has gone up 15 bucks since I ordered it a while ago (probably the weak dollar), but shipping is free. Mine came with a white powdercoat and actually measures about 10" from top to bottom and 9" across the round part. It is AR550 and takes everything I shoot at it.

Looks like there is the 8" Iron Face steel target on there too for $70 plus $5.50 shipping - http://www.amazon.ca/Iron-Face-Steel-Targets-Medium/dp/B018813W7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453181526&sr=8-1&keywords=iron+face+steel+targets

These AR500 steel targets work great for most pistol and rifle calibers, including 9mm, 45ACP, .223, 30-06 & 308 as well as most other high powered rifle calibers. 3/8" inch thick AR500 steel targets are rated to 3000 fps at 150 yards

(N) AR500 12x20 x 3/8" Silhouette steel shooting target with full stand mount kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HKGZG64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_edELybNFMETWV

I'm looking at going this route potentially with these stand braces off Amazon:

2x4 Target Stand AR500 - Powdercoated - Most Popular Stand On Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VR6XL16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_CVI9wb9Q36NE4

A 2x4 and some steel tube and you'll have a stand that will be pretty damn durable.

I bought mine on amazon, free 2 day shipping with an amazon prime 30 day trial (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HTN5290/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450712632&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=caldwell+chronograph+premium+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=41MqG144dML&ref=plSrch)

Wow, this one is less than $80! I think you'll find a chronograph is indispensable after you've owned one. Far less guesswork. ...But the ultimate in reloading nerd-dom comes with both a chronograph and QuickLoad!

Steel Target and Target Stand.

I use there and they've lasted super long. All you need is 6 sections of rebar (cheap, should be $3/ea at home depot/lowes)

• Joints
  
  
• Straps
  
  
• Any AR500 steel target gong of at least 3/8" thickness. example from amazon

If he only has a hand thrower, get him a real one! A nice one would be a bit over your price range (electric thrower is over 200 bucks min), but they make small ones that can be had for under 60 bucks, and there is plenty of in between to be found.

https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Battle-Target/dp/B01MQQJLMI

Battleship targets. Best used with pistols.

The Last Stand Target Stand works awesome absorbs the lead schrapnel and can be pulled out.

I use this plus rebar and chain and it works great.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Stand-Target/dp/B00JVX4JB8

I think I saw one for $100 on either /r/gundeals or /r/reloadingsales last week.

Though I just looked on amazon and found this guy for $75. (and free shipping)

I’ve used these pens to brighten up the sights of several handguns. I used the white & green on my daily carry (shield) and it still looks good after carrying/shooting a few years later.

Tip: I got pointy q-tips from the makeup section at the drugstore to do the dots on the shield, and to “brush on” the front sight of an older j-frame. It seemed like a cleaner application than applying directly from the pens, but probably isn’t needed if you have steady hands and patience.

http://www.amazon.ca/Caldwell-Magnum-Rifle-Stand-Black/dp/B00806C43W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397598329&sr=8-2&keywords=caldwell+gong

You can buy just the gong on amazon. Free shipping and then just build your own stand.

Roll your own

TyCa Industries 2x4 Target Stand Brackets AR500 Steel - 250lb Capacity - Powdercoated - Most Popular Stand On Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VR6XL16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yaF.Bb3VPWMVV

2 - 10 ft 3/4" EMT from Lowe's
1 - 2x4
1 or 2 (depends on 1 or 2 holes in steel) - 1/2" x 4" carriage bolt w/ 2 washers and nut for each bolt and a drill.

2 Lengths of chain w/ s hooks

Or in my case a compression spring

Mine had 1 hole and this is my plate rack

http://imgur.com/a/LJVixjL

I'd be shocked if your md doesn't have a chrono.

That sounds like a gun/ammo combo that SHOULD work just fine, I just don't want to give you a false sense of security and have it come back to bite you on a match that you're likely paying hundreds of dollars to attend.


If you want your own little chrono/bullet weighing setup, you should be able to get all the 'stuff' (chrono, bullet puller, small scale with grains readout) for about $100 and be 'close enough' - I'm assuming you don't have the parts that crossover into reloading since you are using factory ammo. I'll provide some sample links below (keep in mind, none of the cheaper stuff is likely to be super reliable or accurate, but serve as a check against things being WAY off).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTN5DTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_codbBb870X64G

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078BSBS12/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ipdbBbJFQEBRR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWTAJ66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_BsdbBbX7SRFFP

Amazon FTW

You should just save up and get this (http://www.amazon.com/Do-All-Outdoors-White-Wing-Automatic/dp/B001UI5IVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375555690&sr=8-1&keywords=do+all+outdoors) It isnt hard to set up and it saves a bunch of time

They have this actually. Amazon We do this and golf there are a lot of fun shooting games you can print out.

Or like $70. Coldwell ballistic precision on amazon.

Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTN5DTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Pl5cBb1VJ6KJC

I recently picked up a Caldwell one, if you want to spring for extra QoL pieces this kit is nice.

I don't suppose you have a photo of your intended range location?

A steel hanging target is a lot of fun.

• Steel gong set https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0112P836O/
  
  
• Gong stand https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VR6XL16/
  
  
• 2x4 as cross bar(probably just get a single 10' and have it cut in half)
  
  
• Steel conduit as legs
  
  
• Two hook screws
  
  
• Two lengths of chain, two bolts, six washers, six nylock nuts
  
  
• Some Rustoleum for color and longer term care
  
  Front of steel: https://i.imgur.com/8p0KUkc.jpg
  
  Top of steel: https://i.imgur.com/stCOm9c.jpg
  
  Note: The offset between the surface of the steel and where the chain mounts to the bolt causes the gong to tilt forward slightly, which allows for more reliable downward deflection.

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/LaserLyte-TLB-1-Laser-Trainer-Target/dp/B004GFDTNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346632363&sr=8-1&keywords=laser+target

Here you go (PDF warning). Free Glock Dry Fire Kit from the folks at Dillon.

That will help some.

Honestly, for about $300 you can get an entry level SIRT gun and LaserLyte Reaction Targets or Reactive Targets. That's roughly 1500 rounds of ammo worth of training time you can do inside all the time. Rain. Snow. Insomnia. Wife wants to watch Gossip Girl.

At the moment I'm in a long, narrow apartment so I marked off several distances from the door where I hung the targets and made myself an indoor range.

The SIRT gun trigger is very Glock-like. It's got a dummy magazine you can adjust to feel like your carry ammo. It fits your holsters. You can hang a light off it because it has a rail. Hell, if you have money to burn, you can remove the sights and replace them with what you have on your carry gun.

Very worthwhile investment.

I second Caldwell Precision. Lots of bang for your buck. If you're going to be chronoing inside or at night I'd also recommend the lighting kit.

I use rebar and this to make the stand. The targets are on there with some heavy duty leather. I bought them like that I think $100 for all three from a local shop.

Ballistic Precision Chronograph https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTN5DTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oZKkzbQSWDYGB

I got that one and I like it. You'll need to pick up a tripod for it though.

I buy a stack of the round orange target stickers and put them on a sheet of plain paper. Something like this

These are more reasonable

LaserLyte TLB-RT Reaction Tyme Laser Target https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009TBESRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_U86myb1JRVJ6T
Not sure why this is showing so expensive, I purchased for $96.


LaserLyte Plinking Cans - 3 Pack Trainer Target https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GPQEKZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_696mybMEYJ81R

I also got a timed target from Midway that's nice.

I don't use a full laserlyte system.

I use this.

And combine it with this and this.

That way I'm using my real gun with its trigger break, etc.

Faaaaantastic for dry-fire practice.

Do that daily with nice slow, precise, control and it will absolutely perfect your live fire shooting.

But I wouldn't train with the system in the OP listing. I'm sure it's nice, but I'd rather use my own weapon.

I usually just print it out on standard A4 paper and keep the target close (smaller targets are similar to hitting larger targets at range), but they [sell them in the standard target format] (http://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-Handguns-Visibility-Analysis-Correction/dp/B00KJQF4U6) if you're not a stingy bastard like I'd be.

This should give you an idea.
Amazon link as well

This Caldwell Ballistic Precision kit fits your requirements, and is the one I use myself - it has the advantage of coming with everything you'll need all in one package (except for a 9v battery, you will have to supply those yourself).

I don't have a DVOR account, so I can't tell you if they have this but for steel I like to use rebar with these mounts, to hang the targets i usually use firehose or bicycle innertube in a pinch.

Sometimes a simple shephard's hook will work, not great for multiple targets.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Stand-Target/dp/B00JVX4JB8
These work great! Just buy 4 pieces of rebar and you're G2G.
The brackets hold up really well. I've even shot mine once and I can't tell where the bullet hit. They're easily broken down and portable.
I originally hung my targets from this with chain, but I recently switched to fire hose. Both work, chain sounds better but swings more, the fire hose somewhat dampens the gong but swings less.

You could try one of these battleship targets or the golf ones they make.

Send me the PS90, and and a FN Five Seven, I'll make some handy charts for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-720001-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph/dp/B00HTN5DTE/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410243205&sr=1-2&keywords=shooting+chronograph

Here is the mobile version of your link

Looked at resetting targets ?

I see them at Gander/Bass Pro/Walmart every now and then.

Here they are online:

http://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-Battle-Target-Pack/dp/B006ESIUHM

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/645521/birchwood-casey-pregame-battle-at-sea-target-12-x-18-package-of-8

The Caldwell has phone connectivity.

Laser traget thingy

For reference, I’m trying to plug a chronograph into an app on my phone.

specifically, this one

Why not go with one of the Laserlyte targets?

LaserLyte TLB-RT Reaction Tyme Laser Target

LaserLyte Plinking Cans - 3 Pack Trainer Target

LaserLyte Laser Trainer Target

I use the steel base with 2x4, but I'm getting a few more targets, so I'll probably get a hanger system.

You could check out this, you just need rebar, and then you could weld some chain to the target itself.

Here is a metal version. Just add rebar.

Maybe give this a try:

LaserLyte Laser Trainer Target

.22 Battleship is rather addicting

>The first column, is that the weight of powder used (in grains)?

It looks like the number of grains followed by the name of the powder. i.e. 20.0 H 4198 is 20 grains of [Hodgdon H4198] (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009135435/hodgdon-h4198-smokeless-powder)

>How do you measure velocity?

With a chronograph

>I found a good deal on a used CZ527 w/ a 24" barrel, but that seems excessive for casual target shooting so I was wondering how much I can have it cut down.

Chopping barrels is not a simple business. You have to get it recrowned or you will lose accuracy that way. Most gunsmiths don't wake up for anything less than $75 per hour of shop time. It's likely you'll find a shorter barrel for cheaper than that. You can't go lower than 16" without running into federal law in the US .

Personally I’ve been really happy with The Last Stand it uses 1/2” rebar. The couplings can take impacts no problem and I keep a few pieces of extra rebar in my truck in case I shoot one out

I've been using a LaserLyte Target for about 2 years that does the exact same thing. I've never had a bit of problems with it.

https://www.amazon.com/LaserLyte-TLB-1-Laser-Trainer-Target/dp/B004GFDTNA/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1472750860&sr=1-2&keywords=laserlyte