thermal targets

On a sunny day, small squares of aluminum foil tape.
I doubt you are heating up a target at distance with any portable laser.

During daylight hours, I also use foil tape or a small size hot hands cut in half so it doesn't bloom.
I've heard of others using aluminum foil wrapped around a 9 volt battery, but I've never tried it.

SJC

taliv said:

maybe first i should ask a different question. how much of a difference in temp does the target need from the background to generate contrast on the screen? is there a spec for this listed on most clip ons?

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Depends entirely on the thermal you are using. It's the NETD in the specs.

I duct tape live puppies to a plywood backstop.

TheHorta said:

I duct tape live puppies to a plywood backstop.

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What kind of monster uses plywood!!

smoooth1 said:

What kind of monster uses plywood!!

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It’s fine, lumber prices have finally dropped.

I'll second tin foil in any temp as long as you have black hot/white hot options. From 30 Florida winter to 100 degree summer days never had an issue tweaking a zero with various Pulsar thermals using black hot for zeroing. I prefer white hot fer huntin

I have been thinking about using a 2 part epoxy, like the old school sticks of JB.

Mix and spread on like peanut butter onto bread .

Only thing I can't be certain of is time you'll have until it cools. I would say it'd stay elevated for a good 45 min to an hour. Should be plenty

Set a steel target out in the sun for a bit if you have the time. If steel isn't an option I've been known to put an ice cube into plastic wrap and tape it to the target.

Steel isn't the best, but it will contrast enough for me to make out the 4"x4" box of the head on a 2/3 IPSC target. I can get a pretty repeatable aiming point from that.

However, the hot hands is probably the best idea if you're trying to shoot a group on paper as it will take a little punishment before giving up.

smoooth1 said:

What kind of monster uses plywood!!

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Sounds like a poor move. Very out of character for him. His account must be hacked. I personally use Agarwood from 17th century Japan.

Torch behind steel heating it up if logistically possible for you.

taliv said:

20V MAX* Cordless Heat Gun (Tool Only)

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this thing is supposed to do 990*F which would prob heat a steel target pretty well but not change the temper?
I only have <500 yard range right now so I try to keep my targets to 3" - 6". I've been mostly shooting the heads on ipsc silhouettes but heating the head would prob blur into the body a lot



yeah, i was expecting some sort of exotic endangered animal instead of mundane puppies

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I like the heater idea. One review said it drains a 4mAh battery in 15 minutes though. I suppose a 12 mAh would work ok.

Yeah we use a torch and it works great on cool days. Hit the steel for like 15-30 seconds and you'll have a good hot spot for a while especially on smaller plates. If you have access to electricity you can also park an electric space heater behind a larger steel target and have it blow on the steel directly. Works as long as you protect the extension cord from bullet splatter.