Need to build a linear moving target

[Jimmy D in AK]

Anyone build a DYI mover? Need it to be able to move an 18”x 24” AR500 plate at 1.5-2.5 mph (bottom of plate will be mounted at least 24” above the top of base). Over a distance of 50yrds then reverse and do the same in the opposite direction. Open to most ideas except hanging cables (ground cables ok). Thanks in advance.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

how much money you got/

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

have you weighed that size plate?

 

[Jimmy D in AK]

Just under 47lbs

 

[Jimmy D in AK]

I could armor up a motorized wheelchair and attach r/c servos to it... it’ll run me about $2K... but I’d rather do a ground cable, reversible eclectic motor to move an ATV chassis; much less $.... Before I jumped into the deep end, I thought I’d check with the masses to see if someone has already skinned this cat. Any suggestions that don’t involve me contacting my ex mother-in-law would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[sinister]

You'll need a wagon with a pulley and steel cable, small electric motor (Tractor Supply, maybe Harbor Freight). Think old-style laundry line. Old technique for tank and machinegun gunnery practice. This is fancier, with rails:

 

[sinister]

Rails or a concrete walkway are going to add cost. First rail below is 2x4.

This one's German:

This one's built out of garage door channel.

 

[tcole75]

Very interested in trying this concept for my range

 

[tcole75]

What would you use to power it and move the target? Would an electric motor work ran off batteries. Using solar to keep them charged?

 

[sinister]

Never tried batteries, always hard-wired.

Here are some other rigs, and pulley system ideas:

 

[Sean the Nailer]

electric motor/solar panel charging system..... For the weight of the target, and the amps needed to move it the distance you want... I'm not sure of the "cycles per week" that you'd get, but my guess is you could count them on both hands. Obviously it depends on how many solar panels you have, but....

What about incorporating a small 'lawn mower engine' to a drive? With limit switches and a forward/reverse transmission you can regulate the speed with the throttle and only need to bring a jerry can.

 

[sinister]

This is a trainer for cutting horses -- to cut cattle from the herd for neutering, vaccinations, branding, etc. You can reverse speeds and directions quickly, up to gallop, then stop. Although the original poster asked for no hanging cables, this will work for cardboard and paper targets. The motors and pulleys will work for a ground-cable or rail system, but you'll need a larger 1/2 horsepower or more motor for a big steel plate.

 

[Jimmy D in AK]

This is a trainer for cutting horses -- to cut cattle from the herd for neutering, vaccinations, branding, etc. You can reverse speeds and directions quickly, up to gallop, then stop. Although the original poster asked for no hanging cables, this will work for cardboard and paper targets. The motors and pulleys will work for a ground-cable or rail system, but you'll need a larger 1/2 horsepower or more motor for a big steel plate.

Rails or a concrete walkway are going to add cost. First rail below is 2x4.

This one's German:

This one's built out of garage door channel.

 

[Jimmy D in AK]

You'll need a wagon with a pulley and steel cable, small electric motor (Tractor Supply, maybe Harbor Freight). Think old-style laundry line. Old technique for tank and machinegun gunnery practice. This is fancier, with rails:

Sinister,

All great ideas- THANK YOU!... I'm going to go with the 2x4 rail option and see what I can do with it. I can run a Honda EU2000 generator of a few dollars a day for as little actual run time it'll have AND the 2x4 rails are easily replaced. I keep you posted on the outcome and if you ever find yourself in Alaska- come on by and shoot the thing (if come during hunting season there are other things you could shoot that'll taste better).

Regards,

-James

 

[Cattlebaron1]

I've debated throwing one together also I'd probably be only guy in the area with a mover I like the idea of the cutting horse trainer except cable would end up cut in half so ground rail is best option.

 

[msbr]

I’ve been wondering about this myself.......thanks for all the pictures....definitely worth a few thousand words.

 

[TexasUplander]

Very cool ideas

 

[Snapple80]

I’ve seen one of the battery powered garage door openers used before

 

[daleyj45]

Rails or a concrete walkway are going to add cost. First rail below is 2x4.

This one's German:

This one's built out of garage door channel.

who makes that blue thing with the track? cant quite read whats on the side of the box, tactical something?

 

[Jscb1b]

Southern border!

 

[daleyj45]

?

Southern border!

 

[Maggot]

?

You rind some wets fresh across and tell them that youll pay $100 USD cash if they will just run across the berm with this piece of steel. If you make it you get the $100 and some soft tacos for lunch.

And a ride to Nancy's house.

 

[Anb618]

who makes that blue thing with the track? cant quite read whats on the side of the box, tactical something?

Looks like this; Tactical Tracker from Superior Ideas, Inc. Targets

Sitargets.com Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. AR500 Targets Made in USA

Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. Made in USA AR500 Steel Targets! IDPA IPSC USPSA targets.

sitargets.com

 

[daleyj45]

Looks like this; Tactical Tracker from Superior Ideas, Inc. Targets

Sitargets.com Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. AR500 Targets Made in USA

Innovative targets for all your shooting needs. Made in USA AR500 Steel Targets! IDPA IPSC USPSA targets.

sitargets.com

yes, thank you thats the one. any idea where i can buy it? the link in their video doesnt have any.

 

[accurate obsession]

Local range here installed a mover track system this summer. Appx $7000
In-motion targets

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.facebook.com/inmotiontargets/&ved=2ahUKEwiVrZva9ZX8AhUYSzABHYdxDnAQFnoECEYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3kxsOi7IAhuXXL3bOUAdIq

 

[n2ishun]

Garage door opener....chain drive.
You'll get the pulleys, the chain, the motor, and the tracks.
A couple of trip switches, one at each end, that trigger a relay that reverses the direction.
Simple, I could do it in a day, easily.
It shouldn't have any trouble pushing and pulling a 50lb plate because a garage door weighs at least that.
Now available in 1/2, 3/4, and full horsepower models at your local Homie De Pot.

 

[n2ishun]

Edit....even better.
Use the optical safety lenses as your motion limiter and the motor control will already be wired to reverse direction when they are tripped.

Get after it.

 

[Darayavaus]

Redneck 101: use a remote controlled vehicle with a target holder on it.

the problem is, everyone always tries to shoot the vehicle not the target

 

[accurate obsession]

Another local range has used the garage door opener solution for years. It will work, but will not withstand a continuous diet of centerfire without serious track mods.
If you plan to run competition stages with them, best of luck. As I said, the range in question used them for years but there was always random aggravating failures.

 

[sinister]

 

[Darayavaus]

You rind some wets fresh across and tell them that youll pay $100 USD cash if they will just run across the berm with this piece of steel. If you make it you get the $100 and some soft tacos for lunch.

And a ride to Nancy's house.

 

[Maggot]

"Paco, hold up your hat"

"We have a plethora of pinatas, Jefe"

 

[Bob1234]

They can't hold steel, but these systems could do the trick on a budget. https://www.dynamicrangex1.com/

 

[accurate obsession]

They can't hold steel, but these systems could do the trick on a budget. https://www.dynamicrangex1.com/

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Someone shoots cable in 3-2-1.
Not dissing on your post, we've done DYI targets on cables in years past, the cable gets shot on a regular basis.
But, if you're on a budget and want a mover.