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Steel Target Stands

BattleAxe

BattleAxe

Chief
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Mar 3, 2010
    1,222
    51
    Earth
    #1
    For you guys using steel swingers, what are you using for a stand? Here's what I need...

    I'm running a 12 X 1/2" AR500 plate with a Big Dog steel folder. Problem is the BD stand is short and doesn't work at distance given uneven terrain so I need something that's going to be around 6' tall to hang it from.

    Light weight would be nice but given that I'm smacking this with a .338LM it needs to be stout enough or securely anchored as to not get knocked over.

    I'll consider a factory made or a homemade rig. Post pics of your set-up.
     
    #2
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    Someone posted a great idea a while back and mentioned using the build your own saw horse mounts and making a longerbstand with those brackets, I'm planning on buying some when I go to Bradford and shoot their 850 range
     
    #4
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    That's not a bad idea. In fact I need these for shooting at Bradford. I'm going to dig around at Lowes today and see what I can come up with.
     
    #5
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ss10ring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm planning on buying some when I go to Bradford and shoot their 850 range </div></div>
    So have you been there yet? I went out for the range qual last saturday. They want stands to be 6' tall so rounds don't skip over the berm.
     
    #8
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    I just finished my stands yesterday.

    I used the saw hourse brackets and 2x4's cause they come apart, their interchangable, easy to store, very light, and cheap to build.

    Cost me about $15 to build each stand minus the AR500 cost.

    I got cheap brackets and they aren't the most stable in the world but I shot the plates with my .300wm yesterday in a 30-40mph gusting head wind and they with stood the hits just fine.

    My legs are only cut to 4' long so the taller legs may require you to weigh or anchor them down.
     
    #9
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    Well I just built up a set but trying to find a set of brackets that aren't made of forged goat cheese proved futile. At 5' tall these brackets are unlikely to withstand the force of a .338 for long. I'm OK with repairing the stands, but I don't want to have to do it out in the field...they need to withstand at least 1 range session without needing repair.

    I recall seeing much stouter brackets once but can't remember where. I'll find some on-line.
     
    #10
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    The brackets I got are thin & cheesy but they do work and I can put all my weight on the stands and they with stand it fine.

    I did bend the crap out of them assembeling the stands but once I bent them back they worked fine.

    I would prefer something a bit heavier duty but for $4 a pair they work and if they fail after awhile you can just buy new ones cause they're so cheap.

    I may need really tall stands for one area in my field and I'm thinking about a different design for that area though, I just dont think the saw horse design was intended to be 6' tall.

    With better barckets it would probabably be fine but the brackets I have don't open wide enough.
     
    #13
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    What I ended up with was keepiong the stands at shoulder height. It makes it much easier to assemble when you can use your shoulder as a rest. I often shoot solo so the 6 footers didn't cut it and were clumsy. I found some beefier brackets on-line and will order a set. With the flimsy brackets I feel confident they will handle .308 but I want to get them stouter so the .338 doesn't destroy it.
     
    #15
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    I've seen some plate hangers built out of old swing sets. You can cut the tubing to fit the size you need. It is also easy to take down if you spend a little money on the pins with a snap ring to hold them together. You maybe find good deals on old swings sets if you run a add. May even come with chains and extra material.
     
    #16
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KHOOKS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've seen some plate hangers built out of old swing sets. </div></div>Was thinking about that when I was scrounging around Lowes but I'm liking the look of these rebar brackets.
     
    #19
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    We offer stands as well. 2x4 can be cut to length to reach your height requirement. Base is 18"x20" and also accommodates furring strips for cardboard IPSC targets. The foot print of the target can be increased using furring strips if needed. I think the strips were $0.99 for an 8' stick last time I bought some.

    $40 each plus shipping. Can fit two per box.

    DSC03632.jpg
     
    #21
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJ Rawr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a targetmaster stand like that and it's great but if your putting plates on it you're definitely going to need some sandbags to weigh it down </div></div>

    Furring strips as leg extensions work great, too. Plus a lot less weight to lug around. Most pistol scenarios will need no help. Lighter targets mounted higher up will obviously create a moment arm, but you all know that.
     
    #22
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    I have elaborated on this before but I still dont have pictures. To make this steel targets more portable and most likely alot cheaper than the way you guy do it there is a very simple solution. Cut your plate anyway you want it. What ever style, shape whatever. On the back of it weld up a piece of square tube. At least the height of the target. Make sure the tube is the correct size that it will fit over a agriculture T-post cross ways. Not too big or it will spin, not too small or you cant get it over it of course. Weld a top on the tube. Buy you as many t posts as you have targets, they cost a few bucks each. Take target and t post to desired location. Stand post up and slip target over post. Use target weight for post driver and drive post into ground at desired height and position. No need for stands. Works like a champ. As heavy as the targets are you most likely can drive the post in about anywhere. My two cents.
     
    #23
    Re: Steel Target Stands

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toddconley</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> On the back of it weld up a piece of square tube. </div></div>I actually thought about that and it does appear to be simple. Problem is that once you weld AR500 steel its not AR500 steel anymore in the vicinity of the welds as you change the hardness so I'm not sure how it would hold up to .338LM or 50 BMG.
     
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