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Fieldcraft Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

ReaperDriver

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Sep 5, 2009
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    Vegas Baby!
    Other than steel. Me and another Hide member were talking over beers this afternoon after a day shooting at the range planning on a long range shoot about what would be the next best thig to steel but not weigh as much. Steel is obviously the target of choice and several in our group has several steel "little men" that we shoot. But we were trying to figure out if there were other types of reactive targets large enough to shoot out at 1000yds that you could actually carry on foot through the desert and not weigh a ton. Some of the spots we shoot are far enough off the road that you would have to hump a 100 lb steel plate quite a distance to get it out at range.

    My 1st thought was to use a jig saw and cut out some man-sized silouettes out of plywood - but the issue is how do you make them reactive so you can see bullet impacts at 800-1000 yds through a spotting scope? How do you make something like that reactive enough to see at that distance? Is there some way to paint it with layers of different color paint to make it like a big "shoot and see"? Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    This may sound a bit odd, but I have used ballons in the desert.
    tie them to a bush or a rock.
    I never shot them further then about 300 yards but they are kinda fun as the move with the breeze.
    clean up isn't bad and you can get those party packs that come with the helium tank balloons and string for like 30 bucks.

    Sorry in advance if this sounds childish.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    Produce. Your local costco or BJ's is a shooter's delight
    smile.gif
    . Get crates of oranges, or melons, or anything else you wanna see go BOOM. Fairly cheap, and no cleanup- it's all biodegradable!

    Or, one of these:

    http://www.justshootmeproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=122
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    ReaperDriver,

    What size/thickness plates are you using that weigh 100lb?

    I'm wondering if a smaller/thinner plate would be durable, given that it at a 1000y?

    Regards,

    Peter
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    You could try something like this:

    http://www.justshootmeproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=120

    Hang it from a stand just like steel. I am sure it would move when hit and be lighter than steel.

    However I like steel because the "splash" is easy to spot a long way off. Spray paint is all you need to renew it. Also 3/8" AR400 is sufficient for .308 at 500+ yards. No need for the super heavy stuff. I think my plate weighs 30-40lbs. I usually drive my truck right out to my target line and drop it in. One of the benefits to having a real 4x4 SUV, not one of those minivan things.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ramius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I read here a few years back somebody suggested using drywall: There is a puff of dust on impact. </div></div>
    Mmmm, there's an idea. I might try a small piece to see if its visible enough at that range.

    And yes, I have a real 4x4 - but some of the desert areas here are really hard on the tires/truck if you get off the dirt road. I've been in a HUMVEE driving across the open desert here, but it would challenge all but the most extreme lifted 4x4 with big off-road tires.

    I'll just have to start looking for some thinner steel, I guess....
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Golfballs, there fun to shoot, take abuse well, and there cheap. </div></div>
    Dude, If I could hit a golfball at 1000yds - I'm definitely in the wrong profession
    wink.gif
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    As a side note, I had just started a mailing group for Northeast tactical shooters, and I'm beginning to see a lot of coherence here amongst LV shooters. Do you guys have a separate group, mailing list, or thread I should know about? I head out to LV at least once a year and some friends of mine and I would definitely love to bring our toys for some serious distance.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ewoaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">here you go...........drink up shriner!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om5HyYfNhTc </div></div>
    yeah, but then you 'd have to pack the fluid and they only work once</div></div>


    ...when you are good...its the cross you must bear......
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ReaperDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is there some way to paint it with layers of different color paint to make it like a big "shoot and see"? </div></div>

    Paint a piece of plywood (or whatever) a bright color. Then stretch shrink wrap or saran wrap over it. paint the wrap black, then paint targets on it.
    When shot the wrap will snap away, showing the bright color-hope this helps.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Golfballs, there fun to shoot, take abuse well, and there cheap. </div></div>

    I hang golfballs at 100yds and 200yds for reactive targets. They are a good test of the shooter. I should hang some at 400yds too.

    Getting back to the original question, hang swinging steel plates at the required ranges. They will be reactive enough.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    Mr.m-14 and i shoot a 1/4 mild steel plate at 1000 meters
    no problems with .260, .308. ours is only about 10" by 10" so it doesnt weigh that much. but we do hump it all the way out to 1000 meters. on a side note it might be time for me to look into close range pistol shooting. all these cactus in my boots.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    Let me know if you guys need something custom...I'd be happy to help you out. Our 12x12 targets only weigh about 16lbs, just for reference. If you put one of those on one of our folding target stands you'd have a total weight of 28lbs. Really not that awful, I've walked them to 500.
     
    Re: Suggestions for long range reactive Tgts

    I've been wanting to try used plastic 1 gal milk jugs. Filled with water, they should make a big splash when hit. They are light, and water is cheap. Haul the water in a separate cooler and fill them on sight. Only good for one hit, but it should work well I would think.