Pyrotechnic Reactive Targets

[spectrum]

THIS IS NOT A COMMERCIAL POST!!!!!

We are a manufacturer of specialised pyrotechnic devices based in the U.K. and have recently developed a pyrotechnic target designed to "explode" with a bright flash and a white smoke cloud signature when struck by a bullet.

The device is the result of considerable research and development and will react reliably to the impact of a .177 air gun pellet at 55 yards whilst remaining comletely safe to use and handle.

I would be very interested to take your valued opinions on the viability of such an item in the states. As I have stated at the beginning of the message this is not a commercial post, the items are not even available in the States yet!!. We have developed the device to our satisfaction and are now jumping through hoops now to obtain the legal approvals in all countries where we intend to supply.

The current design is a low noise unit,to enable sales in built up areas) but we also intend different coloured effects and noisy ones too.

Paul Mulvihill

 

[billmo]

Certainly sounds like something my shooting crowd would try out for sure. Give us a chance to see something besides water mist from bottles at 500 and 600 yds. Bill

 

[Flybuster]

Hello, Is this a product similar to Tannerite? http://www.tannerite.com/ We have this stuff here in the U.S, I have seen it a couple of times. If you shoot a case of these things with a 55 gallon drum on top, it launches the drum like a rocket 10 or 15 feet up.

 

[spectrum]

I am familiar with the Tannertite targets - but only from seeing what they do on the internet, This type of target would not be allowed in the U.K. as the pyrotechnic mixture is illegal over here and has been for many years.

This is not a criticism by the way - just a matter of fact.

We developed the Firebird target to a set specification and it is very different to the Tannerite design. The core model functions with a bright flash, puff of white smoke and is virtually silent, the desired effect for this model is deliberately visual only. Other designs will be introduced once the supply chain is set up and people have familiarised themselves with things, these will include noisy explosions, coloured flashes and coloured smoke signals - the technical development is complete but these will not be made available for the time being.

The other principle difference is that the Firebird is a compact unit - 40mm in diameter - this was demanded by the U.K. shooting fraternity when consulted.

The Firebirds are also, I suspect, much cheaper than the Tannerites and come in packs of 10.

The design is such that the target is mounted against a solid background and simply shot, we have target mounts for this, single shot and a carousel system which holds a number of units and which can be operated to revolve and re-set a new target when the previous one is struck.

There is some film footage on the website www.Firebird-targets.co.uk

I hope this clarrifies things.

Paul Mulvihill

 

[spectrum]

Sorry guys, I got the web address slightly wrong, it should be:

www.firebirdtargets.co.uk

,miss out the hyphen) - the site is very new and only temporary, a replacement site is being constructed as we speak so please bear with us, this one was put together as an interim measure

 

[garyw]

guys.
check out the website that spectrum has posted the address of.im going to obtain some of these targets and hopefully do some testing with air rifle/shotgun/rimfire/centre fire.and if permitted post a review on this site.
by the way i dont have any connection with this company im just a very intrested punter,as im in the uk i can give an opinion first hand.

 

[spectrum]

I can confirm that there is no connection with this the other post but I am happy to provide samples for test and have agreed this is a private message.

I shall endeavour to do the same for any other interested party on request, but I will not be able to oblige in the States until the approvals are granted. I would stress again, I am not merely seeking to plug the products for the purposes of commercial sale - they ain't available in the States yet and I cannot give a date when they will be!!!

I am genuinely interested in knowing whether or not our work could be of interest to the shooting comunity. Your advice and help is truly appreciated.

 

[Flybuster]

If it were less expensive than tannerite, and had different colors, what's not to like. It would certainly make long range hits exciting. Just the anticipation of hitting the target would add a different dimension to your shooting. I would like to try some when and if its made available here in the U.S.

 

[spectrum]

I don't know the cost of Tannerite targets so I cannot say if it is cheaper, but in the U.K. the shop price is £10.00 for a box of 10 units, i.e. £1.00 each, I imagine this equates to around $2.00 each or a bit less. Bulk sales, i.e. to the retail outlets or shooting clubs is obviously less.

The first priority is to establish the product in the market place and then introduce the coloured and alternative special effect options at a later date when it is prudent to do so, but they WILL be available and the choices offerred will be naturally determined by popularity.

We are still at the final stages of launch. having completed Development,the product works flawlessly) we are going through the processes of obtaining the necessary legal approvals throughout Europe, this is essential for us before we supply the States, but the Government Laboratory conducting the approvals for us has included USA in the approvals programme.

How long it will take I cannot say, but I am confident that it will be achieved as soon as is practically possible. There has been a LOT of time and investment in the job and it will not be allowed to falter at these late stages.

We have not even begun to consider how to market in the States although a very large retailer expressed an interest six months ago. We have been too busy doing what is necessary since that time,a matter of simple priority) to explore this problem.

Again, any advice would be really appreciated. I have never been to America but would absolutely love to. I feel our two nations have grown much closer since the problems in the Middle East, these feelings influence my ambitions for the Firebird without a doubt.

 

[Twud]

We used to have a ball with a similar product. Fill a cheap plastic cup with gasoline and stick one on the outside. You'd get a huge fireball following the explosion of the target.
Got to find some place real safe to do this.

 

[Sal]

I don't live in the states,,Norway) so this post might be of limited interest to you. However, if you will indulge my curiosity;
I understand that this target would need a solid background? How solid?
Would for instance a block of wood be enough if it was shot at with a, say .223 og .308?
The reason I ask is because I could see this as a cool target in "long range" shooting competitions.
Is 40mm the only size you consider making ?
I'd certainly consider this for competition use, for "first hit" competitions and such..

 

[spectrum]

The target charge was formulated unlike any other pyrotechnic composition and will react to both slow, low energy impact projectiles at relatively extended ranges, i.e. a standard .177 Air Rifle,off the shelf in the U.K.-12ftlbs) but for this you must have a solid target mount, on a solid base.

"Live" firing weapons do not demand this, for example, the target may be atached to the underside of a clay pigeon where the resistance is minimal and will function reliably and satisfactorily when struck by the shot delivered by a shotgun.

We tested at 350m using a live firing rifle and had no problems, I anticipate that mounting on a simple backing plate of timber for example will be sufficient, as I say, the challenge was in formulating a charge sensitive enough for air guns but still safe enough to make and handle,which we have achieved) live firing function is easy.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks for the advice. The device was originally designed for the U.K. anyway, our regulations apply nationally and we are able to supply these items through a network of shops, shooting clubs and ranges and, over the internet without any legal or logistical issues. It is anticipated that the targets would sell over here for £10.00 per carton of 10, at £1.00 per hit we are confident of demand.

We did take an expression of interest from a large outlet in the States which initially ignited our interest, but your advice and opinions are nonetheless very much appreciated.