The Clubs VP and I are going after another round of Angle Iron to build Five more Steel Plate Target Frames for the Rifle Range. This is round two of replacements of the Frames. The First Round was last month. Four of the Five will be 5' X 5' with 5' feet. Our NEW Normal Size. The replacement for the 600 yard Frame will be 7' x 7' with 6' Feet. The New 600 yard target is larger needing more air space around it. ( 7 + 7 + 6 = 20' ) The steel comes in 20 foot lengths so 2 sticks for the 600 yard Frame. For the 5 x 5 Frames: (5 + 5 + 5+ 5 = 20' ) The 5 x 5 Frames will need 1.5 Sticks for each Frame.
In the past we have built the Frames mostly 4' x 4' from Scrap and or Lite Angle Iron. They have been shot to doll rags over time. This round of replacements we are going with 2" or 2.5" Heavy Angle Iron. The Steel Targets will be held in place with 3/8" Weld on Chain Hooks like you would weld on a Tractor Bucket. Making the Frames a little larger will cut down on Bullet Strikes on the Frames. Making them heavier cuts down on the Damage when hit. The new frames should last for several years.
NOTE: We made the Long Range Steel Frames larger on the Carbine Course Steel a few years ago. More room around the Steel Targets has cut down on bullet strikes a lot.
We have started to use 3/8 Transport Chain to hold the Steel Plate Targets. So far they have held up well. I am reasonably sure that the Transport Chain compared to Standard Chain is like comparing Soft Steel Plate Targets to AR500 Armor Plate Targets. Much different results when hit by a bullet. The Chain Hung from Weld On Chain Hooks has held up well. No vibration issue other than Bolts on the Steel Targets, which are easily replaced. FYI do not tighten the bolts snug on the plates. Leave them loose to slow down vibration damage to the bolts. NOTE: We have a battery Angle Grinder to cut bolts if needed during repairs. With a Chain Hook on the Target Frame, and Bolts on the Target Plates, keeping repairs made is much easier.
We have almost all Commercial AR 500 Steel Targets now. We have been replacing them when they start to show signs of failure, and selling the old targets off. The targets showing damage will hold up for ever on someones private range.
Nice Targets and nice Facilities keeps the Club Members happy.
Bob R
In the past we have built the Frames mostly 4' x 4' from Scrap and or Lite Angle Iron. They have been shot to doll rags over time. This round of replacements we are going with 2" or 2.5" Heavy Angle Iron. The Steel Targets will be held in place with 3/8" Weld on Chain Hooks like you would weld on a Tractor Bucket. Making the Frames a little larger will cut down on Bullet Strikes on the Frames. Making them heavier cuts down on the Damage when hit. The new frames should last for several years.
NOTE: We made the Long Range Steel Frames larger on the Carbine Course Steel a few years ago. More room around the Steel Targets has cut down on bullet strikes a lot.
We have started to use 3/8 Transport Chain to hold the Steel Plate Targets. So far they have held up well. I am reasonably sure that the Transport Chain compared to Standard Chain is like comparing Soft Steel Plate Targets to AR500 Armor Plate Targets. Much different results when hit by a bullet. The Chain Hung from Weld On Chain Hooks has held up well. No vibration issue other than Bolts on the Steel Targets, which are easily replaced. FYI do not tighten the bolts snug on the plates. Leave them loose to slow down vibration damage to the bolts. NOTE: We have a battery Angle Grinder to cut bolts if needed during repairs. With a Chain Hook on the Target Frame, and Bolts on the Target Plates, keeping repairs made is much easier.
We have almost all Commercial AR 500 Steel Targets now. We have been replacing them when they start to show signs of failure, and selling the old targets off. The targets showing damage will hold up for ever on someones private range.
Nice Targets and nice Facilities keeps the Club Members happy.
Bob R
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