Steel Target Charged and Convicted of Aggravated Assault on ShotMarker

[Alexander-M]

The Charge:
Shortly after both the Steel target and the ShotMarker (SM) electronic target were engaged in their respective lawful duties by their operators, the ShotMarker target ceased to operate. A message was displayed on the SM target display stating that a sensor was missing or was disconnected.

Evidence and Conviction
Upon careful investigation, the reason for the SM target malfunction was found to be a cleanly cut sensor cable. The cable was located behind the SM target frame, and a cable holder attached to the back of the frame was also damaged.

After the damaged cable was replaced, the SM target resumed normal operation. The Steel target was no longer being engaged at this time.

However, on a subsequent shooting session, another missing or disconnected sensor message was displayed. This time, a cable connector was found damaged. Since no Steel targets had been or were being engaged since the cut cable was replaced, it was obvious that the damaged connector had sustained the damage during the previous session, when the cable had been cut. Another cable was used to restore the SM target to full operation.



Sentencing
No penalty was imposed on the Steel target or the operator as the damage sustained by the SM target during the assault was clearly not intentional.

Henceforth
The Steel target and the SM target were side by side, about 8-ft apart, and on the same vertical level. Henceforth, the SM target will not be used whenever a Steel Target is being used anywhere in the vicinity. If the SM target is being used, a Steel target must wait to be engaged until the SM target is physically removed.


Alex
PS. Perhaps sharing my experience will help others to keep their SM targets safe and sound.

 

[KMart]

Seems I heard about this on Divorce Court. Is the Restraining Order temporary of permanent?
Was it necessary to get the Range Officer to file a report?

 

[foxguy]

Alex,

Thanks for sharing, I could see how the innocent shooting at both types of targets could cause a problem for ShotMarker owners.

It's an eye opener.

 

[Phillip Crowe]

My steel target and Silver Mountain E target are about 8' apart. At 1000 yds.
We put the steel behind the E target a few feet and all cables are on the front of the E target frame, which is made of wood. We also angled the steel slightly so it deflects splatter downward. We have not cut a cable yet from shooting on the steel.

 

[garandman]

Sounds like self defense by Steel Target.

 

[TAJ45]

Not only a slight down angle but methinks kicking one side 2-3 inches away laterallyfrom the SM would also be beneficial.