Rifle targets-need ideas

[Mean Jean]

We've got steel targets set up at 300, 400, and 500 yards for high power shooting.
We hang them on swing sets so they sit roughly 4 feet off the ground.
The problem is you can't always hear a hit, or see movement.
I need a cheap, and easy method of clearly indicating a hit at these distances.
Taking suggestions please.

 

[CalG]

A thick White paint undewrcoat (rolled on house paint) with a dusting of rattle can black

The paint chips off on a hit, leaves a bright spot on the black background

 

[trook]

I use white paint as well. As CalG stated, when the steel is hit, the white paint is removed and you see a very distinguishable black spot.

 

[bcp]

Might want to use yellow paint in the winter.



Bruce

 

[Mean Jean]

Thanks for the responses.
Yes, paint certainly works when you've got the magnification to see close up at 400 yards.
I'm hoping for a reaction target so it's visible with the naked eye.
Wave a flag or something...

 

[CalG]

Wouldn't take long to rig up a "rabbit trap" that used an ice fishing " tip up" as the indicator.

Auto-magic reset would be another issue.

Air gun Field Target shooters use knock downs with a string to reset. but 400 yds of sting would be pretty stretchy! ;-)

Best is a free hanging "bell" that dings so loud you can't not hear it.

 

[k0ua]

We always just used Pepper Poppers and 8 inch plates. They fall down. but require resetting.. They make self resetting poppers.. they are expensive.. they fall and a few seconds later an electric motor in a protected base pushes it back up. Also MGM makes some that may be what you are looking for Simple ones... here check out this video

MGM Targets Auto Reset US Popper - .308 - YouTube

 

[Gunny]

I use paint and a great 15X40 spotting scope, even though it was a bit expensive,, but it was better than walking or driving up to the targets after every shot. I also keep a can of the spray paint in the ATV so that once I do drive up there, I can do a quick touchup.

 

[forgeblast]

I was thinking a bell too, but what if you just welded a hinge on the back with a clapper so that when you hit the target the clapper makes the metal target into a bell.

 

[Mean Jean]

A spotting scope would be great but no one wants to drop the cash.

I do like the idea of a bell but I need to use the material on hand. I could hang a striker from the current target and sit the bell (at ground level) underneath it.
By the time the sound of the shot goes away the striker will have swung backwards then rebounded and hit the bell.
There's potential there.

I'm also considering an attached flag.
Weld a nut to the back of the target and attach a yard flag with just the right bend.
Once the target is struck the flag "pops up" on the back side.

Whatever the answer it needs to be clearly visible by the naked eye.
That or heard.....by the naked ear.
Also needs to auto reset.

Keep the ideas coming, much appreciated.