Rifle targets-need ideas

[PhysAssist]

After all the suggestions, I think we'd all appreciate schematics, amd sources for parts too

I'm building my prototype which is a light system. I will epoxy a shock sensor to the back of the plate. A hit will cause 2 LED light strips to flash left than right for 10 seconds. All electronics including the battery will be in a water proof case. Total coat is going to be roughly $30. Will post pics once done.

 

[Mean Jean]

I can donate my ex-wife. When her mouth stops working, you know you have made a hit

Cheers from OZ

Very nice

 

[jwmorris]

I'm building my prototype which is a light system. I will epoxy a shock sensor to the back of the plate. A hit will cause 2 LED light strips to flash left than right for 10 seconds. All electronics including the battery will be in a water proof case. Total coat is going to be roughly $30. Will post pics once done.

You will likely damage the sensor if you do that. They can be adjusted so they are so sensitive that thunder or a car door closing nearby delivers enough "shock" to trigger them. Be better hanging by a ziptie or something that won't transmit the full impact of the bullet into the plate.

Look at the photo of the one I posted in #66. I loop another ziptie through the ones attached to the sensor to hag it from.

These things are so sensitive you can attach them to a target stand with a cardboard target and it will indicate hits. Doesn't take a hammer blow.

 

[Mean Jean]

You will likely damage the sensor if you do that. They can be adjusted so they are so sensitive that thunder or a car door closing nearby delivers enough "shock" to trigger them. Be better hanging by a ziptie or something that won't transmit the full impact of the bullet into the plate.

Look at the photo of the one I posted in #66. I loop another ziptie through the ones attached to the sensor to hag it from.

These things are so sensitive you can attach them to a target stand with a cardboard target and it will indicate hits. Doesn't take a hammer blow.

You make a good point jwmorris.
There will be roughly 1200 ft/lbs of energy at 400 yards which may damage the sensor. That's 1199 ft/lbs more than needed.

There are several different ways to make this happen.
-zip tie to the target
-nut/bolt using rubber as a bushing

One concern is where to run the wire so that it doesn't get hit with friendly fire.

 

[jwmorris]

The last one I built I mounted to EMT that clamped to the stand of the target so the sensor, battery, light and all the wires were 15' to the side of the target being shot at. An impact on the target would also shake the stand and the EMT tube, this the shock sensor clamped to it.

If you can't keep all shots in a 7.5' circle you need longer/more sections of tubing.

 

[Mean Jean]

The last one I built I mounted to EMT that clamped to the stand of the target so the sensor, battery, light and all the wires were 15' to the side of the target being shot at. An impact on the target would also shake the stand and the EMT tube, this the shock sensor clamped to it.

If you can't keep all shots in a 7.5' circle you need longer/more sections of tubing.

I guess the sensor doesn't need to be on the target.
I use 2 lengths of chain roughly 3 feet each to suspend the target.
I can attach the sensor to the top link of the chain.

 

[jwmorris]

Or to anything attached to the stand that can transmit vibration through it. Hook a string to the stand and run it 20' away to a post. If the string is tight the vibrations will make it there.

Remember soup can phones when you were a kid?

 

[Fan of the 1911]

Bicycle flag weld a mount at the top of the target, should swing 6" or so at the flag.
It could also double for wind direction.

You could use a scrap piece of 12"x12" of metal and bend up a cow bell with a 1 inch nut hanging from a broken shoe lace for the clacker.

May be out 10 to 15$ and have sight and sound.

 

[Fan of the 1911]

I bought some 3/4 steel pipe, and cut it into 3"lengths made a frame from 1/2 inch rebar and welded 8" steel plates.

The wife took the ar and in 6 shots pinned all 4 targets to where they will no longer swing. Right thru the pipe and rebar.

 

[handirifle]

I say use a bigger gun. My 45-70 never fails to let me know when the steel gong is hit. :thumbsup: