Safety is Paramount
Safety First
Before even considering the tools and materials, the absolute priority when working with any shooting target, especially DIY metal shooting targets, is safety. This begins with understanding and adhering to fundamental range safety principles. Always wear appropriate safety glasses to protect your eyes from ricochets and fragments. Hearing protection is equally critical; choose earplugs or earmuffs that fit comfortably and provide adequate noise reduction.
Furthermore, always utilize a secure and appropriate backstop. A backstop is a crucial element of any shooting range, as it absorbs any bullets that miss their target. This helps to prevent accidental damage to property and injury to people. Backstops are often made of earth, sand, or rubber, and must be large enough to contain all errant rounds, even at awkward angles.
Safe shooting distances must be understood and maintained. This distance is dictated by the caliber of the firearm and the type of target. For instance, targets designed for handguns may require a shorter distance than targets intended for high-powered rifles. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or established range safety regulations for appropriate distances before using any target. Never shoot at targets that are obviously damaged or showing signs of wear. Damaged targets can cause dangerous ricochets.
Equally vital is adhering to responsible gun ownership and range etiquette. This includes knowing your firearm’s capabilities, handling it safely, and only shooting in designated areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential for bystanders. Remember, the safety of yourself and others is the top priority.
Understanding Target Types and Designs
Once safety protocols are understood, the next step is to consider the various types and designs of DIY metal shooting targets available. The design and construction of your targets should be guided by your shooting interests, available space, and caliber of firearm.
Static Targets
Static targets are a cornerstone of shooting practice. They are the most straightforward to construct. These targets remain stationary, allowing for focused practice on accuracy. They can be fashioned into various shapes, such as rectangular plates, circular plates, or even more complex silhouettes, like human figures, animal figures, or more.
Reactive Targets
Reactive targets offer immediate feedback, making the shooting experience engaging and fun. Steel gongs, which are often circular plates, are a popular choice. When hit, they swing back and forth or ring, providing an instant indication of a successful shot. Dueling trees are another excellent example of reactive targets. They are designed for competitive shooting, offering a thrilling and fast-paced shooting experience, and challenging the skill of the shooters.
The shapes and sizes of your targets directly influence the nature of your shooting practice. Smaller targets demand greater precision, perfect for honing accuracy. Larger targets are more forgiving and may be better for introducing new shooters to the sport. The type and size of targets should be chosen based on experience level. The more advanced shooters might opt for challenging, small targets and the beginners might choose easier, larger targets.
Choosing the Right Metal
The selection of the appropriate metal is one of the most important decisions in building DIY metal shooting targets. Not all metals are created equal when it comes to withstanding the impact of bullets.
AR500 Steel
AR500 steel is the gold standard for these targets, and using it is highly recommended. This type of steel is specially heat-treated to achieve an exceptional balance of hardness and impact resistance. It is engineered to withstand repeated hits from high-velocity projectiles without significant deformation, pitting, or – crucially – shattering.
When selecting AR500 steel, consider the thickness based on the caliber of the firearm. For handguns and low-power rifles, a thickness of around a quarter-inch (or about 6mm) is often sufficient. However, for larger calibers and higher-velocity rounds, a thicker steel plate is recommended. For example, targets for high-powered rifles might benefit from a half-inch (or around 12mm) thickness to ensure durability and longevity. Always research the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct target thickness.
Mild Steel
Mild steel, while less expensive than AR500, can be used for some DIY metal shooting targets, but its use comes with trade-offs. It is significantly less resistant to impact than AR500 and is prone to denting and pitting quickly. Over time, mild steel targets may become unsafe, due to their poor durability.
(It’s worth noting here that while not directly relevant to the DIY metal shooting targets themselves, the Rockwell Hardness (HRC) is a measure of a material’s resistance to indentation, and it is often used to specify the hardness of steel. However, the number itself should never be a sole indicator when choosing the material for targets and should be looked at with the other criteria).
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before starting the building process, gather all the necessary tools and equipment. This preparation will streamline the process and allow you to safely create your DIY metal shooting targets.
Welder
A welder is almost indispensable, especially if you plan to build more complex targets or weld components together. Both MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and stick welding are acceptable, though the ease of use and cleaner results of MIG welding make it a popular choice for beginners.
Angle Grinder
An angle grinder is another crucial tool, primarily for cutting and grinding the steel. Ensure you have a selection of cutting and grinding discs. Cutting discs are essential for shaping the metal, while grinding discs are crucial for smoothing rough edges and preparing weld surfaces.
Drill and Drill Bits
A drill and drill bits are necessary for creating holes for mounting, hanging, or other design elements. Measure and mark the drill holes accurately.
Measurement Tools
Measurement tools are also required. These include a tape measure for precise measurements, a square to ensure angles are accurate, and potentially a level to make sure your target is even.
Safety Equipment
Don’t forget safety equipment. At the minimum, this should include safety glasses, welding gloves, a welding helmet, and hearing protection.
Crafting Your Targets: The Construction Process
With the tools and materials assembled, it’s time to bring your design to life. Follow these steps.
Planning and Design
Before you begin, meticulously plan the project. Visualize your target and consider the design and construction. Sketch a detailed plan, including the precise dimensions of your desired target. This will serve as your blueprint, enabling you to calculate the amount of steel needed.
Then, decide how to mount the targets. Will they hang from chains, be attached to a stand, or some other method? Consider the mounting system at this stage, to incorporate the necessary features into your design.
Cutting the Steel
Next, it’s time to mark and cut the steel. Using your sketch as a guide, accurately measure and mark the steel. When cutting, make sure to use the correct PPE, like safety glasses and gloves. Secure the metal firmly before cutting. This ensures precision and, more importantly, prevents accidents.
Welding the Target
If your design involves welding, this is where you’ll bring your project to life. Practice is key to a successful welding project. Learn the basics of MIG or stick welding. Then, properly prepare the metal before welding. Clean any rust or debris from the weld areas. Weld the components securely, focusing on penetration and creating strong bonds. Ensure the welds are smooth.
Finishing and Preparation
Once the welding is complete, it’s time to finish the project. Use the grinder to smooth any rough edges, grind down any welds, and remove any sharp corners. If you’re painting the target, select a durable outdoor paint specifically designed for metal. Apply a primer before the paint to ensure good adhesion and protection against the elements.
Mounting and Setup
Finally, mount your target. Ensure it’s at an appropriate distance and angle relative to the firing line.
Maintaining Your Targets: Safety and Longevity
Regular inspection is crucial to the longevity of your DIY metal shooting targets. Frequently examine your targets for any signs of wear and tear. Look for dents, craters, and any deformation. Carefully assess the integrity of the target surface.
Proper use and shooting techniques also extend the life of your targets. Avoid using ammunition that is unsuitable for your targets, such as steel-core or armor-piercing rounds. The angle of impact of the bullets also plays a key role in target durability. Shoot at the targets at a perpendicular angle to reduce damage.
Even with the best materials and shooting practices, targets eventually wear out. Repairing a damaged target is possible. Smaller dents and pits can sometimes be ground down to restore the surface. However, severe damage, such as cracks or deep pitting, indicates it’s time to replace the target.
Creative Options: Exploring Advanced Target Projects
For those with more experience and a desire for advanced projects, consider creating more elaborate DIY metal shooting targets.
Dueling Tree
A dueling tree is a fantastic example of a challenging and rewarding project. These targets feature multiple plates mounted on a central frame, allowing for competitive shooting. The design of a dueling tree demands more welding and a good understanding of mechanical principles.
Self-Resetting Targets
Self-resetting targets are another exciting option. These targets reset themselves after being hit, providing a continuous shooting experience. These designs usually require more complex mechanical components and a higher level of fabrication skill.
Custom Target Designs
Finally, don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity! Personalize your targets with custom shapes, sizes, and paint schemes. Custom target designs offer a unique opportunity to reflect your personality and shooting preferences.
