[SDC]

Has anyone out there ever built their own "turning target" for IPSC/IDPA-style competition? I'd like to put together a few for my local club (to be activated by shooting a popper, opening a door, etc.), but can't find any plans. Any tips, pointers, web sites, etc. gratefully accepted. :)

[benEzra]

Col. Rex Applegate's book Kill or Get Killed has some photos of some turning/bobbing target holders made out of 2x4's, if I remember correctly.

[Jim K]

I assume you mean conventional turning targets that work by a button or by a timer. They are fairly elaborate setups, with sturdy pipes to hold the target carrier, rods and levers to turn them, and air or electricity to power the motion.

I suggest a google search using the words "turning targets". There are some pictures of various systems which should give you an idea of what is involved.

Jim

[SDC]

Thanks to both of you; actually, I've heard of a number of designs that simply worked on gravity alone, where shooting a popper or opening a door pulls a pin to release one of these targets, that rotates as it "falls" to a rest position. I was hoping that someone would be able to post a close-up picture of one, but I've gotten several ideas and I'll be trying to make a prototype fairly soon.

[Andrew Wyatt]

what we use is a target stand mounted on a plate with a hole that has witworth rifling, which rides on a hexagon rod that's been twisted such that it turns the target as it falls.

[Johnny Guest]

- - But unfortunately don't know who supplies them. Dallas Pistol Club in Carrollton has several and I've shot them during their Personal Defense Matches.

They usually set them up so that a falling Peper Popper or round plate pulls the release. The turner is normally set up with the target edge-on, and during downward travel, the target is exposed for less than one second. Gotta be swuft!

Hope you find what you need. ;)

Best,
Johnny