How practical are steel targets for handgun shooting....?

Hokkmike · Dec 20, 2020

DustyGmt said:
This ^^^

When I shoot handguns now, I almost get no enjoyment out of shooting paper targets anymore. Steel targets are becoming just about the only way for me at this point. With handguns anyway. I like the audible signature of each ring when you make your transitions and I have gotten faster and more accurate at "combat" style shooting since using steel.

Yes I have caught fragments but I wear eye protection and have stood as close as 10ft. It doesnt happen often but if they are a lil angled fragments will disperse into the ground for the most part. It's a use your own judgement, use at your own risk kind of thing. I am pretty comfortable with em, but not stupid. There is always a chance you could catch some lead if you are closer than 30ft.

One of the attendant problems with fragments flying is that the use of shooting glasses has precluded the use reading glasses that make the sights clearer for me. But, I think that will be another discussion about the solutions that are out there. Thanks for your input.

27hand · Dec 20, 2020

I kinda like it. I probly shoot at it too close sometimes but I suppose everything we do has different thresholds of risk.

Ive shot at 5 yards on hanging steel that was angled downward but an exploding bullet comes off a target face at about a 20 degree angle so you deal with frags. Wearing a ballcap with the bill facing forward stops the frags that are dropping down and prevents them from getting behind your safety glasses.

Theres a target called the "rotator" I believe which is really cool but $500 plus

2018-10-18_06-55-09 by poofy27, on Flickr

DustyGmt · Dec 20, 2020

27hand said:
I kinda like it. I probly shoot at it too close sometimes but I suppose everything we do has different thresholds of risk.

Ive shot at 5 yards on hanging steel that was angled downward but an exploding bullet comes off a target face at about a 20 degree angle so you deal with frags. Wearing a ballcap with the bill facing forward stops the frags that are dropping down and prevents them from getting behind your safety glasses.

Theres a target called the "rotator" I believe which is really cool but $500 plus

View attachment 9642172018-10-18_06-55-09 by poofy27, on Flickr

I really want some of those popper targets but they are wildly expensive in my opinion. I dont think you should have to pay $250+ for what would be fairly easy to make. I know they make rimfire versions that are less but that last time I saw one of those rifle rated poppers it was like $250.

27hand · Dec 20, 2020

27hand said:
I kinda like it. I probly shoot at it too close sometimes but I suppose everything we do has different thresholds of risk.

Ive shot at 5 yards on hanging steel that was angled downward but an exploding bullet comes off a target face at about a 20 degree angle so you deal with frags. Wearing a ballcap with the bill facing forward stops the frags that are dropping down and prevents them from getting behind your safety glasses.

Theres a target called the "rotator" I believe which is really cool but $500 plus

View attachment 9642172018-10-18_06-55-09 by poofy27, on Flickr

DustyGmt said:
I really want some of those popper targets but they are wildly expensive in my opinion. I dont think you should have to pay $250+ for what would be fairly easy to make. I know they make rimfire versions that are less but that last time I saw one of those rifle rated poppers it was like $250.

I think the 2 resetting popper (lower right) were about $100 from MGM targets. I just checked their website and they are $119 now without shipping cost.

ericuda · Dec 20, 2020

Steel is the only way to go. The ar500 plates and gongs are not that expensive. Grab a couple sheperd hooks some paint and there ya go. Looking at hickok45, heck he shoots more steel in a day than I ever will and ha ls never shown any qualms about doing so. Yes eye protection but that is for shooting paper too.

Waveski · Dec 20, 2020

My preferred steel target mount is hanging from chains. That way , the odds of a bullet coming a) straight back b) with any significant force , are slim. Chains have lots of "give".

10 yards is a reasonable minimum.

Punching holes in paper gets real old real fast.

huntsman · Dec 21, 2020

I’m a simple man so I bought a cheap shepherd’s crook( plant hanger) at flea market for my 12” plate.

A hit with .40 or .45 really gets plate bouncing but that’s fine because I like shooting at a moving target.

Hokkmike · Dec 21, 2020

Some great pics to go with the answers. You guys are going to cost me money. $$$$$$$$$$

27hand · Dec 21, 2020

Yeah.
That other forum does the same thing.
Ill.probly be buying a new rifle now.

And glass

1976B.L.Johns. · Dec 21, 2020

Slapped this together a few years ago...
It now has a permanent residence up near the deer shack.
"Targets" are 4 X 6 inches, they swing and weigh a bit over 7 pounds, IIRC.

I've stood as close as 7 yards, but generally practice with handguns at 15.
No problems yet with handguns .22 LR up to 460 S&W.
A can of spray paint is cheap, easy and quick.

But white does not work well in the Winter.

How practical are steel targets for handgun shooting....?

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