steel targets

[gb0399]

I got a nice SIg 1911-22 pistol for Christmas. I would like to buy/make some steel reactive targets. I frequently shoot FMJ 9mm at steel at the 10 - 15 meter line with eye pro (always) because of the jacket and lead splatter, but with no other issues. My father told me when I was first learning to shoot, to never shoot a .22 at a hard object because they are notorious for ricocheting. What is the truth? How do I make a steel target that can be shot with a .22 at close range?

 

[kimbershot]

scrap iron salvage yard may have pieces already cut--scrap ends-rectangles, squares, circles--metal that was left over from punch press operations etc. you can also look up reactive targets, steel targets-on ebay-you can get some good deals there (quality targets). i would recommend minimum 10 yards with targets slanted away from you so splash will be directed down. 3/8" mild steel is ok for pistol cal. to 45acp. magnum stuff--requires thicker or harder steel ie ar500.

 

[Robert]

AR500 makes great steel targets for centerfire rifles so I figure it would work for .22 as well. But it is most likly over kill. Mild steel of proper thickness should work for .22. The guys at Steel Challenge shoot steel targets with 22s at those ranges and it works just fine.

 

[gb0399]

does anyone have pics, plans or links for targets?

 

[Chuck R.]

I’ve bought a few targets from this guy, including some animal swingers and a set of 12 bowling pins in AR500. He’s very reasonable, will work with you on what you want and will do special orders. He even made me a set of 4 bunnies/squirrels out of clutch plate that my boy enjoys knocking down:

http://www.qualitytargets.com/servlet/the-Bowling-Pins/Categories

I also have bought a few 2/3rds IDPA swingers in AR500 from Arntzen:

http://www.arntzentargets.com/

AR500 is expensive, but so is replacing targets every few years. Most of the splash back problems are from dimpled targets resulting from shooting too soft a steel. I’ve never had a problem with any of my AR500 targets as long as there angled downward slightly, and we shoot them pretty close sometimes.

Chuck

 

[taliv]

heck, you can buy steel swingers at walmart for 22lr.
not particularly. it does splatter, of course, so wear eye pro and don't shoot too close.

 

[zeke]

Shooting 22's at steel meant for more powerful rounds (heavier/bigger plates) can lead to excessive richochetting. Maybe just buy the targets meant for 22's that swing straight back?