Would you buy steel targets?

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FullEffect1911

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Well I am sitting here today wondering how I can make some money doing something related to the shooting sports, and I realized that my CNC plasma torch and a MIG welder isn't doing anything but sitting in the shop.

If I were to make AR500 3/8" thick steel falling plates, pepper poppers, gongs, target stands or some other assorted steel targets, would there be much of a market for them? Would anyone be interested in purchasing such targets for a somewhat reduced price from the major manufacturers?
 
I could use a set of hunters pistol silhouettes.
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I've looked into the the silhouette targets before, I'm pretty sure the there is actual autocad files for them. That would make things even easier on me, and they would be to the NRA specs. So that would certainly be doable.
 
Hm. If there is a gong light enough to hang onto a firing range target rack that rides the ceiling track and strong enough to accept Brenneke 3 inch magnum slugs... I would be mildly interested.

I dont even know if such a thing will be light enough to "Not" damage the paper target rack.
 
Steel targets are generally prohibited at indoor ranges because the splatter can damage the walls and floor. I've seen photos of some steel targets for use indoors that have a metal frame around them to take the brunt of the splash to keep from damaging the floors/walls/ceiling.
 
Splatter is not wanted. Now I see.

Thank you. The targets will certainly spall off the back once the hammer blow hits em from the front.
 
Yes, there's a market for such things. MGM Targets and R&R Racing are two companies that make them.
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Well your right, I could have worded that just a tad better. I was more asking if there was room for an individual to manufacturer and sell steel targets as well the bigger companies. I'm trying to get an idea if it would be worth it to pursue this.

Hm. If there is a gong light enough to hang onto a firing range target rack that rides the ceiling track and strong enough to accept Brenneke 3 inch magnum slugs... I would be mildly interested.
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Well aside from the indoor range restrictions, I would think that any steel target light enough to ride a paper rack would also deform horribly from a shotgun slug. And deformation is a key ingredient to getting return splatter.
 
I think you'll have a hard time beating the pricing from metalman. I got a 10" swinger w/o frame for under $70 shipped.
 
I think you'll have a hard time beating the pricing from metalman. I got a 10" swinger w/o frame for under $70 shipped.
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Thanks for the comparative pricing, it gives me a target price to meet or beat. Metal Man says shipping charges are added to the order. Did you purchase the target a while ago? If so they may have changed their shipping policy since then.

Heck, if nothing else I can make my own instead of paying retail prices for them.

Edited to add: I think i see what you are saying, end price was $70, I just took it a slightly wrong way, my apologies. Regardless, Metal Man's 10 swinging target is up to $104 + shipping now a days, sounds like you got a good deal.
 
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the problem isn't beating the pricing of the targets. targets are cheap and labor is trivial.

the problem is shipping. every steel target i've purchased has cost less than shipping.

thus, you could probably sell to people within driving distance at slightly higher prices with no shipping charges. you'll make more but with a smaller market.
 
thus, you could probably sell to people within driving distance at slightly higher prices with no shipping charges. you'll make more but with a smaller market.
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I see your point clearly... However that gives me an idea to approach some of the gun shops in the area to see if they are interested.
 
Well.........being that I live in NEPA, I would jump at the chance to get some of those steel targets without having to pay shipping.
 
Well.........being that I live in NEPA, I would jump at the chance to get some of those steel targets without having to pay shipping.
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Good deal, this is the kind of positive reinforcement I am looking for. :D

Any suggestions on where to start as far as target shapes?
 
I have several pistol and rifle rated targets from Action Target. I have a "hostage" target, a dueling tree, several static silhouettes, a self-righting long range rifle target, etc... They hold up extremely well...especially the rifle-rated targets. The pistol targets are all slanted slightly forward. This has the effect of sending all the splatter down into the ground.

Even jacketed .44mags at 7 yds (much closer than the recommended safe distance of 10 yds) didn't even put a dent in the target.

They might be a little pricier (or not...don't really know) than some of the other brands but I'd much rather pay for quality.

I use them a lot for training. Especially the dueling tree. Get a couple of students going head to head really gets the adrenaline pumping! It's a great way to simulate stress and students don't want to stop.
 
I have several pistol and rifle rated targets from Action Target.
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Action target uses AR500 for their "lesser" targets and AR550 for their rifle rated stuff. I have no idea where they get AR550, but I shutter to think how much a full sheet of that stuff would cost. I do think Action Target is a little bit pricier then MGM, but both are good from what I've heard. AR550 would equate to about 55 Rockwell C, while AR500 would be about 51 Rc. So there is a bit of a difference there.

Regardless thanks for the suggestions on target styles.

Seriously, PM if you want to offload the welder.
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I'm afraid not, if our business picks up we will need that, and I think my dad would cry I sold off our equipment. :D It's a nice Miller too :neener: Anyway I gotta try and do something to get by, and affordable targets would be a good deal for everyone I think.
 
I've never seen any steel targets for sale at the local gun stores, save for the swinging versions. Seems to me if you price things right you could sell quite a few just by working with the brick and mortars.
 
shooting black painted steel is one ofmy favorite things to shoot. Done right it gives you nice movie looking holes with only a .22 LR
 
I'd be in for some more if you were competive with the guy I'm currently buying from ( metaltargets.com ) As you've been told the shipping the major drawback. I've always thought it'd be a nice "winter" hobby to load up an enclosed trailer with a few thousand pounds of targets and hit the gunshow circuit. I suspect you'd do ok as I've NEVER seen a vendor at a show.
 
near to you [ the finger lakes] is Metal Spinning Targets. i have purcased from them and top quality all around. priceing against them may be hard. and shipping metal as others have said can be a deal killer. good luck.
 
I've been wanting to build some good pistol targets. Does anyone know where to find plans?

Fulleffect1911 If they were affordable I would buy them from you.
 
FullEffect1911

You might want to check around for some clubs nearby that shoot USPCA or cowboy type shooting.

Maybe sell to the clubs and put up posters for the members. Will help you get the word out.

Good luck...........
 
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