Mobile target setup - steel

barnabus1999 · Apr 22, 2022

I have been watching videos on target setup and safety. Bet some of you have safety stories to tell. I do. I needed something I could setup and tare down easily. I didn't want chains holding the steel as it rattles around in the back of the truck. I tried the aluminum saw horse brackets but they bend too easily. Rope end up splitting half way through a session. I did see steel 2x4 hangers I might try. I also may get shepard hooks for secondary mounts when the soil is soft but I have limited space for storage. I am liking these plastic saw horse adapters with wingnut. Takes a minute to set up alone but not too bad. I wanted the steel about 3-4 foot off the ground to clear sagebrush. The tarp straps are disposable so not a big deal if they get beat up. 2x4s are easily replaced. The idea was to be able to take down and get in my truck and store compactly. Now I need something for paper targets. The metal Birchwood H platforms seem to bulky for me. overall inexpensive and does the job. Any improvements welcome. I can lengthen the top board and mount multiple targets but I prefer the targets spread out more.

Note: It's not that crooked

just the picture

DirectDrive · Apr 22, 2022

I use this for paper.
Don't glue the cross member for easy takedown.

One 10 foot piece of 1-1/2" PVC makes the stand.
6 x 16" pieces and 24" cross member.
4ea Tees
1x2 verts .....I use 6' long per each so I can do double targets
Cardboard backer
4 large size paper clasps

For steel we use a set-up like this.
Based on EMT (elec conduit).....get the 1" size, not the 3/4" (too flimsy)
You can get end frames as shown, for 100% 1" EMT.
Or a hybrid which uses 1" EMT legs and an "on edge" 2x4

Hangers can be anything that you can think up.

If possible avoid rebar....not rigid enough and too heavy to pack around.

I have a shooting buddy that somehow manages to shoot my EMT and end frames.
Make your cross member wide enough to keep the end frames out of the "kill zone".
I use 5' for everything.....buy 10 footers and cut them in half.

solv3nt · Apr 22, 2022

I've got some shoot steel stuff. I was originally playing with the sawhorses, but have since switched to the EMT tube kits and IPSC stands.

Member 34319 · Apr 22, 2022

I absolutely swear by these. Used to have a bunch before I stopped going to the woods to shoot.

They are made out of that similar plastic that the resealable targets are. 6 pieces of rebar and you are good to go.

T post mounts are also becoming my favorite of I go to the woods. A lot easier than a stand and 2x4s.