Finally got to hang a man yesterday

Ikarus1

Avtomat Krishna-kov
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A friend bought this 12x20 1/2 inch steel silhouette target for me about 8 months ago. I found that it was hard and expensive to find a stand tall enough to actually represent a 6ft man target and still be portable and not flimsey. So I built it out of 6x6 and 2x6 treated lumber, 1" EMT conduit, hangers, 1/2 in galvanized carriage bolts and 3/8th in galvanized chain. It should hold up to pistols, and if I replace those crappy aluminum carabiners with quick links, it should hold up to rifle usage.

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Ok after some suggestions I ditched the weak carabiners and hit the eye bolts with a grinder. Also added moar angul!
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Now it's at home
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I use a longer carriage bolt with 4-5 washers between it and the chain. Makes sure most of the splatter is projected down.

Also stopped using chain altogether and started use decommissioned fire hose. Way better
I strongly believe in the longer bolts. Even angled down, stuff comes back occasionally. Two guests were hit recently. :(

Since this photo, I’ve switched most of the plates to hang from a pipe with a clever two-holed twisted AR500 hanger. That lets the plates move back and forth but keeps them from twisting.

Finally, I’ve had problems with the bolts bending and breaking. Thanks to @jmccracken1214 searching around, I was able to order hardened bolts and nuts.

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By the way, you could eliminate the carabiners AND do without quick links (they’ll both be the “weak links”). If you pry open the screw eye just a smidge, you’ll be able to fit the chain on directly. Even opened a bit, it should still do the job.

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here's how I avoid splashback when shooting steel up close: I don't shoot jacketed bullets at steel targets under 50yds.

Lead essentially flattens and/or vaporizes when it hits hardened AR targets at distances greater than 10 yards. Even then you may get a piece of lead but it won't be a razor sharp copper jacket. Ear and Eye protection is mandatory.
@Jeppo on my closer plates, I use similar AR500 hooks that swing on a pipe. A target this large and heavy doesn't exact swing under the impact of most pistol rounds.
 
By the way, you could eliminate the carabiners AND do without quick links (they’ll both be the “weak links”). If you pry open the screw eye just a smidge, you’ll be able to fit the chain on directly. Even opened a bit, it should still do the job.

I tried, and determined I would have to cut it.
This 12" x 20" x 1/2" thick plate weights nearly 40lbs by itself.
This setup allows me to tote it separately into the woods where it's gonna live. Looking at your setup, your swingset chain and hardware wouldn't be a problem to bend or cut.......this stuff took me 10 minutes with a diegrinder to cut one link so yeah, I need something quick connect
 
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I’ve got a 12” DIAMETER x 3/8” plate that’s swinging fine on those twisted hangers. YMMV. ;)
 
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Ordered a 95ft roll. That should hang all my steel just fine and have some left over for replacements.
 
Ordered a 95ft roll. That should hang all my steel just fine and have some left over for replacements.
might want to sharpen your scissors, that stuff is a bear to cut. But it's definitely tough. I happened to have this chain and most of the hardware. I may add some longer bolts and put the angle closer to 20 degrees instead of the 5-10 it is now.
 
Would you share your source?

Your local fire department. They do wear out after a while and they switch them out. We use them at the range I shoot at and the hose works great.
 
might want to sharpen your scissors, that stuff is a bear to cut. But it's definitely tough. I happened to have this chain and most of the hardware. I may add some longer bolts and put the angle closer to 20 degrees instead of the 5-10 it is now.

If it can be cut, I can cut it :).
 
Your local fire department. They do wear out after a while and they switch them out. We use them at the range I shoot at and the hose works great.
This, I used to have a source. I may still have a source. Lemme ask. It’ll be 3 or 4” though
 
Your local fire department. They do wear out after a while and they switch them out. We use them at the range I shoot at and the hose works great.
@Zbizzle911 ????????
 
Your local fire department. They do wear out after a while and they switch them out. We use them at the range I shoot at and the hose works great.

This!! Might take some run around to different stations but one of them have some taking up space that they want to get rid of.
 
might want to sharpen your scissors, that stuff is a bear to cut. But it's definitely tough. I happened to have this chain and most of the hardware. I may add some longer bolts and put the angle closer to 20 degrees instead of the 5-10 it is now.

I ended up using my bigger bypass pruners. Had my brother hold it tight. No problems.
 
Perhaps a few smoke detectors to donate at the fire station for scrap hose?
 
Yeah I think for this application I will stick to chains. That last pic looks like a crazy sideways angle was created with the firehose.

Anyhow I changed mine up and updated the OP
 
We shoot All steel All the time here. We have been through many machinations to get to the "final solution". Our rifle targets weigh 75 pounds, they are hung with chains. The damn chains get hit A lot..ALOT. We put them right back together with coat hangers. Quick and easy peasy. None of our other targets are "hung". They are mounted on posts. I realize most of you want a quick up and down arrangement, ours are permanent. Know that permanent means ..til they are shot to Hell. Any target that you shoot with a handgun, within 10 yards, needs to be Flat and Slick..No Divots. You can make "shoot back" a relatively non event with the angle you choose. We shoot here from 3 feet away with little problem. No Rifles here inside 25 yards NONE. Our big and old rifle targets are pocked up and they Will turn frag on you inside 25. Don't over think your hanging ordeals...wire coat hangers solve all problems.
 
Instead of longer bolts, you can also considered beveled washers. That how I got the angle for all my plates.

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Yeah I think for this application I will stick to chains. That last pic looks like a crazy sideways angle was created with the firehose.

Anyhow I changed mine up and updated the OP

That pic is misleading as far as sideways angle. Haven’t had to stop shooting to fix a chain since hooking them up.
 
You need some?
I was always interested in trying them but the prices I saw on EB were crazy. Maybe if HPFD has surplus hose they’d unload, we could provide it for any CFF’rs that wanted to try?
 
Instead of longer bolts, you can also considered beveled washers. That how I got the angle for all my plates.

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When you have a chance, could you post a photo of the complete assembly? Where’d ya find them there strange washers?
 
When you have a chance, could you post a photo of the complete assembly? Where’d ya find them there strange washers?
Checked all my saved pics and don’t have one. Be back from church youth camp this weekend and will get one for you.

I’m not 100% sure where I ended up buying them. You can find them on Amazon, eBay, etc...probably Grainger and other places as well.
 
I was always interested in trying them but the prices I saw on EB were crazy. Maybe if HPFD has surplus hose they’d unload, we could provide it for any CFF’rs that wanted to try?

I can get some. But most is sold at auction. If you want some just let me know


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Took a few photos to illustrate how my 3/8 x 18 x 30 plate is hung. While it has three holes, the weight is carried by the one center chain. The other two chains are not under tension and serve only to reduce twisting under fire. Prying open the support screw eye made it very easy to mount the plate.

The only issue was lifting this 55 pound monster up in the air, holding it with one hand and hooking the chain with the other. This thing has been rock solid from day one, with hundreds or thousands of handgun hits.

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Wish I’d seen your update before I made that last post. ;)
 
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