How are you hanging steel targets? - Page 1

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How are you hanging steel targets? (Page 1 of 2)

Weasel_Master

Member

Joined Jul 2005
Posts 2559
EE 100% (4)

MN, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 9:18:13 AM EDT

I've got a pretty good range set up at our cabin out in the middle of nowhere. I do quite a bit of shooting up there with several targets set up at varying distances. Every so often the chain I used for hanging gets hit and down comes the target. I've got several quick links, cold shuts, etc for quick repairs. But is there a better way to do it? I figure maybe a half dozen times a year I've got to fix it which isn't terrible but wondering if there's a better option?

That said, I'd be interested to see others range setups as well.

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ShooterPatriot Member Joined Mar 2011 Posts 9367 EE 100% (5) PA, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:29:05 AM EDT [Last Edit: ShooterPatriot] [#1] Use fire hose or baler belting. If you know any volunteer firemen you can usually get hose for free that fails their pressure test. You can shoot the shit out of it before it breaks. Just use fender washers to bolt it to the back of the plate. Standard washers sometimes rip through.
	I can't imagine why, everyone knows Troy products are kid tested, Mom approved. -Undefined Even though it may seem that the OP is mentally disabled, calling him a "retard" is a personal attack. -DKProf

JoeDevola Joined Sep 2020 Posts 2563 EE 100% (37) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:29:50 AM EDT [#2] I've found that they resonate alot louder when on hooks rather than chains. A big eye bolt with half the eye cut off, screwed into a 2x4 works well.

-Kyuss- Member Joined Apr 2016 Posts 10589 EE 0% (0) NC, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:30:43 AM EDT [#3] Same issues here. I haven't done it yet but next time I'm at our range I'm going to hang a few with fire hose and see how that does vs. chains. We'll see.
	Find around and fuck out.

Skunkape71 Joined Mar 2011 Posts 951 EE 0% (0) OK, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:33:18 AM EDT [#4] These have worked good for me....

ShooterPatriot Member Joined Mar 2011 Posts 9368 EE 100% (5) PA, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:37:14 AM EDT [#5] Quote History Originally Posted By Skunkape71: These have worked good for me.... View Quote Instead of buying something like like you can get 4" baler belting at a farm store for $4-$5 per foot. It is cheaper and will last much longer.
	I can't imagine why, everyone knows Troy products are kid tested, Mom approved. -Undefined Even though it may seem that the OP is mentally disabled, calling him a "retard" is a personal attack. -DKProf

McKenna10 Joined Sep 2020 Posts 912 EE 0% (0) KS, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:39:39 AM EDT [#6] I've thought about trying to track down firehose, but chains (and quick links), and a good supply of carriage bolts, nuts, and large washers are easy to obtain and maintain. I've started using a lock washer too..as the vibration over time can spin the nut off. I may have a strike(s) that breaks a chain once a year.

gearjammer351 EnemyOfTheState Joined Sep 2010 Posts 15919 EE 100% (5) MI, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:42:16 AM EDT [#7] How about you get better at shooting, so you hit the target instead of the chain the target is hanging from.
	They want you disarmed, because they know they are guilty of things for which they should be shot.

reelserious Member Joined Dec 2007 Posts 14149 EE 100% (36) FL, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 9:57:59 AM EDT [#8] fire hose works great

ptaylor Member Joined May 2002 Posts 875 EE 100% (11) TX, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:05:35 AM EDT [#9]

Kuraki Kingslayer Joined May 2007 Posts 57613 EE 100% (224) WI, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:07:26 AM EDT [#10] I use 12" wide rubber belting. It eventually gets shot to shit but it lasts way longer than chain.

SPARKY4 Member Joined Mar 2017 Posts 709 EE 0% (0) AZ, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:17:20 AM EDT [Last Edit: SPARKY4] [#11] I use these. They have lasted a while. My Amazon history states the last timeI purchased was in 2016. Held up great. I remove a hook on one and then use the remaining hook to tie 2 straps together at the pipe the targets hang from. Rubber straps They smell horrible for a while.

nvgeologist Ablative Pointman Joined Mar 2008 Posts 11674 EE 100% (3) AZ, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:19:33 AM EDT [#12] I sell a lot of firehose as target hangers.
	In the long term, tax stamps and prostitutes are cheaper.

MT_Mauser Joined Jan 2013 Posts 5869 EE 100% (32) MT, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:21:06 AM EDT [#13] Old conveyer belting. It sure is a bitch to cut, but it lasts.

Southernman077 Oh, I'm a Good Ol' Rebel Joined Mar 2006 Posts 27628 EE 0% (0) TN, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:23:09 AM EDT [#14] Mine are on 2x4 posts. I try not to miss, but I have some extra posts.
	“America is a whorehouse where the revolutionary ideals of your forefathers are corrupted and sold in alleys by vendors of capitalism.”

John-in-austin Joined Jul 2012 Posts 41488 EE 0% (0) TX, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:28:12 AM EDT [#15] Used to use chain, but these days I just use carriage bolts to attach them to a piece of 2" iron pipe and stick them in the ground. Far easier to move around than a heavy rack.

fssf158 Joined Dec 2005 Posts 10042 EE 0% (0) KS, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:28:27 AM EDT [#16] Quote History Originally Posted By Southernman077: Mine are on 2x4 posts. I try not to miss, but I have some extra posts. View Quote I have mine on 4x4 posts.

ScoutH57

Member

Joined Aug 2015
Posts 9388
EE 100% (254)

TX, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 10:30:42 AM EDT

[#17]

T-post hooks on a t-post are great. T-posts last quite a while even if you manage to hit the post a bunch. Easy to put in and take out too.

For Gong style I have a bunch of old firehose I drill a hole and run through it. Stuff is way tougher than chain, it can take a lot of hits and spall before it gives out.

I hang the other ends of the firehose gong hangers to t-posts.

Hking Member Joined Aug 2013 Posts 14131 EE 100% (20) SD, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:32:48 AM EDT [Last Edit: Hking] [#18] I prefer these 2x4 mounts, I find it easier to assemble/disassemble for transport to the range and storage, and you can have different length 2x4's to give different target heights https://shootsteel.com/product/improved-static-target-hanger/

RIP-Yataski My Mind Is A Trapdoor... Joined Apr 2013 Posts 118829 EE 100% (2) ID, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:36:04 AM EDT [#19] Quote History Originally Posted By ptaylor: View Quote Look at that cute 'lil guy on the end there...
	The threat is real...

RamaSita Member Joined Mar 2018 Posts 10818 EE 0% (0) IND	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:39:47 AM EDT [#20] Replace 2x4 as needed

DernHumpus 10mm is the best mm Joined Jun 2007 Posts 7804 EE 100% (14) IA, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:44:18 AM EDT [Last Edit: DernHumpus] [#21] T post hangers suck. This And I use a pistol bay/backstop from 100 so being able to move targets is a requirement, so I can't do a permanent "rack"

BlackTaco

Member

Joined May 2007
Posts 5528
EE 100% (194)

USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 10:45:13 AM EDT

[Last Edit: BlackTaco] [#22]

Quote History

Originally Posted By ScoutH57:
T-post hooks on a t-post are great. T-posts last quite a while even if you manage to hit the post a bunch. Easy to put in and take out too.

For Gong style I have a bunch of old firehose I drill a hole and run through it. Stuff is way tougher than chain, it can take a lot of hits and spall before it gives out.

I hang the other ends of the firehose gong hangers to t-posts.

View Quote

Exactly what I do - a combo of Tpost hooks over a Tpost and then an 8ft 2x4 to hang larger plates.
The belt strapping has lasted the longest. Chain sucks.
The 2x4 slides right in/out and legs fold - making transport incredibly easy.

Attached File

DVCER SHTF ammo dog Joined Jan 2001 Posts 28937 EE 100% (18) CO, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:50:00 AM EDT [#23] We use firehose at my club. Attached File
	"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G. K. Chesterton

Eyeore1966 Member Joined Feb 2013 Posts 1609 EE 0% (0) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:50:49 AM EDT [#24] Lots of options I've got a number of the older version of the ar500 hangers Hangers

-MainDisconnect- @odgreenallthethings Joined Sep 2013 Posts 1645 EE 100% (40) IL, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:55:13 AM EDT [#25] I use these leave the T post and take the steel with me. Attached File
	Free men do not ask for permission.

Tommy2399

Member

Joined Feb 2004
Posts 9501
EE 100% (27)

IA, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 10:57:08 AM EDT

[#26]

Currently using chain on some and wire on others.

The wire has worked the best and targets react better. Had a bunch of 1/4 cable from Harbor Freight so tried it and happy.

Have only broken one it just had gotten shot a bunch. To fix it unhooked the target and went up a few inch to where the wire was good and rehooked it.

Normally hook a bolt/s to target and put spacers then hook the wire and tighten down, it puts a little angle to the target

happycynic:
I prefer the Valhalla method myself. Take the risk, but if you get falsely accused die in a glorious shootout and then dine in Valhalla.

Skg_Mre_Lght Wilderness Hunter & Angler Joined Sep 2006 Posts 25485 EE 100% (14) WY, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 10:59:21 AM EDT [#27] T-posts and hangers like a Red-Blooded Sexual Tyrannosaur.
	A real 1 MOA All Day shooter.

SuperHeavy Joined Aug 2023 Posts 1360 EE 0% (0) TX, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 11:01:57 AM EDT [Last Edit: SuperHeavy] [#28] I like the rubber tie down straps. $1 each at ollies, the only thing going to fail is the S hook. I've had those hooks fail less, then the 3/8" bolts with fire hose. Biggest issue are the targets jumping off the hook, but that's any easy fix with a hammer.

Plank_Spanker

Azzhole

Joined Jan 2014
Posts 3555
EE 0% (0)

FL, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 12:09:29 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Originally Posted By ShooterPatriot:
Use fire hose or baler belting. If you know any volunteer firemen you can usually get hose for free that fails their pressure test.

You can shoot the shit out of it before it breaks. Just use fender washers to bolt it to the back of the plate. Standard washers sometimes rip through.

View Quote

This is what I have. I got a 30' piece of 2" hose & it holds up well. Plus, a chain can cause an unpredictable ricochet where the hose lets the round pass thru right into the berm.

Experience is what you get right after you need it.

Originally Posted By CplRick: The line of credit on the Race Card is maxed out, sorry.

highstepper Member Joined Nov 2008 Posts 24470 EE 0% (0) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:15:43 PM EDT [Last Edit: highstepper] [#30] N/M
	“Nothing Awesome is ever simple.” - qualityhardware

dmk0210 Joined Aug 2003 Posts 5480 EE 100% (18) NC, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:16:20 PM EDT [#31] Surplus firehose has always worked the best for me. It's woven and rubber lined. It will absorb a lot of abuse. Use a punch to cut holes for the bolts. I bought a roll of it on Ebay years ago and rarely have to replace the sections I've cut for hangers.

walkinginadangerzone Joined Jan 2014 Posts 26218 EE 100% (23) TX, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:18:46 PM EDT [#32] Quote History Originally Posted By Eyeore1966: Lots of options I've got a number of the older version of the ar500 hangers Hangers View Quote This. I only have a few gongs on mine but this is basically the set up. Pic isn't mine, it's from one of their customers.

eric496 Member Joined Nov 2008 Posts 7158 EE 100% (47) NH, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:21:24 PM EDT [#33] Quote History Originally Posted By Eyeore1966: Lots of options I've got a number of the older version of the ar500 hangers Hangers View Quote +1 The Superlock hangers are nice.
	Call sign: Smack

DonS

Joined Feb 2001
Posts 64403
EE 100% (1)

CHN

Posted: 5/7/2024 12:26:40 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Originally Posted By DernHumpus:
T post hangers suck.

This
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Qm5BUgKtL._AC_SY355_.jpg

And

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WRE6mb4sL.__AC_SY300_SX300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg

I use a pistol bay/backstop from 100 so being able to move targets is a requirement, so I can't do a permanent "rack"

View Quote

I use the 2x4 approach but welded up all the parts to hold the target myself. It works well. The 2x4s last a long time.

YourCoWorker Average Sized Member Joined Aug 2008 Posts 3077 EE 100% (101) GA, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:29:44 PM EDT [#35] Firehose

Logcutter Member Joined Mar 2021 Posts 3660 EE 100% (5) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:33:01 PM EDT [#36] Attached File Used fire hose with stands weekend from scrap

Logcutter Member Joined Mar 2021 Posts 3661 EE 100% (5) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:33:56 PM EDT [#37] Attached File

2JokersWild Member Joined Jan 2015 Posts 14247 EE 100% (2) WA, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:38:14 PM EDT [#38] I use steel target hangers, same steel as the target so blast away. Example hook

ptaylor Member Joined May 2002 Posts 876 EE 100% (11) TX, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 12:42:59 PM EDT [#39] Quote History Originally Posted By RIP-Yataski: Look at that cute 'lil guy on the end there... View Quote Its humbling at 400yards.

Cacinok

Joined Oct 2007
Posts 9044
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 12:44:48 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Originally Posted By McKenna10:
I've thought about trying to track down firehose, but chains (and quick links), and a good supply of carriage bolts, nuts, and large washers are easy to obtain and maintain.

I've started using a lock washer too..as the vibration over time can spin the nut off.

I may have a strike(s) that breaks a chain once a year.

View Quote

scrap fire hose

Repurposed Materials has used firehose, conveyor belts and all kinds of other crap that will work for hanging targets.

Flysc

Joined Oct 2014
Posts 30923
EE 0% (0)

AL, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 12:56:32 PM EDT

[#41]

Experimented with a lot of target hangers for my little range over the years. I've settles in two types.

One for lead containment and recycling. That type uses a two eye plate that is suspended inside an old tire, plate bolted to chains that are threaded through two holes drilled in the tire tread. Fat lawnmower tires works great with an 8" square plate. The inside of the tire is a catch for the spall splater. This type is suspended on a simple post and lentil frame.

The second is my favorite is the portable type. Basically squatty version of a "shepard hook" plant hanger. Pic of standard plant hanger for reference:

The ones i make are low to the ground and made of 1/2" cold roll steel stock i bent and welded. If i want to move them or take them somewhere else, i just unhook the single eye plates and yank the little hangers from the ground. None I've made have broken. Bent a few, but a hammer fixes that.

farmer-dave Joined Apr 2009 Posts 4733 EE 0% (0) KS, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 1:08:19 PM EDT [Last Edit: farmer-dave] [#42] Baler belt doesn't work very well, it won't be shot off but you won't hear the ring. I tried it and I now just use chain or galvenized wire. I guess that only matters at a distance if you want to hear the ding, if shooting pistol probably doesn't matter.

ar15-joe This... is my BOOMstick! Joined Dec 2017 Posts 3894 EE 100% (6) DE, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 2:45:41 PM EDT [#43] Quote History Originally Posted By ptaylor: Its humbling at ~~400~~ 25 yards. View Quote ^ For me!
	Want to bet a case of PMAGS on it?

JAD762 Joined Mar 2011 Posts 31144 EE 100% (7) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 2:56:10 PM EDT [#44] Quote History Originally Posted By Kuraki: I use 12" wide rubber belting. It eventually gets shot to shit but it lasts way longer than chain. View Quote Same. Ordered some off of ebay.

Gingerbreadman Just some guy. Joined Jan 2008 Posts 14878 EE 100% (1) MN, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 3:00:19 PM EDT [#45] The last training class I attended used fire hose and wooden frames to hold targets. Both materials are fairly cheap, easily replaceable, and let errant bullets pass through instead of causing them to deflect unpredictably.
	The government is just a corporation with a monopoly on violence.

Pantexan Member Joined May 2011 Posts 12416 EE 100% (7) BHS	Posted: 5/7/2024 3:02:40 PM EDT [#46] Quote History Originally Posted By gearjammer351: How about you get better at shooting, so you hit the target instead of the chain the target is hanging from. View Quote So you don’t want him to bring any new shooters or beginning shooters out to his range until they can shoot as well as you ?

The_Five_Elements Joined Aug 2019 Posts 2636 EE 100% (4) USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 3:03:41 PM EDT [Last Edit: The_Five_Elements] [#47] T-post fence post. The ONLY way to setup steel targets. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ3R1LT?tag=arfcom00-20

amax50robar Member Joined Dec 2012 Posts 124 EE 100% (5) TN, USA	Posted: 5/7/2024 5:35:09 PM EDT [#48] A roll of 1.5” or 2” nylon webbing is cheap and durable. Available at hardware stores or Amazon.

wildearp

CURATOR

Joined Jun 2003
Posts 97479
EE 100% (67)

AZ, USA

Posted: 5/7/2024 5:59:57 PM EDT

[Last Edit: wildearp] [#49]

This keeps the rubber out of the line of fire. Notice the two pieces of angle iron. Conveyor belt material is easiest to work with. The hole in the angle iron is hung over a 1/2" thick rebar post.