ok... So I think we are going to build about 5 gongs for the ranch... weld tubing into an arch and then hang steel targets from them with a bit of chain.

In yalls experience what is most value minded way to put these puppys together?

Are they going to live in the same place all the time? Or get moved around?

well we have a covered shooting position on the hill... My plan was to put some at the same place... 200, 500, 980(we are JUST shy of 1000) and maybe a couple to move around

Stationary- get some 3/4" or 1" I.D. round pipe 4' to 5' long. Get the next size larger that fits over that and cut it the length of the width of your hanging material. I use fire hose, baler belt is also good. Do not use chain, a bullet will cut the chain, then you are out of service. Weld a flat tab the full length of the female tube, with a bolt hole at each end, that is what you bolt your baler belt or fire hose to. Hose clamps each side of the female will keep it from sliding. Now the small parts. 1 1/2" square tubing 4" long and cap the end with flat bar. 90 off one side butt weld 5/8" rebar 4" long. Drive two t-posts as far apart as your male tubing is long, and make the tops level with each other. Slide the rebar into the male round pipe, and slide the square tubing over the t-posts. Done. Plate swings and doesn't slide side to side.

Mobile- do the male/ female round pipe the same way and at each end weld 1" I.D. pipe 90 degrees to each other (facing toward the ground) 5/8" rebar will be your legs that slide into the female 1" pipe. So it will look like an inverted "V" from the side.

.... I'm gona need pictures for these awesome directions fireman lol sorry if i'm a slow student lol

that... or fireman just came up with his million dollar idea... dibs on first full time sales position lol

Yall have to wait until Saturday. Thats the next time I'm back at the range. I tried explaining but I would need pics as well.

I use rocky mountain rifle targets, easy to move around and really solid

check out jc steel targets. He makes a bracket to hang his targets off a t post. Bout the easiest way to do it.

Walter

Here are a couple of pictures of portable targets and stands I built for a friend. These work great if you plan on moving them around or don't have somewhere to place permanent stands or post. I have six of these that I have been using for three years and can attest to their durability and cost effectiveness. Sooner or later someone shoots the flat strap and it's about a ten minute job to grind out the tack weld and replace it with a new piece.
The frame and kickstand are made from 3/4" rebar and some 1" flat metal strap. The total cost is around $16 plus the cost of the AR500.

Nevermind. No use taking more abuse from those that drink with a straight pinky.

Have you ever actually used that setup beyond a hundred yards?

Great thread, some great ideas here. I can personally say Fireman JG's set up is top notch!!

Yep that setup would not last long with a lot of 400 plus shooting...... Or my sons friends
blasting at 250 with AK's.

Would the splatter destroy the pvc, I know it will tear up 2x4 material?

Yes. And the targets will twist and come off the hooks. The gusset in the rear will be riddled with bullet holes.

Not trying to be a a$$, just sharing fron experience.

Here's my 10" AR500

Nice TXkiller, but don't let JG near it, he'll aim for the bolts

Those bolts can take a hit usually after the 3rd they're done but an easy fix.

So I have a question about shooting steel. The internet searches I've done about ammo and what you can/can't shoot and distances are a bit unclear. I'm looking at getting a steel target, possibly one of these: http://renaissancesteelresearch.com/product/ready-ship-target-rst/

What is safe to shoot at this? I'll mainly be shooting .22lr/.223/556/.300blk and some pistols. The rifles will all be at distances of over 100 yrds(and most likely further), the pistols will be .22lr and .40. For the rifles do I need to worry about shooting FMJ at those distances?

Shop it hard on eBay listings and internet, at 500 can take all of those bullets-especially at range. Never, ever, ever, shoot without glasses- the bullets will come back.

Not true.

Mount 3/8" or 1/2" AR 500 where it can swing, 200 yards and out. Centerfire bullets shatter when they hit steel.

600 yard target

I used 1 1/2" square tubing, but I had to cut a bit off the back of the T-post.