In The News

Auto-Reset (Gravity) Poppers

Using gravity to re-set targets is nothing new. The simple spinners and swingers used by rimfire shooters employ gravity to center targets after a hit. But these are toys compared to Metal Spinning Targets' beefy Auto-Reset Popper, an "Industrial Strength" gravity popper. The High Velocity rifle version, at 28" high and 55 pounds is a serious piece of hardware, comparable to a LaRue in target size and mass. Yet it doesn't require batteries, and it costs $195 per unit vs. $1395 for a Larue. Tests by the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky were very positive. Soldiers who tested the unit declared: "User friendly, simple and effective training tool. Unlike the LaRue Mechanized Silhouettes, [it] requires no battery recharging, all you have to do is repaint the surface when excessive spotting. Movement and setup is a one-man job, unlike some systems that require a two-man lift, and movement is a major tasking," and "The best made, best [in] use, lowest maintenance popper target available." Click HERE for the full text of the Army's evaluation. As with all other Metal Spinning Target products, this unit features laser-cut, weld-free plates, and is available in 500 Brinell hardness. This quality target performs many of the duties of a LaRue, at a fraction of the cost.

Pros: Strong, tough, heavy-duty construction, but not too heavy for one person to carry comfortably. Simple, fool-proof reset mechanism. Easy-to-change target plates.

Cons: Doesn't fold completely flat so it is bulky to transport. A good deal more expensive than a simple gong or Spring-Loaded Poppers.

The Gong--The Sweet Sound of Success

Many local steel fabricators can sell you a round steel plate you can hang from a chain. But keep in mind that a proper gong is more sophisticated. First it should be hardened steel. Second, it needs to be the right diameter and thickness. If it's too heavy it won't swing when hit. If it's too thick or the steel isn't surface-hardened the gong won't "sound off" with a clang when hit. Jason Baney, our 1000-yard Editor, has done a lot of long-range shooting at steel targets. He reports that "the bigger and thinner the gong, the louder it rings". Also the best-ringing and most-durable gongs are attached with a bolted "clasp" on a transverse axle rather than a chain. (You can snap a chain with just a few hits.) In addition to the D&S Product, MetalTargets.com sells a cost-effective gong, rated for high-velocity rifle ammo. Choose from 10" ($78), 12" ($99), or 15" ($115) diameters. Prices include a swinger frame made of 3/4" HR bar. For $25 more you can order a heavy-duty base.

Four-in-One Metal Reset Target

We love this target for 400-700 yard practice because it is fun and challenging. When you hit each of the round plates, they lock back out of the way. When you've hit the three circles, THEN shoot the square plate, and all four targets reset. The reset mechanism is covered by a protective shield for greater durability. The $295 Four-in-One Reset Target from Metal Spinning Targets stands 30" high and weighs 58 pounds. Using a sawhorse-style frame, it sits stably on four steel legs, yet breaks down competely flat for transport. The 3/8" thick plates are 5" in diameter--just about the perfect size if you want to practice for 500- and 600-yard varmint and fun shoots. On request, you can get 4" diameter paddles and a diamond-shaped reset plate. Yes, the unit is pretty pricey, but it is solidly built and fun to shoot.

Pros: Ideal plate diameters. Very Durable. Unique operation and everyone wants to try it.

Cons: Pretty expensive. We'd like to see one 24" plate on top for zeroing.