Gong target

[KDX]

I picked up a 4" gong target at Cabellas a while back with the intention of making a target for longer distances. Yesterday I went to Crappy Tire and picked up some 1/2" square tubing and some 3/4" square tubing which was $30.50 with tax. I thought that was a little much so I went by the local metal shop and picked up the same material for under $13.00. Returned the Crappy Tire material and went home. Today I cut it up, made a couple of loops to hang the chain from and will get it welded up one of these days.

I can't remember what I paid for this gong, but it's rifle rated. I don't think my frame would take much punishment, but I'll try my 17 Rem Fireball on it at 200 or 300 yards. I bought a bigger gong and frame a few years ago that I would use for .223 and up.

All the pieces. I didn't bend the loops perfectly the same, but I can live with that.

I'll get the 3/4" pieces welded together like a T and the 1/2" parts of the frame will slide in. I don't know how much impact there will be from a .22cal round, but I'm guessing the whole thing will be heavy enough that it should stay put.

 

[VancouverS4]

from manufacturers website

"3/8” thick targets are intended for use with handgun, rifle, and supersonic rimfire cartridges as well as shotgun birdshot, buckshot and slugs
only at appropriate distances described below.
9. 15 yards is the minimum shooting distance when using non-magnum class handgun, supersonic .22LR rimfire, and shotgun birdshot
ammunition.
10. 25 yards is the minimum shooting distance when using shotgun buckshot.
11. 50 yards is the minimum shooting distance when using magnum class handgun ammunition, and shotgun slugs.
12. 100 yards is the minimum shooting distance when using standard rifle ammunition under 2,500 fps upon impact and less than 3000 ft/lb of
energy upon impact.
13. 250 yards is the minimum shooting distance when using magnum class rifle ammunition under 2,500 fps upon impact and less than 3000
ft/lb of energy upon impact.
14. To extend the life of your target, projectiles must be traveling less than 2500 fps upon impact and deliver less than 3000 ft/lb of energy upon
impact while maintaining the above minimum distances. Reference ballistic tables for your cartridge to determine appropriate shooting
distances while maintaining the above minimum distances.

as for the mild steel try to have the face of the gong angled down an either in front or well behind the frame to avoid damage from spalling or ricochet.

 

[KDX]

If I use carriage bolts to mount the chain it should make the bottom of the gong tilt towards the rear. I'm not anticipating too much spall from .22lr lead bullets.

 

[Geoman]

Nice work! We have to use wood for frames at our club so the one I made is more massive for a 10" gong. I used long carriage bolts with extra nuts on so that the steel wire loop (closed with small shackles) I hang the gong with ends up hanging the gong at a 10-15 degree down angle. There will be some splatter so much so that I lined the 2x8 wood uprights with truck flap rubber so that the wood will last longer. FWIW you may want to put a couple of rust coats on the gong and stand using colours the improve the contrast and provide some protection if stored outside.
After several hundred rounds at 50 m there is very little damage to the gong. With several quick shots or multiple shooters you can get the gong swinging well. Enjoy!

 

[KDX]

Thanks. I was thinking of going with orange for the frame (I think I have a can kicking around) and then white for the gong.

 

[WJA]

Very nice.
Let us know how it works once it's all welded and you tried it.

 

[6mm Shooter]

I find that black over white paint provides nice visible strikes.

 

[KDX]

Good point. Thanks.

 

[Geoman]

You can also put splatter targets on your gong for the full visual and audio experience lol!

 

[KDX]

I have a Sony Action Cam that I'm going to try to hook up as a target cam. Hoping it will transmit 200 yards with the USB WiFi booster I bought, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Geoman]

If you have a spotting scope and smart phone you can buy a gosky adapter for $50 on the big A. I tried my cheap scope at 25 magnification at 50 m and it was very satisfactory. Depending on your scope and magnification this may work if your wifi set up doesn't have the necessary range. Cheap at the price if you already have 2 of the three items!