steel gong

[3sharps]

I would like to make a swinger target for my .357. How thick of steel do I need for 50 yards?

[Edster]

50 yds for a 357 either 5/16" or 3/8" plate will do. You won't need AR500 for this, A36 will work just fine.

[akuser47]

50 yds for a 357 either 5/16" or 3/8" plate will do. You won't need AR500 for this, A36 will work just fine.

ditto

[JimBianchi]

I bought a 4in and an 8in gong off of ebay recently. I think it was $40 for both delivered. (They are AR500 3/8 and have excellent "ear holes" for the hooks. Works great)

I got 20ft of heavy chain from walmart and cut it into four equal pieces, using the cut links as hooks and a couple of cheap S hook also. I hung it from 8 foot piece of 1/2 rebar bent like this- I_I (flip it over) and used 2x4 cut to about 3 feet long with 1/2 hole for the rebar. The bar goes thru to the dirt and adds stability.

Two gongs cost me $60 and when apart, will lay flat in my truck bed.

357, 30-30 and 223 all ring loud, no damage even at 50yds.

[3sharps]

Hey guys, I took your advise. I ordered a 3 gong set from ebay. At $25.00 I figured it was cheaper than what I could have a set made locally. Now I have to wait until the ground thaws and I can install them. Thanks.

[Ranch Dog]

I got a question for you. With my range set up I can add gongs at 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, & 300 yards. My question is what size is typical at the various ranges?

I'm a little reluctant to add one at 25-yards as a pad in front of the berm is marked with the self defense qualification distances which I use with handgun training. At Front Sight and other training facilities I have seen a number of ricochets off of gongs that have come straight back into the shooting line. I shoot cast so I do not see an issue but I have others shooting handguns on my range with jacketed bullets and if a gong is there they are going to shoot it.

[Edster]

RD for closer range gongs you want the type that have the ears for attachment points. THey need to be hung so that the bottom tips back. This aids in deflecting the bullet downward. Another tip is to have loose material/dirt under the gong. This keeps the bullet from bouncing on hard packed dirt.

Example of eared gong
http://shootingtargets7.com/store/gongs ... -gong.html

Mounting chain--there is a little slide show on the left side that shows correct hanging--

http://shootingtargets7.com/store/acces ... g-kit.html

As far as others shooting you can do one of two things. 1) Remove the closer gong when other's are present, or 2) Color code the gongs, and explain the range rules. Example--Red is for Rifle, black is pistol, yellow is lead only.

[Ranch Dog]

Thanks edster. Probably will not put one at 25 yards as the pad is very firm packed with pea gravel & caliche (calcium carbonate) to aid with recovering brass.

[Ranch Dog]

Okay, got things ordered! Funny how a post can get you up and off your keester!

For 50 & 100 yards will use a 6" gong. For 200 a 8", 250 a 10", and 300 a 12".

[Edster]

Sounds good RD. I have to remind my shop guys that I have an order for some targets that they haven't done for me yet. Kinda helps when ya work for a steel fabricator.