Best Big Bore Gong?

[WAB]

IMHO,

AR 500 is the best plate to use, I think. Use 1/4”(10.2lbs per sq ft), 5/16”(12.8lbs per sq ft) or 3/8”(15.3lbs per sq ft) plate. If you have a local steel fabricator with a laser plate machine nearby talk to him about cutting some out for you. NOTE: it’s best to purchase a full sheet, minimum (48”x96”) , and have him cut the whole sheet.

To prevent ricochets/returning projectiles, cant the plate face down around 20 degrees this will divert the bullets towards the ground. I do this by bolting a piece angle iron to the back of the target. You can punch holes up and down the angle iron to get the cant you want. Also I use button head-twist off A-325 or A-490 structural bolts, 3/4” is usually the most common size. A fabricator or erector should have some leftovers at the end of a job.

As for attaching the target plate to a stand I use either chain, rebar or, what I like best is Fire Hose. If you know a fireman ask him if he can get you some of their worn out hose.

Disclaimer,
I am a retired structural steel fabricator and erector.

It’s snowing and raining here in Sunny California at the moment. When able I will try and take some photographs of what I am talking about.

This is what I do. The angle is critical to deflect the bullet to ground. I have also switched from chain to strips of tire rubber, huge improvement.

 

[jdemocko]

I had this one made to handle my 500 NE. This plate weighs just under 100 pounds.

 

[Brod]

I had this one made to handle my 500 NE. This plate weighs just under 100 pounds.

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@jdemocko wow... that looks impressive. Thanks for sending the photos