DIY Moving Target Project - no welding or motors!

[@ZChaosFactor]

Just finishing up mine right now. Couple things I did differently. I bought two sets of the target bases and used one of the bases as a carriage for the target. I mounted my clothesline retractor on my post. Lastly, i couldn't get the gate latch to work consistently. So I bought a southco rotary latch off amazon and paired that with the rod part of a gate latch from home depot. The rotary latch is spring loaded like a trigger mechanism and one small tug throws the rod out of the latch releasing the target. I have the wire for the release run down the post abd through a free floating pulley so you can adjust angle needed to release it. For USPSA I have it attached to a piece of falling steel as an activator.

[@ricktriebwasser4287]

Great mods. I thought about doing a shootable activator using a magnet attached to the target frame, then the trip wire strung through the upright to the falling steel. Your idea sounds better.

[@atepperson38]

Clothes line retractor is a genius idea

[@mauriciosolnes134]

Thanks you 🙏🏽☀️

[@BF-rn3oz]

Awesome! Great idea to use a retractable clothesline and pulleys!

[@wef545bassgrimoire]

You mentioned you used 1x1 square tubing but the target stands available seem to only accommodate 1x2s which are actually 3/4"x 1.5". What was the model number on Midwest that you purchased that accommodates the 1x1 square metal tubing? Thanks for the great video!

[@ricktriebwasser4287]

The Midway USA target stand is #606439, which is now listed at $24.99 (!). The square tube that holds the stand uprights actually measures out at 1" x 1.75" internally. Not sure why the manufacturer went with that since it is sloppy for real 1x2 dimensions. I guess they figure the adjustment knob will snug it up anyway. You can tell from the pictures on Midway USA that looks too big to be a 3/4" slot.

[@JamesTheAxeThrower]

Have you changed anything about this since you made this video? I think I’m going to be using a variation of your set up for a axe/knife throwing target range.

[@0570965]

Thanks for the idea

[@Rusty_ok]

I made a target mover but mine relays on gravity. We hang it between two trees at the range and it works good but the clothes line retractor would get a consistent speed. The clothesline retractor is a genius idea. I would really like more info on the latching or release system.

[@ricktriebwasser4287]

This was replied to in a comment below: "I used just the cheapest $1.25 zinc plated wire variety that comes with two screw eyes and a hook. One screw eye attaches to the target frame. The latch part I actually screwed on to a 1x2" piece of wood, then I attached a magnet on to that to stick it on the metal upright (but it could be permanently mounted). I used mason string to tie on to the latch hook, then just a tug and the hook pulls free of the screw eye. I looked at some type of remote control actuator system, but quickly gave up on that (batteries, wires, and motors)! One tip, put little distance 'flags' on the trip string using duct tape so you can quickly figure out how far away you are (old Navy technology)."

[@ricktriebwasser4287]

I now have a part 2 video with a live fire demonstration posted. You will get to see this target in action!

[@robertburns9590]

Great ideas! This is just what I was looking for. What kind of gate latch did you use and how was the release cord attached? Thanks for posting.

[@ricktriebwasser4287]

Just the cheapest $1.25 zinc plated wire variety that comes with two screw eyes. One screw eye attaches to the target frame. The latch part I actually screwed on to a 1x2" piece of wood, then I attached a magnet on to that to stick it on the metal upright (but it could be permanently mounted). I used mason string to tie on to the latch hook, then just a tug and the hook pulls free of the screw eye. I looked at some type of remote control actuator system, but quickly gave up on that (batteries, wires, and motors)! One tip, put little distance 'flags' on the trip string using duct tape so you can quickly figure out how far away you are (old Navy technology).

[@CP281]

Neat!!!

[@ricktriebwasser4287]

Part II link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWGsnXiXpNqlZ5o