Any interest in AR500 targets?

[HBARleatherneck]

I am thinking about having a run of targets cut. Now you can ask Hoser, since he has more AR500 targets than anyone else. And I am sure he will tell you, the best way to cut targets is water jet. This form of cutting produces the least heat. This results in minimal loss of brinnel hardness on the cut edges. This method is also the most expensive way, that I know about.

To keep it "cheap" and simple, I am looking at 12"x12" targets only. Each target would have 2 holes water jetted into them, for hanging or mounting. similar targets are being sold on snipershide for $80 for 3/8" Ar500.

12 x 12 Ar500 3/8 approximately $65.
12 x 12 Ar500 1/2 approximately $80.
If there is any interest, I will get them made.

in case you are wondering. i am not looking to make money on this. i want targets. i dont want to pay shipping. so, if enough people want to go in, then we all win. one sheet makes 32 targets. i will buy several, so that will leave 20 something targets that neet to be sold.

[trlcavscout]

Can you make them and I will just come shoot yours? Times are tough you know [ROFL1] Depends on the time frame, I am gonna be broke for a few weeks after this weekend. I just missed meeting you in Windsor last week I guess at bear arms.

[Geology Rocks]

what caliber are they able to withstand? I currently have some steel but could always have more.:)

joe

[Hoser]

Now you can ask Hoser, but the best way to cut targets is water jet.

???

Water Jet *is* most likely the best option as the cutting process keeps the steel much cooler than any other.

Laser is the most precise, but the cost can be high.

However when you have a local guy with a CNC plasma cutter that cuts AR-500 for you at cost, has a ton of shooting useful shapes already stored on his confuser, a little bit if edge softening is tolerable.

[HBARleatherneck]

according to the unofficial test by different hide members... 3/8 plate took a 50bmg at 100 yards. i dont think thats smart, and your targets probably wont last. .223, .308 no problem. what caliber are you looking to shoot? and i will check.

[jim02]

How much does the 3/8 or 1/2 weigh?
Whats the expected life cycle on one of these? Say its being used for 5.56 and 308 at 500 yrds, an occasional 30-06, 7mm mag and 300 w mag would take a shot at it also.

[HBARleatherneck]

Hoser, can you tell us how long 3/8 or 1/2 last? based on your experience? weight?

cold rolled steel (mild steel) 3/8 is going to be about 15 pounds per target if made out of regular steel. i dont know what weight ar500 is yet.
1/2 cold rolled steel is about 20.5 pounds. but, once again this is for regular steel. but it might give you an idea.

[Hoser]

How much does the 3/8 or 1/2 weigh?
Whats the expected life cycle on one of these? Say its being used for 5.56 and 308 at 500 yrds, an occasional 30-06, 7mm mag and 300 w mag would take a shot at it also.

Not sure on weight. AR-500 is friggin heavy though.

However if you were to shoot them at 500 and beyond with anything inside of a 50, I bet they would last just this side of forever.

Bring them inside 150-200 and they might go 2000 rounds before they needed to be turned around.

If they are solid and can not give when hit, they will not last long. If they can swing or fall over, they last a long time.

[jim02]

i would be interested if this were to happen around feburary, im all out of extra $$ at this moment but I will be ok come feb.

[jerrymrc]

Any chance on smaller ones? I have 4 plates now that work for rifle 1/2"X8" but would like some more or 8" or 6" X 3/8 for pistol.

[HBARleatherneck]

i talked to the guy at the water jet place. as long as the cuts have common lines it can be done without significantly raising the cost. so i can do basically do targets that are divisible by 48. so 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24. so,yes we can make smaller ones if people want them smaller. i personally want a couple 12x18 for past 1000yds. remember moa at 1000yds is 10inches. vectorsc and a few of us have shot my 10"x10" target at 1000yds, but a little larger would be nice for rifle. and smaller would be nice for pistol

[henpecked]

I would be interested in the smaller size if you were to make them
8 x 8 x 3/8 or the 6 x 6 x 3/8

Qty of 4 or 6 depending on the price

Steve

[Tim K]

I've done exactly this myself. Instead of AR500, I used a steel call Wearform 500 from Ryerson steel. It's essentially the same as AR500 but without the certifications necessary to declare it armor plate. It was much less expensive. I used 3/8" and have hit it multiple times with 50 bmg at 100 yards with no effect. Mine all have many thousands of rounds on them. Under about 150 or 200 yards, you'll get a dimple on the face with any high velocity rifle round. Outside that range, they seem to last forever. Pistol calibers do nothing but remove the paint.

If they seem expensive, consider that you'll have these forever. Mine are now over ten years old and look just like they did the day I made them (with the exception of the dimples).

I have designated a few for use with high velocity rounds at close ranges. They get beat up a bit, but all the others still have nice flat faces.

[roberth]

I'd be interested in an 8x8 3/8" for pistol and a 12x12 1/2" for rifle.

Thanks for calling this to our attention.

[SA Friday]

I also would be interested in a 12x12 in either thickness, but not until feb or march time. I might be also interested in an 8x8 too.

I think I would prefer 3/8" over the half inch stuff as it's lighter and still will take just about anything outside of 300 yds. At said if you cut half inch, then that's what's available and I wouldn't complain.

[<MADDOG>]

Another alternative: cast iron blind flanges. 3"-13" in odd number sizes. You will have to have a railgun to put a hole in them... Check your local underground contractors, plumbing suppliers (Rampart), pipe fabricators....

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d108/pperron/Flange-4TXE6_AS01.jpg

[HBARleatherneck]

anyone have any ideas on the logistical end of this? question, how do i get money for these targets from you all? clearly, i dont want to put out $2000, and then have everyone back out. is there a safe way that anyone can think of?

in other words how can i get your money and commitment before i put in the order? and make you feel good and safe about the fact that you are prepaying. i didnt ask what the turn around time was. i know he didnt have the ar500 in stock, he would have to order it. and none of the other steel places up in fort collins or greeley had it in stock either.

[jerrymrc]

anyone have any ideas on the logistical end of this? question, how do i get money for these targets from you all? clearly, i dont want to put out $2000, and then have everyone back out. is there a safe way that anyone can think of?

in other words how can i get your money and commitment before i put in the order? and make you feel good and safe about the fact that you are prepaying. i didnt ask what the turn around time was. i know he didnt have the ar500 in stock, he would have to order it. and none of the other steel places up in fort collins or greeley had it in stock either.

Publish a sign up list with screen names and wants. They send the PM and YOU post it on your post. Give it 2-4 weeks. When you have enough commitments then call for the money. Mark each as paid. This will take a total of 6-8 weeks.

You will have enough exposure that anyone not paying by the deadline will have a replacement buyer by the close. They also will be more inclined to pay seeing there name up there without a "paid" marker by it.

After that deadline the plates will be made and can be picked up.

This is how I have done such things in the past. :) You also need to figure out how much each size is going to be then figure out how many of each size you are going to make.

[henpecked]

If making smaller plates raises the cost then I would be fine with the 12 x 12

Steve

[jim02]

If payment is due FEB-1 then put me down for a 12x12, i'd rather a 3/8" for price but if everyone else wants the 1/2" then I will take that.

[HBARleatherneck]

i will get the waterjet company to figure out some smaller target prices and then let everyone know. i will also set up a thread like Jerry suggested.

[Brian]

I'm interested in a couple (though I already responded on arfcom if you're trying to avoid double counting), especially if we could work up a cost effective stand or swinger mount.

Hoser, can't remember where you said you had your swingers made - was interested in something like the steel we shot up at that Magpul class back in June. Can you add/adapt a simple square target into that kind of a stand easily, or would you have to get it done all at once by the same place...?

[Hoopty]

I'm in for a couple various sizes, depending on cost of course...

[butnewa]

I am also interested in a few of various sizes.

Also if anyone has plans or makes a stand for them that would be great too.

--Jeff

[SideShow Bob]

Can you get them in 6' round X 3/8 and what would the cost be ?

[henpecked]

link to order thread
http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31774 (http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31774)

[jerrymrc]

Can you get them in 6' round X 3/8 and what would the cost be ?

I know your getting old Bob but damn, a six foot target? ;) I do believe these are square. I myself will be knocking the edges off mine. And hurry since I put in for 4 there are 12 of the 6" ones left. :)

[SideShow Bob]

I'm not that old, I just want a sure hit at 25 yards. I mean 6".

[HBARleatherneck]

well a 4ft circle would be at least $700. i have no idea how much a 6ft circle would be. most people i talked to only handle 4ft sheets. it would be nice for those 2800meter 50bmg hits.