Hi All:

I've got a set of 3/8 scale silhouettes that are designed to stand and then be knocked off the rail. Having to carrying them out to the range to use them is a bit on the annoying side due to the weight. I was thinking about taking one each chicken, pig, turkey, and ram, and modifying them so that they can be hung from the rail using chain. That way, I don't have to reset as I practice and I only carry 1/5 the amount of weight out to the range. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I thought I would ask and see if any of you have made similar modifications to what I am considering. Any advice you may have would be welcome. Thanks!

They're called "swingers", and lots of people have them. I have sets of the 1/5 smallbore animals and a larger set the size our club uses for beginners. Basically it's two chains welded to the top of the animal that you wrap around the rail and fasten with a carabiner, baling wire, etc.

Thanks..."swingers" is the term I was looking for. Glad to know the welds can work under the constant pounding. They can be a brittle if they are not done right. I think I will probably wait to do anything for now. I'm going to try and make a smallbore match this month and will ask around when I do.

You can get 1/4 quick links from your local nut and bolt supply for about $1.00 each and 1/4 chain from Harbor Freight. If you hang with the nut in the quick link away from you they can take .22 rimfire hits all day long. The HF chain isn't good for much but shooting, that it does reasonably well. If you strategically drill your targets they will hang level. If ever you have the need, you can still use the target on its feet.

Make friends with a metal fabricator (welder) and have him make you up something like this. Work great. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-4-NRA-Si ... 2a20e0213b

If you strategically drill your targets they will hang level.

This points to one of my concerns about bolting through the targets...proper placement of the holes. No doubt it can be done but there is a little bit of art in getting it right. This is one place where I was hoping to gain insight from other's experiences. Seems like welding is the way to go provided I've got access to someone with the right welding materials and skill.

I have noted the frame supported targets several places online (Ray Schafer for one). However, my club rules restrict the use of such frames. Its a bummer but I know they probably have the rule from some past experience that told them it was necessary.

Thanks for the replies!

You can get a set all ready made from Ray Schaffer.
He makes SB and SB Levergun swingers. I don't see the Levergun ones listed, but a friend just got a set from him.
http://www.raystargets.rgpservices.com/swingers.html

Drilling for the chains is not a huge issue; the trick is that if the holes are not drilled on the same level that they be drilled at a spacing equivalent to the spacing of the links on the chain to be used.

Building a set that clamps to the rails is handy too if your range is constructed to accommodate. They pack better than the ones on the stands.


For stands, we have had better luck with a folding stand. We have found that where we shoot the ground is often too hard to get the stand in very well or if we do, just a few shots loosen them up.

That's a pretty clever way to set them up. I appreciate the photos as it makes things pretty clear.

This will be another method that I can ask about at the club. Thanks!