How to Make a Resettable Field Target

Hunters and shooting enthusiasts both need to practice shooting in order to keep their skills in tip-top shape. Many hunters and shooters use paper targets for this process; however, paper targets become worn and last only for a short while before they need replacement. Resettable targets allow the shooter to keep shooting without having to replace the targets over an over. You can make resettable field targets for your target practice needs right at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Diamond-plate stock
  • 1/8-inch steel bar stock
  • 1/4-inch steel bar stock
  • Hacksaw
  • Welding equipment
  • Cutting torch
  • Red spray paint
  • Drill
  • Tap tool
  • Swing hinge
  • Eye screw
  • Tension spring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a piece of 1/8-inch diamond-plate stock to a length of 2 1/2 feet long by 2 feet high. Mark a vertical line down the center of the rectangle.

    • 2

      Weld the diamond-plate perpendicular to the center of a piece of 2 1/2 foot-by-2 1/2 foot, 1/4-inch steel bar stock. After welding, you will have the diamond-plate standing upright on a base of steel bar stock.

    • 3

      Cut out a hole in the diamond-plate on each side of your center mark using a cutting torch. Center the holes up and down on the diamond-plate, and ensure that they are spaced two inches apart. You can make the holes as large as you want your target area to be. A 4- to 5-inch target diameter is ideal for developing accuracy.

    • 4

      Paint a piece of 6-by-6 inch, 1/8-inch thick steel stock plate red on both sides. Drill and tap, then screw the 6-by-6 inch steel plate onto a swing hinge. Screw the plate and hinge onto the inside center of the diamond-plate, between both holes that you just cut.

    • 5

      Drill and tap a 5/16-inch diameter hole above the hinge. Screw in a 5/16-inch eye screw over the top of the hinge.

    • 6

      Drill a 1/4-inch diameter hole into the 6-by-6 inch steel stock at the top corner, farthest away from the hinge. Attach a 6-inch tension spring to the eye screw and to the hole you just drilled into the stock.

    • 7

      Set the target out at your preferred range. Fold the hinged bar stock to cover one of the holes in the diamond-plate. Get into your preferred target shooting position and fire a shot when ready. The bullet will strike the steel stock, and the impact will activate the hinge and tension spring, flipping the steel stock over to the other hole.