How to Make a Spinning Steel Target

A spinning steel target offers some distinct advantages over paper or polystyrene targets. It will not degrade, fall apart or blow away so you won't have to constantly replace it with fresh targets. What's more, it will make a satisfying "ding" noise when you score a hit with a bullet or pellet. Attach the target to the frame in such a way that you can easily remove and replace it with other targets that are a different size and shape. This will allow you to add variety to your target practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheet metal
  • File
  • Tin snips
  • Saber saw
  • Bright-colored paint
  • Round-legged school desk
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Jubilee clips
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your target shapes from sheet metal. Thin metal is fine for air-rifle practice but you will need a thicker gauge for rifle shooting. Cut thin sheet metal with tin snips and thicker metal with the saber saw. In order for the target to spin, you will have to make sure it is no more than a few inches in diameter. Make sure the target has at least one flat edge at least a couple of inches long.

    • 2

      File off any sharp edges. Paint the target a bright color. Drill a series of holes in the straight edge of the target.

    • 3

      Turn the desk over. Cut one of the legs off. Drill through the ends and position it horizontally as a cross bar between two of the remaining legs. Bolt the leg in place.

    • 4

      Position the target under the crossbar. Loop jubilee clips round the cross bar and insert the bolts through the holes in the target. Tighten enough to hold the target in place without making it too tight to stop the target spinning around the cross bar.