More than just a ringing steel silhouette, the Portable Long Range Torso target features a long-range indicator that starts to spin when hit. From $680.
June 23, 2020
By Chris Cerino
Off the beaten path in central Georgia, far behind a shop most famous for its coveted, revolving gun and valuable safes, lies a shooter’s field of dreams. Steel targets scattered on a range in variations and sizes to challenge any shooter’s ability. Whether it be for rimfire or heavy hunting magnums, Revolution Targets stand waiting.
Revolution Targets by Pendleton are Bruce Pendleton’s solution for shooters who despise trips down range to reset. Pendleton, the man behind the innovative Pendleton safes (pendletonsafes.com ), is also the man behind Revolution Targets (revolutiontargets.com ). His intention was to lessen the usual time wasted in resetting to allow more time for shooting, which is safer and more productive. There’s also more enjoyment. Shooting steel, especially reactive steel, is just plain fun.
With multiple products designed around any shooter’s needs or budget, there’s something for everyone. The Heavy Duty series requires a large group of friends, or heavy machines to move. So, let me introduce you to the Compact and Portable target lines.
Portable targets are good because I can’t trust someone won’t come and shoot my targets with 5.56 NATO green-tip ammo. Portable targets let me move or remove them. Steel-core projectiles can crater and even penetrate worn steel. Safe distances and proper cartridges are important factors.
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What is the appropriate hardness and thickness for shooting steel targets? It’s not just the hardness, but the thickness of steel that makes a difference when determining if steel is pistol or rifle appropriate. Hardness is measured with a Brinell Hardness Number (BHN). Pendleton uses hardened AR500 abrasion-resistant steel for all targets. AR500 can withstand severe impacts including rifle fire.
If AR500 is good, it doesn’t mean AR800 is better. Steel with higher BHN’s can become brittle and shatter or crack on impact. Proper hardness of targets is essential, and thickness influences additional durability. Hardness and thickness combined create the so-called “rating” of targets, as in which calibers or cartridges can be used. Pistol-only-rated targets are 3⁄8-inch thick or less, where rifle-rated targets are ½ inch or more. Distance from the target creates safety and mitigates damage to ensure longevity of steel. Slower bullets are less damaging, also.
Designed with portability and versatility in mind, Pendleton’s Portable Long Range Torso (PLRT) target is a personal favorite. Made from ½-inch AR500, this target can be moved with less effort because lugging steel around the range is hard work.
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The torso and stand are not lightweight, but they are portable. Just add your own 2x4 as an upright to set it up. Once the sweat equity is paid in transport and setup, you get the benefits of a reactive hit without needing to reset it. The PLRT is also available in 3⁄8-inch thickness, but this affects the calibers with which you can shoot at it.
Automatically resetting the PLRT has a 10-inch revolving hit zone. The center is counterbalanced by another 10-inch disk mounted horizontally. With the horizontally mounted counter-balance painted bright red, it acts as a long range hit indicator. (Hits are easy to spot at any distance.) Challenge yourself by getting the center to start spinning by timing your shots. You can also shoot the entire torso and hear the gratifying sound of ringing steel.
With various steel constructions to choose from and heavy duty grease fittings to keep targets spinning smoothly, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Whether it’s precision or speed, Revolution Targets, has a target to challenge yourself and hone skills.
Pendleton’s PLRT Frame Targets are either $680 in 3⁄8-inch or $820 for ½-inch-thick plates. Contact Revolution Targets at 770-466-6181 or visit revolutiontargets.com to learn more.
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