quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
1/4" 30 proof chain from shootingtargets7 disintegrates when hit. Does any chain work better or is this just the way it is?

How about just enshrouding the chain in steel pipe? Easy-peasy.

Use conveyor belting...last for thousands of hits.

We use it to hang heavy steel at the silhouette range...lasts a few years, even with idiots constantly hitting it.

I like Round Baler, belting. The fairly light belting used on a round baler to run the hay up into the machine. Most Tractor Dealers have some old belting hanging around for free. At least they do in MT.

https://ibb.co/gjR5xv

One can also just loop the belting AROUND the cross piece, and secure with a single or two bolts to the plate.

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
I thought about PVC. My reasoning against it was a stray bullet would shatter the PVC and end the day, but not the black pipe. I guess the flipside is no ricochet from the plastic.

I have used PVC pipe for my pistol target stands. I use two pipes on each side, two different sizes, each 48 inches, one telescoping inside the other. You are right about the PVC shattering from an errant shot. Has happened twice with novice shooters, both times the first shot, after I said, "Whatever you do, don't hit the white pipe!"

I have used double layers of pipe over something like 3/8” chain. A pipe length inside another pipe, both with the chain through the center. This works pretty good at the club. I make a point of not painting it, so it’s rusty outside blends with the dirt hill backstop. Lasts pretty well, stops or deflects most bullets.

I assembled this stand and I took it to a shoot a few weeks ago. Diamond target with belt is from a local outfit called AA Targets. I was more than please with the way the belt held up at days end. Looked like one of our new shooters was hitting the belt more than the target but after inspection it was deemed to be a nonissue and will take a bunch of punishment before it needs to be replaced.

I had found the nifty red end parts at a place called Gongshot.com
They take 3/4" pipe but I used some reducers to 1/2" for cost and weight savings. It worked so well I am going to make at least two more of em !
http://www.gongshot.com/target-stand-target-bracket/

Updated the original post with pics if anyone cared to see. Click to see larger. Kinda looks like the moon. The rear legs unscrew for transport.