opinions on 1/4" vs 3/8" AR500 gong

[Babysitr]

I'm going to add a 16" gong to my steel shooting stands..I've been using 3/8 AR500 in a 10" and love it...question is if I go with 3/8 in 16" it will be heavier and will .22 move it and ring it at 50 or even 75 yds? 1/4" might be a better option? no rifles here, almost all .22 and .38 spl...some .45acp or maybe .357..anybody with experience with 1/4" AR500?

 

[Protocall_Design]

For .22, .38 spl. and .45 acp I would go with 1/4" thick. Rifle or magnums will be pretty hard on 1/4", though. Most are using 1/2" for the heavy hitters.

 

[kamloops67]

For 22 or 38 any steel will do ,no need for abrasion resistant

 

[forindooruseonly]

I keep three types of steel on my range, AR500 stuff that is painted yellow, which I shoot at everything with, mild steel painted white that is handgun only, and then 1/4 mild steel that is .22 only painted red.

The .22 doesn't move the heavier targets too well, but it does make enough noise that I know when I hit. I like the 1/4 steel stuff for .22 because it does make them move, but 1/4 mild steel is cheap so it isn't really something I am bothered with.

If I was going to shell out for AR500, buy something that is at least 3/8ths so it will hold up to rifle shots. Yes, it won't move as much, but it's still audible.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have all AR500 1/4" gongs in 12, 8, 6, 4, & 3 inch. They ring with 22lr out to 150 yards and beyond! They hold up to normal handgun from point blank on out. Mega handgun and rifles are fine from 50 yards on out.

The more energy you put at them the more they dance, that is one reason for thicker plates.

I have a 40 year old 1/4" silhouette (1/3 size man) of unknown hardness, assume AR500 or close, it has a big dent in it from a 50 cal. lead round ball from a flint lock rifle at 20 yards. (2inch dent, one inch deep!)

One of my 12" gongs has a minor crater, from 308 ball ammo at 10 yards. (dime size shallow crater)

You take care of your plates and all is well, but you never know what your friends will do to your steel!

Ivan

 

[coltle6920]

I use 1/4" AR500 for handguns only. You will hear a ping from a 22lr rifle but I doubt the gong will move enough to deflect the bullet downward. Be careful with the 22lr at close range no matter what thickness you buy.

I use 3/8" AR500 for for my rifles (30-30,.223 and 5.56). The manufacturer plainly states not to shoot at less than 100yds for these calibers or higher.

The 3/8" would serve both purposes but how you mount them will make a big difference in safety. A fixed mounted gong should always face down at an angle. A free swinging gong should dance like a cat on a hot tin roof. At least that's been my experience.