TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a ballistic target system for use during target practice with firearms.

BACKGROUND

Ballistic targets are routinely used to facilitate target practice with firearms. Reactive ballistic targets made of steel are often used for target practice because they generate audible feedback, and sometime movement, when shot. As such, steel targets are well known in the art. These targets are fabricated from hardened steel so that common copper jacketed-lead core bullets, even those fired at high velocity, are pulverized on impact. But, despite material selection, continued use of a ballistic target for practice will eventually crater and/or deform the strike face of the target plate whereupon subsequent bullets may rebound toward the shooter.

In general, the service life of a ballistic target will vary based on the distance at which the target is shot, steel quality, and the caliber, construction, and velocity of the bullet being fired. High velocity ammunition can more easily penetrate steel targets, meaning that faster bullets regardless of caliber are more likely to damage a steel target. Therefore, a need exists for a new steel target that is adapted to absorb at least a portion of the energy transferred by a bullet to the target plate upon impact, thereby extending the service life of the ballistic target.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the ballistic target system disclosed herein. It is to the provision of a ballistic target system configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of a ballistic target system are provided. The ballistic target system includes a suspended target plate configured to deflect incoming bullets and is adapted to absorb at least a portion of the force transferred by a bullet to the target plate upon impact. In this way, the service life of the target plate is extended.

An example ballistic target system comprises: a target plate having a mounting bracket attached thereto; and a target stand from which the target plate is slidably suspended. The target stand comprises: a base adapted to rest on the ground, a post, and a target support bracket from which the target plate is slidably suspended by the mounting bracket. The target support bracket comprises a cap portion secured atop the post and an angled strut member that extends at a downward angle from the cap portion to define an incline. The ballistic target system is configured so that the target plate slides rearward and up the incline of the angled strut member when struck by a projectile.

Another example ballistic target system comprises: a target plate having a mounting bracket attached thereto; and a target stand from which the target plate is slidably suspended. The mounting bracket attached to the target plate includes a mounting arm that has a longitudinally extending slot therein. The target stand comprises: a base adapted to rest on the ground, a post, and a target support bracket from which the target plate is slidably suspended by the mounting bracket. The target support bracket comprises a cap portion secured atop the post and an angled strut member that extends at a downward angle from the cap portion to define an incline. The angled strut member includes a protrusion extending upwardly therefrom. The protrusion is configured to be slidably received within the longitudinally extending slot of the mounting bracket attached to the target plate. The ballistic target system is configured so that the target plate slides rearward and up the incline of the angled strut member when struck by a projectile.

