MArooned Gear Review: Shootin' Steel

A few months back I got a Caldwell Resetting Steel Target for .22LR and reviewed it here. Long story short, I liked it. A lot. I was hooked on the clang of steel, on the visceral reaction to a shot made, a reactive target that gives audible feedback. Well, wouldn't you know it, there's a centerfire version available. Needless to say, I had to have one:

BEFORE

That's what it looks like BEFORE the range trip. Here it is after ~ 50 rounds of .38 Special wadcutters:

AFTER

Not too bad, actually. I suspect most of that will (would) just buff right out were I so inclined; I think I'll just pick up a can of orange Krylon the next time I go to Home Despot for a lazy man's target. It held up remarkably well, all things considered; it's the very essence of simplicity. The top plate is 3" wide; the bottom plate 4½".

I chose the S&W model 19 for this outing, which made things a might more challenging at 25 yards, given the all-black sights and the shorter sight radius (compared to the 6" barrel Security Six). At some point I'd like to get some lead-nosed .44 Specials to see how it holds up to a big-bore caliber; if I can get a quiet moment at the range I'd opt for some 9mm and some .45 ACP as well.

I'm quite pleased with it, all things considered - for under $20, it's a fun day at the range indeed. This is the perfect "next outing" for a new shooter - since it needs to be 25 yards or greater, the smaller targets do prove a little challenging to the novice - the second or third outing to really hook 'em in with the clang of lead on steel is a must.

This is so much fun I may need to look into some steel plate competition...

That is all.