Moving Targets

posted on September 25, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (3)

Much of our shooting and training take place from static positions against motionless targets because adding movement at a range can be expensive and difficult.

Many ranges have no way to safely allow movement on the part of shooters. Other ranges just don’t want the hassle of setting up the specialized areas needed for moving targets or moving shooters considering the number of people that just want to put holes in targets. And, of course, many moving target systems are just too expensive for small, personal ranges.

All of this is preventing many of us from obtaining real-world experience against moving targets. And that is too bad since I seriously doubt that an attacker is going to stand straight and tall and allow someone the time to draw, aim and fire, and neither should you. The moment an attacker realizes his victim has a way to fight back, he’s going to start moving.

Over the years, I’ve had times when I could set up movement situations for shooters. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to afford a moving target system, though I have shot against a few. I did, however, set up a way to practice on moving targets using an old tire.

Simply tape a piece of cardboard to the inside of a tire, and have a friend roll the tire into the shooting zone. Of course, this must be done safely, so pay careful attention to the course set up. Unless you have bulletproof barricades, the only safe way to conduct this drill is from an angle on the same line as the shooter. Simply roll the tire at an angle away from the shooter. A hill really helps both motion and speed.

Remember, a fight is not a duel, where two people take careful aim and are honor bound to stand. Because of this, you’ll need to know how to move during a fight, and how to hit a moving target. What tips can you provide for setting up affordable ways to train against moving targets?

Latest

TU 33 Studio01
TU 33 Studio01

The Norinco TU-33/40: A Rimfire Mauser Lookalike from China

The Norinco TU-33/40 is, at a glance, a copy of a Mauser 98k with a few choice details that give away the fact that it’s not a big-bore World War II workhorse.

AI Tools Enter the Used-Gun Market

Companies that deal in the used-gun market are not shy about sharing the advantages their AI-driven tools and services.

Standing Guard | Standing on the Line for Freedom

This past August marks 46 years since I raised my right hand and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. In the summer of 1980, I entered active duty with a firm sense of civic duty and a deep desire to serve our great nation. Like so many who wear the uniform, I was ready to contribute directly to the defense of freedom.

Making Baschieri & Pellagri Shotshells

Italy is known for its many makers of fine-quality shotguns, but what many might not known is that Italy is also home to one of the industry's top manufacturers of shotshells for hunting and sporting use: Baschieri & Pellagri.

Rifleman Interview: Volquartsen Firearms

Several of Volquartsen’s excellent rimfire firearms were on display at “Plinkapalooza” earlier this year.

Army Purchases EOTECH Electro-Optics

EOTECH recently announced that the U.S. Army had purchased 14,000 of its lasers, holographic optics and magnifiers for use on the military's M7, XM8 and M250 platforms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.