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Reed Rattler Target

The sport of IDPA begs to have action targets to challenge the shooter.  The Rattler is an all new concept.  It sits quietly behind a low barricade until activated by a rope pull.  The cardboard target held by the Rattler swings up into view, much like a rocking target.  The difference is that the target can be exposed for less than a second, or two seconds, or three seconds, up to four seconds and then it hides again.  This target was made to surprise the shooter in an IDPA blind stage, where the shooter does not get to see the challenge before it is encountered.  Even in stages that are not blind, the unusual movement, and threat of disappearance adds pressure to the shooting challenge.

The mechanical delay necessary for the timing discussed above is provided by having a weight fall through a zig-zag path cut into a bar of metal, as seen below.  When the weight is started all the way into the zig-zag track, the cardboard target exposure time is longest.  When the weight is started only an inch or so into the zig-zag track, the cardboard target exposure time is least.  The weight makes a rattling sound when it wiggles its way down the zig-zag track, hence the name.  When the weight falls completely out of the zig-zag track the target hides again.  Thus the distance the weight has to travel  in the zig-zag track controls the exposure time.

These plans are free for non-commercial use and are offered with no warranty or other claims expressed or implied.  Ken Reed, 06/11/2003.

 
The Rattler, ready for activation on its longest time setting.

    Video - Quickest                                                                        Video - Slowest    

  Video - Quickest - How it works                Video - Slowest How it works    

Raw material cut to length.

Raw material drilled, set into relative positions.

Ready for paint.

Release mechanism close-up.

Copyright © 2003 - 2005, Ken Reed