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Rocking Target

The rocking design, sometimes called a swinger, has been around for quite some time.  This design is a typical rocking target, except it is light weight, easy to build, and the parts are inexpensive.

One unique feature of this rocking target, is the release mechanism.  Most commercial and homemade rocking targets use some sort of a stick propped up under the counterweight.  This stick is pulled out from under the counterweight, and the target begins rocking.

My new release mechanism is very simple.  There is a bolt sticking out from the lath/target holder, which is the rocking part.  One end of a chain is attached to the base, and the other end is slipped over the protruding bolt.  This arms the target, ready for release.  The end of the chain looped over the protruding bolt is attached to the release rope.  When the rope is pulled, the chain link is pulled off of the protruding bolt, releasing the pent up energy in the rocker, and the target begins rocking.  If the same link of the chain is looped over the protruding bolt for an entire match, the rocker is very repeatable.  For different match requirements, using other links looped over the protruding bolt, gives more or less rocking action.  This release can be set to cause the rocker to only move a few inches left to right, which is excellent for IDPA hostage type situations.  Or the release can be set for a full rock, or anywhere in between.

The plans are on revision two, which has a different base than pictured here.  This makes the target easier to store, since the base is smaller and nestles with other target bases better.

These plans are free for non-commercial use and are offered with no warranty or other claims expressed or implied.  Ken Reed, 07/26/2006.

In use in a match, activated by the door opening.

 
Ready for paint, as soon as the snow melts and it warms up. 

Copyright © 2006, Ken Reed