How do you adjust targets to make them reliable?

oldsparky · Aug 21, 2021

How do you adjust inexpensive targets to make them reliable? Or can you. I bought a Gamo squirrel and a rat on the run. Both of them fall sometimes when I hit the faceplate. The target doesn’t fall on impact it is like it bounces then falls. If anyone can tell me what might make one of these more reliable. More forward angle on the target? Or more forward angle on the paddle. I like these simple designed mechanisms and wonder if heaver still all around will stop the bounce fall. I bought these two targets really just to copy. I don’t plan to build for anyone but myself. I wanted to copy a Rhino but have tried to buy one for a few years but I guess I never look when he has any available. I would like to build ten or so with my unique faceplates but don't want to try to re invent the wheel. Or waste material making mechanisms. Any help is appreciated.

2L8 · Aug 22, 2021

Would lubrication on the pivot points help?... Just thinking out loud.

Patrick

rob_g · Aug 22, 2021

You can try pulling the targets apart and making sure all the holes have any burrs removed so they don't bind. Replace the cheap pins and retaining clips with a bolt and lock nut. This should let your linkage move more freely. A little lube and you should be good to go

Motorhead · Aug 22, 2021

We glue ( G6000 ) a small washer or two on the center rail where the paddles FOOT makes contact. Shimming here allow you to adjust the cam over distance of the face plate link.

Has worked excellent for 7 years now on our club Gamo targets.

Scott S

SVFTC

Arzrover · Aug 22, 2021

What Scott said

Sounds like they are on the rear part of the cam, though. You might need to remove a little from the foot in that case. The pivot holes are typically sloppy on those which gives inconsistent lockup. I ream to the next size up if they are, and get a more precise fitting bolt or pin. If it's on the forward part of the cam, you can glue a shim as Scott suggested. You're trying to find the balance when a 6 ft lb or so will knock it down but not fall with a 20 ft lb face hit. They need to be SLIGHTLY forward biased when mounted so that they will reset easily when you pull them up.

Bob

chasdicapua · Aug 22, 2021

The rat on the run target isn't "spring loaded" so to say. That's why it will rattle down sometimes with a face plate hit. It's easily fixed by putting this spring https://www.springsfast.com/products/torsion-springs/ (The exact spring is TMR-0519-050) around the axle that the face place hinges on so that it is pushing the face plate slightly backwards, or towards the paddle. With this spring in place, the rat on the run is an excellent target at a great value. Also, the face plate is thicker than the one's on the gammo targets.

Chas

oldsparky · Aug 22, 2021

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to grind a little off the toe on the base of the paddle lever making the paddle lean a little more forward increasing the cam. Worked like a charm. I will also drill and replace the pins when I get the hardware.

thanks, Jim

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How do you adjust targets to make them reliable?

oldsparky

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2L8

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rob_g

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Motorhead

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Arzrover

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chasdicapua

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oldsparky

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