2007-01-09 02:42:29 · 7 answers · asked by mrwsm 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
A proper steel backstop is set at an angle over a sand pit to deflect bullets down into it. The steel is not meant to stop the bullet, only to direct it to the bullet trap. Still I would opt for 1/2 inch plate steel. Our indoor target range in our Conservation Club has such a setup and was given to us by our local National Guard when it was removed from that facility. It is an insurance nightmare and had to conform to their safety standards before we could ever even think of starting on it. If you want tips and specifics, contact the NRA and start asking questions.
2007-01-09 11:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by .40 Glock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the gun, distance and bullet. A little .380 or .22 can be stopped by heavy plywood at 25 feet or so. A .357 or .45 will punch a hole through it or sheetmetal at twice the range. If you ever watched a tv show like the "A Team" a little corrugated roofing did the job, but most high power air rifles at 25' can puncture aluminum or at least dent if not puncture sheetmetal at 25'. 1/4 inch steel plate would work unless someone had armor piercing shells, but the deflection of bullet would still be as deadly if not caught by something like wood around the edge. If you have the foolish thought of making body armor, it would still hurt. The best way to stop a bullet is dense composite layers of material which asorbs the energy of the bullet, which is what flack jackets do. So if building a backstop, I would put at least one layer of 3/4 or 1 inch plywood over the steel plate, two would be better. The wood would also allow you something to pin targets on. Oh and the looser they are (such as larger across & height) the more energy will be asorbed by the layers, where a tigh,t heavily supported, rigid 2'x2' target will allow the bullet to penetrate further.
2007-01-09 10:53:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That would depend on the composition/hardness of the bullet and the steel, the mass and velocity of the bullet, and its sectional density. Most importantly, it would depend on whether my life depended on it. If I'm behind the steel, an inch isn't nearly enough, but if I'm plinking lead at a plate, 1/4" is more than adequate.
2007-01-09 11:19:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not so much how thick as how much has it been hardened and then tempered.
If the steel is too soft, the bullet goes through like a hot knife through butter.
If too hard, the steel can shatter and allow the bullet to pass relatively unhindered.
2007-01-09 10:52:47 · answer #4 · answered by Chris G 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the gun and the bullet being used. A centimeter or so should stop most standard handgun ammuntion, although certain high-powered rifles may require more than that. However if you're looking for the absolute minimum I really can't say.
2007-01-09 10:46:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
3/8 to 1/2 inch for Hi Power.
2007-01-09 10:47:27 · answer #6 · answered by jimmymae2000 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
1/4 inch might stop my Glock 10mm, but don't bet on it.
2007-01-09 21:54:20 · answer #7 · answered by mountainclass 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋