SHOOT SAFE

HOW TO MOUNT AND SHOOT
NEWBOLD's REACTIVE TARGETS

First, you need to know that with Newbold targets you don't try to hit a bull's-eye in the ten-ring.  These targets react to your hits.   Newbold's reactive targets are designed to provide shooters with a safer-than-steel, fun-to-shoot target alternative.  They allow bullets to pass completely through the target without ricochet or lead-splatter thrown back toward the shooter or spectators.  

Here's how you mount and shoot them:

1. Newbold polymer targets are not designed to stop bullets.  They are not bullet-proof.  They are designed so that your bullets always pass through the targets intact.  Your bullets should run through the target and continue on into a professionally-designed back-stop, earth berm or bullet trap.

2. Mount Newbold Targets on soft wood stands.  Do not mount these targets on steel supports with steel bolts.  Do not mount them on or near hardwoods, rocks or any other hard objects that might cause ricochet or bullet splatter back to shooters and bystanders.

3. Set them up so that your shots run through the target head-on and safely into your backstop or earthen berm.  Firing at very steep angles into these targets can cause bullets to deflect at that same steep angle off the target. 

4. We do not recommend that you fire down at any of these targets from a high or standing position when they are sitting on the ground.  This high shooting angle can cause your bullets to bounce off of hard packed earth and possibly jump over the bullet backstop or earth berm.      

5. For best results, we recommend that you shoot roundnose FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) or lead roundnose handgun ammo. .22 roundnose leave less than a pinhole.  .40s and semi-wad .45s often leave a small pinhole through the target.  .38 supers and hollow-points can also be used whenever you want them to pass through the target, but they will leave small cookie-cuts through the target.

6. .50-Cal. bullets, .308s and spire point .223s leave less than a pin-hole to no pin-hole in our targets.  But be warned that these bullets move so fast through our polymer targets that there is little to no movement observed on the target -- even if you have it standing up on one of our accessory support bases.  Our smallest targets work best with rifle ammo.     

7. Don't shoot B-Bs or pellets at these targets—B-Bs and pellets bounce right back to the shooter.  For bullets to pass through, you need to use any caliber roundnose FMJ handgun ammo from .22 thru .45 with a velocity of 750 feet per second or greater.

8. Wear proper Eye & Hearing Protection at all times.

 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARMS SAFETY

The "Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety" is an excellent safety checklist that is taught in many hunter education courses and is well worth careful review by everyone who uses firearms:

1. Control the direction of the firearm's muzzle. Keep the safety on and fingers off the trigger at all times until ready to shoot.

2. Identify the target and what is beyond it before shooting.   Know the identifying features of the game hunted and be absolutely certain that what you are aiming at is that game.

3. Treat every firearm as if it is fully loaded.

4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that only the proper size of ammunition is used in the firearm.

5. Always unload a firearm when it is not in use, leave the actions open (and locked if possible), carry empty firearms in a case to and from shooting areas.

6. Never aim a firearm at anything that you do not intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.

7. Never climb a tree or fence, or jump a ditch or log, with a loaded firearm. Never pull a firearm towards you by the muzzle.

8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or at water. Make sure backstops and berms are adequate during target practice. For example, fire bullets into sand, soft dirt backstops and properly constructed steel bullet catchers.

9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and beyond the reach of children and careless adults.

10. Avoid all alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during shooting.