Old Disc Blades as Gongs for Pistol Cartrige Handi's

[Land_Owner]

I refurbished my 20-blade disc and discovered how to "dispose" of the old steel blades.  I used a pair as a target backstop for my 357 Mag and 45 Colt Buffalo Classic Handi's with excellent results.  Strength of the old steel to resist puncture and the resounding "ring" that is audible through the ear plugs has me considering how to string the lot of them to form a series of differing range target "gongs". 

[cwlongshot]

From a disc harrow?
 
CW

[keith44]

I've used old ones until they get holey.  I just prop em up on a berm and use an old log, or piece of firewood to help keep em up right.  Eh hot .45-70, and .44 mag loads will cause cracks, and after a few hits you'll have some holes in em 

[jeepmann1948]

That is a great idea. You could use a stick on circle like they sell at the office supply stores for a bull's eye and have a lot of fun shooting ! the winner would be the one with no ring . Another idea would be to make a rotating target out of one, should be a heck of a spinner! All you would have to do is weld a pipe to the back of the disc and slide it in an oversized pipe driven in the ground.
 Around here in San Angelo everyone scarfs them up to make Mexican Wok's for the BBQ Grill so they are in high demand. you could use one for the Mexican Wok and the rest for targets to shoot while the fajitas are cooking
What a great way to have fun
My only other suggestion  is to use cheap powder and bullets lol
Happy Trails
George

[bilmac]

I was surprised that I was able to drill a couple holes in one. Then I hung it with a couple chains. Rings better that way and dances too. A torch would make holes without endangering a bit.

[blind ear]

And you can always weld a plug in the axel hole or break out, put handles on it and use it for a campfire wok!    ear 

[Lon371]

 When I was a kid(couple years ago ) cut 2 fingers to the bone with Disc. Worked in a Tracto Supply Store. Picked up a stack to drop on the floor(paint had them stuck together) edge caught two fingers. Thanks for the memories
 
 But this would be great payback to those disc   Since I live in a farming community should be easy to come by. Great idea.
 
Lonny
 

[gstewart44]

I refurbished my 20-blade disc and discovered how to "dispose" of the old steel blades.  I used a pair as a target backstop for my 357 Mag and 45 Colt Buffalo Classic Handi's with excellent results.  Strength of the old steel to resist puncture and the resounding "ring" that is audible through the ear plugs has me considering how to string the lot of them to form a series of differing range target "gongs".

hey LO thats a great idea..... have you tried them with any calibers other than the above mentioned??  We have a half-dozen plus stacked at the camp lookin for some afterlife use.....

[jeepmann1948]

Blindear just described the how to  of making a Mexican Wok

[AlaninNM]

Here in NM they call them a "Disco"


Al in NM

[Land_Owner]

The disc harrow blades do not take the higher velocity rifle calibers well, which make immediate holes.  keith44 offered several other calibers above that shoot holes in them too.  I have shot them with a 30-30, a 270 and a 243.  All of these make immediate holes.  I suppose that an experiment could be conducted in those calibers with reduced powder charges and frangible bullets, but I am having a lot of fun with the pistol calibers through the Handi's.  I like the idea of punching a couple of hole and hanging them by chains.  I suppose the chains then become the weakest links.

[mauser98us]

Been doing that for years here.I take the good ones and make cooking utensils out of them by welding legs on them. This way they are up above the fire.They hold a lot of food and cook really fast. One a good sized one you can put a ton of bacon on them and your done fast. Work really good out on a hunt.The ones not so good I make gongs out of them. Weld some chain on them and hang from trees. They actually are heat treated so last pretty long if shot at a reasonable distance.

[Land_Owner]

I was certain that I wasn't the first one to use them for this purpose...just refreshing a very good idea.  And you guys are using them in many OTHER ways and are sharing those ideas too.

[twoshooter]

It just take a little innovative thinking. I found that the shape and outline of old ironing boards, standing on end make great target boards also.  I have picked up a half-dozen at the local Goodwill/ thrift shops for $1- 2 each. Also if you are around a railroad line anywhere, when they repair or replace track they often leave track plates around, they ar 11 x14 " and about 1/2 inch thick, They have holes but some 5/8 X 1" round head bolts take care of that, and you already have holes at the corner to hang them from.

[mechanic]

They must have some great value in these parts, as I have been trying to buy some for a while.  Tractor place wants $30.00 each for used ones.  You might want to cash in!
 
Ben

[t-reg]

25 years ago my Uncle had one set up about 100 yards from the tool shed at my Grandparents place that he shot at.  One day I took a crack at it with my recently purchased Buckmark.  Tink, I hit it!  tink tink tink.  Something clicked - that disc was about the size of a deer chest and killing a deer with a pistol had real potential.  Have killed over 40 that way since.


ETA: I now have my own gong 100 yards from my pole barn that gets used a lot.

[mauser98us]

Couple other things we used to do with them that I forgot about. If you get a nice one with some draft in it,weld a pipe onit, then a flat plate, they make a great stand for a bench grinder. When metal tractor seats were in abundance, the same principle was used, except you welded the seat on it. These worked good for working around the welding table.Here in Arizona you learned fast not to leave them in the sun!