First Thoughts on the Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit by Allen promises a convenient and portable target shooting experience for rimfire and airgun enthusiasts. At first glance, it appears to be a simple solution for backyard plinking or practicing at the range. Does it live up to the promise of easy setup and durable target practice?
I sought this product out to solve a simple problem: the constant need for makeshift targets and the associated mess. I was tired of taping paper targets to cardboard boxes and cleaning up the scattered debris. I hoped for a more professional and reusable system.
Upon unboxing, the kit feels reasonably solid. The steel construction gives an impression of durability, although the black and orange paint scheme is fairly basic. The size and weight (listed at 1.2 pounds) make it easily transportable.
Compared to other target systems I’ve seen, like reactive targets or more elaborate metal setups, the Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit aims for simplicity and affordability. I chose this kit over others primarily because of its compact size and the promise of easy setup. Other systems felt too bulky or required more involved assembly.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The kit seemed sturdy enough for its intended purpose, and the compact design was appealing. I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world shooting scenarios, hoping it would prove to be a durable and convenient solution for my target practice needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit at my local outdoor shooting range, using both a .22LR rifle and a .177 caliber air rifle. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for target practice. The range offered a variety of distances, allowing me to test the kit’s effectiveness at various ranges.
The kit was incredibly easy to set up. Simply placing it on the ground was all that was needed to get shooting. I appreciated the simplicity compared to other target systems that require assembly or elaborate mounting. There were no issues during setup.
After the first use, the kit performed reasonably well. The targets withstood multiple hits from both the .22LR and .177. No issues were observed, however, the targets did rotate a bit when struck with more force than intended.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit has proven to be reasonably durable but not without showing signs of wear. The black and orange paint has started to chip around the edges of the targets where they’ve been repeatedly struck. The steel itself remains intact.
The kit requires minimal maintenance. I occasionally wipe it down with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris. However, rust could become an issue over time. I considered applying a rust-resistant coating to prolong its lifespan.
Compared to my previous experience of using paper targets, the Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit is a significant upgrade in terms of convenience and reusability. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of visual feedback as paper targets, making it slightly more challenging to assess shot placement accurately. Ultimately, it does meet the expectations for simple and compact shooting, but durability is not its strongest point.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit
Specifications
- Material: Steel construction provides a solid base for the targets. Steel is crucial for withstanding the impact of pellets and bullets without immediate damage.
- Mount Type: Standing design offers simplicity and portability. The standing mount means no additional stands or fixtures are required, making it easy to set up anywhere.
- Target Color: Black/Orange provides high visibility against various backgrounds. The contrasting colors aid in quick target acquisition, especially in varying lighting conditions.
- Dimensions: 11 x 8 inches offers a compact and portable size. The small footprint is beneficial for transporting the kit and setting it up in confined spaces.
- Weight: 1.2000 pounds is lightweight, ensuring easy portability. Easy portability makes the kit convenient for taking to the range, backyard, or any other shooting location.
- Manufacturer: Allen is a well-known brand in the outdoor and shooting accessories market. This typically indicates a certain level of quality and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit performs adequately for its intended purpose. It provides a reusable target system for rimfire and airgun practice. The targets rotate or fall when hit, offering immediate feedback.
However, the kit isn’t without its limitations. The targets can be challenging to reset, requiring manual intervention after each round of shooting. The steel targets are fairly small.
The kit meets expectations for basic target practice but doesn’t exceed them in terms of advanced features or exceptional durability. The target sizes do restrict you from practicing longer ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit features a simple and functional design. The black and orange color scheme is visually appealing and aids in target acquisition. The kit’s lightweight and compact size make it easy to transport and set up.
The build quality is decent. The steel construction feels reasonably sturdy, though the paint finish is prone to chipping. There’s no learning curve to using the kit; it’s incredibly straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit is reasonably durable but not indestructible. The steel targets can withstand repeated hits from rimfire and airgun projectiles. However, the paint finish is prone to chipping and scratching.
Maintenance is minimal. Wiping down the kit with a dry cloth is usually sufficient. To extend its lifespan, applying a rust-resistant coating is advisable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit doesn’t come with many accessories or customization options. It is a self-contained unit. There are no provisions for adding optics or other enhancements.
There are no official accessories available. However, users could potentially modify the kit by adding their own targets or painting it with a more durable finish. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited due to the kit’s specific design.
Pros and Cons of Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit
Pros
- Simple and easy setup: Ready to use right out of the box.
- Lightweight and portable: Easy to transport and store.
- Reusable targets: Eliminates the need for constant replacement of paper targets.
- Affordable: Provides a cost-effective solution for target practice.
- Provides immediate feedback: Targets react when hit.
Cons
- Paint finish is not durable: Prone to chipping and scratching.
- Targets can be difficult to reset: Requires manual intervention after each round of shooting.
- Small target size: Limits long range shooting.
Who Should Buy Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit?
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit is perfect for casual shooters, backyard plinkers, and those new to rimfire or airgun shooting. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a simple, portable, and reusable target system for close-range practice. It serves as an intro for children or beginners.
This product may not be suitable for serious competitive shooters or those requiring advanced target systems with precise feedback and customization options. Those seeking long-range target practice may also find the small target size limiting. Those looking for the most durable system should also consider purchasing a more expensive setup.
A can of rust-resistant paint could be a must-have accessory to prolong the kit’s lifespan.
Conclusion on Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit
The Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit offers a convenient and affordable solution for basic rimfire and airgun target practice. Its simplicity and portability are major selling points. While it has limitations in terms of durability and advanced features, it fulfills its primary purpose as a reusable target system.
The price is justified for those seeking a straightforward and easy-to-use target solution. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and consider the potential need for additional maintenance. It offers good value for the money.
I would recommend the Allen Rimfire And Airgun Target Kit to casual shooters and beginners. It’s an excellent starting point for honing your shooting skills. It provides a simple and effective way to enjoy target practice without the hassle of constantly replacing paper targets. If you’re looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use target system, this kit is worth considering. Go out and enjoy some plinking!