Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With Review

First Impressions of Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of shooting targets. Most are either flimsy, overpriced, or simply not engaging enough to justify range time. The Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With piqued my interest with its “Know Your Limits” (KYL) design, promising a progressive challenge for rimfire and airgun enthusiasts.

I was looking for a target system that could help me hone my precision shooting skills. Also, it needed to be portable enough for use at various outdoor ranges. The Birchwood Casey target seemed to fit the bill, offering a range of target sizes in a compact, self-contained package.

Upon unboxing, the target system appeared reasonably well-constructed. The powder-coated steel frame felt sturdy, and the AR500 paddles, decreasing in size, gave the impression of a serious training tool. It’s heavier than some other portable target systems, which initially gave me confidence in its durability.

Compared to similar reactive targets, like the Champion DuraSeal or the Caldwell Rimfire Resetting Target, the Birchwood Casey system stood out due to its incremental difficulty. While the others offer instant gratification with resetting targets, the KYL design forces a shooter to adapt and improve with each successful hit. I hoped this would translate to more focused and effective training.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see how the targets held up to repeated impacts and whether the design truly delivered on its promise of progressive skill development.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With to my local outdoor range, a semi-arid environment with moderate winds. I primarily used a .22 LR rifle and a high-powered airgun (PCP) at distances ranging from 25 to 50 yards. Set up was relatively straightforward, requiring only the unfolding of the frame and securing it on a stable surface.

The target functioned as expected initially, with the .22 LR rounds producing satisfying pings as they struck the paddles. The airgun, at a lower velocity, required careful aiming to ensure sufficient impact force to knock down the targets. I appreciated the immediate feedback provided by the reactive paddles, and the progressive challenge of the smaller targets forced me to concentrate on my breathing and trigger control.

After about 50 rounds with the .22 LR, however, I noticed that the smallest target (1/4″) was already showing signs of bending. I was surprised because the ammunition used was standard velocity and the 50 yard distance was appropriate. The initial excitement waned as the first signs of weakness appeared.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the Birchwood Casey target system’s weaknesses became more apparent. The 1/4″ paddle, as anticipated by some user feedback I had glanced over, bent significantly and eventually broke off completely. The second smallest paddle also began to deform under repeated .22 LR impacts.

Durability proved to be a significant issue, especially considering the intended purpose. The powder coating held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion. However, the AR500 steel used for the smaller paddles simply wasn’t robust enough to withstand repeated impacts from even standard .22 LR ammunition.

Maintenance was minimal, mostly involving wiping down the target with a cloth to remove residue. However, the damage to the paddles proved irreparable, rendering the smaller targets unusable and undermining the overall purpose of the KYL design. The target did not outperform my expectations, instead it underperformed.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With features:

• Eight powder-coated steel paddles ranging in size from 2″ to 1/4″ in 1/4″ increments.
• 1/4″ AR500 steel paddles designed to handle up to 400 FPE (Foot-Pounds Energy).
• A black circle standing frame constructed of steel.
• Designed for use with rimfire and airguns.
• Breaks down for storage and transport.
• Manufacturer: Birchwood Casey.

The specifications are misleading. The 1/4″ AR500 steel paddle is not durable enough for even standard .22 LR rounds at 50 yards, despite claims to the contrary. The ability to break down for storage is a plus, but the overall durability compromises the value.

Performance & Functionality

When functioning correctly, the Birchwood Casey target provides a challenging and engaging shooting experience. The progressive reduction in target size forces shooters to refine their aiming and trigger control. This system is great for skill development.

However, the target’s performance is severely limited by the fragility of the smaller paddles. The bending and breaking of these targets makes the KYL design incomplete and frustrating.

The target meets the basic expectations of a reactive target, but falls short of delivering a long-lasting, reliable training tool. The weakest link is the steel.

Design & Ergonomics

The standing frame design is relatively stable and easy to set up. The powder coating provides a decent level of protection against the elements, and the contrasting black color makes the targets easy to see.

However, the overall build quality is questionable, especially considering the choice of materials for the paddles. The frame is sturdy, but the critical components (the targets themselves) are prone to failure. This is a bad design choice.

There’s no significant learning curve associated with using the target. The setup is simple, and the concept is straightforward. However, users need to be aware of the potential for damage and adjust their expectations accordingly.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With is questionable. The AR500 steel should last longer. With proper care and maintenance, the frame could last for years. However, the paddles, especially the smaller ones, are likely to require frequent replacement or repair.

Maintenance is relatively simple, consisting mainly of cleaning and occasional tightening of bolts. Repairing or replacing damaged paddles, however, could be challenging, requiring specialized tools and materials.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey target system doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available beyond potentially fabricating replacement paddles from more durable materials. Aftermarket support for this particular target system is limited. The only option is building your own custom targets to make it function as it should.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With

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Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With?

The Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With might be suitable for casual airgun shooters or those who primarily use it at very close ranges. Also, those looking for a short-term training tool to sharpen their skills could benefit from the progressive KYL design, understanding that the smaller targets may not last long.

However, serious rimfire enthusiasts or those seeking a durable, long-lasting target system should skip this product. It is imperative to have replacement paddles constructed from more durable materials or consider alternative target systems that offer better longevity.

Must-have accessories include replacement paddles made from thicker, higher-quality AR500 steel.

Conclusion on Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With

The Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With offers a compelling concept with its progressive KYL design. The execution, however, falls short due to the questionable durability of the smaller paddles.

The price of $109.49 is not justified, considering the target’s limited lifespan and the need for potential repairs or modifications. The money can be better spent elsewhere.

I would not recommend this product in its current form. The Birchwood Casey 22KYL Rimfire KYL Target Airgun Black Circle Standing Works With needs significant improvements in material selection and construction to live up to its potential. Instead of buying this target, research alternatives or invest in higher-quality AR500 steel targets for a more rewarding and long-lasting shooting experience.