First Thoughts on the Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target
In the realm of target practice, innovation is key to keeping things engaging. Birchwood Casey, a name synonymous with quality gun care products and shooting accessories, steps up to the plate with its Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target. This isn’t your grandpa’s paper target; it’s a reactive, hanging target designed to bring a bit of fun and splatterific satisfaction to your range day.
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for tools that enhance the shooting experience. I was seeking a portable and visually stimulating target system for practicing scenarios, and the promise of reactive feedback immediately piqued my interest. The concept of a “zombie” theme, while perhaps a touch gimmicky, definitely adds a layer of entertainment that traditional targets lack.
My first impression upon receiving the Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target was positive. The targets are lightweight and appear reasonably durable for their intended purpose. The “smokehouse blood trail” material gives them a slightly different texture than standard paper targets, hinting at the promised splatter effect. Compared to basic paper bullseye targets, these offer a more dynamic and engaging visual experience. I chose these over static zombie silhouette targets due to their portability and the reactive element, hoping for instant feedback on shot placement. My initial excitement was high; I was eager to see if the splatter effect lived up to the hype and if these targets would inject some much-needed fun into my training sessions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target took place at my local shooting range. I set up the targets using some paracord, hanging them from the overhead target supports. I tested them with various firearms, including a 9mm pistol, a .223 AR-15, and a .308 rifle, at distances ranging from 10 yards to 100 yards.
The performance was immediately satisfying. Each hit resulted in a clearly visible “splatter” effect. The white halo or neon green ring around the bullet hole provided instant feedback. The targets held up surprisingly well, even with repeated impacts from the .223 and .308. The setup was straightforward, and the hanging design allowed for some movement, adding a slight challenge to each shot. There were no significant issues during the first use, and the splatter effect was even more pronounced than I had anticipated, making it easy to assess shot placement even at longer distances.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target continued to perform admirably. While the splatter effect diminishes with repeated impacts in the same area, the targets themselves remained intact. Signs of wear and tear were minimal, primarily consisting of bullet holes and slight fraying around the edges.
Maintenance was essentially non-existent; there’s nothing to clean or repair. Compared to standard paper targets, these offer a more durable and engaging experience. While paper targets tear easily, these held up better. They also provided more immediate feedback than traditional targets. My overall experience has been positive, and the Birchwood Casey targets have proven to be a reliable and entertaining addition to my range setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target is designed for universal use. It’s compatible with all firearms and calibers. The pack contains 8 total targets. There are 4 deer and 4 hog targets.
These specifications are important because they make the targets versatile and accessible to a wide range of shooters. The hanging design makes these targets great for dynamic target practice and the splatter effect enhances visibility and improves training effectiveness.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target excels at providing immediate visual feedback. The splatter effect allows shooters to quickly assess shot placement. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, portability, and the engaging nature of the reactive splatter.
One potential weakness is the limited lifespan of each target area. Repeated shots in the same spot will eventually obliterate the splatter effect. However, the overall performance meets expectations. The Birchwood Casey target delivers a fun and effective training experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The targets are made from a reinforced paper material. This material makes them lightweight and easy to handle.
The design is straightforward and user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. Simply hang the target and start shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the nature of paper targets, ultimate longevity isn’t the primary goal. Each target will eventually need to be replaced. However, the material is surprisingly robust.
Maintenance is not a concern. These targets require no cleaning or repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options. However, the targets are compatible with any standard target hanging system. You can use rope, wire, or target stands to suspend them.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target
Pros
- Affordable and great value for the price.
- Provides immediate and satisfying visual feedback with splatter effect.
- Lightweight and portable, easy to set up anywhere.
- Compatible with all firearm calibers.
- Adds an element of fun and engagement to target practice.
Cons
- Splatter effect diminishes with repeated impacts in the same area.
- Limited lifespan, requiring replacement after significant use.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target?
The Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target is perfect for recreational shooters. It’s also well suited for anyone seeking a more engaging and visually stimulating target practice experience. This is a great product for hunters. They will use these for practicing shot placement on deer and hog silhouettes.
Someone seeking highly durable, long-lasting targets should skip this product. Consider investing in steel targets for long-term use. Must-have accessories include a reliable target hanging system (rope, wire, or target stands).
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target
The Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target is a fun and effective training tool. It is affordable, portable, and provides immediate visual feedback. The price is definitely justified. It injects a bit of excitement into your range sessions.
I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone looking to enhance their target practice. These targets offer a unique and engaging experience that’s hard to beat. Grab a pack of Birchwood Casey 35627 Smokehouse Zombie Deer/Hog Hanging Target and add some splatterific fun to your next range day!