First Thoughts on the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange promises a convenient and reactive shooting experience at an accessible price point. Champion is a well-known name in shooting sports, so I approached this product with a sense of cautious optimism, eager to see if it lived up to the brand’s reputation. My interest was piqued by the self-healing aspect and the all-in-one target and stand design, promising a quick and easy setup at the range.
After years of struggling with makeshift target setups and the constant need to replace cardboard and paper targets, I was looking for a more durable, cost-effective, and engaging solution for my practice sessions. The allure of fewer trips downrange to replace targets was a significant draw. The prospect of improving my accuracy and reaction time with a reactive target system was quite appealing.
The unboxing experience was straightforward. The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange arrived in a simple package with the target, stand, and adhesive targets neatly organized. My initial impression was that the materials felt relatively lightweight but seemed adequately sturdy for the intended purpose. The bright orange color of the target offered high visibility, a welcome feature for quick target acquisition.
Compared to some of the more elaborate steel target systems I’ve seen, the Champion offering appeared much more budget-friendly, yet potentially less durable. I considered building my own steel target stand, but the convenience and portability of the Champion won out. Ultimately, the deciding factor was the promise of self-healing polymer, hoping it offered a longer lifespan than cheaper cardboard targets.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity and portability were appealing, but I wondered how well the self-healing material would hold up to repeated impacts. This review will determine if the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange is a worthwhile investment for shooters seeking a durable and reactive target system on a budget.
Real-World Testing: Putting Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange at my local outdoor shooting range. The setup was incredibly easy, taking less than five minutes to assemble the stand and hang the target. I started with .22LR to get a feel for the target’s reaction and self-healing capabilities.
The weather was dry and sunny, ideal for shooting. The high-visibility orange stood out clearly against the backdrop of the range, making it easy to acquire the target. The target provided a satisfying “thwack” upon impact, followed by a noticeable wobble that offered immediate feedback. The self-healing properties were evident, with the .22LR rounds leaving only small, shallow indentations that quickly closed up. After about 50 rounds of .22LR there were no noticeable marks.
Initially, I was impressed with the target’s performance. However, after switching to 9mm rounds, I began to notice more significant impacts. The 9mm rounds pierced the target more deeply, leaving more pronounced indentations that did not fully close. The stand held up adequately but wobbled noticeably with each impact from the higher caliber rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange shows signs of wear, especially after repeated use with 9mm and .45 ACP rounds. The self-healing properties diminish over time, with some holes remaining partially open. This is especially true in areas that have sustained multiple impacts.
The stand is still functional, but the joints have become slightly looser. It is important to note that the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange is not particularly weather-resistant. After a couple of rain showers, I noticed some minor surface rust on the stand. The stand needs to be oiled regularly.
Compared to my previous experiences with steel targets, the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange is less durable but offers a more reactive shooting experience. Steel targets provide a satisfying “clang” upon impact and can withstand thousands of rounds, but they lack the self-healing properties and can be more expensive. Overall, the Champion target provides a decent balance between cost, durability, and reactivity, but it is not a replacement for more robust steel targets.
Breaking Down the Features of Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange
Specifications
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange features an 8-inch hanging plate made from self-healing polymer. It is designed for use with .17 caliber up to .50 caliber rifles or handguns. The package includes twelve 5-inch adhesive targets for easy aiming.
The steel stand provides a stable base for the target, although its lightweight construction may not be ideal for high-caliber or rapid-fire scenarios. The high-visibility orange color ensures easy target acquisition in various lighting conditions. The self-healing polymer construction is designed to withstand repeated impacts, prolonging the target’s lifespan compared to traditional paper or cardboard targets.
These specifications matter because they dictate the target’s versatility and longevity. The caliber rating determines the types of firearms that can be used safely with the target. The self-healing properties are crucial for reducing the need for frequent target replacements, ultimately saving time and money.
Performance & Functionality
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange performs well as a reactive target for practicing shooting accuracy and improving reaction time. The target provides a satisfying wobble upon impact, offering immediate feedback to the shooter. Its self-healing properties allow for repeated use with minimal damage, extending the target’s lifespan.
However, the target’s performance is somewhat limited by its polymer construction. High-caliber rounds can cause significant damage, reducing the target’s self-healing capabilities. The stand, while functional, is not particularly sturdy and can wobble or even tip over with repeated impacts from high-powered firearms. This is mostly a problem with larger calibers.
Overall, the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange meets expectations as a budget-friendly and reactive target system. It offers a convenient and engaging shooting experience for casual practice. The self-healing properties are a definite plus, but its durability limitations should be considered before purchasing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange boasts a simple yet effective design. The bright orange color and 8″ target size ensure excellent visibility, making it easy to acquire the target at various distances. The target hangs freely from the stand, providing a reactive wobble upon impact that enhances the shooting experience.
The stand’s lightweight construction makes it easy to transport and set up. However, it also compromises its stability, especially when used with high-caliber firearms. The target is user-friendly, requiring minimal assembly and no special tools.
Durability & Maintenance
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange is reasonably durable for its price point. The self-healing polymer extends the target’s lifespan compared to traditional targets. However, the target is not indestructible and will eventually succumb to wear and tear, especially with repeated use of high-caliber rounds.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove debris and prevent surface rust on the stand. The steel stand should be oiled regularly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange includes twelve 5-inch adhesive targets, providing a visual aid for aiming. There are limited customization options available for this target system. However, users can replace the adhesive targets with other commercially available options to suit their preferences.
The target is not directly compatible with accessories such as lights or lasers. It is a standalone target system designed for basic shooting practice. The steel stand may be compatible with DIY modifications or extensions to increase its stability or height.
Pros and Cons of Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange
Pros
- Great value for the price. Provides a reactive target system at a fraction of the cost of steel targets.
- Self-healing polymer construction. Extends the target’s lifespan compared to traditional paper or cardboard targets.
- Easy setup and portability. The lightweight stand makes it easy to transport and assemble the target at various locations.
- High-visibility orange color. Ensures easy target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
- Compatible with a wide range of calibers. Designed for use with .17 caliber up to .50 caliber rifles or handguns.
Cons
- Limited durability. High-caliber rounds can cause significant damage, reducing the target’s self-healing capabilities.
- Unstable stand. The lightweight stand may wobble or tip over with repeated impacts from high-powered firearms.
Who Should Buy Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange?
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange is perfect for:
- Casual shooters looking for an affordable and reactive target system.
- Those seeking a portable and easy-to-setup target for practice at the range.
- Individuals who want a target that can withstand repeated impacts without needing frequent replacement.
- Beginners who are learning to shoot and want immediate feedback on their accuracy.
Who should skip this product?
- Serious competitive shooters who require maximum durability and precision.
- Individuals who primarily shoot high-caliber firearms and need a target that can withstand significant impacts.
- Those who prefer steel targets for their longevity and audible feedback.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Consider adding weight to the base of the stand (sandbags). This will provide additional stability and prevent it from tipping over.
- Purchase additional adhesive targets. While the included targets are adequate, having extra on hand will extend the target’s usability.
Conclusion on Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange
The Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking a reactive and portable target system on a budget. The target’s self-healing properties extend its lifespan compared to traditional targets. The bright orange color ensures high visibility.
While the target’s durability is somewhat limited by its polymer construction and the stand’s stability could be improved, its affordability and convenience make it a worthwhile investment for casual shooters and beginners. The price is certainly justified.
I would personally recommend the Champion Hanging Self Healing Target and Stand Orange to those looking for an entry-level reactive target system that is easy to set up and use. Buy now and start improving your shooting skills with a fun and engaging target that offers immediate feedback on your accuracy!