Everyone, by now, has heard of self healing targets. If not, let me introduce you to Throom Targets. I ran across Throom targets long before they contacted me to do a review. I was super interested in how these target systems would work. Every target system, Throom offers, is made of their “shoot-throo” self sealing polymer. This even includes the stands that hold some of their targets. Throom targets are a nice addition to anyone's range time.
Throom targets went above and beyond with the samples they sent. First off, they sent a 6” round “Knockdown” series plate rack. It’s everything needed for a plate rack, minus a couple of 2x4’s. Throom also sent a set, 6 in this case, of their 6” round “Hangtuff” targets.
You might ask why anyone would want these style of targets? First off, the “shoot-throo” ability makes a safer target, then say, a steel plate. There isn’t any spall or splashback from the Throom targets, the bullet just passes right through. Another feature is that Throom targets “self seal”, or the bullet literally just pokes a very tiny hole in the target. This makes them last for plenty of shooting, at least 1000 hits each, and probably a lot more. Another advantage over steel plates is the weight. The Throom targets are so much lighter. A single person can carry a fully assembled plate rack around without much problem. I know, I’ve done it.
Let’s start with the Knockdown plate rack. As one can guess, it is your standard 6” plate rack with 6 plates. Some assembly is required, as are a couple of 2x4’s. Since this is the “plate rack kit”, it comes with the “Alpha” brackets to assemble the stand. The Alpha brackets hold the 2x4’s to make the A-frame legs and the 2x4 that holds the plates. They are the same “shoot-throo” polymer as the plates. The 2x4’s just slide in and out of these, which makes for easy setup and teardown. It also makes the plate rack easier to throw in your car. Throom includes instructions, as well as spacing for the knockdown plates.
As in the name, the “Knockdown” plate rack is just that, using plates that fall when hit. The bullet passes through them while still knocking them over. So no risk of ricochet or splashback. These are 6” plates made of Throom’s shoot-throo polymer. There are 6 of them on the plate rack, and the instructions have you space them at the proper width apart. With the plate, there is a need for some sort of base to hold it on to the 2x4. Throom bases are made of the same polymer as the targets. This also means that they are just as safe as the target. If you shoot the base, the bullet also just passes through it. Yes, I’ve shot the bases plenty of times without any ill effects. The bases are held on with 2 wood screws. It is possible to shoot the screws and have the target fall off. This happened the first time I used them. I just put some new screws in them and they are fine. Since these bases are for the “Knockdown: targets, they also have an adjustment screw on the front of the base. This lets you adjust how much force it takes to knock the target over. Screw it out and angle it forward for heavier rounds, or screw it in, and straighter up, for rimfires. Yes, these screws are also made of the shoot-throo polymer! The Throom plate rack is an amazing piece of range gear. Every time I shoot the plates they fall, just like they should. Throom also makes the Knockdown plates, with holes in them, so that you can install a string to reset them, without having to go downrange. I just went downrange, but the option is there. Another option is to assemble the plate rack upside down. This makes it a reaction plate, because now the plate moves when shot, but resets itself. One of my favorite things, about the plate rack, is that it is easy to move and transport. The plate rack is like shooting steel, but safer and still gives the shooter instant feedback.
Now for the 6” “Hangtuff” targets. These are a round target with a strap for attaching them to “something”. I say “something” because they come with 2 mounting screws that you just screw through the strap to hold them in place. The strap is about 7”’s long and 1” wide, so the target hangs about 6”’s below where you mount it. Yes, these targets “hang down” from whatever they are mounted to. When you shoot these things, they move backwards, shake sideways, or just move in different ways depending on where they are hit. I mounted 5 of these on the plate rack, in between the plates. Since they hang down, they aren’t in the way of the plates. This worked out really well. Once the plates were knocked down, you could shoot the “Hangtuff” plates until you wanted to reset the plate rack. I also marked one of these with a Sharpie. The Sharpie writes great on these Throom targets and can mostly be erased with acetone. Being able to write on the targets makes them viable for training. Mark them 1-6, A-F, etc. Call out a combo someone has to shoot, you get the idea. So yes, they make a great training aid also.
Nothing comes without flaws, even the Throom targets. Well, Throom actually tells you the flaws on their website, so can we consider them flaws? Here's what Throom says about shooting the targets with different velocities and at different ranges:
Over 1,250 fps: shoot THROOM Targets at 75 yards or farther away; shooting closer will result in targets not reacting.
Between 750 fps and 1,250 fps: shoot THROOM Targets from 5 yards to 75 yards away.
Under 750 fps: do not use THROOM Targets with bullets traveling below 750 fps. Also, do not use THROOM Targets with pellet guns or BB guns as the pellets or BBs may bounce back.
I don’t actually consider them flaws, more of what to know. I did definitely notice that when shooting an AR, at 15 yds,, the targets literally didn’t even move when being shot with 223/556. But shoot them with handguns or 22lr’s at close ranges and they move like crazy. Or you can move the target out to 100 yds for the rifles. I also “yeeted” a Hangtuff target off the hanger by shooting it at 3 yds with 12 gauge 00 Buck. The strap broke where the screws went in, other than that, it didn’t hurt the target surface itself. I remounted it, it just hangs a little higher than the rest. I’m pretty sure no one recommends what I did.
Did I mention that the Throom targets are Lime Green colored? Why lime green? I have no idea, but they are easy to see, that’s for sure. I’ve even shot them with a green dot sight. Yes red shows up better, but the green was no problem either. I really like the polymer that Throom uses. It seems to be softer or more pliable than other brands I’ve used. So far, they are holding up great, even to full auto 22 LR.
If you are in the market for some super cool self healing targets, you need to do yourself a favor and check out what Throom Targets has to offer. I was impressed with them. The Knockdown plate rack is great. The Hangtuff series has great utility. Plus, they are all made from a self sealing polymer that performs better than I expected. In my opinion, the Throom targets are worth paying the money for.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Ricochet free self healing targets
Target Market:
Anyone wanting self healing reactionary targets
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Self Healing
Ricochet free
Splatter free
Reactive - either movement or knock down
-40F to 120F temperature use
Lightweight
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Lots of different styles, see Throomtargets.com
What others are saying?:
5/5 stars at Throom Targets
These really are amazing targets. I have had these for awhile now, and really wanted a great alternative to steel targets. I love the throom adjustable bolt that goes into the base of the target. This allows you to adjust how sensitive the target is to falling down. With the bolt adjusted almost all the way out I was able to get these to fall down with 556/223 ammo at 30-50 yards which is awesome. When flipped upside down these will react and reset with most handgun ammo and any slower rifle ammo such as 300 blackout. Will definitely be purchasing more targets.
Link to other reviews:
Price point:
MSRP = $3.99 and up
As tested = 6” Hangtuff set = $169.99
6” Knockdown plate rack = $349.99
Retail = Same
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Self healing / shoot through
Can be written on with a sharpie for training
1000+ hits until needing replaced
Cons:
No movement at closer ranges with bullet velocities above 1250 fps
Price
Score: 8.00 Great
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