TCRT Target

Review

If you are into shooting, you understand the need for good targets. Reusable targets have always been an interest of mine. Who doesn’t want a target that lasts thousands of rounds? TCRT targets makes some of those reusable targets. They also make target stands to hang those targets. TCRT sent me one of their Torso Target Packs, which includes the target and target stands.

I have used a bunch of reusable targets, but the TCRT ones are different. Or at least the Torso target one is. All of these types of targets claim to be “self healing”, which they are. So when you shoot the target, the bullet passes through and only leaves a very tiny hole. I’m a big fan of Torso style USPSA targets, which is basically what the TCRT one is. TCRT’s Torso is a solid rectangle rubberish target. TCRT then supplies a template to paint or draw on the USPSA target zone lines. What I really like about the TCRT Torso is how thin and lightweight it is. I used to have another brand, and it was over twice as thick and weighed a lot more. Physically, hanging and carrying the TCRT Torso is much easier.

The TCRT targets can be shot with just about anything. Rifles, pistols, you name it, they have probably been shot by it. These targets will take 400 rounds of 5.56 per square inch. So unless you are using a precision rifle, or can just shoot that good, you shouldn’t wear them out for a long time. I have shot mine with 308, 45acp, 9mm, 22lr, 556, and probably others. It still is going strong. You can even shoot the TCRT targets at point blank range without damage. It even makes a cool pattern on the target.

TCRT’s Torso target is made to be painted. Which is part of the reason they include the stencil to mark out the zones. By painting the target you can see where the bullets are hitting. When the paint over the target gets shot, it produces a small splatter mark. Think of one of those bullet hole stickers, because that’s what it looks like. This makes it easy to see where you are hitting. When you get too many holes, just paint over them and start over. An advantage to paint is that you can use different colors if you want to. Different colors on the target can make training better or just more fun.

Since TCRT sent the “Target Pack”, it comes with their RangeFlex Rack Stand Kit. This Rack Stand kit is TCRT’s target stand. The Rack Stand comes with 2 feet assemblies and 2 cross bar brackets. However, it does not come with the wood 1x2’s. The 1x2’s are used for the feet, uprights, and the crossbar. Instructions on what length to cut the 1x2’s are included. The feet brackets each get a 1x2 for the support legs, or feet. They also each get an upright. The 1x2’s, in all the brackets, are held in with bolts. Just snug them down, or tighten them with a wrench, once you get the wood placed where it is needed. The top cross bar is the same, it just doesn't have the extra spot for the feet. You don’t necessarily need the top crossbar with the Torso target, but it does help with some support. The cool thing about the Rack Stand kit is that it is modular. You don’t need to just make it the width of the Torso target, you can make it much wider. This is where the top cross bar brace does its job. Make the stand wide and you can hang a bunch of the round TCRT targets from it. The possibilities are pretty much endless.

The TCRT Torso target did everything one would expect it to do. I set it up, which is really easy using the Rack Stand kit. Then I just clamped the target onto the sticks. The Torso target doesn’t come with clamps, I bought mine at Harbor freight, but TCRT has a 4 pack for $10, so just add them to your cart when you are buying a Torso target and save yourself the hassle. I have painted the target different colors at various times. Colors tend to show hits better than white, since the target itself is a whitish color. I have shot the crap out of the Torso target and it doesn’t even look very used. I know it has at least 2000 rounds through it, mostly 9mm. The only problem I ran into was with the target stand. The leg 1x2’s tend to twist in the bracket sometimes. So instead of being straight, they are more “V” shaped instead of an “H” shape. I never had the stand fall over, so maybe it is just my OCD. The Torso target and stand are easy to pick up and move as a one piece assembly. So moving it around the range is easy to do. I really like the different target possibilities that the TCRT Torso target gives me.

If you are in the market for a reusable target system, which you should be, the TCRT Torso Target Pack might be it. It comes with target stands, a USPSA/IPSC style reusable target, and a stencil to mark out the scoring zones. Just add some paint and 1x2’s and you are ready to hit the range. Being able to use the TCRT Torso target for years to come is probably its best attribute. So head over to TCRT and check out all their targets.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Reusable Torso target and stands

Target Market:

People who dislike buying targets over and over

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Target:

Re-usable
Comes with paint stencil
Rated for 400 rounds of 5.56 per square inch
Weight - 9.5 pounds
Dimensions - 15 × 20.7 × .5 in
UV and water-resistant

Stand:

Modular
Lightweight
Easy Setup
Countless Configurations
Uses 1x2 wood sticks

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Hanging Round targets or Combo deals

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $175.98 for the bundle

$138.99 for just the Torso target

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

TCRT Targets

Our Rating:

Pros:

Can take many hits
Easy to see hits when painted
Doesn't weigh a lot
Clamps to target stands
Comes with stencil
Target stands are easy to set up

Cons:

Target is wider than standard USPSA one
Target stand feet tend to twist in base

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link: Primary Arms GLx 1x Prism review

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.