This version of the VTAR Popper weighs approximately 37 pounds FULLY assembled. It will ship in a 24X12X6″ Double wall box. Some assembly will be required upon receipt.

Obviously, this really depends on the caliber and distance of use. On one hand, bolt action rifles in larger calibers will really rock the plate. Whereas smaller handgun calibers will allow a smaller amount of movement. The amount of spring tension used may cause movement to vary. For example, you may choose to use maximum spring tension if you desire to NEVER have the system fall over. This may be particularly ideal at shooting clubs or any situation where our customers do not want movement and do not want to walk downrange. One thing to note, using the system in this manner CAN result in more wear and tear on the strike face. Movement is important to dissipate the energy of the bullet impacts.

The limiter pin limits movement. The problem to overcome is smaller calibers cannot overcome harder spring tension. So rather than have multiple sets of springs that users need to change, we opted to have a limiter pin for smaller calibers. This pin limits the movement of the plate to a point where the lesser spring tension can still return the plate. It is a balance of spring tension and distance. Too far and the plate will not return as there isn’t enough spring tension. On the other hand, too much tension and the plate will not move at all with lighter calibers. Hence for lighter calibers, we recommend the limiter pin in the FRONT most position. In this position, use a weaker spring tension. For larger calibers rather, use the limiter pin in the rear most hole and add more spring tension. Basically adjust spring tension to your calibers, distance and shooting needs.

Absolutely. Some ranges don’t want movement, they just want to make sure no member has to walk downrange. You can use these poppers like that if so desired.

Not at this time. 3/8″ AR550 is the perfect balance of cost and durability/strength for this system. Rest assured, it is designed for hard use.

The base is plain mild steel. It is NOT intended to be shot or impacted by rounds. Always shoot VTAR poppers directly perpendicular to the target plate.

We produce our products in Lancaster County PA. In other words we own every step of the process, QC, production, packaging, and shipping. From start to finish, TA Targets is manufacturing high quality systems for hard use. We have invested heavily in our processes and systems to create the most elegant, robust systems on the planet.

No. The “armor” we use for the strike plates (actual target impact plates) is made from a proprietary material that is manufactured in Sweden. This is the best material we have found in the world. We were largely dissatisfied and have had too many problems with quality control from American Manufacturers of AR550 grade steel. Eventually we hope a US manufacturer creates a material that is as available and as stringent as our Swedish plate. For now, this is the best material to service our customers. Although US Manufactured AR500 and AR550 is used in areas that are NOT main strike plates. Some examples of this are the Rifle Dueling Tree Shields, & Plate Rack Shields.

Maybe. Just in case, be sure not to eat the paint or lick the target before or after you’ve shot it. If you are just curious, led tastes horrible and will probably cause mental damage. If you have done it once you are likely to do it again. Handle at your own risk, if you choose, you may wear an industry grade hazmat suit and gas mask with a HEPA filter and good luck charm on your wrist. For more information visit https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65