I was recently introduced to Throom, Ricochet Free Targets by Newbold and was pleasantly surprised. I have several steel targets at my range and I was interested in the differences. The great thing about these targets is, of course, there is no danger of splash-back or ricochet; bullets pass right through to the backstop and you can see the target move. At first, that might not seem like it is a big deal to someone who is used to shooting steel, but it opens up lots of options you might not realize. Close in Richochet free target practice is essential to becoming a better shooter.
These targets are light weight which makes them much easier to transport. Carrying around heavy steel targets is a pain and can be a lot of extra work. Extra bonus: they stay clean! Steel targets get covered in lead that wipes off on anything it touches in the trunk or truck bed. I have only gone to a few indoor steel shoots because of the high cost of frangible ammo but with Throom there is no need to buy that higher priced ammo. One box of frangible is about the cost of one Throom target so these pay for themselves the first time out on the range and you can add more and more as you continue shooting.
I set up the Throom targets along with some of my steel targets, but I put the Throom targets closer than usual due to their inherent safety. The steel (for centerfire) is for 25+ yards back, but the brilliant green colored Throom was as close as 5 yards which is great for training since most defensive uses of firearms are less than 7 yards. I really enjoyed transitioning targets from close to far which cannot be done safely with regular steel.
I will confess, I have shot at my steel targets at a closer distance than is recommended and the AR500 steel was damaged a little with .223 and quite a bit with .308. With Throom targets at my range, I will be able to set up targets closer than I could with steel which will be great for newer shooters and also for more experienced shooters doing pistol and rifle work on a timer. Newer shooters can be set up for success by shooting closer. Throom targets increasing their hits on target while the more experienced shooters can enjoy the fast paced transition from targets that are closer than 25 yards and don’t require the more intentional, aimed-in longer range shots.
It should be noted that if you are too close to the target with a fast and/or small bullet, it could pass through without knocking it down which could make it hard for people with older eyes ( like mine) to see if it was a hit or a miss. So I did the same thing I do with my steel: I painted the Throom. The bright green color material is the perfect color for a high visibility indicator where it hits. The dark spray paint comes off as the bullet passes through revealing the bright green material underneath making it easy to see where you hit. I will continue to buy these extremely versatile targets and recommend them to friends.
