Shooting static targets can be fine, but how much more exciting is it to shoot targets that move?
Do you ever get bored shooting at stationary targets? A setup for moving targets tends to be extremely expensive and, as such, often unavailable to the average Joe. Well, used to be, the Caldwell Target Turner has brought moving target capability to the average Joe. Priced at about 100 bucks, the Caldwell allows you to add moving targets to your repertoire.
What the Caldwell Target Turner Promises
It’s pretty simple. The Caldwell Target Turner spins your targets 90 degrees to allow it to present and divert a target from the shooter. It’s a very simple setup. The device sits super low, well below the target. From there, an axle juts out of the main motor, and from the axle, two target holders give pinch points for your target.
A big tripod supports the entire setup and prevents wind from knocking it over. That being said, you can take the system apart and pack it all into one bag easily enough. While it’s large, the kit isn’t tough to transport and can be drug out to the range slapped over your shoulder.
The Caldwell Target Turner automatically spins the targets based on an accelerator placed on the main motor. The dial adjusts to increase or decrease speed. It’s a Turtle to Rabbit type deal, not dedicated settings. This does allow you to adjust the Target Turner’s speed at will and really customize it to your skill level, applicable range, and more.
The timer allows you to set the Target Turner to rotate once every six seconds up to once every second. The kit can support targets of various sizes. I can attach full-sized targets, miniature bull’s eye targets, and even lighter-weight 3D targets to the Target Turner.
Why The Target Turner Is Valuable
The Caldwell Target Turner changes things up. Most of us use a shot timer to signal the beginning of our drill, and that audible signature is one way to go. The Target Turner emits a visual signal to begin the drill, and this creates an entirely different dynamic. It challenges that OODA Loop in an entirely different way.
Setup the Caldwell Target Turner with a man-sized target, then build some fake cover in front of it. Trying shooting a target as it turns when it’s behind cover. It’s an entirely new challenge and can be hard as hell. Hard isn’t bad. In fact, it’s a ton of fun and satisfying when you score some solid hits before the target turns away.
Does It Work?
I’ve had it now for over a month, and it’s become a regular part of my training. Outside of just turning around, it makes a great target stand in general. Luckily, it spins very well and does so with gusto. Even with bigger targets and bigger target stands, Target Turner works with ease.
It makes a little bit of a ruckus, but a lot less than gunfire. The device takes eight AA batteries and works for about eight hours. The Caldwell just kept spinning and did so over and over again. In that month, I’ve killed the batteries and gotten a lot of good training time in. I worked both live fire, practiced dry fire draws, and even used my SIG P365 bb gun for a more tactile experience.
It’s a great tool for a variety of concealed carry training, and you create and implement drills that rely on the rotation of the device. This includes adaptions of your standard drills, as well drills that rely on the turning action. Implementing a failure to stop drill with the target turner is fun, but building drills that implement cover, multiple angles, and more with the Target Turner will give you a superior edge in your training.
Boom, Bang, Pow
The Caldwell Target Turner adds an entirely new element to your concealed carry training. It’s a device cheap enough for the everyday Joe and somewhat invaluable to ignore. Check it out, and let us know what you think below.
(Did I mention it’s also a ton of fun?)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. Travis has trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines, and the Afghan National Army.
He serves as an NRA-certified pistol instructor and pursues a variety of firearms-based hobbies.
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