Troubleshooting
Take your time when setting it up and don’t be afraid to adjust it as needed during a range session.
Most function problems are a failure to give the target the proper amount of lean on the center pillar. Either too much or too little
Other user induced problems can be due to a failure to reset everything after shooting. Either the head plate or drop mechanism is not reset properly
The head plate must be all the way forward, if it isn’t the target will fall back with only one round.
And the fork that is part of the drop linkage will prevent it from working if not reset all the way forward as well. If it isn’t, the hip plates fall but just hit the top of the fork or just miss it instead of operating it.
After using it in the rain you probably found that the mechanism had to be tightened up due to to all the water… Once it dries out you will need to readjust the target.
Other Things to Look For
Bolts that are missing or overly tight or too loose.
Lack of lubrication on pivot points. A small squirt of Kroil (or equivalent) is all that is needed
Damaged strike plates
Bent and chewed up linkage
Rust, don’t leave it out in the rain. Put a plastic bag over it….
Target set up on an overly soft surface. Target tends to pound itself into the ground (the upper torso weighs about 51lbs…) and this usually changes the lean angle of the center pillar.
Maintenance
Not a whole lot to maintain. Primarily just keep the pivots and bolts lubed on occasion.
Keep it dry as it will rust. Wipe it down after use in the rain.
Occasional touch ups with spray paint can’t hurt.
With rifle use, the strike plates and armor rods for the neck and spine will need occasional replacement due to wear and tear. These are considered consumable items. If used only with pistol you will most likely never need to replace parts. There is essentially no wear from pistol rounds.
Overly pitted strike plates should be replaced, once again this is primarily an issue with rifle use. Replacement strike plates and armor is available directly from me or whomever you purchased the target from.
A Note about the Spine and Neck Rods
After extensive use you may find that the spine and neck armor rods will sometimes break, this is normal from wear. But be aware that you should not shoot it with rifle rounds until you replace the rods.
If you don’t have any on hand it is OK to continue with pistol rounds until you obtain some replacements. These too are available from me or the source of your target.