SHOOTING TARGET

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include shooting targets and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a shooting target. The shooting target can include a target mounting platform, a first spring, a second spring, and a target stand. The target mounting platform can include a front surface and a bottom surface. The target stand can include a first rod, a second rod, a first horizontal projection portion, and a second horizontal projection portion. The target mounting platform can effectively pivot backward with respect to the target stand as the springs flex. In an embodiment, the invention includes a shooting target kit. The shooting target kit can include a target mounting platform, a first spring, a second spring, and a target stand. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/920,974, filed Dec. 26, 2013, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shooting targets and related methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shooting targets have many applications including sighting in firearms, practicing marksmanship, police/military training, and general recreation. Shooting target designs vary widely depending on the specific end application.

Many shooting targets include a surface that faces the shooter that either includes target indicia or serves as a mount for another element, such as a target sheet, that carries target indicia. Some shooting targets are designed to be stuck in the ground. Other shooting targets are designed to be placed on top of the ground or a platform. Still other shooting targets are designed to be mounted to a backing or a wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include shooting targets and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a shooting target. The shooting target can include a target mounting platform, a first spring, a second spring, and a target stand. The target mounting platform can include a front surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface can include a first recess and a second recess. The target stand can include a first rod, a second rod, a first horizontal projection portion, and a second horizontal projection portion. The first rod can include a top portion. The second rod can include a top portion. The first spring can be at least partially disposed in the first recess. The second spring can be at least partially disposed in the second recess. The top portion of the first rod can be configured to fit within the lumen of the first spring. The top portion of the second rod can be configured to fit within the lumen of the second spring. The first horizontal projection portion can contact the surface of the first rod. The second horizontal projection portion can contact the surface of the second rod.

In an embodiment, the invention includes a shooting target. The shooting target can include a target mounting platform, a first spring, a second spring, and a target stand. The target mounting platform can include a front surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface can include a first connection stump and a second connection stump.

In an embodiment, the invention includes a shooting target kit. The shooting target kit can include a target mounting platform, a first spring, a second spring, and a target stand. The target mounting platform can include a front surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface can include a first recess and a second recess. Alternately, the bottom surface can include a first connection stump and a second connection stump. The target stand can include a first rod, a second rod, a first horizontal projection portion, and a second horizontal projection portion.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a shooting target in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a shooting target in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a shooting target in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a shooting target in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a shooting target in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a target mounting platform in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a target stand in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of a target stand in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of a target stand and springs in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a target stand and stand base in accordance with various embodiments.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference. The publications and patents disclosed herein are provided solely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate any publication and/or patent, including any publication and/or patent cited herein.

Embodiments herein related to a shooting target that includes features for both presenting a target to a shooter as well as providing for movement of the target face after impact of a projectile. In various embodiments, a pair of coil springs provides a connection between a target mounting platform and a target stand. The coil springs can provide for movement of the target mounting platform and the target stand. In some embodiments, the interface between the coil springs and the target stand can be varied in order to change the relative amount of movement allowed between the target mounting platform and the target stand.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the shooting target 102 includes a target mounting platform 104, a first spring 114, a second spring 116, and a target stand 118. The target mounting platform 104 includes a front surface 106 and a bottom surface 108. The bottom surface 108 includes a first recess 110 and a second recess 112. The target stand 118 includes a first rod 120, a second rod 124, a first horizontal projection portion 128, and a second horizontal projection portion 130.

In this particular embodiment, the first horizontal projection portion 128 is integrally connected with the second horizontal projection portion 130 forming a cross-bar type structure. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the first horizontal projection portion 128 and the second horizontal projection portion 130 can be physically separated from one another. The effective diameter of the first rod and the first projection can be larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the first spring, such as to prevent movement of the spring past that point. Similarly, the effective diameter of the second rod and the second projection can be larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the second spring, such as to prevent movement of the spring past that point.

The first recess 110 can have a first inner diameter. The second recess 112 can have a second inner diameter. The first spring 114 can have a top portion and can be at least partially disposed in the first recess 110. The second spring 116 can have a top portion and can be at least partially disposed in the second recess 112.

The first rod 120 includes a top portion 122. The top portion 122 can be configured to fit within the lumen of the first spring 114. The second rod 124 includes a top portion 126. The top portion 126 can be configured to fit within the lumen of the second spring 116. The distance 155 between the top portion 122 of the first rod 120 and the first horizontal projection portion 128 can vary as can the distance between the top portion 126 of the second rod 124 and the second horizontal projection portion 130. In some embodiments, the top and/or bottoms of the rod(s) can be tapered.

In some embodiments, the distance 155 is greater than about 1 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is greater than about 3 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is greater than about 6 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is greater than about 8 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is less than about 20 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is less than about 18 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is less than about 15 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is less than about 12 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is between about 1 cm and about 20 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is between about 3 cm and about 18 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is between about 6 cm and about 15 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is between about 8 cm and about 12 cm. In some embodiments, the distance 155 is about 10 cm.

In some embodiments, the target stand 118 can also include third horizontal projection portion 132 and a fourth horizontal projection portion 134. The third horizontal projection portion 132 can be contacting the surface of the first rod. In some embodiments, the third horizontal projection portion 132 disposed adjacent the opposite end of the first rod from the first horizontal projection portion. In some embodiments, the distance 157 between the third horizontal projection portion 132 and the bottom of the first rod is different than the distance 155 between the first horizontal projection portion and the top of the first rod. The fourth horizontal projection portion 134 can be contacting the surface of the second rod. In some embodiments, the fourth horizontal projection portion 134 disposed adjacent the opposite end of the second rod from the second horizontal projection portion. In some embodiments, the distance 157 between the fourth horizontal projection portion 134 and the bottom of the second rod is different than the distance 155 between the second horizontal projection portion and the top of the second rod.

The first spring 114 can include unsupported segment 136. The unsupported segment 136 is the portion of the first spring 114 that does not include the first rod 120 disposed within the lumen thereof. The second spring 116 can include unsupported segment 138. The unsupported segment 138 is the portion of the first spring 116 that does not include the first rod 124 disposed within the lumen thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the shooting target 102 includes a target mounting platform 104, a second spring 116, and a target stand 118. The target mounting platform 104 includes a front surface 106 and a bottom surface 108. The target stand 118 includes a second rod 124 and a second horizontal projection portion 130. The second rod 124 includes a top portion 126. The target stand 118 can include fourth horizontal projection portion 134. The first spring 114 can include unsupported segment 136. The second spring 116 can include unsupported segment 138.

The target mounting platform 104 can angle backward with respect to the target stand 118 in an amount equal to θ₁ degrees. As such, the target mounting platform 104 can effectively pivot backward with respect to the target stand 118 as the springs flex. θ₁ can vary based on a number of factors. By way of example, the stiffness of the springs can impact the angle to which the target mounting platform 104 can be bent backward with respect to the target stand 118. In addition, the size of the unsupported segments 136, 138 can impact the angle to which the target mounting platform 104 can be bent backward with respect to the target stand 118. All other factors being equal, the longer the unsupported segments 136, 138 are, the greater the angle to which the target mounting platform 104 can be bent backward with respect to the target stand 118 for a given amount of applied force.

In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 150 degrees to about −150 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 120 degrees to about −120 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 90 degrees to about −90 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 60 degrees to about −60 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 45 degrees to about −45 degrees.

In some embodiments, the springs can be configured to only flex in one direction. By way of example, a brace can be included with the springs so that they only flex in one direction. In some embodiments, the spring(s) can be asymmetric so that a given amount of force produces an unequal amount of flexing depending on which direction the force is applied in.

In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 0 degrees to about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 0 degrees to about 120 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 0 degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be greater than zero. In some embodiments, θ₁ can be from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the shooting target 102 includes a target mounting platform 104. The target mounting platform 104 includes a front surface 106. FIG. 3 also shows a bullet 340. In this view, the bullet 340 is traveling toward the target mounting platform 104. After impact, the energy from the bullet 340 causes the target mounting platform 104 to move backward predominantly in the direction of arrow 342. There can also be a degree of movement in the directions of arrows 344, particularly in the case of off-center hits. However, because of the presence of two springs that are oriented such that a line between the springs is substantially parallel to the face or front surface 106 of the target mounting platform 104, movement in the direction of arrows 344 is generally inhibited by comparison with movement in the direction of arrow 342.

In some embodiments, the shooting target 102 can include portions that only become visible, partially visible, or fully visible after the target mounting platform 104 pivots backward with respect to the target stand 118 as a result of a projectile such as a bullet striking the target mounting platform 104. Such portions can be referred to as strike view faces.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the shooting target 102 includes a target mounting platform 104, a second spring 116, and a target stand 118. The target mounting platform 104 includes a front surface 106 and a bottom surface 108. The target stand 118 includes a second rod 124 and a second horizontal projection portion 130. The second rod 124 includes a top portion 126. The target stand 118 can include fourth horizontal projection portion 134. The first spring 114 can include unsupported segment 136. The second spring 116 can include unsupported segment 138. The target mounting platform 104 can include strike view face 442.

The flat portion of strike view face 442 can be angled with respect to the vertical axis at an angle θ₂ such that a view of the strike view face 442 from a distance horizontally is angled, partially obscured, or fully obscured, unless the target mounting platform 104 has pivoted backward with respect to the target stand 118. As such, the strike view face 442 can face downward from horizontal when the target mounting platform 104 is in a fully vertical position and can face horizontal when the target mounting platform 104 is pivoted backward with respect to the target stand 118.

In some embodiments, θ₂ can be from about 15 to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₂ can be from about 30 to about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₂ can be from about 30 to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, θ₂ can be from about 40 to about 50 degrees.

Lenticular printing is a technology that can be used to product images that change or appear to move as the image is view from different angles. Aspects of lenticular printing are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,419, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference. In an embodiment, a lenticular image (or lenticular element) can be disposed on (either directly or on a substrate that is connected) the strike view face 442. By way of example, using lenticular printing, the angled view of the strike view face 442 (e.g., when the target mounting platform 104 is in a fully vertical position) can substantially match the color of the rest of the target mounting platform 104 and/or a target thereon or be a neutral color. However, the view after a projectile has struck the target mounting platform 104 (and thus when the target mounting platform 104 is pivoted backward with respect to the target stand 118) can offer a highly visible image with a color, such as a chartreuse, bright red, or blaze orange, that stands out to the shooter and makes it apparent that the target has been struck.

In some embodiments, the distance between the tops of the rods and the horizontal projections such that the tops of the rods can enter the recesses in the bottom surface of the target mounting platform. In such a configuration, there is no segment of the springs that is unsupported and thus, the target mounting platform 104 can be prevented from rotating backward with respect to the target stand 118. Referring now to FIG. 5, the shooting target 102 includes a target mounting platform 104, a first spring 114, a second spring 116, and a target stand 118. The target mounting platform 104 includes a front surface 106 and a bottom surface 108. The bottom surface 108 includes a first recess 110 and a second recess 112. The target stand 118 includes a first rod 120, a second rod 124, a first horizontal projection portion 128, and a second horizontal projection portion 130. The first rod 120 includes a top portion 122. The second rod 124 includes a top portion 126. The target stand 118 can include third horizontal projection portion 132. The target stand 118 can include fourth horizontal projection portion 134.

In some embodiments, the target stand can have a distance 555 between the tops of the rods and the horizontal projections that are adjacent to the top that is different from the distance 557 between the bottoms of the rods and the horizontal projections that are adjacent to the bottom. In this manner, the distance of the unsupported portion of the springs can vary depending on the orientation of the target stand 118 with respect to the springs and the target mounting platform 104 (e.g. with the two orientations of the target stand 118 being distinguished by rotating the target stand 118 upside down so that the bottoms of the rods are closer to the target mounting platform 104 than the tops). Therefore, the angle to which the target mounting platform 104 can be bent backward with respect to the target stand 118 (e.g., θ₁) can be varied by rotating the target stand 118 upside down.

In some embodiments, the target mounting platform can include target mounting stumps instead of recesses. Referring now to FIG. 6, the target mounting platform 104 includes a front surface 106 and a bottom surface 108. The bottom surface 108 can include first connection stump 644. The bottom surface 108 can include second connection stump 646. The first connection stump 644 can have a first outer diameter. The second connection stump 646 can have a second outer diameter. The first spring 114 can be connected to the first connection stump 644. For example, the first connection stump 644 can fit within the lumen of the first spring 114. The second spring 116 can be connected to the second connection stump 646. For example, the second connection stump 646 can fit within the lumen of the second spring 116.

In some embodiments, the horizontal projection portions can be adjustable with regard to their position on the rod. By way of example, in some embodiments the horizontal projection portions can take the form of a moveable collar around the rod. Referring now to FIG. 7, the target stand 118 includes a first rod 120, a second rod 124, a first horizontal projection portion 128 in the form of an adjustable collar, and a second horizontal projection portion 130 in the form of an adjustable collar. The first rod 120 includes a top portion 122. The second rod 124 includes a top portion 126. As the collars are moved, the distance between the top portions of the rods and the horizontal projection portions can be changed.

In some embodiments, the target stand 118 can include additional rods and horizontal projections (such as shown in FIG. 8) with additional variations in the length between rod tops (or bottoms) and adjacent horizontal projections. In this manner, particular target stands can have multiple different possible orientations with respect to the target mounting platform 104 allowing for multiple different angles to which the target mounting platform 104 can be bent backward with respect to the target stand 118 (e.g., θ₁).

The ends (top or bottom) of a pair of rods along with the adjacent horizontal projections can be referred to as a mounting head. By way of example the target stand shown in FIG. 8 has four mounting heads. In contrast, the target stand shown in FIG. 1 has two mounting heads. Target stands in accordance with embodiments herein can have a plurality of mounting heads. In some embodiments, the target stands have from one to ten mounting heads. In some embodiments, the target stands have from two to eight mounting heads. In some embodiments, the target stands can have from two to four mounting heads. In some embodiments, the target stands can have from four to six mounting heads.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the target stand 118 includes a first mounting head 802 with a first distance 804 between the corresponding rod ends and the horizontal projection portions, a second mounting head 806 with a second distance 808 between the corresponding rod ends and the horizontal projection portions, a third mounting head 810 with a third distance 812 between the corresponding rod ends and the horizontal projection portions, and a fourth mounting head 814 with a fourth distance 816 between the corresponding rod ends and the horizontal projection portions.

In some embodiments, the springs can be standard type coil springs with a single pitch. The pitch of the spring refers to the distance from center to center of the wire in adjacent coils. However, in other embodiments, the springs can also include other features. Referring now to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the springs can include a feature (902 or 904) at one end to aid in attachment to the target stand. In some embodiments, the spring can include segments having different pitches. For example, the pitch of the spring near the bottom can be larger than the pitch of the spring in other segments such as in the middle of the spring. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the first spring 114 can have a sufficiently large pitch to allow one or more of the bottom coils to be looped over the first horizontal projection portion 128, thereby securing the first spring 114 to the target stand. Similarly, the bottom portion of the second spring 116 can have a sufficiently large pitch to allow one or more of the bottom coils to be looped over the second horizontal projection portion 130, thereby securing the second spring 116 to the target stand. In some embodiments, the feature (902 or 904) can be a hook or the like in order to aid in attachment to the target stand.

In some embodiments, the target stand can be inserted directly into the ground. In other embodiments, a stand base can be included that can interface with the target stand in order to keep it upright. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a target stand 118 and a stand base 1002 in accordance with various embodiments. The stand base 1002 can have a relatively broad base. In some embodiments, the stand base 1002 can be substantially planar. In other embodiments, the stand base 1002 can take on other shapes. The stand base 1002 can include depressions 1004 and 1006 that can fit first rod 120 and second rod 124, respectively, of the target stand 118.

In some embodiments, the target mounting platform can be formed of a polymer, a cellulosic material, a metal, or a composite. In some embodiments, the first rod can be formed of a polymer, a metal, or a composite. In some embodiments, the second rod can be formed of a polymer, a metal, or a composite.

In some embodiments, a target can be mounted onto the target mounting platform. By way of example, an adhesive target can be mounted onto the target mounting platform. Alternately, a non-adhesive target can be tacked, taped, clipped or otherwise attached to the target mounting platform. However, it will be appreciated that the target mounting platform can itself be a target. For example, in some embodiments, the target mounting platform can itself define a target and/or have target indicia disposed thereon.

The first spring can include a coil spring. In some embodiments, the coil spring can be formed of metal. The second spring can include a coil spring. In some embodiments, the coil spring can be formed of metal.

In some embodiments, the first horizontal projection portion is attached to the second horizontal projection portion. In some embodiments, the first horizontal projection portion can include annular structure. In some embodiments, the second horizontal projection portion can include annular structure. In some embodiments, the first horizontal projection portion and the second horizontal projection portion together form a cross bar.

In an embodiment, the invention includes a shooting target kit. The shooting target kit can include a target mounting platform, a first spring, a second spring, and a target stand. The target mounting platform can include a front surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface can include a first recess and a second recess. The target stand can include a first rod, a second rod, a first horizontal projection portion, and a second horizontal projection portion. The first rod can include a top portion. The second rod can include a top portion.

In some embodiments, the shooting target kit can include a spring set comprising a first spring and a second spring. In some embodiments, the shooting target kit can include a first spring set and a second spring set. In some embodiments, aspects of the pair of springs in the first spring set can be different than the pair of springs in the second spring set. By way of example, the springs of the first set can be longer or shorter than the springs of the second set. In some embodiments, the springs of the first set can exhibit a different spring constant than the springs in the second set. In some embodiments, the springs of the first set can be of a different material than the springs in the second set.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms ‘a,’ ‘an,’ and ‘the’ include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing ‘a compound’ includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term ‘or’ is generally employed in its sense including ‘and/or’ unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase ‘configured’ describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase ‘configured’ can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shooting target comprising:

a target mounting platform comprising a front surface, and a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a first recess having a first inner diameter, and a second recess having a second inner diameter;

a first spring having a top and defining an inner lumen, the top disposed within the first recess;

a second spring having a top and defining an inner lumen, the top disposed within the second recess; and

a target stand comprising a first rod having a top portion and a second rod having a top portion, the top portion of the first rod configured to fit within the lumen of the first spring and the top portion of the second rod configured to fit within the lumen of the second spring; a first projection portion contacting the surface of the first rod, wherein the effective diameter of the first rod and the first projection is larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the first spring, the distance between the first projection portion and the top of the first rod greater than about 1 centimeter; a second projection portion contacting the surface of the second rod, wherein the effective diameter of the second rod and the second projection is larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the second spring, the distance between the second projection portion and the top of the second rod greater than about 1 centimeter.

2. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising a third projection portion contacting the surface of the first rod, the third projection portion disposed adjacent the opposite end of the first rod from the first projection, wherein the distance between the third projection portion and the bottom of the first rod is different than the distance between the first projection portion and the top of the first rod.

3. The shooting target of claim 1, further comprising a fourth projection portion contacting the surface of the second rod, the fourth projection portion disposed adjacent the opposite end of the second rod from the second projection, wherein the distance between the fourth projection portion and the bottom of the second rod is different than the distance between the second projection portion and the top of the second rod.

4. The shooting target of claim 1, the first spring and second spring each comprising a coil spring.

5. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the first projection portion is attached to the second projection portion.

6. The shooting target of claim 1, the first projection portion and second projection portion each comprising an annular structure.

7. The shooting target of claim 1, the first projection portion and second projection portion each comprising an adjustable collar.

8. The shooting target of claim 1, the target stand further comprising a third rod having a top portion and a fourth rod having a top portion, the top portion of the third rod configured to fit within the lumen of the first spring and the top portion of the fourth rod configured to fit within the lumen of the second spring; the third rod oriented perpendicularly to the first rod and the fourth rod oriented perpendicularly to the second rod.

9. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the target mounting platform pivots backward with respect to the first rod and second rods.

10. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the target mounting platform pivots backward with respect to the first rod and second rods at an angle of about 10 to about 90 degrees.

11. The shooting target of claim 1, the first spring comprising an unsupported segment.

12. The shooting target of claim 1, the second spring comprising an unsupported segment.

13. The shooting target of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal projection portion and the second horizontal projection portion form a crossbar.

14. The shooting target of claim 1, the target mounting platform further comprising a strike view face having a flat surface that is angled with respect to vertical.

15. The shooting target of claim 14, the strike view face comprising a flat surface extending outward from the front surface of the target mounting platform.

16. The shooting target of claim 14, further comprising a lenticular element disposed on the flat surface.

17. A shooting target comprising:

a target mounting platform comprising a front surface, and a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a first connection stub having a first outer diameter, and a second connection stub having a second outer diameter;

a first spring having a top and defining an inner lumen, the top disposed around the outer diameter of the first projection;

a second spring having a top and defining an inner lumen, the top disposed around the outer diameter of the second projection;

a target stand comprising a first rod having a top portion and a second rod having a top portion, the top portion of the first rod configured to fit within the lumen of the first spring and the top portion of the second rod configured to fit within the lumen of the second spring; a first projection portion contacting the surface of the first rod, wherein the effective diameter of the first rod and the first projection is larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the first spring, the distance between the first projection portion and the top of the first rod greater than about 1 centimeter; a second projection portion contacting the surface of the second rod, wherein the effective diameter of the second rod and the second projection is larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the second spring, the distance between the second projection portion and the top of the second rod greater than about 1 centimeter.

18. A kit comprising:

a target mounting platform comprising a front surface, and a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a first connection stub having a first outer diameter, and a second connection stub having a second outer diameter;

a first spring having a top and defining an inner lumen, the top disposed around the outer diameter of the first projection;

a second spring having a top and defining an inner lumen, the top disposed around the outer diameter of the second projection;

a target stand comprising

a first rod having a top portion and a second rod having a top portion, the top portion of the first rod configured to fit within the lumen of the first spring and the top portion of the second rod configured to fit within the lumen of the second spring;

a first projection portion contacting the surface of the first rod, wherein the effective diameter of the first rod and the first projection is larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the first spring, the distance between the first projection portion and the top of the first rod greater than about 1 centimeter;

a second projection portion contacting the surface of the second rod, wherein the effective diameter of the second rod and the second projection is larger than the inner diameter of the lumen of the second spring, the distance between the second projection portion and the top of the second rod greater than about 1 centimeter.