Firearm target assemblies, target systems, and methods for manufacturing firearm targets

Abstract

Firearm target assemblies and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, target assemblies are configured for accurately predicting projectile impact points for determining shooting accuracy and consistency. In another embodiment, a target system includes a target assembly having a substrate and a print layer. The substrate may have a low shearing response such that a projectile having a first major cross-sectional dimension transverse to a projectile path forms a hole in the substrate at an impact point in the projectile path. The hole may have an aperture with a second major cross-sectional dimension transverse to the projectile path, wherein the second dimension is approximately the same as the first dimension. The print layer may be at a first side of the substrate and may at least partially define a target image.

1 . A target system, the system comprising: 
 a target assembly, the target assembly including 
 a substrate having a low shearing response such that a projectile having a first major cross-sectional dimension transverse to a projectile path forms a hole in the substrate at an impact point in the projectile path, the hole having an aperture with a second major cross-sectional dimension transverse to the projectile path, wherein the second dimension is approximately the same as the first dimension; and  
 a print layer at a first side of the substrate, the print layer at least partially defining a target image.  
   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a synthetic polymer configured to maintain target integrity in a region proximal to the hole.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a coating on one or more surfaces, the coating having a synthetic polymer configured to maintain target integrity in a region proximal to the hole.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the coating includes polyurethane.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes an organic material and a non-organic material, the non-organic material positioned to at least partially coat the organic material such that a shearing response of the organic material is reduced to the low shearing response.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the target assembly has a thickness of approximately 6 mil to approximately 12 mil.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a layer of polypropylene.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a layer of polyvinyl chloride.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a plurality of laminated layers.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes a layer of polyester film.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the print layer includes an ink layer disposed directly on the substrate.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the print layer includes a separate print layer attached to the substrate with an adhesive.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a support member coupled to an edge of the substrate and configured to increase rigidity of the edge.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the substrate includes an edge region having a pre-punched hole, the pre-punched hole configured to releaseably receive a fastener for retaining the target assembly in a protective covering.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the substrate and the print layer includes a writeable surface.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the target assembly is water-resistant.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first side has a first color and the print layer includes a plurality of ink layers having a second color different from the first color and configured to at least partially overlay the first color.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of ink layers are printed with a double bumping printing process.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the target image includes concentric circles.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a data collection guide to assist record keeping.  
   
   
       21 . A target system, the system comprising: 
 a plurality of firearm targets, the individual firearm targets including 
 a substrate having a first side and a second side facing opposite from the first side, wherein the substrate includes a synthetic polymer layer, and wherein the synthetic polymer layer prevents enlargement of a through-substrate aperture formed by a projectile traveling along a projectile path; and  
 a print layer positioned at least at the first side, the print layer at least partially defining a target image.  
   
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the individual firearm targets include a pre-punched hole along a first edge, and wherein the system further includes a protective covering having a fastener for releaseably engaging the pre-punched holes of the firearm targets.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the synthetic polymer layer includes a synthetic polymer coating applied to an organic layer.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the synthetic polymer layer includes a thermoplastic polymer.  
   
   
       25 . A method for manufacturing a firearm target assembly, the method comprising: 
 forming a substrate having at least a synthetic polymer layer and a first color, wherein the synthetic polymer layer prevents enlargement of a through-substrate aperture formed by a projectile traveling along a projectile path; and    applying a print layer on the substrate to at least partially define a target image, wherein the print layer includes a second color different from the first color.    
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein forming a substrate includes applying a coating to one or more surfaces of a core material, the coating having one or more synthetic polymers configured to maintain target integrity in a region proximal to the hole.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein: 
 forming a substrate includes providing a paper substrate and applying the coating to one or more surfaces of the paper substrate; and    applying a print layer on the substrate includes forming a print layer on the paper substrate before applying the coating, and wherein the coating is at least partially transparent.    
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the projectile includes a first major cross-sectional dimension transverse to the projectile path and the through-substrate aperture includes a second major cross-sectional dimension transverse to the projectile path, and wherein the second major cross-sectional dimension is generally the same as the first major cross-sectional dimension.