AR500 Plates - Outdoor Storage

[Omega]

Currently I remove my plates from the wood frame I use and store indoors, but I want to make it more of a permanent setup.  How long have any of you guys left your plates out in the weather, and how much rust or maintenance (paint) was needed?  Maybe someone who uses or runs an outdoor range can weigh in on this, I figure if anyone leaves them out they would.  Anyone know Hickok45?  I bet he has had his out for awhile. 

[Hershmeister]

I wouldn't worry about it being outside

[peejman]

I wouldn't worry about it either.  Shoot it with a coat of rustoleum or just wipe it down with an oily rag.  Or from that thread about various lubricants, get a can of that WD-40 long term corrosion stuff. 

[Dolomite_supafly]

I has some that have sat outside for at least 4 years without any problems. I paint them then shoot the paint off and leave them where they lay. I have had some laying on the ground for at least 2 years and are perfectly fine. Matter of fact AR500 doesn't seem to rust like mild steel. Even if it does get rusty just shoot the rust off.

[Johnny Rotten]

Rust is the last thing my plates have to worry about

[Omega]

Sounds good, I want to use chain to hang them on steel frames. The frames I can easily repair/replace but just now got the plates so no track record.

[peejman]

Be sure they hang at an angle such that any fragments should be directed downward. 

[Omega]

Be sure they hang at an angle such that any fragments should be directed downward.

Yea, seen that everywhere,  I was thinking of using something like this which gives it a slight tilt:
 

[peejman]

Yea, seen that everywhere,  I was thinking of using something like this which gives it a slight tilt:
 

 

 

I like that idea.  I'd add a spacer so the chain is at least 2-3x the plate thickness behind the plate.  The angle will reduce the effective size of the plate slightly, but that just makes it more challenging, right?  I know you'll never miss, but you might also consider rope or cable rather than chain, less chance of wild ricochets should I ever shoot at it. 

[Omega]

I like that idea.  I'd add a spacer so the chain is at least 2-3x the plate thickness behind the plate.  The angle will reduce the effective size of the plate slightly, but that just makes it more challenging, right?  I know you'll never miss, but you might also consider rope or cable rather than chain, less chance of wild ricochets should I ever shoot at it.

Rope is a no-go, the splatter would cut it pretty quick. The cable may work, but chain is better due to the flex when the plate is hit even though the bolt and chain will eventually need replacing even if not hit.

[peejman]

Rope is a no-go, the splatter would cut it pretty quick. The cable may work, but chain is better due to the flex when the plate is hit even though the bolt and chain will eventually need replacing even if not hit.

 

The cable need not be particularly big. Tensile strength of 1/8" wire rope is a bit north of 1500 lbs, and you'll have two of them holding it.  Just an idea. 

[Omega]

The cable need not be particularly big. Tensile strength of 1/8" wire rope is a bit north of 1500 lbs, and you'll have two of them holding it.  Just an idea.

I just reworked my deer hoist and have a length of cable I have no immediate use for so may just test it out on one plate and see what happens, but I already have the chain measured and cut so that will be my primary choice.

[Garufa]

Make sure you have extra chain/cable.  It will get shot.

[Omega]

Make sure you have extra chain/cable.  It will get shot.

Yea, I expect that. I have seen pictures of ones that don't get shot and get stretched none-the-less so have a few replacement pieces that I will keep on hand including the bolts and wrenches (got to love HF for cheap wrenches).