Abstract:
A target device for practicing shooting with live ammunition includes a target member, a support member and a connection device that secures the target member to the support member in a manner that positions the target at an acute angle to the ground and provides lateral movement of the target member about a point defined by the connection device so that the target member absorbs the shock of the ammunition strike in a realistic manner and quickly returns the target member to a starting position thereafter.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional application which claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/955,465, filed Mar. 19, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to devices for use in target practice exercises using ammunition, and specifically relates to targets that are structured to provide improved practice or training by providing a target that is configured to enable lateral movement and repositioning of the target with each use. 
         [0003]    Target practice or training that involves pistols or rifles is a common activity that gun enthusiasts, police officers and military personnel engage in. Consequently, many targets have been developed and are available for use in practicing or training to fire with live ammunition. A common type of target that is used for training is a paper target that is positioned in vertical orientation on a support structure, such as a hay bale or horizontally movable hanging device. Such targets are more commonly found at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. 
         [0004]    Other types of target devices commonly include a surface, such as a plate-like element, that is secured to a stand of some type. Most commonly, the plate-like element is stationarily secured to a support so that the plate-like element is vertically oriented. In other devices, the plate-like surface may be pivotally connected to the stand in a manner that allows the plate-like surface to rotate about an axis defined by the stand. Examples of such targets are those commonly known as “reactive” targets and “dueling” targets. In targets of this type, the target or plate-like element will spin around the axis of connection. 
         [0005]    In targets of the type where the plate-like element is secured to the support, the plate-like target does not move when struck by a bullet. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to determine whether the target has been struck and whether the training is accurate. In targets of the type where the plate-like element is pivotally connected to the stand or other support, the target will continue to spin once it is hit, and the user must wait for the target to resume a position where the target can be fired at again, if in fact the target returns to a position at which it can be properly aimed. 
         [0006]    In other target devices, the plate-like element is attached to a frame having legs that are supported on the ground and a cross bar from which the plate-like element is hung, typically using one or more chains. In these devices, the plate-like element hangs from the frame in a vertical orientation by two chains. When struck, the plate-like element will move. However, the configuration of the device exposes the chains to being struck by bullets, thereby easily damaging the device, and the vertical hanging of the plate-like target exposes the user to dangerous ricocheting of bullets. 
         [0007]    Thus, the present disclosure describes a target device that overcomes the problems associated with known targets. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a target practice device comprises a target member, a support member and a connection device positioned to interconnect the target member with the support member, the connection device being structured to position the target member at an acute angle to the ground and provide lateral movement of the target member relative to a point defined by the connection device. This aspect of the invention is advantageous over known target devices in being structured so that the target member will absorb the impact of the ammunition when struck, and being able to effectively deflect the ammunition to the ground to thereby result in a movement of the target to provide a more realistic training, and to assure a quick return of the target member to a position for receiving a second round of fire. Additionally, the user can quickly determine bullet placement by observing the target reaction when hit. 
         [0009]    In a further embodiment, the connection device comprises a retention member for receiving a suspension device in secure engagement therewith, and further comprises a fastening device secured to the target member for engaging the suspension device. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the fastening device is positioned on a rear face of the target member to provide pendency of the target member from the connector device at said acute angle to the ground. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 25 degrees to 35 degrees, or at any angle therebetween. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 26 degrees and 34 degrees. 
         [0013]    In certain other embodiments, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 27 degrees and 33 degrees. 
         [0014]    In still other embodiments, the acute angle at which the target member is positioned is between 28 degrees and 32 degrees. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the suspension device comprises a chain having at least two interlocking links. 
         [0016]    In other embodiments, the target member comprises a plate-like body made of armor steel having a selected thickness. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the target member is configured as a substantially round shape. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments, the target member is configured with a generally torso-like shape. 
         [0019]    In certain embodiments, the target member is positioned, relative to the support member, to shield the connection device at a point behind the target member. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the support member comprises at least two legs oriented to contact the ground or other supporting surface, and at least two upwardly extending arms structured to retain the connection device. 
         [0021]    In yet other embodiments, the support member further comprises at least one anchoring device for anchoring the support member to the ground or other support surface. 
         [0022]    In still other embodiments, the anchoring device is structured with at least one hole for receiving an anchoring pin therethrough to anchor the target practice device to the ground or other support surface. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the at least two legs are integrally formed with the at least two upstanding arms. 
         [0024]    In other embodiment, the at least two legs are removably secured to the at least two upstanding arms. 
         [0025]    In certain embodiments, the target member is a plate-like body that is structured with at least one aperture formed through a thickness of the plate-like body, and further includes at least one movable paddle member that is secured to a rearward oriented surface of the plate-like body to obscure at least one aperture formed through the plate-like body. 
         [0026]    In certain other embodiments, the target member has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and the at least one paddle member is secured to the plate-like body in a manner that allows the paddle member to move from a first position, in which the paddle member obscures a first aperture, to a second position, in which the paddle member obscures a second aperture. 
         [0027]    These and other structural and functional aspects of the disclosure are made more evident in the description and illustrations of the various embodiments of the disclosure that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    In the drawings, which depict what is currently considered to be the best mode of the invention: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of a first embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a view of a rear side of an embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of a second embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a view of a rear side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, in partial phantom, of a third embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the support member of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a view in elevation of a rear face of a target member depicting one element of a type of connection device; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a partial view in elevation of a rear face of a target member depicting an alternative form of part of a connection device of the disclosure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a view in elevation of an anchor pin in one aspect of the disclosure; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosure; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  is a side view in elevation of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 15  is a view in elevation of the rearward oriented surface of the target member illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross section view of a paddle member, taken at line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a first embodiment of the target practice device of the disclosure where the device is particularly constructed to be portable and to be used at a closer range relative to the user. The embodiment comprises, however, the basic elements of the target device. In this embodiment, the target practice device  10  comprises a target member  12  and a support member  14  to which the target member  12  is movably secured by a connection device  16 . 
         [0046]    The support member  14  of the device is generally structured with at least two legs  20  that are positioned to be supported on the ground or other supporting surface. The support member  14  further includes at least two upstanding arms  22  that are connected to the legs  20 . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the upstanding arms  22  are directed at any angle to the legs  20 , which provides stability and enhanced impact absorption when the target member  12  is struck with a round of ammunition. The angle A between the legs  20  and upstanding arms  22  may be between 55 degrees to 75 degrees. 
         [0047]    The support member  14  may further include a cross brace member  24  that spans between the legs  20 , or between the upstanding arms  22 , to stabilize the configuration of the support member  14 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the support member  14  may be formed as an integral unit by any suitable means. For example, each leg  20  and the corresponding upstanding arm  22  to which it is associated may be made of a single length of metal rod that is bent at a prescribed angle, and the cross brace  24  may then be bolted or welded between the legs  20  or between the upstanding arms  22 . Alternatively, for example, the legs  20  may be lengths of metal rod that are permanently joined to the upstanding arms  22  by such means as bolts or welding. Any number or means of integrally forming the legs  20 , upstanding arms  22  and cross brace  24  together are within the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0048]    The support member  14  may further include at least one anchoring device  28  to secure the support member  14  to the ground or other support surface. By way of example, the anchoring device  28  may comprise one or more anchor plates  30 , one each connected to an associated leg  20 , preferably positioned at a forward end of each leg  20  as shown. Each anchor plate  30  may be formed with a hole  32 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , through which an anchoring pin  34  is positioned, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Further, the anchor plate  30  may be positioned to extend outwardly from the associated leg  20 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , which is a preferable embodiment in smaller targets. Alternatively, the anchor plate  30  may be positioned to extend inwardly from the associated leg  20 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 . The size and geometry of the anchor plate  30  may vary, but should be suitably sized and weighted to provide adequate support to the support member  14  relative to the ground or other supporting surface. The or each anchor plate  30  may be connected to the associated leg  20  by such means as welding or bolted attachment. 
         [0049]    The upstanding arms  22  of the support member  14  are angled toward each other to join at an upper end  38  of each upstanding arm  22  at a distance from the point of attachment of each arm  22  to its associated leg  22 . In one embodiment, the upper ends  38  of the upstanding arms  22  may be joined by bolts or other securement devices or, in other embodiments, the upper ends  38  may be joined together by means such as welding. In still other embodiments, it is possible to make the two legs from a single length of material that is bent at a central point to produce two legs  22  that are angled from each other. 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the target member  12  may generally be comprised of a plate-like body  40  having opposing surface and a thickness T defined by and between the opposing surfaces. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the plate-like body  40  may be generally round, having one of the opposing surfaces defining a forward oriented face  42  and the other opposing surface defining a rearward oriented surface  44 . By “forward” is meant in the direction of, or facing toward, the user. By “rearward” or “rear” is meant in a direction or orientation that is away from the user. The plate-like body  40  may have any suitable configuration or geometric shape, and need not be strictly planar in shape, although a planar surface may be preferred. The target member  12  may, for example, be slightly concave or convex. 
         [0051]    The target member  12  is attached to the support member  14  by a connection device  16  that secures the target member  12  to the support member  14  at an acute angle B to the ground or support surface, represented by horizontal line  46 . Specifically, the target member  12  is suspended from the support member  14  at an angle C which is defined by a vertical plane  48  that transects the center of the target member  12  and the plane  50  of the forward oriented face  42  of the target member  12 . The angle C may be between positioned at any degree between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees. The acute angle of the target member  12  assures that the target member  12  will better absorb the impact of the round of ammunition and will deflect the ammunition to the ground. 
         [0052]    The connection device  16  further enables the target member  12  to move laterally, or from side-to-side, relative to the connection device, which advantageously alerts the user to the fact that the target member  12  has been hit, and provides a more real simulation of hitting a non-practice target. Also, the user can quickly determine bullet placement by observing the reaction of the target member  12  when hit. The connection device  16  is also structured and configured to enable the target member  12  to return to a forward facing position quickly so that a subsequent round can be fired at the target member  12 . 
         [0053]    By way of example, the connection device  16  may comprise a retention member  52  that is formed as part of, or secured in a suitable manner to, the upper ends  38  of the upstanding arms  22 , such as by bolts or welding. The connection device  16  may also include a fastening device  56  that is secured to the rearward oriented surface  44  or rear face  44  of the target member  12  by suitable means such as welding. In one embodiment, the fastening device  56  may be a downwardly oriented hook  57 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0054]    Notably, the fastening device  56  is attached or secured to the rear face  44  of the target member  12  at a distance D below the top  58  of the target member, and the distance D will determine the acute angle at which the target member  12  is oriented. The positioning of the fastening device  56  relative to the surface dimensions of the rearward oriented surface  44  of the target member  12  also enables the target member  12  to advantageously shield the support member  14  in large part, and to shield the connection device  16 , thereby preventing damage to the support member  14  and connection device  16  by errant rounds of ammunition. This is particularly advantageous in providing a hanging device or connection device  16  that is positioned behind the target member  12 . 
         [0055]    The connection device  16  further includes a suspension device  60  which is engaged by both the retention member  52  and the fastening device  56 . In one exemplar embodiment, the suspension device  60  may be a chain comprising at least two interlocking links, one of which is engaged by the retention member  52  and one which is engaged by the fastening device  56 . The chain may contain more links, and may suitably include three links. 
         [0056]    The use of interlinking chains provides advantageous movement of the target member  12  about a vertex defined by the contact point between an uppermost link of the chain and the retention member  52 . Movement of the target member  12  upon being struck is limited by the side of the hook binding on the chain in the link to which it is attached, thus transferring energy to the support member  14 . The target member  12  is able to pivot laterally at the vertex in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on where the target member  12  was hit. The target member  12  is able to pivot or turn in other directions other than strictly laterally. The chain also provides an absorption of energy by being able to twist, and the chain&#39;s configuration also quickly resets the orientation of the target member  12  to a forward position. 
         [0057]    Alternatively, other structures or devices may be used as a suspension device  60 , such as a length of fabric or leather or rope, or any other suitable material. It is only necessary that the suspension device provide a vertex or point of contact as described previously to enable the target member  12  to be suspended relative to the support member  14 , such that the target member is oriented at an acute angle to the ground, and to enable the target member  12  to move laterally, or side-to-side, relative to the support member  14 , while being capable of returning rapidly to a forward facing orientation. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 4-6  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the target practice device of the disclosure. The target device  100  of this embodiment is constructed in a manner that allows the device  100  to be more portable and adjustable to various heights. Accordingly, the target device  100  of this embodiment comprises a target member  112 , a support member  114  and a connection device  116  to attach the target member  112  to the support member  114 . The support member  114  in this embodiment includes at least two legs  120  that are oriented for contacting the ground or other support surface. The support member  114  also includes at least two upstanding arms  122 . Each upstanding arm  122  may be associated with a leg  120  of the support member  114 . 
         [0059]    As illustrated, the upstanding arms  122  are each connected to a leg  120  in a manner that allows the upstanding arms  122  to be removably attached to legs  120 . By way of example only, this may be accomplished by providing a collar  170  that attaches to both an upstanding arm  122  and a leg  120 . The collar  170  may be structured to receive the upstanding arm  122  and/or the leg  120  in friction fit engagement therewith. Alternatively, the collar  170  may be structured with threads on an internal surface of either end of the collar  170  that threadingly engages with corresponding threads formed on the ends of the legs  120  and the lower ends of the upstanding arms  122 . A further form of connection and adjustment may be provided by configuring the collar  170  and legs  120  and/or arms  122  with a detent mechanism. Any manner of suitable construction may be used as long as at least one or both of either the upstanding arm  122  or the leg  120  is removable from the collar  170 . 
         [0060]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-5 , the device  100  is also structured such that the upper ends  138  of the upstanding arms  122  are structured to be removably secured to the upper end  138  of the other upstanding arm  122 , such as by insertion of a bolt  174  through holes formed in the upper end  138  of each upstanding arm  122 . 
         [0061]    The support member  114  may also include a cross brace member  124  that spans between the two legs  120 , as shown, or spans between the two upstanding arms  122 . The cross brace member  124  may be either integrally formed to the legs  120  or upstanding arms  122  or, in the alternative, the cross brace member  124  may be removably secured to the legs  120  or to the upstanding arms  124  by any appropriate means, such as by screws, bolts or a detent mechanism (not shown). 
         [0062]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  may be structured with the elements as previously described with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , including anchoring plates  130  with holes  132  formed therein for receipt of anchoring pins, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Further, the connection device  116  may have all of the elements as previously described, including a retaining device  152  that is positioned between the upper ends  138  of the upstanding arms  122  and held in place by insertion of a securing device, such as bolt  172 , therethrough. The connection device  116  also includes a fastening device  156  and a suspension device  160  as previously described and may suitably employ a plurality of interlinked chain links. 
         [0063]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  enables the user to employ upstanding arms  122  of greater length dimension to enable the overall height of the target device  100  to be increased. In such instances, the arrangement of the connection device  116  will still maintain the target member  112  at an acute angle B to the ground, and will maintain the target member  112  at an angle C that is between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees. However, the angle A between the legs  120  and the upstanding arms  122  may be greater than provided in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . For example, the angle A may be from 50 degrees to 80 degrees or greater. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment of the target device of the present disclosure where the target device  200  is sized for use at longer ranges from the user. In this embodiment, the target device  200  is comprised of a target member  212 , support member  214  and connection device  214  in a manner similar to the previously described embodiments. In this embodiment, the target member  212  may be a plate-like body  240  in a larger configuration, such as a torso-like shape having a selected thickness T defined between opposing surfaces that comprise a forward oriented surface  242  and a reward oriented surface  244 . The target member  212  of this embodiment, as well as the previously described target members  12 ,  112 , may preferably be made of ballistic steel, or armor steel. The use of ballistic steel in making the target member  12 ,  112 ,  212  has been found to impart greater force absorption and deflection of the ammunition than prior known targets, and also allows the target member  12 ,  112 ,  212  to be made with less thickness than prior known targets, thereby reducing construction costs and weight. 
         [0065]    The support member  214  of this embodiment is constructed so that the device may have more portability. Therefore, the support member  214  includes at least two legs  220  and at least two upstanding arms  222  in a manner similar to the description of the previous embodiments. However, the legs  220  are removably connected to the upstanding arms  222  by screws, bolts  228  or comparable devices that allow disconnection of the arms  222  and legs  220  from each other. Additionally, the upper ends  238  of the upstanding arms  222  are structured to be removably secured to one another, such as by a screw, bolt  272 , detent mechanism or other comparable device. 
         [0066]    The construction of the support member  214  of this embodiment may best be seen in  FIG. 9 , which shows an exploded view of the support member  214 . It can be seen that the legs  220  may be constructed of flat bar metal. Each leg  220  may preferably be structured with an anchoring plate  230  at the forward ends of each leg  220 . The anchoring plates  230  are formed with a hole  232  through which an anchoring pin  234  is received to secure the support member  214  to the ground. The rearward end  280  of each leg is formed with a hole  282 . A cross brace member  224  is provided which comprises a generally linear portion  284  with two upstanding ends  286 . Each of the upstanding ends  286  is formed with a hole  288 . 
         [0067]    Each upstanding arm  222  is formed at a lower end  290  thereof with a hole  292 . In assembly of the support member  214 , the hole  292  of the upstanding arm  222  is aligned with the hole  288  of the cross brace member  224  and is also aligned with the hole  282  of the leg  220  and a securement device, such as a bolt  228  or comparable device, is positioned through all of the holes  282 ,  288 ,  292  to secure the cross brace member  224 , leg  220  and upstanding arm  222  together. Each upstanding arm  222  may be structured with a stop plate  294  that, when the support member  214  is assembled, rests upon the rearward end  280  of the leg  220  to facilitate the upward orientation of the upstanding arms  222  and to stabilize the support member  214  in an upstanding position. The stop plate  294  may be formed to the upstanding arm  222  in any suitable manner, including being welded to the arm  222 . 
         [0068]    In disassembly of the support member  214  for transport or storage, the securement device or bolt  228  is loosened a sufficient amount so that the upstanding arm  222  can pivot about the bolt  228 . When the bolt  228  is sufficiently loosened, the stop plate  294  will be sufficiently distanced from the leg  220  so that the upstanding arm  222  may be rotated downwardly and brought into adjacent position with the leg  220  so that the upstanding arm  222  may lay flat on the ground adjacent the leg  220 . 
         [0069]    Further, in assembling the support member  214 , the upstanding arms  222  are formed, at an upper end  238  thereof, with a hole  296 . The retention member  252  of this embodiment may be a hook  298  that is also structured with a hole  300 . Thus, in assembly, the upper ends  238  are brought together with the hook  298  positioned therebetween, and a bolt  272  or comparable device is received through holes  296  and  300 . The upper ends  238  of the upstanding arms  222  may further be provided with a support plate  302  against which the hook  298  registers when the support member  214  is assembled to help support the weight of the target member  212 . In an alternative embodiment, the hook  298  may be welded to the upper end  238  of one of the upstanding arms  222 , as shown in phantom in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the connection device  216  of this embodiment may comprise the same or comparable elements as previously described in the other embodiments. Namely, the connection device  216  may include a retention member  252 , a fastening device  256  attached to the rearward face  244  of the target member  212  and a suspension member  260 , such as a chain or other comparable device or material, as previously described. This embodiment of the disclosure, as described with respect to the other embodiments, is structured to maintain the target member  212  at an acute angle to the ground, and generally angled at any appropriate degree between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees. 
         [0071]      FIG. 10  illustrates one form of a fastening device  256  attached to the rearward face  244  of the target member  212  where the fastening device  256  is in the form of a downwardly facing hook member  306 . The hook member  306  is oriented to engage the suspension device, such as the link of a chain, leather strap or any other comparable structure.  FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative form of the connection device which comprises two fastening devices  308 , such as downwardly facing hooks, that are spaced on either side of a centerline  310  of the target member  212 . A suspension device  260  is thereby supported by and between the two fastening members  308 , and the suspension device  260  is engaged by a retaining device of a type as previously described. This alternate form of the connection device allows the target member to be suspended at an acute angle to the ground, and to move laterally, side-to-side as indicated by arrows  314 , to return quickly to a forward-facing orientation. 
         [0072]    As with the previously described embodiments, the position of the fastening device  56 ,  156 ,  256  relative to the area of the rearward oriented surface  44 ,  144 ,  244  of the target member determines the angle C at which the target member  12  will be disposed relative to the ground or other supporting surface. Thus, the positioning of the fastening device  56 ,  156 ,  256  is dependent on the size, configuration and weight of the target member  12 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 12  depicts an exemplary anchoring pin  234  for use with any of the embodiments of the disclosure. The anchoring pin  234  is provided with a vertical shaft  320  having a handle  322  formed at one end. A spacer plate  324  is positioned to surround the shaft  320  and be spaced from the handle  322 . When inserted in the hole  32 ,  132 ,  232  of the anchoring plate  30 ,  130 ,  230  and into the ground, the bottom surface  326  of the spacer plate  324  will come to rest on the anchoring plate  30 ,  130 ,  230 , thereby leaving the handle  322  spaced above the anchoring plate and being presented for grasping by the user at time of disassembly. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 13-16  depict a further embodiment of a target practice device  400  of the present disclosure which is configured for use as a dueling target. Dueling targets, also referred to as dueling trees, are conventionally constructed with a central rod or pole that has a plurality of pivotable targets positioned along the height of the pole. Two people who stand side-by-side take turns shooting at the targets that are positioned on their side of the pole. Striking the target will cause it to pivot to the other person&#39;s side of the pole, and points are awarded based on the number of targets that can be caused to rotate to the opponent&#39;s side of the pole by successfully striking a target. Conventional dueling trees are unable to provide an accurate training experience because if a shooter misses the target, which are small in size, the shooter cannot determine the pathway of the bullet, or other projectile, relative to the target. In other words, there is no means by which the shooter can determine whether he was anywhere close to the target at the time he missed. 
         [0075]    The target practice device  400  of this embodiment provides the user with an understanding of where the projectile hit the target member, even though it missed the intended “bulls-eye” of the target, so that the user can determine what correction is needed to hit the appropriate place on the target member. The user is able to determine where the projectile hit by the relative movement of the target member  412  when struck by the projectile. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the target member  412  of this embodiment comprises a plate-like body  440  that may be substantially planar. The plate-like body  440  has a forward oriented surface  442  and a rearward oriented surface  444  ( FIG. 14 ) in a manner similar to the previously-described embodiments. The target member  412  is structured to be movably attached to a support member  414  by a connection device  416 . The support member  414  and the connection device  416  that may be used in this embodiment have been previously described with respect to the preceding embodiments. Briefly, the support member  414  is comprised of at least two leg members  420  that are attached or are part of two upstanding arms  422 , and a cross brace  424  may interconnect the leg members  420  and/or upstanding arms  422  as previously described. 
         [0077]    As seen in  FIG. 14 , the upstanding arms  422  are each formed, at an upper end  438  thereof, with a hole  496 . A retention member  452 , which may be a hook  498 , is also structured with a hole and in assembly, the upper ends  438  are brought together with the hook  498  positioned therebetween, and a bolt  472  or comparable device is received through holes  496  in a manner as previously described. The connection device  416  may include a retention member  452 , a fastening device  456  attached to the rearward face  444  of the target member  412  and a suspension member  460 , such as a chain or other comparable device or material, as previously described. This embodiment of the disclosure, as described with respect to the other embodiments, is structured to maintain the target member  412  at an acute angle to the ground, and generally angled at any appropriate degree between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, with a particularly suitable angle being about 30 degrees. 
         [0078]    The target member  412  of this embodiment is further structured with at least one aperture  520 , and preferably a plurality of apertures  520 , that extend through the thickness T of the plate-like body  440 . In a particularly suitable form, a series of apertures  520  is provided down the length of one edge  524  of the plate-like body  440  and a series of apertures  522  is provided down the length of the opposing edge  526  of the plate-like body  440 , the apertures  520 ,  524  being arranged on either side of a centerline  530  of the plate-like body  440 . In use, it is the objective of the shooter or shooters to aim for the apertures. 
         [0079]    As best seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , at least one paddle member  540 , and most suitably, a plurality of paddle members  540  is positioned on the rearward oriented surface  444  of the target member  412  and is positioned to obscure an aperture in the target member  414 . Further, each paddle member  540  is configured and positioned to alternately obscure laterally adjacent apertures  520 ,  522  down the length of the target member  412 . Thus, each paddle member  540  is movably attached to the rearward oriented surface  444  by a mechanism that allows the paddle member  540  to move from a first position where the paddle member  540  obscures a first aperture  520 , as shown in the upper row  546  of apertures in  FIG. 15 , to a second position where the paddle member  540  obscures a second, adjacent aperture  522 , as depicted in the next descending row  548  of apertures in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0080]    The movement of each paddle member  540  between a first position and a second position alternately obscuring laterally adjacent apertures  520 ,  522  may be accomplished, for example, by configuring the paddle member  540  with a hollow cylinder  560 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , adjacent to which is a paddle body  564  that extends laterally from the hollow cylinder  560 . A rod  566  is received through the cylinder  560  of the paddle member  540  and is attached at either end to a bracket  568  that is attached, such as by welding, to the target member  412 . The rod  566  may be secured between the two brackets  568  by a bolt and washer  570 . 
         [0081]    As configured, each paddle member  540  is able to pivot about the rod  566  that secures the paddle member  540  to the target member  412 . In use, when a projectile is correctly aimed at and received through an aperture (i.e., first aperture) which is obscured by the paddle member  540 , the force of impact will cause the paddle member  540  to pivot about the rod  566  and will come to rest against the rearward oriented surface of the target member  412  to obscure the laterally adjacent aperture, or second aperture. Upon a projectile being accurately aimed at and received through the obscured second aperture, the force of impact will cause the paddle member  540  to pivot about the rod  566  to come to rest against and obscure the first aperture again. Thus, the users compete to more the paddle member(s) from the apertures on their side of the target member to the obscure the apertures of the opponent on the other side or edge of the target member. 
         [0082]    It is to be noted that the angle at which the target member  412  hangs facilitates the paddle member  540  coming to rest against the rearward oriented surface  444  of the target member  412  when the paddle member  540  is caused to rotate by the force of impact of a projectile received against the paddle member  412 . The consistent movement and repositioning of the paddle member  540  is also facilitated by the placement of the brackets  568  and rod  566  at a distance X from the rearward oriented surface  444  of the target member, as shown in  FIG. 16 , so that the paddle member  540  is positioned at a slight angle to the linear surface of the rearward oriented surface  444 . 
         [0083]    Other arrangements for attaching the paddle members  540  to the rearward oriented surface  444  of the target member  412  are possible, such as inserting a single length of a rod through all brackets rather than employing individual rods for each paddle member  540  as shown. In such an arrangement, the rod would be sized in length to extend a substantial length of the target member. It may also be appreciated from  FIGS. 14 and 15  that the fastening devices  456  and suspension device  460  (shown as a discontinued chain link for ease of viewing in  FIG. 15 ) are arranged in a manner that allows the paddle members  540  to freely pivot when struck. In this embodiment, the target member  412  and paddle members  540  may preferably be made of ballistic steel. 
         [0084]    The foregoing embodiments vary in height and may be used at any number of varying distances as measured from the user. Thus, for example, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-6  can be used at a distance of from about seven feet to about  24  feet from the user. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be used at a distance of from  20  feet to  34  feet or greater from the user. Further, the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-6  may be structured to stand in height from between two feet in height to about six feet in height, while the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be constructed to stand from between about four feet in height to about seven feet in height. 
         [0085]    The size, shapes and dimensions of the embodiments described herein are by way of example and are not intended to limit the invention. Other structures and configurations of the device may be employed in construction and will fall within the scope of the inventions as claimed herein.