Happy days are here again, the H&R/NEF tip-up rifle has joined the 19th century! No longer is this fine single shot being made with the spring loaded auto-ejector.

  All of the H&R single shot rifles are now made with a nice cam operated extractor only. No more will the stage RO’s have their teeth chipped or be doubled over in pain from flying empty brass! That awful, “springy-thingy flipper-outer” ejector is gone for ever! 

  The new extractor system is a positive cam driven device, that will for the most part, eliminate the “stuck case” problems of the old spring driven part. It will be possible to retro-fit the older guns with the new parts to secure the greatly improved function.

  It remains, only to convince SASS to forever more ban the use of the old “Twang-ouch Ejector”. 

  The H&R Target Md l and the H&R Buffalo Classic rifles are now an even more accurate representation of the 1880’s target rifle.

  I have some of the parts coming. I'll make a gage block so I can re-drill the old underlugs and then convert mine for tests. This should eliminate the stuck case problem.

In the past 20 years of my observations of Cowboy shooting and looking over the many discussions on the various chat boards It’s fairly easy to come up with a short analysis of the problems associated with knock down and reactive targets. Most of the comments and observations can be boiled down to just a few factors.
Lack of consistency or reliability usually top the list.
Fact is if a range isn’t willing to spend the dough a reliable revolver knockdown may be quite elusive.

Typical problems with a reactive target might be:
1. The target will blow over in a stiff wind, creating confusion for the shooter.
2. Fall when the KD next to it is hit, creating confusion for the shooter.
3. Not fall with even the heaviest of loads.
4. Change of position or reactivity during the match. (inconsistent)

I’m sure there are other problems with reactive targets but these 4 seem to be the most common. In the first 2 scenarios (the most contentious) the problem is from trying to set the targets to fall with the lightest of loads. Obviously the number 3 problem, a target that refuses to fall even when hit squarely with a shotgun, is the result of a non-functioning reactive target.And finally the number 4 problem is generally the result of poor attention to or maintenance of the targets during the match. It is important that a reactive target be staked, mounted or placed so that it does not move or change position through out the match and that it be tested from time to time in order to make sure it remains consistent for each shooter.

If a match director or club has chosen to use reactive targets they must expect to have properly functioning targets. These targets must have a method of adjustment that will insure a proper setting and a shield that protects the mechanical portions from lead splatter. 
The MD must also have a plan to attend to and maintain them throughout the match. Additionally the Club must also have the ability to set these targets to a standard that will lessen the contention factor.

Requiring a setting on reactive targets is so light as to accommodate the lightest possible load will demand the existence of the contention factor in full bloom. Under current SASS rules that setting may be so light that the target would be required to react appropriately from the strike of a 70 grain bullet traveling at a blazing 200 fps. Maybe even less.

Permitting the MD to set his targets to a reliable, consistent and firm reactivity will provide targets that will have the greater potential to “enhance shooter feedback and spectator appeal” as originally intended.

So, the bottom line:
The Wild Bunch is currently in the process of making a decision regarding power factor, velocity, bullet weight or allowable ammo. In this writers opinion it would not be prudent to change or alter the current reactive target standard regardless of the results of this process. The only exception might be to offer the bonus system of; a hits a hit and a bonus for the reaction of the target.

If implementing a power factor or velocity requirement also results in the reduction of the reactive target standard then it might be more productive to drop the whole subject.