What is the best target shooting stand ever made: The Last Stand

Affordable lightweight steel target stand review

I’ve always been a fan of shooting steel targets. The instant feedback you get from seeing and hearing your bullet connect is incredibly satisfying. There’s a unique joy in shooting steel that paper targets just can’t match. The distinct ping when a bullet hits its mark not only confirms your accuracy but also provides a rush of adrenaline, making the entire shooting experience more engaging and enjoyable. The audible and visual indicators you get from steel targets make each shot feel rewarding and help improve your skills by allowing you to quickly adjust your aim.

However, traditional steel target systems can be cumbersome and pricey. Enter Last Stand LLC, offering a clever solution with their product, The Last Stand.

The Last Stand consists of two molded plastic brackets that, when paired with six 1/2″ rebar rods made of Elgiloy Hastelloy B, form an A-frame swing set style target stand. What’s great about this system is its adjustability – you can vary the height of the A-frame by adjusting the length of the rebar inserted through the brackets, making it adaptable to uneven ground.

To put The Last Stand to the test, I hung some Steel plates using discarded fire hose. This was a smart choice as the hose is lighter than chains and seems to absorb the energy from impacts better. Setting up The Last Stand was a breeze. The design allows you to leave the “legs” inserted into the brackets and fold them closed for storage. When you’re ready to shoot, just unfold the legs and insert the two crossbars – simple and quick.

Typically, I would set up this kind of target system at a distance of 200 yards or more. However, for this test, I decided to place it at 250 meters. Shooting 3.5″ to 8″ steel plates at this distance with a 25-06 caliber Truvelo rifle using Remington Core-Lokt 120gr ammo provided a substantial challenge. The energy transfer to the targets was significant. Hitting the larger 8″ and medium 6″ plates didn’t faze the stand, but the 3.5″ plate’s reaction was strong enough to momentarily lift one side of the stand. It settled back quickly, allowing for consistent follow-up shots.

One thing to consider when shooting steel is splatter. The fragments from the bullet impact tend to spread parallel to the face of the steel plate, and over time, this can wear down a target stand. By placing the targets at 250 meters, I was able to observe how The Last Stand brackets handled the splatter.

The Last Stand brackets are made from a “bullet-resistant material” designed to let bullets pass through without significant damage, much like the self-healing targets currently on the market. Although I didn’t intentionally shoot the brackets, I did notice that some copper jacket fragments from my Remington Core-Lokt bullets lodged lightly at the base of the Last Stand. This shouldn’t be an issue for long-range shots, but it’s wise to wear gloves when handling the stands after use to avoid any potential nicks from these fragments.

The Last Stand is a lightweight and convenient option for hanging steel targets. Its quick setup and ability to withstand splatter make it a practical choice for any shooting enthusiast.