The LOLLI-POPPER is a simple concept. Like many of the MGM products, it allows shooters to enjoy a reactive target without the need to head downrange to reset them. This is a huge benefit to rifle shooters who tend to shoot at longer ranges; with this system, there's no need for the 2-400 yard trip downrange. Simply set the targets up, and enjoy a full day of shooting.
The LOLLI-POPPER target provides a round armor plate mounted on a flexible shaft. The shaft is 36" long, and has rubber shock insulators on each end. On one end the round steel target is fitted using a clamp bracket that also serves as a shaft protector. These round targets can be of varied sizes, 8" is standard, but other sizes are available by request. The other end of the shaft inserts into the base which will accept up to 2 target shafts. The whole package folds neatly for storage, and weighs about 45 pounds. You can assemble or take down the entire unit in about a minute; simply extend the base and insert the two rods with targets attached.
After every shot, the flexible shaft allows the target to move assuming that the marksman hit the target. According to MGM, in a close range application of repeated hits on the target, it could move as much as 36" total, and if it is hit on the edge of the target, it will begin to move side to side. Usual movement will be 6-10", depending on range, caliber of bullet, etc.
Sounds like a simple concept, but the problem is making a target that can stand up to the fast bullets in use today, while being light enough to move when hit. Hardness is of course the single most critical element affecting target life. The hardness of steel is most typically measured on one of two scales. Brinell or Rockwell. Rockwell is used primarily in machine shops. Brinell would most commonly be used in a welding or heavy equipment repair shop.
To put hardness into perspective, the following comes from MGM:
Mild Steel, like I-beams, angle iron, channel, pipe is 112-163 Brinell. T-1 (ASTM A514) which has been the target steel of choice for years, has a Brinell hardness of 235-293. All our standard targets are targets are 500 Brinell (460-540). This converts to roughly a 52 on the Rockwell scale. ARMOR PLATE is 500 Brinell, and has been Ballistically tested and certified.
You will notice that each material has a range of hardness that is acceptable to the manufacturer and the ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials). I suspect that, with the exception of the Armor plate, this is because each material is designed for a particular application or purpose. The hardness will affect that application, but hardness is not the primary design criteria. It is easy to see that the harder material is, the better it will stand up in a target application, as long it is not brittle. Some steel (like tungsten carbide) is harder, but you can break it with a hammer. Target steel has to have the right amount of hardness, coupled with the necessary chemical properties to make it tough, and able to stand up to the impact and vibration a target is subjected to.
On the other hand, if your target is too heavy for the bullet to move, or is designed to not move, the target face has to absorb 100% of the bullet energy, and is consequently going to sustain more damage than a target that can fall down, or is spring loaded. MGM's LOLLI-POPPER is light enough to allow users with a 5.56mm bullet to get movement, while being robust enough to also stand up to steel-cored M855 and the heavier 7.62 rounds. MGM has performed some testing, and provides the following:
During our testing, we shot 1,000 rounds with a .223, 20 rounds with the 30.30, 60 rounds of .223 SS109, and various other rounds. At 30 yards. While you do see some dimpling on the front of the target, the back of the target remained completely smooth. Nothing had enough of an impact to bulge any part of the back of the target. We did shoot it with .338 Winchester Magnum. Don't be shooting this target with a .338 Win Mag. At least not at 30 yards. This round went through so fast it didn't have time to bulge the back of the target. You should have no problem with standard 30.06 and .308 cartridges at 100 yards or more.
The MGM No Bull Warranty
To make MGM's products even better, they offer a 'No Bull Warranty':
If for any reason you don't agree that the performance design, craftsmanship, and overall quality of MGM products constitute the best target value in the country, return your purchase within two weeks for a 100% refund. No questions asked.
Every component of every product not intended or anticipated to be shot has a limited lifetime warranty. If it EVER doesn't do what you think it should do, let us know. You will be satisfied.
MGM has been in the steel fabrication business since 1972, but has only been building targets for about 6 years. While that is a relatively short time, the fact that they HAVEN’T been building targets forever allows MGM to bring some fresh new ideas to the industry. Their innovative designs, large variety, and quality product have won them praise from shooters nationwide in that very short time. Combined with they 'no bull' money-back guarantee, how can you go wrong?
