180° Turning Target System: Advanced Training for Law Enforcement and Qualification Ranges

When firearms training needs to be realistic, repeatable, and demanding, your target system matters.

The 180° Turning Target System from MGM Targets is an all-electric, wirelessly controlled turning target solution designed for law enforcement ranges, qualification courses, tactical training, and other professional shooting applications.

Built to eliminate many of the maintenance problems associated with traditional pneumatic turning targets, the MGM system gives range operators precise control, programmable training scenarios, and a durable system designed for years of use.

What Is a 180° Turning Target System?

A turning target system rotates a target to control when the shooter can see and engage it.

The MGM 180° Turning Target System uses a 12-volt DC reversing motor and proprietary electronics to provide controlled, precise target movement. The system can rotate approximately 180° in about 0.7 seconds, with the speed customizable when the system is built for a specific application.

That speed makes the system well suited for training where target presentation and reaction time are important.

Instead of simply placing a stationary target downrange, instructors can control when the target appears, how long it remains visible, and how quickly it turns away.

Why MGM Uses an All-Electric System

Traditional pneumatic turning target systems can introduce a number of maintenance challenges.

Air systems can experience issues involving contaminants, frozen solenoids, damaged air lines, lubrication, and mechanical linkages. MGM Targets designed its 180° system as an all-electric alternative intended to eliminate many of those potential problems.

The result is a cleaner, simpler system with fewer components that need to be maintained.

And because the system is wireless, range operators don’t have to install extensive control wiring between every component.

Wireless Control Makes Range Setup Easier

One of the biggest advantages of the MGM 180° Turning Target System is its wireless control.

The system can be operated using a Toughbook-based programming system, allowing instructors to create and store training programs away from the target tower. Once at the range, programs can be run from the tower or remotely. A handheld remote is also included for starting and stopping programs and running basic pre-programmed functions.

Wireless operation can significantly reduce installation complexity by eliminating many of the wires that can otherwise become damaged, pinched, or affected by environmental conditions.

MGM says its standard components can operate over a few hundred yards in open conditions, with extended-range options available when required.

Programmable Training Scenarios

A major benefit of a professional turning target system is the ability to create different training scenarios.

The MGM system allows individual targets to be programmed for variables including:

• Start or delay time
• Right-face time
• Left-face time
• Edge time
• Different combinations of movements and timing

Programs can then be stored for future use.

This gives instructors the ability to create different programs for different skill levels and training objectives.

For example, a range could maintain separate programs for basic qualification, advanced training, or high-speed tactical exercises.

Instead of manually controlling every target presentation, instructors can build repeatable training scenarios and run them when needed.

Built for Demanding Range Environments

Durability is critical when equipment is installed on a busy training range.

The MGM 180° Turning Target System uses a 3/8-inch steel plate frame that is laser cut and precision formed. After fabrication, the frame is powder coated to extend its service life.

MGM also uses stainless steel for the equipment cover and wire trays. The stainless construction helps reduce the need for coating maintenance in these exposed components.

The result is a system designed with long-term range use in mind.

Smooth, Precise Target Movement

Speed is important, but controlled movement matters too.

The MGM system is designed to turn smoothly rather than aggressively slamming from one position to another. The approximately 0.7-second turn time provides a fast target presentation while helping reduce the mechanical stress associated with abrupt movement.

For training environments, smooth movement means more consistent target presentation from one exercise to the next.

Flexible Target Mounting

The 180° Turning Target System can be configured around the needs of the range.

One popular target-holding configuration uses brackets to hold two sticks, allowing cardboard targets to be stapled to the sticks. MGM also offers alternative configurations, including rubber-band and target-clamp arrangements, depending on the customer’s requirements.

This flexibility makes the system suitable for a variety of qualification and training applications.

Portable Turning Target Systems

Not every training environment needs a permanent installation.

MGM Targets also offers portable turning target systems, giving agencies and instructors additional flexibility when a permanent target installation isn’t practical. The company specifically highlights portable systems as an option alongside its permanent 180° Turning Target System.

Portable equipment can be useful for agencies that conduct training at multiple locations or need the ability to reconfigure their training environment.

Retrofitting Existing Ranges

Replacing an existing turning target system doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch.

MGM Targets can retrofit existing concrete installations with new turning mechanisms or work with a customer from the ground up on a new installation. The company also has experience with range construction, towers, shoot houses, excavation, trenching, and concrete work.

That means MGM can approach a turning target project as more than simply selling a piece of equipment.

The goal is to create a complete solution that works with the customer’s range and training requirements.

180° Turning Targets for Law Enforcement Training

Law enforcement qualification and tactical training can require realistic target presentation and precise timing.

A turning target system allows instructors to incorporate target exposure and reaction time into training rather than relying exclusively on stationary targets.

The MGM 180° Turning Target System is specifically marketed for law enforcement ranges and qualifications, as well as tactical training applications.

The ability to program repeatable scenarios can also help instructors create consistent training experiences across multiple sessions.

Designed Around Low Maintenance

Range equipment needs to work when it’s needed.

The MGM system was specifically designed to address common maintenance issues associated with pneumatic turning target systems while reducing the amount of infrastructure required for control wiring.

MGM’s goal is straightforward: less maintenance and more reliable operation.

The company’s motto, “Leave Nothing to Chance,” reflects its approach to designing and building range equipment.

Why Choose MGM Targets?

MGM Targets has been building shooting targets and range equipment since 1994 and works with military, law enforcement, competitive shooters, and professional training facilities.

The company’s range capabilities extend beyond individual targets. MGM also designs and supplies equipment and structures for shooting ranges, training towers, and shoot houses.

That experience matters when you’re investing in a sophisticated range system.

Build a Better Training Range with MGM

The MGM 180° Turning Target System combines wireless control, programmable target presentation, smooth electric operation, and durable construction into one professional training solution.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing law enforcement qualification range, building a new training facility, or looking for a portable turning target solution, MGM Targets can help design a system around your requirements.

Ready to upgrade your range?

Learn more about the MGM 180° Turning Target System

MGM Targets — Leave Nothing to Chance.