Elite Target Systems™

National Tactical Officer's Association- Member Tested Product Review

TAC II Two-Stage Rotating Target System- Staff Report

Targets that do more than simply face the shooter are important for practical defensive training. This may include steel or polypropylene knockdown targets, targets that turn, and targets that move toward the shooter (charger) or move laterally across the range (runner).

S.W.A.T. staff members recently tested the TAC II Two-Stage Rotating Target System manufactured by Elite Target Systems.

The TAC II is an easily transported, collapsible target system. When collapsed the unit measures sixty inches long, five inches wide and nine inches high, allowing it to be stored in a relatively small space. When fully deployed, the system sits on a very stable base that is sixty-six inches wide and forty inches deep. Weight including the rechargeable battery, is twenty-six pounds.

At the heart of the TAC II is the electronic command module that is attached to a 12VDC/7Ah battery. Elite Target Systems has advised that once the battery is fully charged, it should last for 10,000 presentations-- That’s a lot of range time. The command module has an easy to read LCD screen for setup and comes with fifteen preprogrammed operating modes. Each of these modes varies in how long the target is presented to the shooter, and how long the targets rotate away from the shooter. Additionally, the unit may be used manually, and the owner may program an additional seven modes. The command module is operated by a wireless remote control, and has a useable range of 1,000 feet in ideal conditions.

Made primarily of 6061T6 aluminum and stainless steel, the TAC II sets up in minutes. Four upright target holders attach to the two rotating arm assemblies with quick-release pins. The uprights can accommodate a 2x2 board. It is possible to use 1x2 furring strips in place of the 2x2s, but two must be used per upright. Once in place, standard eighteen-inch wide IPSC cardboard targets can be stapled to the furring strips. Wider pieces of cardboard to accommodate wider targets, such as Q-15 also can be used.

We tested the TAC II up close and to distances if 100 yards. At 100 yards, the targets were changed frequently and presented briefly to the “sniper”. In the short time available, the shooter had to quickly identify and engage the “hostile” target before it turned away.

The unit turned smoothly and reliably each time the “execute” button was pushed on the remote control, and no problems of any kind were experienced with the TAC II.

We found the TAC II Two-Stage Rotating Target System to be a quality piece of equipment that can add a degree of realism to a shooting course. With a suggested price of slightly under $XXXX, the TAC II is probably within reach of most shooting clubs or agencies, but probably outside the budget of the average user.

TAC II Turning Target- A Personal Practice Platform

Elite Target Systems has come up with one of those products that make you push that spotted and stained Rocky Mountain Elk Association ball cap back on your skull, grin from ear to ear and say, "Man, I just gotta have one of those." I’ve always wanted to be able to go out on my porch, set up my guns, ammo and a shooting bench and just fire away to my heart’s content. It’s therapy if you ask me.

I have the property now but nothing other than cobbled-together target stands to use. Elite Target Systems has developed their TAC II turning target system with the single user in mind. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars, build bunkers to house equipment or trench 300 yards for electrical and pneumatic actuator lines. All you need is the TAC II, a couple of sandbags, four wood 2x2s, target backers and the targets of your choice.

Neat And Tidy

The whole system is self-contained. It includes antenna, RC-1000 remote control, battery and charger, Tri-flow precision lubricator and an operating manual. You won’t need a pack mule and three gun bearers to haul it for you. If folds up into a package 60” long by 5” wide by 9” high weighing only 26 pounds including the battery.

The system operates with a remote control about the size of a thick credit card, and it reaches out to 330+ yards. The remote control also acts as the programming interface. I can’t stop my VCR from flashing the time so if it’s simple enough I can use it, anyone can.

There are automatic, random and manual modes to choose. Random mode allows you to set up a course of fire and then just let it run. The included rechargeable battery powers the motor and snaps the two targets around to face you in under a half-second. Plus, you can set the whole shebang up in less than five minutes. Use the sandbags to protect the command module and battery, then walk back to your shooting position and just have at it.