Pistol Cube Review

==Review: Just Shoot Me’s Pistol Training Cube==

[[image:PistolCubeSide-small.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Pistol Cube Side View]]

In short, I was looking for a close-range target for pistols and carbines for unsupported, open-sight shooting. When a hit was scored, it needed to be obvious and hopefully more satisfying than punching paper. While cans and clays have worked in a pinch, they don’t last long and sometimes it isn’t obvious that they took a hit.

Enter [http://www.justshootmeproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=45 Just Shoot Me Product's "Pistol Training Cube"].

The pistol cube is essentially a cube of ballistic polymer where each face has had a pyramid shaped chunk cut out. I’m guessing this is to reduce the weight and rigidity of the cube and to improve how violently it reacts to a hit. The polymer itself is definitely sturdy stuff. It’s dense and pretty strong. In fact, the cube managed to catch a [[.45|.45 ACP]] bullet so tightly that we had to knock out with a hammer [[1911_45_PistolTrainingCube|(see video)]].

[[image:PistolCubeTop-small.jpg|thumb|200px|center|Pistol Cube Top View]]

The Pistol Training Cube is specifically designed for centerfire pistol cartridges, and in that respect, the cube delivers. With a M1911 shooting 230 grain [[FMJ]], the cube reacted well to hits. Hits typically caused the cube to fly one to four feet into the air as well as move down range several yards. In this respect the cube delivers a challenging target for taking quick second shots. Shooters can also expect the target to quickly move out to more a more difficult range.

While not designed for these rounds, I was interested in using the target with [[.22|.22 LR]] and .223 Rem. In the case of .22, the cube reacted but not nearly as strongly as with the large caliber handguns. In the case of .223 (55 grain, FMJ) , there was more of a reaction, but again not as violent as with the handguns. Also, the [[.223]] bullets seemed to be fairly tough on the polymer, leaving noticeable holes and gouges. The .223 also seemed to fragment and leave jacket fragments in the cube on occasion.

Overall, the cube seems to work as designed. As a large caliber pistol target it delivers good action and appears to be able to be able to handle the punishment. Our group put around 200 rounds into the cube and it appeared to hold up well. However, I would advise using the cube as designed. For .22, it appears usable but certainly the action is not nearly as satisfying as with the big pistol rounds. In the case of .223, the action is decent, but the round appears to be rough on the cube and may limit longevity.

Go look at the videos:

{{:PistolCube_Videos}}

Really, only time will tell, and I plan on giving an update as we put more rounds into the target.

In conclusion, I would recommend this cube as an interesting alternative to typical pistol targets. Due to its action, it provides a moving target as well as giving you a variety of ranges to shoot at. Feedback on hits is guaranteed, and it appears tough enough to survive the punishment pistols dish out. My only reservation with the cube is the $50 price tag, but despite the price, I’m happy enough with the target, that I may just grab the Sniper Training Cube for some long range fun with my .308.

[[User:Jon|Jon]]

[[Category:Reviews]]
[[Category:Pistol Training Cube]]