I’ve got no clue what a Whirly-Gig® was in the “old” days, but I know what it is today. THIS is a Whirly-Gig®, as far as MGM is concerned. I’m fairly sure Terry Ashton in Texas invented this, and I want to make sure everybody knows that. I don’t know if he dreamt it up himself, or brainstormed it with somebody, but it is one of the most incredibly innovative and FUN targets we’ve ever come across!
The MGM Targets Whirly-Gig® is our version of the target we understand Terry Ashton invented. Terry’s version was called the Texas Star. Nearly all of the “shootable” components are 3/8” MGM HEXALLOY 550 steel for long life and durability. We created an asymmetrical base to the plate to help insure the targets release consistently when hit. We added a single steel spring to hold it until it’s shot. To set up for the next shooter, all you have to do is slide the target under the spring and it will easily fall into the “keyhole” that holds it.
When one of the 3/8” HEXALLOY 550 target plates are hit, it creates an out of balance condition that causes the target holder assembly to spin. The direction of spin can change depending on where the next hit target comes from. Creative planning can increase the challenge. One idea is to put a no-shoot target low and centered to guarantee the first hit will create the unbalanced condition.
This target is also available in a .22 Rimfire Version. Please see our .22 Rimfire Targets section of our website for more information.
