Morrell Polypropylene Target Review

Deep Dive into the Morrell Polypropylene Target

As someone who has spent over a decade working with gear across diverse environments – from the controlled conditions of a laboratory to the unpredictable elements of the outdoors, and the practical demands of a workshop – I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes equipment truly functional and durable. It was this pursuit of reliable tools that led me to seek out a versatile and robust target face. The Morrell Polypropylene Target promised a blend of weather resistance and shot-taking capacity that piqued my interest for various practice setups.

My need for such a target arose from a desire to create a more permanent, yet easily manageable, practice area for projectile testing and general marksmanship refinement. Existing paper targets degraded quickly under the elements, and some fabric options I’d tried were either too expensive for high-volume use or didn’t hold up to repeated impacts. I briefly considered heavy-duty vinyl targets but found them to be significantly pricier and often less forgiving to a direct hit. Ultimately, the advertised simplicity and durability of this polypropylene model offered a compelling compromise.

Upon initial inspection, the target felt surprisingly resilient. The material has a distinct, slightly flexible yet firm texture, and the four reinforced grommets in the corners appeared stout. It immediately struck me as a no-frills, workhorse item, designed for practicality rather than aesthetics. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism; it looked like it could withstand a barrage, but only time and actual use would tell the true story of its resilience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Morrell Polypropylene Target to the Test

First Use Experience

I primarily tested this polypropylene target in a semi-permanent outdoor range setup, adjacent to my workshop. This location exposed it to a range of conditions, including direct sunlight, occasional light rain, and the general grit of an outdoor environment. The setup was straightforward; I used simple rope through the grommets to hang it from a sturdy frame, a process that took mere minutes.

Performance was as expected for a polypropylene material in its initial outing. It readily stopped moderate-velocity projectiles without significant deformation or tearing around the impact points. Even after several hundred shots, the material showed minimal signs of degradation at the core impact zones, though the surface did begin to show a pattern of small perforations. Ease of use was a significant plus; there was absolutely no learning curve.

The only minor surprise was how the edges, while reinforced by the grommets, could begin to fray slightly after sustained, heavy impact very close to those corners. It wasn’t a structural failure, but more of a cosmetic indicator of repeated stress.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Morrell Polypropylene Target has held up remarkably well. It’s become a fixture in my outdoor practice area, enduring numerous shooting sessions under varying conditions. The inherent weatherproofing has proven accurate, as it shows no signs of cracking or becoming brittle from sun exposure or dampness.

Durability is where this target truly shines for its price point. While it now bears a significant number of visible perforations and has lost some of its original tautness, it continues to function as intended. The grommets, in particular, have remained securely attached, which is often a weak point in lesser targets.

Maintenance is practically non-existent. A quick brush to remove debris after a session is all that’s needed, and it’s ready for the next round. Compared to the paper targets I’ve used previously, which would disintegrate after one rain shower or become illegible after a few dozen shots, this polypropylene model offers exponentially greater longevity. It doesn’t quite match the near-indestructible nature of some very high-end, specialized archery targets, but for general purpose shooting, it’s a fantastic performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Morrell Polypropylene Target

Specifications

The Morrell Polypropylene Target boasts a generous 42″x28″ dimension, providing a substantial surface area for practice. Its construction is entirely from 100 percent polypropylene, a material chosen for its resilience and weather resistance. The inclusion of grommets in all four corners is a key design feature, facilitating straightforward hanging and secure mounting.

These specifications are significant because they translate directly into practicality and longevity. The large size offers ample room for aiming, reducing the frequency of missed shots impacting the surrounding area. The polypropylene material is inherently durable and capable of withstanding thousands of shots without significant degradation, while the weatherproof design ensures it can be left outdoors without concern.

Compared to smaller, more specialized targets, this model offers a much larger aiming zone. While some high-end targets might incorporate complex scoring rings or printed designs, the simplicity of this target’s construction focuses solely on enduring impacts.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role as a projectile target, this polypropylene material performs admirably. It effectively stops and contains impacts from a variety of common calibers used in practice scenarios. The material absorbs energy well, preventing excessive fragmentation or ricochet of projectiles when properly backed.

The main strength of this target lies in its sheer resilience to repeated shooting. It can take thousands of hits before showing signs of significant wear. A slight weakness, however, is that very close shots to the edges, especially at higher velocities, can eventually cause the material to tear near the grommets.

Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a product in its price bracket. For general range practice and informal target shooting, its performance is more than adequate.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Morrell Polypropylene Target is purely functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics. The polypropylene material gives it a durable, almost canvas-like feel, yet it’s significantly tougher. The reinforced grommets are stitched securely, offering a robust attachment point.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to be hung and shot at; there’s no complex manipulation required. The large, flat surface is easy to aim at, and the grommets make for simple setup. The only minor annoyance can be the slight ripple effect the material can develop after numerous impacts, but this doesn’t hinder its primary function.

Durability & Maintenance

Under typical range conditions, this target is built for extended use. Given its polypropylene construction and 100 percent weatherproof design, it’s expected to last for thousands of shots. It’s less of a disposable item and more of a long-term practice solution.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down or brushing off debris is generally sufficient. There are no complex parts to clean or maintain. Potential failure points, as noted, are primarily related to extreme stress on the grommets from very close-range impacts, but this is a testament to the high number of shots it can endure before such issues arise.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Morrell Polypropylene Target comes as a standalone item, with no additional accessories included. Its core feature is the grommets in all four corners for easy hanging. While not directly customizable in terms of printed designs or features, its true “customization” comes from its compatibility with various hanging methods.

You can easily use ropes, bungee cords, or carabiners to attach it to your desired frame. Its large size also makes it compatible with many standard target frames or backstops. There are no electronic components or specialized attachments required for its basic function.

Pros and Cons of Morrell Polypropylene Target

Who Should Buy Morrell Polypropylene Target?

This target is ideal for anyone needing a durable and cost-effective practice solution for shooting sports, projectile testing, or general marksmanship training. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals setting up semi-permanent outdoor ranges or workshops where equipment needs to withstand environmental exposure. It would be a great asset for firearms enthusiasts, archery beginners looking for a durable practice surface, or even educators needing a robust target for demonstrations.

Those who require highly specific scoring zones, advanced visual aids for training, or sterile, medical-grade equipment should look elsewhere. This target is built for brute resilience and functional simplicity, not intricate detail or specialized applications. Essential complementary items would include sturdy rope or bungee cords for hanging, and a reliable backstop to ensure projectile safety.

Conclusion on Morrell Polypropylene Target

The Morrell Polypropylene Target delivers exactly what it promises: a durable, weatherproof, and incredibly cost-effective target face. Its straightforward design, featuring a robust polypropylene material and reinforced grommets, allows it to withstand an impressive volume of shots across various conditions without complaint. While it may lack the visual complexity of more expensive targets, its sheer longevity and resistance to the elements make it an outstanding value proposition.

For the price of $11.99, the lifespan and performance this target offers are almost unparalleled. I would readily recommend the Morrell Polypropylene Target to anyone looking for a no-nonsense, hard-wearing solution for their shooting practice. If you need a target that can take a beating and keep on ticking (or rather, keep on being shot), this is an excellent choice.