Plinker is an automated target company that is bringing to market a dual target system that can be swung into place and controlled off a electronic device. It works off of a pneumatic operated canister that propels the target frame into and out of place. The system is specifically designed for Law Enforcement application because it can replicate a Shoot-No Shoot scenario by first introducing a Shoot target with a firearm printed, and then introducing a No Shoot target with a hostage image printed on it. In addition, the system is really just a dual target holder, so it can really be used with any sort of target attached to frames that can be inserted into the target system. For an example anything fitting the dimensions of an IDPA target can be used if one wants to. From the description-

• Portable – weighs approximately 30 lbs
• 90 degrees of rotation or any angle between 0 and 90 degrees
• Start in the horizontal (down) position and rotate up
• Start in the vertical (up) position and rotate down
• Two targets – one threat and one non-threat or two threats
• Includes a separate ballistic plate rated for pistol calibers
• Optional AR500 ballistic plate for rifle caliber (please contact us for details and pricing)
• Requires 80 psi of air pressure from small compressor or air tank (900 activations from a standard 80 cu-ft SCUBA cylinder)
• Wireless control via RF link
• ​Optional remote for manual operation or to run timeline macros
• ​100+ yard non-line of sight including indoors, shoot houses or across multiple berms
• 1000+ yard line of sight range
• IP56 weatherproof rated
• Uses inexpensive 1×2 wooden target stakes
• Mount competition targets or LEO targets
• Optional remote activators – motion sensor, break-beam, push button, etc… (Contact us for details)

The system is mobile at 30 pounds, and just needs to be connected via a hose/wiring to the control unit. This means it can be situated within a live fire house or in any range setting, provided it has enough maneuver room to swing into and out of place. Ideally it will be situated out of view with the targets present but concealed. When trainees or officers move through they can be presented with first a No-Shoot target, then the Shoot target will swing into position. From the press release-

Dual Movers are the industry’s first dual target on a single, portable chassis. Dual movers are used in several environments:

Law enforcement agencies use Dual Movers to aid in teaching Judgmental Use of Force scenarios which unfortunately today, are so common when LEO officers encounter suspects who may or may not be concealing weapons. Municipalities are facing more legal battles as suits are being brought questioning agencies’ teaching methods and competencies of officers. Dual Movers reinforce muscle memory as students experience shoot/don’t shoot scenarios in an iterative process.

Most law enforcement organizations require officers to “qualify” at least once per year. Dual Movers may also be easily moved from shoot houses and scenario bays for linear square range drills which are still so prevalent in most police forces in the United States today.

Dual Movers are operated wirelessly via a tablet computer that controls pneumatics which initiate independent movement of each respective target. Unlimited scenarios may be created and saved for future training classes. The targets may be triggered manually or by using activators such as pressure pads, motion sensors or proximity sensors. Line-of-sight distances of over 1,000 yards may also be utilized for sniper training scenarios.

The system seems to be an exceptional training tool, but I can see two detractors immediately. The first one is that the technology appears to have been excellent if this were the 1990s or early 2000s. But with advances in material and electronics, I can’t see why this product isn’t smaller or more compact. For example, AutoTargets out of Ohio has a target system that is very similar in operation, but is lighter, and has tremendous programing ability in addition to digitally keeping score. Which leads me to the price point of Plinker’s design which is currently at $1,495 on the company’s website for a single system.