Tyler Kee reviewed the Right Now Range (v1.0) in 2015, exclaiming that it was the “most words that have ever been written about cardboard.” Upon receipt of a test sample…of cardboard…I chuckled at the thought.
This is literally a folded-up box of cardboard. And it’s the most fun I’ve ever had with cardboard. Can I say cardboard again? No living room fort can top this!
The Right Now Range (RNR) 2.0 is an improvement on the original design. Apparently, 1.0 was a little too large to display for many retailers. In form and footprint, RNR 1.0 was a PC powerhouse at a LAN party; clunky, but effective.
RNR 2.0 is a MacBook Air; sleek and highly portable. The beauty is that this MacBook Air will only cost you all of $13, down from the RNR 1.0’s $30 price point.
Upon arrival at the range and ready to deploy the RNR 2.0, I sliced open two stickers holding the package together, crumpled up the instruction manual, and proceeded to assemble the target.
I wanted to test the ease of set-up in the most natural and manly manner possible—sans guidance. I’ve attempted this routine with a family camping tent, to my wife’s endless amusement.
The RNR 2.0 was set up and ready for action in less than a couple of minutes of neanderthal-level problem solving. Take that!
The printed, illustrated instructions clearly indicate, “Hey bubba, insert Tab A here…and if you don’t know what Tab A is, it’s also labeled.”
If you need the instructions, here it is. Note the warning at the bottom, stating shotgun or archery use will accelerate wear and tear.
The RNR 2.0 includes several stakes for securing the unit to the ground. West Texas soil is rocky and unforgiving, but after hammering in a couple stakes, the RNR 2.0 never budged. In soft topsoil you could likely push the stakes in by hand. Once secured, I have no doubt the RNR 2.0 would reliably hold a coke can on top of the platform.
The RNR 2.0 features a variety of pre-printed targets, several of them overlaid on silhouettes of small game, which are ideal for instructing a young hunter. The RNR 2.0 also features cutouts that hold seven clay pigeons. I mounted the clays in a slight breeze, and watched a 15 mph gust knock over four of the clays.
I cut a 1/2” relief notch in the clay mount area and was able to secure the clays slightly deeper into the cardboard frame, and didn’t have another issue with the clay mounting system.
After 200 rounds of .22 LR shooting, the RNR 2.0 proved its merit as a fun and efficient target stand. I routinely use large sheets of cardboard as a target backer, and until a rainstorm blows through and warps the material, I’ve found it holds up well to numerous bullet holes.
The RNR 2.0 is no different. Even after 200+ rounds, the RNR 2.0 held strong and invited a refresh using the included adhesive replacement targets. Installing a few reactive clay pigeons adds to the fun and satisfaction, and extends the life of the entire setup.
The RNR 2.0 isn’t for everyone. Many outdoor ranges won’t allow non-paper targets or anything that may contribute to debris on the range. However, for the backyard shooter who doesn’t have a dedicated target mount, the RNR 2.0 is an excellent host.
I propose it as the ideal set-up for casual plinkers searching for a couple of hours of fun on a Sunday afternoon. It’s far easier than steel, and the clays provide immediate feedback on hits. All you need is a safe backstop.
The RNR 2.0 is on the shelf at my local Tractor Supply for a whopping $13. I’ll be picking up a fresh model as soon as my daughter is old enough to learn how to shoot.
Pros
Inexpensive
Very portable, easy setup
Fun!
Excellent training platform, especially for young hunters
Re-usable, particularly for rimfire or air gun shooters
Cons
Not weather-resistant
Limited use for shotguns…though that may be the fun you’re seeking
Specifications: Right Now Range
Assembled size: 22″H x 36″W x 4″D
Price: $14.99 ($12.99 at my local Tractor Supply)
Rating (out of five stars):
Overall * * * * *
The RNR 2.0 is a self-contained target system that any backyard shooter can hand carry, install in a couple minutes, and appreciate during a whole afternoon of busting clays and punching paper. And there’s plenty of room for 3D targets, too. You could spend an hour and more resources assembling your own target frame out of 2×2’s and scrap cardboard yet produce less entertaining of a setup.
