Shooting Pumpkins: A Special Fall Pastime

As a kid, I loved trick-or-treating. Most kids do—after all, what’s not to love? You get to dress up as whatever you want and get paid in candy for it. My family also had a special tradition every year: shooting pumpkins (“raising ‘em right” as some may say). Coming back to school after Halloween the teacher would ask what we all did to celebrate. I think I was one of the rare few that could say they spent the weekend blowing up the dying jack-o-lantern they carved for fun. But it was great, and a fun introduction to safety and target practice.

guns, ammo, and pumpkins loaded into car for shooting pumpkins — Alright, time to load up the guns, ammo, and pumpkins. [Photo Credit: Stevens]

This tradition holds true, especially as I find many others in the gun world have this fall pastime. Maybe it’s my love of fall or my love of blowing things up, but it’s too enjoyable not to suggest it to those who haven’t tried it. There are many ways to enjoy this, so let’s look at some of the best ways to shoot pumpkins based on the desired level of destruction. (Personally, I prefer Level 1 with 380 ACP.)

pumpkin with 380 entry and exit holes — Pictured is the 380 ACP entry (left) and exit (right). [Photo Credit: Stevens]

Needless to say, you can use almost any pumpkin. And though you may have to get creative with older carved pumpkins, it’s fun with either a new uncarved pumpkin or a jack-o-lantern after Halloween. Plus, it’s not damaging to the environment if you leave some pumpkin behind in the dirt—but don’t dirty up your local range!

Level 1: Target practice

One fancy jack-o-lantern carved with 10mm. [Photo Credit: Stevens]

This level is perfect for a more decorative result. If your aim is alright you may end up with a presentable pumpkin! To achieve this, I have a few tips to get a clean jack-o-lantern.

First off, your pumpkin is best as-is without cleaning, empty and cleaned out, or filled with water. Some prefer the water as it really can give a cleaner result–plus it’s fun to see the water spew out after each shot. Try adding food coloring to your water if you want an even more entertaining result.

Then, make sure you use a Sharpie to guide your shots. Don’t forget to give your jack-o-lantern eyes, nose, and mouth. Lastly, I would suggest 380 ACP, 9mm, 45 ACP, or 10mm caliber ammunition. The key is a good aim, Halloween spirit, and the right hollow point so do your best!

Another, more filled-in jack-o-lantern carved with 40 Smith and Wesson. [Photo Credit: Stevens]

Pumpkin with hand-carved heart versus a pumpkin with a heart carved by 45 ACP — A hand-carved heart versus a heart carved by 45 ACP. You can see it…right? [Photo Credit: Stevens]

Level 2: No Face, Just a Hole

This level is going to give a less presentable option—if at all. This is actually a perfect way to use old or carved pumpkins. Those shriveled pumpkins have to go to some use after all instead of going to the trash can on November 1st. Plus, deer and hogs absolutely love pumpkins if you’re in the proper area to leave your pumpkin remains behind.

You can also use methods from level 1. Don’t be afraid to get creative if you use an intact pumpkin. Things like paint, fake blood, soda and mints, or other mildly explosive liquids can make this experience even cooler.

As for targets, feel free to draw an “X” marks the spot if you feel the need. You could also draw a basic target or simply tape a paper substitute to one side of the pumpkin. The preferred caliber of ammunition for this level is 308 Win, 50 Beowulf, 458 SOCOM, 450 Bushmaster, and 50 AE. Picking out these won’t leave clean holes but will leave a mildly intact pumpkin.

Pumpkin with 50 Beowulf — Time to break out the 50 Beowulf for some real destruction. [Photo Credit: Stevens]

Level 3: Complete Obliteration

At this level, there will be no trace of pumpkin left when you’re done. Whether you’re just a fan of destruction or love blowing things up, this level is perfect for completely destroying some pumpkins. Just a forewarning, these methods will be messy and potentially dangerous so it is important to implement appropriate safety precautions. Keep your distance from the exploding pumpkins.

Carbonated Drinks

If you’re using a pumpkin that is able to hold it, one of the cheapest and readily available options is to fill the pumpkins with shaken carbonated drinks. Some may practice this for explosive target practice, but filling the pumpkin will cause multiple explosions at once. This is the least explosive option, but depending on the drink you use there will still be an insane amount of destruction. This is also a good idea if your area is under a fire warning and you’re unable to use any actual explosives. Keep in mind it is also a stickier option, so it may be a good idea to put down a tarp.

High Caliber

You can also leave your pumpkin empty and let your gun do the work—high calibers will do the trick here. Don’t worry about targets with this one–the pumpkin itself is your target. Just hit orange and there won’t be a trace of it left in a blink of an eye. The best caliber of ammunition for maximum effect would be 12 gauge, 50 BMG, or any caliber used repeatedly until nothing is left. Mag dumping is more than appropriate here, so just have fun.

Sometimes it’s just as fun to shoot the pumpkin with what you have until it falls apart. This pumpkin was shot with 40 Smith and Wesson until it crumbled. [Photo Credit: Stevens ]

Firebird Detonating Target Discs

A full box of Firebird 65BIO targets, so it’s biodegradable with your pumpkin remains. [Photo Credit: Top Shot Dustin ]

Next is a step up on the explosive roster—Firebird Detonating Target discs. These are still fairly affordable and readily available at your local hunting or gun store. Not to worry, one per pumpkin will do. Make sure you know Firebird’s safety precautions before trying this method:

“Always read and follow the safety instructions on the package. When affixing the targets, do not use a hammer, staple gun, or screws. Just peel, stick, and shoot. Be sure to clear the target area of any dry grass, limbs, or sticks or any other flammable material.

“Be sure to check your local fire conditions and comply with any ordinances. Be sure to keep the targets away from any open flames or any other fire sources, and that includes cigarettes. These targets are a lot of fun, but never, never use them indoors. Make sure you stay back 10 meters from the targets, and you’ll see why once you start shooting them. I shouldn’t have to say this, but never ingest, alter, or disassemble the targets.”

Using these targets properly will leave your pumpkin in pieces, and is the easiest to assemble. Just attach it to the outside or inner wall of the pumpkin with the adhesive.

Tannerite

Last but not least is Tannerite. If you haven’t heard of it, Tannerite is a combination of ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder commonly used for targets. Keep in mind basic safety precautions and do proper research before trying this out. You can’t have fun destroying your dying jack-o-lantern if you have to make a trip to the emergency room.

Make sure you’re aware of any fire ordinances just like with the Firebird discs. You have to shoot it at no less than 100 yards and understand that once its two compounds are mixed it’s combustive. You can find Tannerite in premade targets or in its raw form where you mix it yourself. Putting it in the pumpkin is really all that’s needed, and fire away! This is the absolute highest amount of damage you can do to your pumpkin—it will be completely devastated.