Pen to paper. It’s National Cartoonists Day.
Released in 1959 by Hasbro, the Targ-o-Rama Shooting Gallery was a spring-powered target game that combined a handheld gun with a rotating target mechanism. Marketed as the “safest target gun ever made,” the toy eliminated projectiles, instead relying on a built-in striking mechanism to hit moving targets.
The unit featured a repeat-action gun fitted with a firing hammer and a mounted target wheel. Once assembled, the target wheel rotated using a wind-up motor, bringing a series of hinged target flippers into position. Players attempted to strike the passing targets by pulling the trigger at the right moment, using timing and coordination rather than aiming via a projectile.
GAMEPLAY
Each shooting session began by winding the spring motor and flicking the switch to activate the rotating target wheel. As the wheel turned, numbered target flippers moved into position in front of the firing hammer. Players pulled the trigger to strike the flippers as they passed.
A successful hit propelled the flipper onto the top of the target wheel, where its scoring value could be recorded. Play continued until the motor ran down, with the winner determined by the highest total score.
IN THE BOX
A complete set included the gun, target wheel, adapter, adapter button, and six target flippers. Printed instructions were included in the box for assembly and operation.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Targ-o-Rama Shooting Gallery regularly appears on the secondary market in varying conditions. Moving parts, such as the firing hammer and wind-up mechanism, can wear over time, so look for a fully intact version with smoothly operating components.
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