Thunder 500 Dummy Launcher

Read more about the Thunder 500 Dummy Launcher

Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.


The Thunder 500 5-shot remote dummy launcher from Thunder Equipment allows you to get high arcs and distance in your retriever setups. It is perfect for folks training for long distance retrieves, Hunt Test competitions and Field Trials.

The Thunder 500 launcher gives you reliable marks without the need of an additional person in the field. Remotely launch up to 5 dummies using either the Tri-Tronics Pro Control or Dogtra remote release electronics (sold separately).

The Thunder 500 is easy to operate and made from the highest quality industrial materials and components. It is designed to withstand the demands of outdoor field use and provide years of maintenance free service. Unlike previous models, there is no need to prime this system.

The Thunder 500 dummies can be reloaded in less than 5 seconds. It requires no carrying case to move or store. Just disarm the system, fold the bi-pod legs into the body and carry on your shoulder or vehicle.

The launcher body is made of solid aluminum sheeting with a black powder coated exterior. The enclosed case makes it almost impervious to rain. Being fully enclosed shields it from dust, debris, mud, weeds, etc. that are encountered in a normal day's training. It will reliably launch bumpers in any temperature between 25 - 100 degrees F.

The Thunder Equipment Thunder 500 dummy launcher is powered by MAPP gas. When not in use, the mounting legs are contained inside the body of the launcher itself, so there are no worries about where to store them or possible damage. The Thunder 500 includes 5 white bumpers with removable black bands.

Approximate Size: 9" x 9" x 18"

Approximate Weight: 19 pounds

Launcher uses a MAPP gas cylinder and 8 "C" batteries (not included) to operate

Requires either Tri-Tronics or Dogtra remote release electronics (not included) to operate

Fuel Information

The Thunder Equipment Thunder 500 dummy launcher is powered by MAPP gas. MAPP Gas 16 oz. cylinders are 3" in diameter by 10" long. MAPP Gas is recommended for use in the Thunder 500 launcher as it will perform in the widest range of temperatures and humidities. It will also provide louder ignition and longer throws. MAPP costs a bit more, but when you consider that it gives you between 600-800 launches per canister, the small additional expense for MAPP gas is nominal. (The number of launches will vary from cylinder to cylinder.)

Bumpers

Thunder Equipment Launcher Bumpers have been designed exclusively for use on the Thunder Equipment Model 500, Etch-Marc Thunder Bird 400, 800, and 1200 launchers, and the Pro Max 7000 and Max 5000 remote dummy launchers.

FREE! Owner's Manual Download Thunder 500 Owner's Manual, downloadable in .pdf format. Click here to read the Thunder 500 Owner's Manual.

Manufacturer FAQ

What makes this launcher different from previous versions? -- The launcher has been redesigned based on a simple principle: take the best of all previous versions over the past 10 years and add additional technology to enhance reliability. The launcher is all aluminum with a powder coated exterior. The tripod legs fold easily into the body for storage. THERE IS NO NEED TO PRIME THIS SYSTEM! All you have to do is press the launch button and within 2 seconds a loud shotgun type blast will launch a bumper into the air.

What separates this launcher from the competition? -- Quality, ease of use, reliability, and price. This is the easiest to operate multiple shot launcher on the market and made from the highest quality industrial materials and components to withstand the demands of outdoor field use and provide years of maintenance free service. It has withstood rainstorms, freezing rain, mud, and other outdoor variables and continued to fire every time. It can be reloaded in less than 5 seconds and requires no carrying case to move or store. Just fold the bi-pod legs into the body and carry on your shoulder or vehicle.

How much does the launcher weigh? -- The launcher weighs approximately 18 pounds which is less than the previous 4 shooter model.

What makes the launcher so durable and reliable? -- The launcher is made from 100% solid aluminum sheeting and powder coated. It's enclosed case makes it almost impervious to rain. It has withstood thunderstorms and still shot flawlessly. Being fully enclosed shields it from dust, debris, mud, weeds, etc. that are encountered in a normal day's training. It will reliably launch bumpers in any temperature between 25 - 100 degrees F.

Can you adjust the throws? -- Yes. There is nothing to buy and no charges to switch. Within one turn of the side handle you can throw long or short marks.

What is the launch sound like? -- The launch sound was designed to mimic a shotgun blast. The sound is much more realistic than primers or blanks. The machine can actually be used as a shotgun simulator. Do not stand close to the launcher when firing without proper ear protection.

How long does it take to load and reload? -- It takes less than 2 minutes to load and less than 5 seconds to reload. Once you have shot all of the bumpers you only need to slide the bumpers on the tubes and walk away. It is reloaded and ready to shoot.

How do the bumpers fire? -- The launcher uses a product called MAPP gas that is very similar to propane except is is normally sold in a yellow container. The cylinder is 13" long - 3" diameter and is readily available at any large retail store like WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, or your local hardware store.

How many shots will it fire? -- A standard gas cylinder should fire between 600 - 800 shots before needing replaced. This averages to less than 1 cent per shot.

What electronics are required? -- The launcher uses the same electronics from TriTronics and Dogtra that power many other remote launching systems including Zinger Winger and Gunners Up. If you are using older Etch Marc products or single shot release systems your electronics are fully compatible with the new system.

What are the bumpers like? -- The bumper size has not changed. It is exactly the same as ones that have been sold for the past 10 years. They are made from a plastic material and have a softer core. They are 13" long (about the same length as a standard throw bumper) and 2 1/2" diameter (between the large and small throw bumper diameter). If you have older Etch Marc bumpers they may be worn but should work as backup bumpers if required.

What makes the bumpers unique? -- The soft core of the bumpers retains a large amount of scent while the outer covering is durable to withstand the rigors of training. The wrap material is UV resistant and will hold it's original color for many years. It is extremely durable and will not rip apart with average dog mouthing. Like any bumper, if a dog tries hard enough they can be ruined, but the bumpers are very durable.

Will the launcher perform in the cold and rain? -- Thousands of rounds have been fired in temperatures from 20 - 90 deg F and the launcher has been soaked with rain and freezing rain and continued to perform flawlessly.

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