Orders over $99 ship free.

Orders over $99 ship free.Lifetime Guarantee when used as directed14,000+ reviewsVeteran-owned and operated since 2012

Veteran Owned Since 2012

AR500 Steel Targets

Zinc-Plated Steel Shooting Targets – Veteran-Made in the USA

Shop American-made AR500 steel targets. Our zinc-plated gongs and silhouette targets are engineered for extreme durability.

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Orders over $99 ship free. 4.8/5 · 14,000+ reviews

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The ShootingTargets7 Difference

Buy Once. Shoot Forever. Steel targets that outlast every rifle you own.

100% USA SteelSourced & made in America
Laser-CutPrecision every time
Zinc-PlatedAmerica's only brand
Veteran OwnedFounded 2012
Lifetime GuaranteeWhen used as directed
Zinc plating vs paint durability test

Zinc Plating

We're the only AR500 steel targets supplier that zinc plates our products.

American made

Lifetime Warranty

Every sheet of steel is bead blasted front and back prior to laser cutting for crisp clean cuts.

veteran owned

Fastest Laser

35kw fiber laser = less heat into ar500 steel targets for reduced edge chipping / longer life.

guaranteed for life

No Waiting

Most orders ship same or next business day. Orders over $99 ship free.

What Shooters Are Saying

4.8/5 · 14,000+ reviews  See our Google reviews

“I couldn't be more satisfied with your product. Easy to assemble and craftsmanship is awesome.”

Dan J. — Know Your Limits Verified

“Love it, super fun with 8” and 6” .250 paddles for 9mm. Quick and easy to assemble, didn’t even need the video.”

Aaron T. — Dueling Tree Verified

“Great targets well built. Will last for ever. Easy setup and take down. Shipping was fast.”

Jonny D. — Pendulum Verified

AR500 Steel Targets Buyer's Guide: The Zinc-Plated Advantage

Why buy steel that rusts the day you get it? Our Zinc Plated AR500 & AR400 targets feature a self-healing barrier against corrosion. They stay clean, look professional, and last significantly longer than painted targets.

🎯 1/8" AR400 (Rimfire & Air Rifle)

The "Rimfire King." Specifically engineered for .22LR and air rifles. At only 1/8" thick, it is incredibly light and produces a loud, satisfying "PING" even with low-energy rimfire rounds.

🔫 1/4" AR500 (Handgun)

The Tactical Standard. Rated for ALL standard handguns (9mm, .40, .45 ACP). It is 33% lighter than 3/8" plates and rings significantly louder. The smart choice for pistol training.

💥 3/8" AR500 (Rifle)

Heavy Duty Centerfire. The industry standard for rifles (.223, .308) and Magnum pistols (.44 Mag, 10mm). If you shoot rifles at 100+ yards, you need this thickness.

🛡️ 1/2" AR500 (Big Bore)

Extreme Duty. The ultimate stopper. Rated for high caliber rounds like .338 Lapua and .50 BMG. If you demand maximum life span or run a commercial range, this is the beast you need.

AR500 Steel Target Selection Matrix

Caliber1/8" AR400(Rimfire / Air)1/4" AR500(Handgun)3/8" AR500(Rifle/Mag)1/2" AR500(.50 BMG)
.22 LR / Air Rifle✓ Ideal Choice✓ Safe✓ Safe (Quiet)✓ Safe (Silent)
9mm / .45 ACPX Unsafe✓ Ideal Choice✓ Safe (Overkill)✓ Safe (Overkill)
.44 Mag / 10mmX UnsafeX Too Thin✓ Ideal Choice✓ Safe
.223 / .308 RifleX UnsafeX Unsafe✓ Ideal (@100y)✓ Safe (@100y)
.338 / .50 BMGX UnsafeX UnsafeX Too Thin✓ Ideal Choice

AR500 Steel Target FAQ

What is AR500 steel?

AR500 is abrasion-resistant (AR) steel with a Brinell hardness of about 500. That hardness is what lets AR500 steel targets take repeated high-velocity hits. Softer mild steel dents and craters, which makes it unsafe to shoot. ShootingTargets7 targets are laser cut from 100% USA steel and finished with zinc plating.

AR500 vs AR400: what is the difference?

Both are abrasion-resistant steels, and the number is the approximate Brinell hardness, so AR400 is a little softer than AR500. We use 1/8" AR400 for low-energy rounds (PCP/pellet guns, air rifles and .22LR, up to 150 ft-lbs), where a light plate moves and rings loudly. AR500 in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" is used for pistols and centerfire rifles. See our Target Thickness Guide for energy limits.

What is AR500 rated for? What will 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" AR500 stop?

From our Target Thickness Guide (bullet speed at the target must stay under 2,850 fps):
1/8" AR400: up to 150 ft-lbs: PCP, pellet and .22LR.
1/4" AR500: up to 700 ft-lbs: pistols (also safe for .22LR).
3/8" AR500: up to 2,100 ft-lbs: rifles like .223/.308 and magnum pistols like .44 Mag/10mm.
1/2" AR500: up to 4,000 ft-lbs: heavier rifle rounds.
Use the bullet energy calculator on the guide page to check your ammo.

Is 1/4" AR500 safe for 9mm & .45?

Yes. 1/4" AR500 is rated for all non-magnum handguns. It is 33% lighter and cheaper than 3/8" steel, making it the superior choice for dedicated pistol ranges.

What thickness steel target do I need for .223 / 5.56 and .308?

3/8" AR500 is the standard choice for .223/5.56 and .308 at 100 yards or more, and 1/2" AR500 is also safe at 100 yards. 1/8" AR400 and 1/4" AR500 are not rated for these calibers. Keep impact speed under 2,850 fps: a 16" AR-15 with 55gr ammo can exceed that at 100 yards and cause pitting, so back up an extra 25+ yards or use heavier, slower ammo.

What steel targets work for .22LR rimfire and air rifles?

1/8" AR400 is light enough to move and ring loudly with low-energy rounds and is rated for PCP/pellet guns, air rifles and .22LR (up to 150 ft-lbs). 1/4" AR500 is also safe for .22LR; it is heavier, so it moves less on a rimfire hit. Larger, thinner targets ring louder with small calibers.

Can bullets ricochet off steel targets? Is shooting steel safe?

Bullets break apart on impact and fragments can come back toward the shooter, so follow the basics: shoot only hardened AR steel in good condition (never mild steel or cratered plates), angle targets downward so fragments deflect into the ground, let targets swing instead of bolting them rigid, keep minimum distances (10 yards for pistols, 100 yards for rifles), and make sure everyone wears ANSI-rated eye protection.

What is the safe distance?

Pistols: 10 yards minimum.
Rifles: 100 yards minimum (under 2,850 fps).
Always wear ANSI-rated eye protection and ensure targets are angled slightly downward.

What ammo should you not use on steel targets?

Never use steel-core or steel-jacketed ammo, which includes "green tip" and armor-piercing rounds. It damages targets and raises ricochet risk. Keep bullet speed under 2,850 fps at impact and match target thickness to your ammo. Ball ammo is easiest on targets.

How should I mount steel targets?

Freedom of movement is key. Never bolt a target rigidly tight. The steel needs to swing or angle downwards to deflect energy and spall. Use high-quality Target Stands and mounting straps for the safest experience.

How long do AR500 targets last?

Follow the golden rules (no steel-core ammo, impact speed under 2,850 fps, thickness matched to your ammo, targets angled downward) and AR500 steel targets can last a lifetime. Our targets carry a Lifetime Guarantee when used as directed. Minor edge chipping from rifle rounds over 2,000 fps is normal and not dangerous; flip the target if one side shows wear.

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