Shooting Targets 7 – Zinc Plated | USA Vet-Made, 12k 4.8/5★

We source premium certified AR400/AR500/AR600 exclusively from trusted U.S. mills—partnerships we've maintained for over a decade.

Our strict hardness requirements exceed industry standards, ensuring maximum plate durability.

Our precision manufacturing process starts with bead blasting both sides of every plate to remove mill scale.

Targets are then cut using a state-of-the-art 30kW Eagle fiber laser.

This advanced technology ensures pristine cuts with minimal heat affected zones, resulting in reduced edge chipping and longer target life.

Zinc Plating Outperforms Paint & Powder Coat

Zinc is unlike traditional coatings that chip and peel off when hit with bullets or even spall.

Our zinc plating process creates a metallurgically bonded layer that becomes part of the steel. This superior target protection means:

• Unmatched Impact Resistance - No chipping, flaking, or peeling from bullet strikes

• Active Corrosion Protection - The zinc layer sacrificially protects your target, even at impact points

• All-Weather Durability - Maintains protection through rain, snow, and intense UV exposure

Better for Your Investment:

• Longer target life with minimal maintenance

• No need for frequent repainting

• Lower long-term ownership costs

The result? A more durable, maintenance-free target that stays rust-free season after season. Professional performance that saves you time and money while providing a superior shooting experience.

The best targets for pistols are AR500 targets due to their durability, instant feedback, and ability to withstand thousands of rounds, making them the top choice for serious shooters.

1. AR500 Steel Targets (1/4” Thickness)

Pros:

• Durability: AR500 is designed to withstand thousands of rounds, making it an excellent investment.

• Instant Feedback: Each hit produces a clear, audible ring and a visible mark, letting shooters know exactly when they hit the target.

• Engagement: The sound and impact are satisfying, making practice sessions more engaging.

• Versatility: Can be used with most pistol calibers without wear or deformation.

Cons:

• Cost: Higher initial investment compared to paper or polymer targets.

• Setup: Requires a sturdy mounting system and must be angled down slightly for safety.

• Safety Distance: Needs to be placed at a minimum of 10 yards to avoid ricochets.

2. Paper Targets

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Paper targets are inexpensive and easy to replace, making them suitable for high-frequency use.

• Precision Tracking: Great for accuracy training and scoring-based shooting, allowing you to easily track improvement.

• Indoor Friendly: Often the best choice for indoor ranges, where steel shooting targets may not be allowed.

Cons:

• No Instant Feedback: You need to check and replace targets frequently, which can slow down practice.

• Limited Durability: Single-use only; paper tears easily, especially at close range.

• Environmental Impact: Requires continuous replacement, which creates waste.

3. Reactive and Silhouette Targets

Pros:

• Engagement: Reactive targets provide immediate visual feedback (e.g., they spin or fall), which can make practice more dynamic and engaging.

• Realistic Practice: Silhouette targets are useful for defensive shooting scenarios, adding a layer of realism.

• Variety: Available in many forms, from simple silhouettes to advanced reactive designs, catering to different training needs.

Cons:

• Durability: Reactive and silhouette targets often wear out more quickly than steel.

• Cost: High-quality reactive targets can be more expensive than standard paper or basic steel.

• Setup Complexity: Requires a sturdy base, especially for moving or falling targets, and may need additional maintenance.

4. Self-Healing Polymer Targets

Pros:

• Long-Lasting: Self-healing polymers can endure hundreds of rounds as they automatically seal up after impact, making them ideal for long-term use.

• Safe and Lightweight: Minimal ricochet risk, safer for closer range shooting, and easy to set up or transport.

• Weather Resistant: Typically unaffected by outdoor conditions, so they hold up well over time.

Cons:

• Limited Feedback: Polymer targets don’t offer the same audible or visual feedback as steel.

• Initial Cost: While durable, they can be pricier than paper targets, though still less costly than some reactive options.

• Caliber Limitations: Some polymer targets may not handle higher calibers as well as steel.

Conclusion: Why Steel Targets Are Ideal for Pistol Shooting

While each target type has its advantages, AR500 targets are the best choice for serious pistol shooters who value durability, engagement, and efficiency.

The long-lasting nature, immediate feedback, and versatility of steel make it a worthwhile investment for consistent and enjoyable training.

The best shooting targets for rifles are AR500 targets, offering exceptional durability and the ability to handle high-velocity impacts, making them ideal for precision and long-range shooting.

1. AR500 Steel Targets (3/8” to 1/2” Thickness)

Pros:

• Durability: Designed to handle high-velocity rifle rounds, AR500 can withstand significant impact, making it perfect for repeated use.

• Instant Feedback: Each hit produces an audible ring and visible mark, giving shooters immediate feedback without needing to check the target.

• Long-Range Friendly: Suitable for long-range shooting, as it can endure shots from powerful calibers without damage.

• Versatility: Can be used with most rifle calibers, from small bore to larger, higher-velocity rounds.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: Steel shooting targets have a higher upfront cost but are cost-effective over time.

• Safety Distance: Requires a minimum distance (generally 100 yards for rifles) to ensure safe shooting and reduce ricochet risk.

• Weight: Heavier than other target types, so setup can be more demanding.

2. Paper Targets

Pros:

• Low Cost: Paper targets are inexpensive and ideal for precise shot placement or zeroing optics.

• Detailed Feedback: Ideal for accuracy training where shooters can mark and analyze each shot on the paper.

• Great for Indoor Use: Often used indoors, where steel may not be allowed.

Cons:

• Single-Use: Limited durability, as paper tears easily, especially with high-power rifle rounds.

• No Instant Feedback: Requires frequent checking, which can interrupt shooting flow.

• Waste: Requires continuous replacement, leading to more waste than reusable options.

3. Reactive Targets (Spinning or Knock-Down Designs)

Pros:

• Engagement: Provides dynamic visual feedback by spinning, falling, or resetting when hit.

• Improves Accuracy: Challenges shooters to hit a moving or reactive target, enhancing skill development.

• Variety of Styles: Available in silhouettes, animal shapes, or even self-resetting targets, which add an element of fun.

Cons:

• Limited Durability for High Calibers: Some reactive targets are not designed for high-velocity rifle rounds, requiring specific types for durability.

• Higher Cost: High-quality reactive targets can be expensive.

• Setup Complexity: Requires solid mounting and can need frequent adjustments or maintenance.

4. Self-Healing Polymer Targets

Pros:

• Long-Lasting: Designed to absorb bullets and self-heal, polymer targets can withstand many rounds without deteriorating.

• Safe and Portable: Minimal ricochet risk makes them safe for various ranges; they’re also lightweight and easy to transport.

• Weather Resistant: Polymer shooting targets resist outdoor elements and can be left up for extended periods.

Cons:

• Lacks Instant Feedback: Doesn’t provide the same audible or visual hit feedback as AR targets.

• Cost: Though durable, they can be pricier than paper or some reactive targets.

• Caliber Limits: Some may not handle the highest-power rifle calibers as well as steel shooting targets.

Conclusion: Why Steel Targets Are Best for Rifle Shooting

For rifle shooting, AR500 steel shooting targets are the top choice due to their extreme durability, immediate feedback, and ability to withstand the high impact of rifle rounds.

These qualities make them a superior option for serious rifle shooters looking for reliable, long-lasting targets.

Although we may not be near you we get orders out fast.

Unlike some other shooting target manufacturers we cut and stock ahead of time and warehouse everything so most orders ship same or next business day.

Better still, orders over $99 ship free and many of those will  ship 2 day air at no cost to you so you get your targets fast.