AR500 Steel Targets | Zinc Plated | Vet-Made | 12k 4.8/5★
"America’s Toughest AR500 Steel Targets – Veteran-Owned & Battle-Tested"
Built from certified USA AR500 steel, ships fast. Trusted by 437,697+ shooters since 2012.


🔒 Why Our Zinc Plated Steel Targets Protection Outlasts Paint or Powder Coating
Zinc plating forms a molecular bond with the steel,
creating a rust-resistant shield that won’t chip, flake, or peel.
Unlike paint or powder coat, which just sits on the surface.
Zinc becomes part of the metal — protecting your target from:
✅ Bullet spall
✅ Bullet strikes (when shot as directed)
✅ Harsh outdoor elements
The result?
❌ No rust
❌ No constant repainting
❌ No paying for paint or powdercoat that is quickly shot off
We’re the only manufacturer offering zinc-plated AR500 targets.
This is the toughest finish available. Period
🎯AR500 Steel Target Buyer’s Guide
What is AR500 Steel?
AR500 steel is a premium, high-carbon steel alloy engineered for unmatched durability and impact resistance.
The "AR" stands for "Abrasion Resistant," while the "500" refers to its hardness rating on the Brinell scale, typically between 470 and 540.
This exceptional hardness makes AR500 steel incredibly resistant to wear, deformation, and damage—even under intense impacts from high-velocity rounds.
Conclusion: AR500 is the top choice for shooting targets and other demanding applications requiring maximum strength and longevity.

🎯 Target Thickness Guide
Steel / Thickness | AR400 1/8" | AR400 3/16" | AR500 1/4" | AR600 5/16" | AR500 3/8" | AR500 1/2" | AR500 5/8" |
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Max Bullet Energy | 150 ft lbs | 300 ft lbs | 700 ft lbs | 1750 ft lbs | 2100 ft lbs | 4000 ft lbs | 8000 ft lbs |
Max Bullet Speed(at Target) | 2850 fps | 2850 fps | 2850 fps | 3000 fps | 2850 fps | 2850 fps | 2850 fps |
Typical Use | PCP / Pellet / .22LR | .22LR / Air < 300 fpe | Pistol < 700 fpe | Rifle / Pistol < 1750 fpe | Rifle < 2100 fpe | Rifle < 4000 fpe | Rifle < 8000 fpe |

⚖️ AR500 AR600 AR400 Steel Targets
AR500: Gold standard— Durable, affordable, proven
AR600: Higher speed rating, but more expensive and brittle
AR400: Affordable, great for pistol, rimfire, airgun
Bottom Line: AR500 meets 95% of requirements, offering an ideal balance of hardness and toughness (non-brittle).
Upgrade to AR550/600 only for higher impact velocities (2,850–3,000 fps).
For more specific help on selecting a target thickness see our
🛡️ Steel Shooting Targets Safety
Always wear eye protection, even bystanders no exceptions
No green-tip or AP rounds
Never exceed 2850 ft per second at the targets
Inspect plates regularly for deep craters or pits
TLDR: When used correctly the best ar500 steel targets are very safe and will last a lifetime of use.

❓ AR500 Steel Shooting Targets – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Hanging Plates & Gongs – Round, square, or octagonal plates that swing and “ping.” Bread-and-butter training for rifles or pistols; quick to hang on chains, T-posts, or our Ultra Mega mounts.
2. Silhouettes (IPSC / IDPA / Torso / Hostage Swinger) – Life-size or reduced-size profiles that mirror match stages or real-world scenarios. Ideal for defensive drills and USPSA practice.
3. Static Knock-Overs / Poppers – Freestanding plates (classic pepper popper, prairie-dog, & hostage heads) that fall or tip when struck—crystal-clear hit confirmation without resetting rope.
4. Reactive Motion Targets
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Spinners – Two plates on a center axle; alternate hits until it flips 360°. Builds cadence and recoil control.
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Dueling Trees – Paddle arms that swing side-to-side—perfect for head-to-head shoot-outs.
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Texas Stars / Plate Stars – Six plates on a rotating star; knock one off and the star starts spinning—great for speed & transition training.
5. Precision Racks
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KYL (“Know Your Limits”) – Eight paddles that shrink from generous to punishing; teaches disciplined trigger press at distance.
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Plate Racks – Six uniform plates that fall rearward; common on competition bays and excellent for timed drills.
6. Specialty Shapes & Fun Targets – Gongs cut into animals, tombstones, badge shapes, or state outlines; keeps range sessions fresh and family-friendly.
All of the above are laser-cut from true AR500 (3⁄16″, ¼″, ⅜″, or ½″ thickness) right here in the USA—so they shrug off thousands of rounds and let you spend more time shooting, less time replacing steel.
🎯 Target Thickness Guide
Steel / Thickness | AR400 1/8" | AR400 3/16" | AR500 1/4" | AR600 5/16" | AR500 3/8" | AR500 1/2" | AR500 5/8" |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max Bullet Energy | 150 ft lbs | 300 ft lbs | 700 ft lbs | 1750 ft lbs | 2100 ft lbs | 4000 ft lbs | 8000 ft lbs |
Max Bullet Speed(at Target) | 2850 fps | 2850 fps | 2850 fps | 3000 fps | 2850 fps | 2850 fps | 2850 fps |
Typical Use | PCP / Pellet / .22LR | .22LR / Air < 300 fpe | Pistol < 700 fpe | Rifle / Pistol < 1750 fpe | Rifle < 2100 fpe | Rifle < 4000 fpe | Rifle < 8000 fpe |
A safe general rule is:
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Pistols: 10+ yards
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Rifles (under 2,850 fps at impact): 50+ yards
But speed at the target is what really matters — not the caliber or distance alone. Too much speed causes pitting and shortens target life.
If your bullet is moving faster than 2850fps at 50 yds back up until it is not, this is your safe minimum distance.
💡 Always angle targets downward for safer deflection and longer life.
AR500 steel targets can stop a wide range of bullets when used correctly, but no steel target is indestructible. Avoid:
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Steel-core (penetrator) or armor-piercing rounds
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Bullets traveling over 2,850 fps at impact
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Exceeding maximum energy ratings of targets
Mount targets:
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On chains, straps, hooks, or AR500-capable hangers
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With a 5-30° downward angle to safely deflect lead and reduce splashback
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So they swing or move, which reduces stress and helps absorb impact
Edge chipping is normal — especially with rifle rounds. Here's why:
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Steel is more brittle at the edges due to laser cutting heat
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There’s less material to absorb energy
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Hits near the edge are more violent
As long as you don't see deep craters in the face, the target is still safe to shoot. Flip the target occasionally for extended use.
No. Never shoot:
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M855 (green tip)
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M193
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Any steel-core or armor-piercing ammo