AR500 Targets – Durable Steel Targets for Serious Shooters

Paper targets are boring! AR500 targets ring and move when you hit them and

provide better training in less time. Ammo is expensive, get the most of it!

Welcome to ShootingTargets7

Welcome to our AR500 Targets collection, where durability meets American pride. We offer the toughest steel shooting targets made from genuine AR500 hardened steel, perfect for firearms enthusiasts who demand reliability and safety. As a veteran-owned and proudly American company, we craft each target to deliver that satisfying "ping" with every shot while standing up to thousands of rounds.

What Are AR500 Steel Targets?

AR500 steel targets are shooting targets made from a special type of ultra-hard steel alloy. The "AR" stands for abrasion resistant, and the "500" denotes its Brinell hardness rating (500 BHN), meaning this steel is exceptionally tough. In practical terms, an AR500 target is a metal target plate that can withstand repeated bullet impacts without bending, cratering or deforming.

That's why AR500 steel is the gold standard for targets used by military, law enforcement training, and recreational shooters — it holds up hit after hit, far better than ordinary mild steel or DIY targets. If you want a target that lasts for years of range use, AR500 is the way to go.

Why Choose AR500 Targets?

Using AR500 targets comes with a host of benefits that paper or cheap steel simply can't match. These steel targets offer:

• Unbeatable Durability: AR500 targets are built to endure thousands of rounds. When used at proper distances, a quality AR500 target will last for years without needing replacement.

• Immediate Feedback: Hear the rewarding ring! Every hit on an AR500 steel target produces a loud audible "ping" and visible movement. This instant feedback makes shooting more fun and helps improve your aim and reaction time.

• Less Hassle & Waste: Forget spending time and money replacing paper targets every few magazines. With steel, there's no torn paper or target stands to constantly reset. Just repaint the AR500 plate when you want a fresh surface, and keep shooting.

• Versatile Training: AR500 steel targets handle a wide range of firearms. From pistols to rifles, you can train with the same target (just choose the appropriate thickness). Whether you're plinking with a .22LR or drilling with a .308, a proper AR500 target can take it.

• Safety (When Used Properly): Because AR500 is so hard, it resists pitting and ricochet-causing deformations. Unlike softer steel that can dent and send fragments unpredictably, a good AR500 target used correctly will direct bullet splatter safely to the ground.

Types of AR500 Steel Targets

AR500 targets come in a variety of shapes and configurations to suit different shooting applications. The most popular types include:

• Gong Targets: These are round or differently-shaped steel plates with holes for mounting, typically hung by chains or straps. Gongs swing and ring loudly when hit, making them great for long-range shooting and general target practice. They come in many sizes (from small 4-inch circles to large 12-inch+ gongs) so you can challenge your accuracy at various distances.

• Silhouette Targets: Shaped like torsos or game animals (often to standardized scales), silhouette targets are usually mounted on a static post or hanger. They provide a life-sized target profile for defensive training, competitions (like IPSC/IDPA), or hunting practice. Our AR500 silhouettes give you a durable stand-in for real-world target scenarios.

• Reactive Targets: These AR500 targets do more than just hang there – they move or fall when hit. Examples include pepper poppers, knock-down plates, spinners, dueling trees, and other multi-plate systems. Reactive steel targets add an extra level of excitement and challenge, as you get visual confirmation of a hit (the target falls or swings) in addition to the sound. They're perfect for competitive drills or just upping the fun factor on range day.

What Thickness AR500 Target Do I Need?

AR500 targets are sold in different thicknesses, and choosing the right one is important for longevity and safety. Generally, thicker steel handles higher-powered rounds better. Here are some guidelines:

• 1/8" AR400: Suitable for .22 LR and other rimfire rounds. These 1/8-inch targets are lightweight and ring nicely with small rounds, but they are not intended for more than 100 ft lbs of energy.

• 3/16" AR400: Suitable for .22 LR and other rimfire rounds, as well as small handgun calibers (.38 .25 ACP .32 ACP) at moderate distances. These 3/16-inch targets are lightweight and ring nicely with small rounds, but they are not intended for high-velocity rifle fire.

• 1/4" AR500: Suitable for .22 LR and other rimfire rounds, as well as standard handgun calibers (9mm, .45 ACP, etc.) at moderate distances. These 1/4-inch targets are lightweight and ring nicely with small rounds, but they are not intended for high-velocity rifle fire.

• 3/8" AR500: The most common all-purpose thickness. A 3/8-inch AR500 target will withstand all handgun calibers at safe distances and rifle rounds up to .308 Winchester, 7.62x39, 5.56 NATO, etc., provided the impact velocity is below ~2850 fps. This thickness is ideal for mixed-use targets (pistol and rifle) and is a staple for outdoor ranges.

• 1/2" AR500: Heavy-duty steel for magnum rifles and close-range rifle shooting. Use 1/2-inch targets for hard-hitting calibers like .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, or for repeated impacts from .308 at closer than 100 yards. Even the occasional .50 BMG can be handled by a 1/2" AR500 plate at extended ranges (400+ yards). These thicker plates absorb more energy and resist warping under extreme use.

Remember, even the toughest AR500 target has its limits. Always match your target’s thickness to the most powerful caliber you plan to shoot — for the vast majority of shooters and calibers, AR500 hits the sweet spot of hardness and affordability.

Safety Tips for Shooting AR500 Targets

Steel targets are safe and enjoyable to shoot if you follow some basic safety guidelines. Keep these tips in mind whenever you're firing at AR500 targets:

• Keep a Safe Distance: For handguns, a minimum of 10 yards is recommended, and for rifles at least 100 yards. This ensures bullet fragments have lost most of their energy by the time they reach you. **Never** shoot steel targets at point-blank range or distances closer than recommended, especially with high-powered rifles.

• Proper Target Angle: Mount your AR500 targets with a slight downward tilt or use hanging setups that allow movement. A 10-15° downward angle is ideal to direct bullet splatter into the ground. Hanging gongs naturally swing to dissipate energy and deflect shrapnel downward — a good reason to let your steel targets move a bit when hit.

• Avoid Armor-Piercing Ammo: Do **not** use armor-piercing, steel core, or green-tip penetrator rounds on AR500 targets. These rounds can punch through or severely damage steel, and they dramatically increase the risk of dangerous ricochets. Stick to standard lead-core FMJ or soft-point ammunition for steel shooting. (And leave tracer rounds out – they’re a fire hazard and can ruin your target.)

• Wear Eye and Ear Protection: Always shoot with quality eye protection and hearing protection. Even with proper target setup, tiny fragments of copper or lead can rebound unpredictably. Good shooting glasses will keep your eyes safe so you can enjoy many more range days.

• Inspect Targets Regularly: Check your steel for pitting or craters, especially after using larger calibers. If you see deep pits or warping, retire that target or flip it to use the intact side. A smooth surface is crucial for predictable, safe bullet fragmentation. Re-paint your targets frequently – not just for visibility, but also to make it easy to spot damage or cracks.

How to Hang or Mount AR500 Targets

Setting up your AR500 targets correctly will maximize safety and target life. Most steel targets have mounting holes, so you can hang them or bolt them to a stand. Here are some setup tips:

• Use Sturdy Hangers: Hang gongs with hardened chains, rubber straps, or purpose-built target hangers. The goal is to allow the target to swing and absorb impact. (Our Target Hangers collection offers hanging hardware that makes setup easy. Always use domed bolts or specialized mounting kits with smooth front surfaces so nothing protrudes to cause a ricochet.

• Choose the Right Stand: Whether it's a 2x4 target stand, a sawhorse-style conduit base, or a simple T-post in the ground, make sure your target stand is secure and solid. (See our Target Stands for examples from 2x4 post stands to heavy-duty bases.) A good stand will hold your steel steady at the correct height and angle, shot after shot.

• T-Post and 2x4 Solutions: Many shooters use common farm T-posts or 2x4 lumber to mount steel targets. We offer brackets and caps that slide over a T-post or the top of a 2x4, letting you hook or bolt your AR500 targets easily. These setups are popular because they're affordable, height-adjustable, and quick to replace if the post gets hit by stray rounds.

• Go Reactive for Movement: For static-mounted targets (like a fixed silhouette on a post), consider a slight forward lean to direct splatter downwards. Better yet, try reactive target systems (like those in our Target Systems collection) which are designed to move or reset when hit. They provide safe splatter deflection and add an interactive element to your practice.

Whichever way you mount your AR500 targets, double-check that all hardware is tight and that the target can move freely if it's meant to swing. A little preparation goes a long way to ensure your range time is safe, trouble-free, and fun.

Veteran-Owned, American-Made Quality

We’re not just selling targets – we’re sharing our passion for shooting and freedom. Our company is proudly veteran-owned, and we bring that dedication and patriotism into every AR500 target we make. All of our steel is sourced and cut in the USA with CNC laser precision. We insist on the highest quality so that when you shoot at our targets, you can trust they will perform flawlessly under fire.

As firearms enthusiasts ourselves, we design our targets and accessories to meet the needs of everyone from casual plinkers to professional training officers. When you buy from us, you’re supporting a fellow patriot’s small business and getting gear that’s been tested and proven by folks who live the shooting sports every day. We stand by our products 100% – your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.

Explore Our Collections: This AR500 Targets collection is just one part of our lineup. Be sure to check out our other categories like Target Hangers, Target Stands, and complete Target Systems to build your dream shooting setup. Not sure where to start? Browse our Best Sellers to see what other shooters love. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect steel target solution for your needs.

Thank you for choosing us for your AR500 steel targets. We're honored to serve fellow shooters and patriots. Now get out there, enjoy the ring of steel, sharpen your skills, and remember – the ring of an AR500 target is the sound of freedom, loud and clear!