How To Select The Best Shooting Targets

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the best shooting targets. It all depends on what you want to get out of your shooting target. Whether you’re practicing at home short-range, long-range, or on the move. There are several factors that you need to consider before buying the perfect shooting target for you: 

1. The size and thickness that will be ideal for your shooting style – If you are practicing for a hostage situation, then a gong target would not be the right choice for you. You would want one of our hostage target system. So, a lot depends on the purpose behind you wanting a shooting target. Do you want it to practice close quarter combat, accuracy, or fun? Depending on your goal, you can choose between gong targets, Silhouette targets or hostage targets. 
2. The cost – This is also be a major factor to take into consideration for choosing the best shooting targets for you. You don’t want to get a shooting target with all the features and qualities if you have no use for it. Start out small and build your way up. Our systems are modular which gives you a range of applications for you to work with.  Rangetime targets offers a large selection of targets including 4 inch round targets to 18 inch x 30 inch silhouette targets.
3. How long will they last? – This is a question often asked when purchasing a steel target. It mainly depends on how it’s used. Do you only have one target you use repeatedly, or do you have a range of targets you switch between? What size and thickness is the target? From what distance are you shooting? These are questions you have to think about before you purchase a steel target and based on your answers, will determine how long they will last.  

Today we will discuss Steel Targets and what to look for when selecting the right one.  AR500/AR550 do not reference the thickness.  Those numbers reference the hardness of the metal .  3/8 inch thick AR500 works great with most pistols, handguns and light rifle calibers. If you’re shooting .223 or magnum rifles calibers, we recommend going with the 1/2 inch thick ar550  targets. There are a lot of benefits that you get with going for either one of these such as:

1. Durability – These are the most durable and long-lasting targets that you can find on the market. You don’t have to worry about the paint chipping off as a quick spray from a spray can make them good as new.
2. Versatility – These targets come with the option of 3 mounting holes which means that you have more options on how you can use them. They also use carriage bolts which means that you will require fewer tools and it will be easier for you to set them up.
3. Safety – Both of these are some of the safest targets to shoot at in the market. It is recommended to place the target at a 20-degree angle, the reason for this is that when you shoot at a target that is set up in this way, it will move and absorb more energy from the ammunition meaning that there are fewer chances for a dangerous ricochet trajectory. 
4. Portable (x-base) vs Permanent(t-post) – You can either go for an 2×4 stand setup with your targets if you want to take them with you or you can go for the t-post mount if you want to have the target in a more permanent capacity at your shooting range. Portable and permanent are both possible with AR500 and AR550 targets.

Head on over to our steel targets page to learn more about how to hang steel targets and what calibers to use!