Steel Targets

Steel targets ring on every hit, last for years and never need taping. From a single gong to a full plate rack, steel makes practice faster and a lot more fun. Done right, it is also safe.

Types of steel targets

TypeWhat it doesGood for
Gongs and platesSwing and ring on a hitLong range and general practice
PoppersFall when hit hard enoughPistol drills and competition
Dueling treesPaddles swing from side to sideHead to head speed shooting
Plate racksPlates fall one by oneTransitions and speed
Spinners and resettingFlip or reset after a hitFun with rimfire and pistols
Common steel target styles
Shooting a steel target with .308 frangible ammo
Shooting a steel target with .308 frangible ammo

Shoot steel safely

Steel Target Safety BasicsCommon range guidance. Always follow the maker’s ratingsHard steelAR500 or harderrated plates onlyHandgunsCommon minimumabout 10 yardsRiflesCommon minimumabout 100 yardsAngle it downDeflects fragmentstoward the groundNo cratersRetire pittedor dented platesEye protectionEvery shooterevery timeTarget Buyers Guide.comGun Websites Firearms Network

Mild steel craters and sends fragments back toward the line. Use plates rated for the caliber and velocity, keep the face flat and smooth, and never shoot steel with armor-piercing or steel-core ammo unless the plate is rated for it.

Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM shooting steel at 500 meters
Ringing steel at 500 meters with an M1A SOCOM

Hold steel up with the right hardware on Target Stands, and compare brands on Target Manufacturers.

(Visited 411 times, 1 visits today)