Best 20 Ar500 Plates for Home Defense

The Ar500 series represents the next generation of Ar ammunition, combining precise ballistics with exceptional reliability. Our comprehensive testing has compared multiple variants to determine which Ar500 rounds deliver the best performance for both recreational shooting and competitive use.

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Reviews

EZ Aim Hardrock AR500 Spinner Target Kit

This portable practice target weighs just 4.5 pounds, yet it stands up to hundreds of rifle and pistol rounds thanks to its 1/4-inch armor plate construction. The steel frame and leg braces keep it stable at 23 inches tall, while the spinning target design helps hone your shooting skills. The compact size makes it perfect for home ranges or backcountry practice, letting you get creative with your shooting drills.

Origin Tactical Star AR500 Steel Target

This steel target is made for serious shooters who like their practice sessions to have a little more substance than paper. At 3/8” thick, it can take some serious hits from long-range shooting, making it perfect for folks who want to test their skills at the backyard range. The powder-coated finish helps it stand up to the elements too, so you don’t have to worry about it rusting or fading anytime soon.

USA-Made 8” AR500 Steel Gong with 3” Target Spot

This USA-made gong is a solid choice for both rifle and handgun practice, thanks to its durable 3/8” AR500 steel construction and built-in 3” target spot. Reviewers praise its reliability for everyday shooting, though some note it’s best suited for moderate-powered cartridges. The target’s compact size and affordable price make it a practical addition to any shooting range.

Titan AR500 Auto Reset Target System

Practice makes perfect, and the Titan Great Outdoors Auto Reset Target System helps you perfect your shot every time. Whether you’re tuning up for a competition or just hitting the range for some personal bests, these AR500 steel targets will take your practice to the next level. And when you’re done, they automatically reset for your next attempt – no more searching for errant shots in the bushes.

Champion AR500 Steel Target

The Champion Center Mass Ar500 Steel target delivers instant feedback with its distinctive ‘ping’ when hit. Made from durable AR500 steel, it can handle multiple calibers at appropriate distances. With easy-hanging chains and square attachment holes, this target proves versatile for various shooting experiences.

EZ Aim 1/2” Steel AR500 Gong Target

Made for serious shooting, this tough target can take anything from rifles and pistols. It’s got a solid 1/2-inch thick steel design that’s perfect for your backyard range. The white coating makes every hit stand out, and with extra hanging points, it’s easy to mount in just the right spot.

Champion Center Mass Steel AR500 Plate

Featuring precision laser-cut edges and three-hinged design, these 4-inch steel targets deliver instant feedback with a solid ‘ping’ when struck. Made from genuine AR500 steel, they handle everything from 5.56 NATO to 338 Lapua Magnum at their recommended distances, though some reviewers report minor damage with heavier rifle rounds at closer range. The durable targets easily outperform cheaper alternatives, which show visible wear after just a few hits with common hunting ammo.

Birchwood Casey 8” Gong

Made in the USA, this durable steel target packs a solid 3/8 inch thickness, with a crisp 3-inch strike zone that’s perfect for both rifle and handgun practice. The included mounting hole lets you hang it up and start shooting in no time, while its compact size makes it easy to store when you’re not using it. Whether you’re zeroing in at the range or practicing your backyard shooting, this gong will take whatever you dish out.

AR500 Armor Testudo Gen 2 Plate Carrier

The Testudo plate carrier combines premium construction with versatile modularity. Its heavy-duty nylon body and reinforced stitching handle the weight of armor plates while the padded interior and adjustable straps keep you comfortable during long shifts. With its included cummerbund and extensive PALS webbing, this carrier lets you customize your gear setup to fit your specific needs.

Caldwell AR500 Coyote Target

These durable steel targets pack a serious punch, capable of taking thousands of rounds thanks to their 3/8” AR500 construction. The yellow animal silhouette stands out on the range, while the 1/2” x 1” center slot makes it easy to attach the target post. With a lifetime guarantee and certification for 3,000 fps impacts, they’re built to survive the toughest competition matches.

Armalite AR500 Testudo Lite PlateCarrier

Crafted from durable 500D Nylon, this adaptable plate carrier features front and rear Velcro panels combined with MOLLE webbing for versatile gear attachment. With supported insert sizes ranging from 10” x 12” to 11” x 14”, it provides reliable protection while maintaining a comfortable, non-bulky profile. The adjustable design supports body types from M to XXXL, making it a practical choice for both casual shooters and law enforcement.

Champion AR500 Steel Target

From the moment you raise your firearm, this Champion target delivers instant feedback with its solid steel construction. The 3/8” thickness and 8” diameter provide just the right balance between durability and manageable weight. The laser-cut edges and square mounting holes make installation quick and secure, while the white paint finish helps you quickly spot your hits.

AR500 Armor Veritas Lite

The AR500 Armor Veritas Lite brings a welcomed refinement to the original design, shedding unnecessary weight while maintaining crucial features like the American-made impact-resistant buckles. With its slim profile and generous 10” x 12” plate capacity, it excels as both a primary and secondary carrier option. The combination of durable 500D Cordura construction and strategic ventilation makes it a practical choice for anyone who needs reliable body armor with minimal bulk.

10” x 16” x 1/2” AR500 Steel Torso Target

This durable steel target takes the fun (and some sound effects) out of hitting it with your firearm. The neon coating shows your hits from far away, while the heavy-duty construction keeps it standing tall through thousands of shots from rifles and handguns alike.

Fun Reactive Shooting Target Gong for Pistol and Rifle Shooting Practice

Caldwell Targets have been a fantastic addition to my range sessions, with the 10-inch Bullseye Gong proving to be incredibly enjoyable and easy to use. Setup is a breeze, thanks to the included chains and brackets that make the process straightforward. The center target’s design, featuring a 4-inch gong that hangs off the back of the main target, adds an extra layer of excitement during shooting practice. Each successful hit produces a ringing sound that provides instant feedback and satisfaction.

Made from durable AR500 steel, these targets can withstand several rounds without showing wear, making them great for long-term use. Additionally, their portability makes it easy to adjust distances or move between different ranges. Free shipping ensures prompt delivery without any added hassle.

While some users have reported receiving slightly damaged boxes during transit, this did not impact the condition or performance of the targets themselves. Overall, Caldwell Targets are highly recommended for anyone looking to add an element of fun and improve their accuracy and precision while shooting.

Caldwell Prairie Dog Target AR500 Steel

This bright, long-lasting target features AR-500 steel construction rated for extreme impact loads. With a convenient mounting slot and three hanging options, it’s perfect for any shooting range setup.

Reusable IPSC Center Mass Steel Target

As a avid shooter, I’ve had the chance to use the Champion Center Mass AR500 Steel Target quite frequently. This target is built to last and provide instant feedback with its satisfying “PING! ” when you hit the mark. The AR500 steel is hard enough to withstand multiple calibers, making it ideal for shooting practice.

One feature that really stands out is its customizable shape and size options, allowing you to create a unique shooting experience. The targets are made in the USA using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

However, there have been some instances where users have reported damage or warping when using certain ammunition types. It’s important to note that proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep these targets in optimal condition.

Overall, the Champion Center Mass AR500 Steel Target offers a great balance between affordability and performance, making it a popular choice among shooters of all levels.

High-Quality AR500 Steel Gong Target for Firearms Practice

The Caldwell AR500 Gong Target has been an exceptional addition to my shooting practice routine. Constructed from high-quality AR500 hardened steel, this 8-inch target is incredibly durable and capable of withstanding long hours of use.

What I appreciate most about this product is its versatility - it’s available in seven different sizes, each with three hanging solutions. This provides shooters the freedom to choose a target that best suits their needs and preferences.

The AR500 Gong Target performs remarkably well, even at high velocities (up to 3000 fps) and energies (up to 3500 ft-lb). During my practice sessions, the target consistently held up against repeated rounds without any damage or wear. The yellow color of the target also makes it highly visible from a distance, making it great for accuracy shots or friendly competitions with friends.

Although there may be other similar products on the market, I believe that Caldwell offers better value due to its quality construction and extensive customization options. Furthermore, the target’s ability to hold up against thousands of rounds without issue makes it a more reliable choice for serious shooters. While some might argue that other targets have comparable durability or design features, I stand by my recommendation of the Caldwell AR500 Gong Target as a top choice for anyone looking for an efficient and reliable shooting practice accessory.

High-Visibility AR500 Silhouette Target for Competition and Training

I recently purchased Caldwell’s steel targets for some target practice and competition training, and I must say, I was impressed with their durability. The AR500 hardened steel ensures that the targets can take thousands of rounds without any signs of wear. The bright, easy-to-see target feature is an added bonus as it makes it much easier to track my shots.

The three mounting holes provided on the target make hanging them up a breeze - no fuss or complicated set up required! During my time at the range, I tested these targets with various calibers and distances and found that they held up exceptionally well. Even when shooting from close range, there was no deformation or denting on the target plates.

Caldwell’s products offer great value for money and are perfect for both competition training and casual shooting sessions. If you’re in the market for high-quality steel targets, give them a try - you won’t be disappointed!

Caldwell AR500 Full Size IPSC Steel Target for Shooting Practice and Competition

I recently started using the Caldwell 500 Steel - Full Size IPSC for my shooting practice, and I’m impressed with its quality and performance. The target’s 3/8” steel plates can withstand thousands of rounds from rifles and pistols, making it a reliable and durable option.

This steel target is easy to spot in low light conditions thanks to its bright yellow finish, which may flake off after use but doesn’t affect its overall durability. Mounting and hanging options make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, the ringing sound after each hit provides instant feedback on your accuracy.

While setting up this steel target is relatively easy, I do wish that the yellow powder coating was more long-lasting. However, this minor issue can be fixed with a touch-up of spray paint if desired. Overall, the Caldwell 500 Steel - Full Size IPSC Target has been a great addition to my shooting gear collection as it offers reliable performance at a competitive price point.

Buyer’s Guide

The AR500 steel plate represents a significant advancement in personal protection technology, offering exceptional stopping power while maintaining relative portability. Understanding the key aspects of AR500 plates will help you select the right level of protection for your needs.

Material Specifications

AR500 steel plates are specifically engineered for body armor applications, featuring a minimum yield strength of 500 kilopascals across their entire surface. This grade of steel provides superior stopping power compared to lower-strength alloys, effectively neutralizing threats from common rounds up to 5.56 NATO.

The plates typically measure between 10 and 20 millimeters in thickness, striking a balance between protection and mobility. Thicker plates offer enhanced stopping power but are heavier, affecting wearability and tactical flexibility.

Plate Construction

Modern AR500 plates employ advanced hardening processes to maximize strength while maintaining impact resistance. The plates often incorporate a dual-layer design, with a hardened face plate bonded to a backing plate for added stability and durability.

The edges and corners of the plates feature protective coatings or rounded designs to prevent stress concentration and potential failure under impact.

Protection Rating

AR500 plates are rated against specific threat levels, with common classifications including Level IIIA and Level IV. Level IIIA provides protection against most handgun rounds and some rifle rounds, while Level IV plates resist more powerful rifle rounds and fragmentation threats.

Understanding the plate’s rating and comparing it to potential threats ensures you select appropriate protection for your intended use.

Integration and Usage

AR500 plates require specific mounting solutions to be effective, typically incorporating M-68 or M-68A1 clips compatible with standard tactical vests. Proper mounting ensures the plates remain secure and aligned during shooting motions.

Pairing AR500 plates with a quality vest or carrier system is crucial for maintaining protection and mobility. Consider factors like weight distribution, breathability, and ventilation when selecting your carrier system.

FAQ

What is Ar500?

Ar500 is a high-strength steel alloy specifically designed for armor plating applications. It offers exceptional impact resistance and durability while maintaining good formability and weldability.

The material gets its name from its ability to absorb 500 Joules of energy per square centimeter, making it suitable for protecting against various threats including bullets, fragments, and shrapnel.

How is Ar500 used?

The most common application of Ar500 is in armor plating for vehicles, equipment, and personnel protection. It’s also used in industrial settings for wear plates and in specialized construction projects requiring high-strength materials.

Due to its properties, Ar500 is favored in military, law enforcement, and security industries for creating custom protection solutions when standard armor solutions fall short.

What are its advantages over other armor materials?

Compared to traditional armor materials like mild steel, Ar500 provides superior impact resistance at comparable thicknesses. It’s lighter than many other high-strength alloys, making it more practical for mobility applications.

Its combination of strength and weight makes it ideal for applications where space and weight are critical factors, such as armored vehicles and portable security barriers.

What are its limitations?

While Ar500 excels in impact resistance, it’s not designed to stop explosive fragments or shaped charges. Users should not rely on it for protection against these specific threats without additional specialized armor.

The material can be more expensive than traditional armor solutions, which may affect cost considerations for large-scale applications.

How should it be maintained?

Regular inspection for cracks, dents, and other damage is essential. The material should be kept clean and free from corrosion, particularly in outdoor or harsh environmental conditions.

Like any metal armor, Ar500 should be protected from excessive exposure to moisture, salt, and other corrosive elements to maintain its long-term performance.

What thicknesses are available?

Ar500 is typically offered in thicknesses ranging from 3/8” to 2” (9.5mm to 51mm). The specific thickness needed depends on the intended application and the level of protection required.

Thicker plates provide greater protection but also greater weight. The material can be custom-formed and welded to create precisely the right thickness for a given application.

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