Top 20 Ar500 Shooting Targets: Precision and Durability

Ar500 shooting targets have become increasingly popular among firearm enthusiasts due to their durability and realistic performance. These targets are specifically designed to simulate real-world shooting scenarios while withstanding repeated hits from various firearms. Our roundup focuses on the top Ar500 targets available today, comparing their quality, durability, and value to help you make an informed choice.

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Reviews

Caldwell AR500 Prairie Dog Target

These Caldwell AR500 targets transform your range session into a game of catch-the-falling-prairie-dog. The robust targets, which automatically reset after being hit, have proven resilient against everything from 9mm rounds to 45ACP fire, though they recommend keeping velocities under 3,000fps for optimal longevity. While the target performs excellently, a couple extra ground stakes would be a nice touch to prevent wobbly setups.

Caldwell AR500 Swinging Steel Target

The Caldwell AR500 Swinging Target combines durable AR500 steel with a cast urethane frame for a robust shooting solution that’s resistant to bullet damage. Standing 18 inches tall with a 10-inch impact zone, it’s designed for both rifles and handguns, handling impacts up to 3,500 ft-lb. The portable target includes four ground stakes for secure mounting, making it ready for use at any shooting range.

Champion AR500 Steel Target

Made in the USA, this durable steel target combines IPSC styling with championship-quality construction. The 3/8”-thick AR500 steel resists deformation from high-velocity rounds while providing a reliable hitting surface for both practice and competition. At just under 46 inches wide, it strikes the perfect balance between size and portability, making it suitable for home ranges and competition use alike.

EZ Aim AR500 Prairie Dog Steel Target

Made from 3/8-inch thick AR500 steel, this shooting target is built to withstand heavy duty testing with hunting bullets at long ranges. The 12.2-inch by 5.25-inch target has a clean white powder-coat finish that really helps you spot where your rounds are hitting. While it’s tough enough for anything you might throw at it from a hunting rifle or pistol, be aware that armor-piercing and full-metal-jacketed rounds can still cause damage.

ShootingTargets7 AR500 Steel Gong Target

These shooting targets are made from tough AR500 steel and come in a gong design with laser-cut edges. They’re big enough for rifles but work great with pistols too. The targets are super reliable - you know exactly when you hit them and they last forever if you follow the safety rules about keeping your distance and wearing protective gear.

Teske AR500 Steel Plate Target

These American-made steel plates put up a serious fight against rifle rounds, from. 223 to. 30-06, before just barely showing a dent. The laser-cut targets are a hit at the range, with shooters reporting perfect placement every time they hear that satisfying clang. While a bit pricey upfront, these durable plates make for some exciting, precision-shooting fun.

12” x 20” AR500 Steel Torso Target

This thick steel target takes a pounding from anything you throw at it, from handguns to long-range rifles. With its neon-colored coating, you’ll know instantly where your shots hit, making it great for both home ranges and outdoor use. The built-in mounting options make it super simple to set up, and the satisfying “ding! ” sound when it’s hit adds to the fun.

Rangetime AR500 Steel Gong Shooting Targets

Made from USA-certified AR500 steel, these durable shooting targets stand up to heavy use better than cheaper alternatives. The laser-cut design creates cleaner edges that hold paint better, extending the target’s life and keeping touch-ups to a minimum. Each target features 1/2” square carriage bolt holes for secure mounting with a single wrench, while the flipable design doubles your target practice time.

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.

EZ-Aim Hardrock AR500 Square Spinner Targets

These durable steel targets are built to withstand hundreds of rounds, with 1/4-inch armor plate construction that’s backed by 2-AR500 armor steel. The portable stand features leg braces for stability and measures just over 22 inches tall. The spinning targets measure 4 and 5 inches square at the top, providing clear aiming points while you practice.

AR500 Steel Training Target

This fully-armored training target combines durable 3/8 AR500 steel with a 22-pound upright post, featuring a quick-release mechanism that lets you swap out target plates in seconds. The carefully engineered design includes dual springs that absorb impact energy and keep the target plate parallel to the shooting line, while the four-point stance base with anchor holes provides rock-solid stability on any terrain. Whether you’re practicing with a pistol at 21 feet or a rifle at 300 feet, this target delivers consistent feedback with every hit.

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.

AR500 Metal Target

These tough steel targets are perfect for pistol practice. The 12-inch gong shape takes a beating from bullets, staying solid while your shots bounce off or break apart. Made from AR500 steel, these targets are built to last through intense shooting sessions.

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.

Highwild AR500 Dueling Tree Action Target Set

This DIY dueling tree combines 1/4” AR500 steel paddles with a gravity-powered reset system, offering an engaging shooting experience with its reactive targets. Made from sturdy steel and designed for stability, each leg comes with pre-drilled holes for ground-nailing. Assembling this tree took three hours for the author, with welders completing it in around an hour. The six steel paddles offer challenging practice for all calibers, from. 22 to. 44 magnum, providing durable targets that accurately simulate real-world shooting scenarios.

Dragon 3/8” AR500 Steel Shooting Target with Square Holes and Non-Glare Paint

I recently purchased the Dragon Targets Dragon 3/8” AR500 Steel Shooting Target to sharpen my shooting skills. As soon as I unboxed it, I could tell that this was a high-quality target - made in America with thick AR500 steel. The CNC laser cut design gives it an impressive precision that stands out from other targets I’ve used.

The non-reflective white paint was a pleasant surprise; it definitely eliminates the glare while maximizing visibility. It’s also quite gratifying when the target makes a loud “ding” sound after being hit, giving immediate feedback on my aim.

However, there are a few downsides. Firstly, the lack of included carriage bolts could be a minor inconvenience for some users. Secondly, the paint does require touch-ups before and after use, but this is relatively easy to manage.

Overall, I would recommend the Dragon Targets Dragon 3/8” AR500 Steel Shooting Target to anyone looking for a professional-grade target that offers immediate feedback on your shots.

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!

1/4 inch AR500 Bullseye Shooting Target for Rifles and Pistols - 10” Gong with Yellow Zinc Plating for Enhanced Durability and Spall Protection

This I- Bullseye Gong 10” target has become a staple in my outdoor shooting sessions, thanks to the unique challenge and satisfying ring that accompanies hitting the bullseye center target. The yellow zinc plating not only keeps it rust-free but also ensures easy maintenance with just a simple paint touch-up when needed.

The setup process is made simple and quick with the included chains and T-post mounts, while the high-quality build ensures durability through hundreds of rounds without any issues. Despite testing it in various weather conditions, this spinning target has held up remarkably well over time.

Performance-wise, this 10” Bullseye Gong shines as it consistently rings true when hit accurately by different types of firearms and ammunition. However, I found that during windy days, the gong could be slightly harder to hit due to its movement caused by the wind. Nevertheless, it still provides an enjoyable shooting experience and proves to be an excellent value for money. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun spin on their outdoor shooting sessions!

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

AR500 steel shooting targets offer exceptional durability and performance for both competition and training purposes. These targets are made from high-strength AR500 steel, providing superior resistance to penetration and deformation compared to traditional targets.

Material and Construction

AR500 steel plates form the core structure of these targets, offering a minimum hardness of 500 Brinell. The steel is typically encapsulated in a weather-resistant outer shell, often made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or other composite materials. The shell protects the target from environmental damage while maintaining proper sight alignment.

Size and Shape Options

Targets come in various sizes ranging from small silhouette shapes to large, open-area designs. Common shapes include circles, squares, and free-standing structures. The appropriate size depends on the intended use, distance from the shooter, and specific shooting discipline.

Impact Protection and Maintenance

Most AR500 targets include built-in impact protection systems to prevent damage from incoming rounds. These systems may include expandable foam interiors, energy-absorbing cores, or multi-layered composite structures. Regular maintenance involves inspecting the outer shell for wear, checking internal components, and ensuring proper mounting stability.

Mounting and Stability

AR500 targets require robust mounting solutions to maintain stability during impact. Common mounting options include concrete bases, steel frames, and tripod setups. The mounting system should match the target’s weight and intended usage environment to prevent tipping or movement during firing.

FAQ

What is an Ar500 shooting target?

An Ar500 shooting target is a high-impact-resistant target plate made from 1-inch thick Ar500 steel. This material provides exceptional durability against bullets and other projectiles, making it ideal for realistic shooting practice.

These targets are commonly used by law enforcement agencies, military forces, and shooting enthusiasts who require a reliable target system for training and competition. The Ar500 designation indicates the specific alloy composition and hardness level of the steel.

How do Ar500 targets protect the shooting area?

Ar500 steel plate attenuates the shock of incoming rounds through its dense structure, significantly reducing the risk of damage to surrounding areas. The plate’s mass absorbs the kinetic energy of bullets, preventing penetration beyond the target face.

The protective containment systems often used with Ar500 targets further prevent ricochets and secondary fragmentation, ensuring a safe shooting environment. Users can position these targets in various configurations to accommodate different shooting disciplines and ranges.

What are the primary uses for Ar500 targets?

Ar500 targets excel in high-volume shooting applications where rapid target presentation is crucial. They are widely used for military and police training exercises, competition shooting events, and personal protection scenarios requiring impact-resistant targets.

The durability of Ar500 plates makes them suitable for long-term static target setups, while their precise ballistic properties allow for accurate scoring and performance evaluation in shooting competitions.

How should Ar500 targets be maintained to ensure longevity?

To maintain optimal performance, Ar500 targets should be regularly inspected for damage and cleaned to remove corrosion-causing elements. The shooting surface should be checked for bullet strikes that might compromise accuracy or trigger premature failure.

Proper maintenance extends the target’s lifespan by preventing environmental damage and maintaining the integrity of the steel plate. Regular servicing by certified target maintenance personnel can also identify potential issues before they become safety concerns.

What accessories are commonly used with Ar500 targets?

Popular accessories for Ar500 targets include backstops, containment devices, and target frames. These components help protect the shooting area, manage bullet impact angles, and maintain the target’s structural integrity over time.

Additional options such as scoring systems, target markers, and environmental protection covers enhance the functionality and safety of Ar500 target installations.

How do Ar500 targets compare to other steel plate densities?

Ar500 steel plates offer significantly more protection than standard commercial steel plates, which typically range from 12-50 grains per square inch (GSI). Ar500 plates measure between 200-240 GSI, making them resistant to impacts from most handgun and rifle rounds.

However, they are not bulletproof and should be used in conjunction with appropriate containment systems to prevent projectile hazards. Higher-density plates are available for specialized applications but may not be necessary for general shooting practice.

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