• ODT Gun Show & Swap Meet - May 4, 2024! - Click here for info

School me on Steel Targets

Regular "mild steel" is going to get beat up really quick. You need targets made from AR500 steel. They are not that cheap, but should last a long time.
Rule of thumb is 1/4" thick for pistol caliber and 3/8" thick for rifle. 1/2" for 50 cal. The only pitting or damage I have seen on my various AR500 targets is from rifle (AR and AK) at closer than 50 yards. Even then it was mild pitting on 3/8" AR500

How you hang them is important. Most vendors make them with a prominent tilt face down to deflect the bullets downward. Don't buy one that is fixed and completely flat facing toward the shoots. The deflection angle is not as important if it can swing on chains, but most targets I have seen on chains still face downward.

I have purchased targets from 1gunsnotenough 1gunsnotenough and they worked very well.

More info:
https://www.moatargets.com/blog/blo...se-the-correct-steel-for-your-shooting-needs/
http://www.shootsteel.com/picking-a-target/

upload_2017-2-13_20-58-14.png
 
By the way, if someone offers you a good deal on a pair of used 3/8" 2/3 IDPA sihouettes, please let me know ....
 
This is my back yard. All 3/8" AR500. I shoot from .22lr to .223. Targets are out to about 60yds. With .223/.556 you want to stay away from anything over about 3000fps. The combination of velocity and small bullet will put small divots in metal. Either mount targets where they tilt down at angle or swing from chain or strap. This keeps bullet fragments deflecting downward. I will be at the Expo Gunshow selling targets. Come by and I will answer any questions and will have sample of targets that have been shoot with several different calibers.

IMGP3765.JPG
IMGP3766.JPG
 
Back
Top Bottom