As a shooter, selecting the right targets for your training sessions is crucial to improving your skills. One highly favored target option is AR500 steel plate targets. These targets use high-quality steel, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity for all your shooting needs. If you’re interested in practicing your shooting skills, there are a few things you should know about AR500 steel plate targets before making a target selection.

Why Choose AR500 Steel Plate Targets?

AR500 steel plate targets have gained immense popularity within the shooting community due to their outstanding durability and reliability. Unlike paper or cardboard targets that are prone to tearing or disintegrating after a few shots, these steel plates withstand repeated impacts without losing their shape or structural integrity.

Thanks to high-quality steel, these targets can endure countless rounds, making them a cost-effective and long-lasting option for target practice. This durability allows shooters to focus more on honing their skills rather than frequently replacing their targets, providing a seamless and uninterrupted practice experience.

What Is AR500 Steel?

AR500 steel is a specialized type of abrasion-resistant steel, boasting a surface hardness of 477-534 BHN (Brinell Hardness Number). This high level of hardness makes it ideal for use in targets, as it can endure high-velocity rifle rounds without deforming or sustaining damage.

The robust nature of AR500 steel ensures it remains intact even after extensive use, providing a reliable target surface for both novice and experienced shooters. Whether you’re practicing with rifles or handguns, the resilience of AR500 steel ensures that your targets remain functional and effective, offering a consistent and dependable shooting experience.

How Thick Should the Target Be?

When selecting an AR500 steel plate target, it is crucial to consider the appropriate thickness based on the caliber and velocity of your ammunition. Generally, thicker plates are better for higher velocity rounds.

For most rifle rounds, a 3/8 inch thick target is advisable, as this thickness can handle the impact effectively and provide the necessary durability. For pistol rounds, a 1/4 inch thick target suffices, offering adequate resistance without compromising safety. Choosing the right thickness guarantees that the target can withstand the force of the ammunition and stand up to constant fire.

Proper Set Up Is Crucial

To make sure that your AR500 steel plate target is safe and effective, you need to set it up correctly. This process involves placing them at a safe and appropriate distance from the shooter, making sure that they are on a stable, level surface, and firmly in place.

Utilizing a sturdy stand or frame can help prevent the target from tipping over or shifting during shooting sessions, allowing for a more consistent and enjoyable practice experience. Proper set up also minimizes the risk of accidents, ensuring that your shooting sessions are both productive and safe.

Always Wear Protective Gear

Safety should always be a top priority when engaging in target shooting. When using AR500 steel plate targets, it is essential to wear proper protective gear, including eye and ear protection. The impact of bullets hitting the targets can generate bullet splatter, which poses a risk of injury.

Additionally, make sure that you stand at a safe distance behind the shooter to minimize the risk of encountering ricochets, further safeguarding against potential harm. Wearing the right protective gear prevents injuries and creates a safe shooting environment for everyone.

Use Appropriate Ammunition

Selecting the correct ammunition for your AR500 steel plate targets is crucial to maintaining both performance and safety. Shooting steel core or armor-piercing rounds at these targets can cause significant damage and pose a safety hazard. For optimal results, stick to lead-core ammunition, which is less likely to cause harm to the target and ensures a safe shooting environment. By using the appropriate ammunition, you protect the integrity of the targets while keeping the space safe.

Understand Angle of Impact

The angle at which you shoot at an AR500 steel plate target can significantly affect its longevity and overall performance. Ideally, shots should hit the target straight on, without striking at an angle. Shooting at too steep of an angle can lead to ricochets, potentially damaging the target or surrounding area.

By maintaining a direct angle of impact, you make it easy to hit the target while still preserving their integrity. Understanding and controlling the angle of impact does a lot to improve your shooting precision and extend the lifespan of your targets, providing a more rewarding practice experience.

Inspect Targets Before Use

Before every session, it’s vital to thoroughly inspect your AR500 steel plate targets to ensure safety and performance. Look closely for any cracks, dents, or surface irregularities that may have developed since the last use. Even minor defects can lead to dangerous ricochets or misdirected shots, compromising both safety and accuracy. If you detect any damage or signs of excessive wear, replace the target immediately. This proactive approach safeguards against accidents and keeps your targets performing optimally. It is also important to rotate your steel targets from front to back every other shooting session to lessen the pitting on the faces.

Don’t Paint Over Cracks

When you encounter cracks in your AR500 steel plate targets, it’s crucial to resist the urge to conceal these imperfections with a coat of paint. Painting over cracks not only masks potential safety hazards but also makes it harder to identify further deterioration. The responsible choice is to replace any compromised target as soon as possible. By directly addressing such issues, you reduce the risk of accidents and maintain the integrity and reliability of your shooting setup.

Keep Targets Free of Debris

Cleanliness is essential for the effective performance of AR500 steel plate targets. Make sure that they are free from:

• Dirt
• Rocks
• Wood chips

Debris can alter bullet trajectories, leading to unsafe shooting conditions with the potential for bullet fragmentation and ricochets. To stay safe, regularly cleaning your targets is a must.

Have Fun Responsibly

Target shooting offers enjoyment and skill development, but safety and responsibility should always come first. Follow all recommended guidelines for using AR500 steel plate targets and consistently respect local laws and regulations. Practicing safe shooting not only protects you and those around you but also enhances your enjoyment of the sport. With conscientious care and responsible use, AR500 targets can provide countless hours of fun and valuable training for shooters at every skill level.

AR500 steel plate targets offer a durable, reliable, and cost-effective solution for target practice, and when you know these important things, you can be sure you’re getting what’s right for you. When you understand and implement these important factors, you can make sure that you’re safe and effective when shooting these AR500 steel shooting targets. If you’re still wondering where you can get these targets, look no further than Tactical Scorpion Gear, your partner for anything and everything tactical.