Steel Targets for pistol practice

[ryan3465]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in acquiring a steel target for pistol practice on the range. I am currently shooting .22 LR, .38/.357 Magnum handloads and 9mm handloads and would like something reactive for when I'm outside shooting. I have looked at the MGM targets website and a simple 8" circle plate is similar to what I'm looking for. I know these types of targets tend to be pretty expensive, and I'm just curious if anyone here has advice or experience with any of the various target manufacturers and what have you guys found works for you when it comes to steel targets. Thanks a bunch!

 

[JimStC]

http://www.arntzentargets.com/index.htm
I have owned six targets and 5 stands for over 10 years. The small IPSC style targets are indestructible. The round targets are not as hard.

 

[Legionnaire]

I like those stands; thanks for the link.

 

[loose noose]

You might try Midsouth or Midway shooting supply for a "steel shooting tree", I picked one up about 10 years ago and it's a breeze to set up and a lot of fun to shoot, using a .38 to a .45 with lead ammo. In fact two people can compete. Mine only has 4 targets about 5" in diameter. When you hit the target you get a "ding" and the target moves over to the other side and vice versa. I believe I paid under $100.00 for it.

 

[Chuck R.]

http://www.arntzentargets.com/index.htm
I have owned six targets and 5 stands for over 10 years. The small IPSC style targets are indestructible. The round targets are not as hard.

Same here, I’ve owned Arntzen targets for about 5 years, I own 6 of the 2/3rds IDPA and a couple of his round targets with portable stands. All of mine have held up extremely well, but I bought all of mine in AR500. I have one soft steel knockdown, which I use to trigger a swinger. It’s held up well, but it’s strictly for handgun use. I really should have sprung for AR500 on that too. The only target I’ve hand damaged was with an .223 FMJ at around 50 yards. I friend of mine misunderstood my directions, and by the time I caught him he put a magazine into it. All it did was make some digs, so I’ve moved it to be my 300-500 yard swinger.

The portable stands are well worth the money, I keep all my targets in a small garden shed and the ability to fold them up saves a lot of space. They’ve also taken numerous hits and are none the worse for it.



Another good source I’ve found is Quality Targets, he made me a couple sets of animal silhouettes out of clutch plates and a set of 12 full size bowling pins out of AR500. He’ll work with you on whatever you want and his shipping is very reasonable.

http://www.qualitytargets.com/servlet/StoreFront



The AR500 is expensive, but IMHO it’s well worth it. Once your steel is cratered or dinged, you risk getting splashback/ricochets at the closer distances.

Chuck

 

[xx7grant7x]

Impact 45 rolling steel target is fun also http://www.rollingsteeltargets.com/

 

[Justin]

I really like the targets made by MGM. Their auto-poppers are great targets that can take quite a bit of abuse.

Also, the targets made by Las Vegas Steel are pretty good as well.

As you're shopping for targets, keep an eye out for targets that are made from AR500 armor plate, and are at least 3/8 inch thick.

 

[shuvelrider]

Are you handy with welder,torch, and fabrication. Might be a fun project to make your own. Made some for myself for pistol and rifle.

 

[wally]

http://metaltargets.com/SpinningTargets.htm#Gong

These have worked well for me I get the "HV" and use them for rifles and pistols.

If you are handy at making a way to hang them Weidners has really nice prices on bare bones plates.

Quality eye protection is a must for all shooters and bystanders -- you will get hit by splatter eventually, rarely will it break the skin and only the eyes would generally be at serious injury risk.

 

[Walkalong]

I have a couple of these static steel targets from GT Targets. It is the same ones the range uses in the Steel Challenge. They have held up well to everything from .22 LR to .44 Mag. I do not shoot them closer than 25 yards with the heavier stuff, and rarely closer with anything.

I made my own stand.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=142231&stc=1&d=1305496591
.

 

[loose noose]

I thought the guy was just starting out that's why I suggested the shooting tree. I went to Arizona Steel, in Bullhead City, and bought a bunch of mostly scrap 3/8" steel after I told the manager what I intended to do with it. I had a popper made out of one, that I shot with the 45-70 out to 250 yards, Had a heart, spade, diamond, and club made out of some of the others, had some swingers made out of the other. Also bought some knock down (6) 6" diameter targets that with a heavy cord can be reset. Note the others that I had made cost me less that a $100.00 to have them cut and placed on swinging stands, and less than a $100.00 to buy the material. That was at least 10 years ago and they are all in great shape. I've no idea what type of steel that is however. Had a lot of fun practicing for SASS shoots though.

 

[GarySTL]

The Benchrest Club of St. Louis buys targets from these guys good products and good people.

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

I took a long look at the MGM targets while at the NRA show this weekend. I liked them better than the rest and plan to get some for our club.

 

[J-Bar]

I own three of these Evil Roy units from Action Target. I have no financial interest in or connection to the company other than being a satisfied customer. Evil Roy is a champion cowboy action shooter who endorses this target. It is portable, adjustable for height, and has no splashback even at extremely close ranges. I have used mine for cowboy action practice with revolver, rifle, and shotgun. It is well engineered and a good value.

http://www.actiontarget.com/store/catalog/category/view/id/16