Shooting Targets for Sale — Steel, Paper & Reactive Targets

Targets

The right target makes practice more productive and more fun — instant feedback from steel, precise scoring from paper, and reactive movement that keeps new shooters engaged. Impact Guns carries steel gongs and silhouettes, paper and cardboard targets, self-healing polymer targets, clay pigeon throwers, and target stands for every kind of shooting practice.

Read our full Shooting Targets Buying Guide ↓

Steel Targets: Instant Feedback

Steel targets reward hits with an audible ring — the most satisfying feedback in shooting and the standard for action pistol and rifle practice. Quality steel targets use AR500 or AR550 hardened steel; mild steel craters and creates dangerous splatter. Critical safety rules: pistol calibers require a minimum 10-yard distance, rifle calibers 100 yards, and targets should angle slightly downward to direct splatter at the ground. Never shoot steel-core or bi-metal ammunition at steel targets. Gongs, silhouettes, and dueling trees are the most popular configurations.

Paper and Cardboard Targets: Precision Work

Paper targets show exactly where every round lands — essential for zeroing optics, load development, and diagnosing accuracy problems. Bullseye targets suit precision work; silhouette targets (B-27, USPSA/IPSC cardboard) suit defensive and competition practice; sight-in grids with one-inch squares make scope adjustments simple. Splatter targets show hits as bright halos visible without walking downrange — worth the small premium for rifle zeroing at distance.

Reactive and Self-Healing Targets

Self-healing polymer targets absorb thousands of rounds from rimfire and centerfire alike, bouncing and rolling when hit — excellent for keeping new shooters and kids engaged. Spinning targets, resetting steel plate racks, and Texas stars add movement and time pressure for advanced practice. For .22 LR plinking, reactive polymer targets are the most cost-effective recurring fun in shooting.

Clay Targets and Throwers

Clay pigeons remain the standard for shotgun practice — trap, skeet, and sporting clays all use standard 108mm clays. Manual hand throwers are inexpensive and fine for casual practice; foot-pedal and motorized automatic throwers let a single shooter practice without a partner. See our skeet and clays ammo for target loads.

Target Stands and Backers

A good stand system makes any location a range. Collapsible steel stands with 1x2 lumber uprights and cardboard backers are the universal solution for paper targets. For steel, dedicated hangers and 2x4-based stands position targets at the correct height and angle. Replacement cardboard backers and target pasters extend the life of every setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel should shooting targets be made of?
AR500 hardened steel is the minimum standard for centerfire use — it resists cratering and produces predictable splatter patterns. AR550 handles high-velocity rifle rounds at closer distances. Mild steel targets are only safe for .22 LR and airguns; centerfire rounds crater mild steel and can throw fragments back at the shooter.

How far away should I shoot steel targets?
Minimum safe distances: 10 yards for pistol calibers, 100 yards for rifle calibers, using quality AR500+ steel in good condition. Angle targets slightly downward, never shoot cratered or damaged steel, and always wear eye protection. Frangible ammunition allows closer steel work and is standard for indoor steel training.

What targets are best for sighting in a rifle?
Grid-style sight-in targets with one-inch squares make scope adjustment straightforward — each square equals roughly 1 MOA at 100 yards, so you can count clicks directly from the group location. Splatter-style sight-in targets add high-visibility hit marking so you can see bullet holes through the scope without walking downrange.