Top 10 Steel Targets
for May 2023

MOOZ's editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

Looking for innovative and challenging ways to improve your shooting skills? Perhaps it's time to switch from conventional paper targets to sturdy steel targets. Steel targets offer several advantages, including longevity, superior visibility, and an exciting shooting experience. Steel targets come in all shapes and sizes, from thick gongs to reactive gongs and clever sets. Here are our top 10 steel targets for sports and outdoors enthusiasts, hunters, and firearm enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level.

At the top of our list is the American-made Highwild AR500 Steel Gong Set, designed to withstand the toughest shooting environments. The set includes four gongs, ranging from 4 to 10 inches in diameter, ideal for honing your shooting accuracy and speed. The reactive system not only improves your response time but also adds an extra layer of excitement to your shooting.

The Caldwell Resetting Target System is another excellent option. This innovative system features a durable steel frame and six steel targets that reset themselves automatically after being hit. The system is ideal for mastering transition shooting and can be set up quickly and easily, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're looking for something different, why not try the Birchwood Casey World of Targets Dueling Tree. This system features five paddles that swing back and forth after being hit, challenging your speed and precision. The paddles are made of AR500 steel, ensuring durability, and the system is easy to assemble and set up.

In conclusion, steel targets offer an array of benefits for sports and outdoors enthusiasts and firearm enthusiasts seeking to improve their shooting skills. Whether you're searching for a thick gong or a reactive target, the possibilities are endless. The aforementioned top 10 steel targets are just a few of the many options available in the market. So, what are you waiting for? Try steel targets today and watch your shooting skills flourish.

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Dragon Targets AR500 Steel Targets ½ Inch Thick Laser Cut, Painted and Ready to Shoot AR500 Gong and Reactive Targets Made in USA (12 in)

Dragon Targets AR500 Steel Targets Inch ½ Thick Laser Cut

by Dragon Targets
What We like

Hear Every Hit: When our ar500 steel targets are hit, they make a loud dinging noise that lets the shooter know they are on point. This eliminates the need to walk downrange to check for strikes and allows for more rounds to be shot in one session.

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Product Features

  • Safety First: All safety protocols and guidelines should be strictly adhered to when target shooting. Once you switch from paper to steel, you will never want to go back! Why shoot a target, when you can shoot a Dragon?
  • Laser Cut: Dragon Targets are made with a Mitsubishi CNC laser cutter for maximum precision and strength. We use a laser cutter because heat from other cutters (such as plasma) causes the strength of other steel range targets to diminish prematurely.
  • Eliminates Glare: Our metal targets are painted with a non-reflective matte white paint for maximum visibility and to minimize glare for the shooter. Each Dragon gong target can also easily be repainted after the original paint is knocked off.
  • American Made Steel: Dragon Brand shooting targets are made in America from high quality and durable AR500 steel. Our AR500 targets can be flipped from side to side to protect against premature pitting and with proper use and care, will last a lifetime.
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KRATE Tactical AR500 Steel Shooting Targets – 3/8

KRATE Tactical AR500 Steel Shooting Targets – 3/8" – 20" Torso – Made in USA The – Metal Silhouettes and Gongs for Shooting Range and Gun Practice with Rifles

by KRATE Tactical
What We like

Marine Veteran Owned & Operated - KRATE Tactical AR500 Steel Shooting Targets are designed, tested, and quality approved by U.S. Marine veterans - and we don't settle for anything less than the best. Whether your target practice is for military, law enforcement, or recreational shooting, KRATE Tactical steel targets will take a bullet for you. Every time.

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Product Features

  • 100% US Made Steel - Every KRATE Tactical AR500 Steel Shooting Target is produced on American soil. We take pride in being an American Company making American Products. It feels good to buy from home. In keeping with our founding principles - and in honor of service men & women - we offer a discount to all Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responder Personnel.
  • The Last Target You'll Ever Need - This AR500 target will literally vaporize or crush bullets on impact. Is that tough enough for you? KRATE Tactical gongs & silhouettes are built to last a lifetime with proper use and care. You can invest in KRATE Tactical with confidence that these targets know how to take hit time and time again.
  • Instant Feedback - Every Shot - Unlike traditional paper targets, KRATE Tactical AR500 Steel Shooting Targets ring out with a satisfying *Clank* every time your bullet hits its mark. For an even more tactile response, paint your targets and see the precise point of impact for each shot.
  • Safety Tips - For pistols, stand no closer than 10 yards when shooting. For rifles, stand no closer than 100 yards when shooting. Ensure that bullet speed at point of impact is below 3000 FPS to avoid pitting. Do not use armor piercing or steel core rounds. Never shoot steel with dimples or pits, as this can cause fragments to ricochet. Always use high quality ear & eye protection rated to withstand fragment projectiles.
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Highwild AR500 Steel Hostage Target 7

Highwild AR500 Steel Hostage Target 7" x 12" 3/8" x Armored Steel Reactive IDPA Shooting Target

by Highwild
What We like

Our patented connection structure enables the swivel paddle to move more steadily and smoothly, and the swivel paddle can be easily removed if you don't want to use it.

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Product Features

  • Targets are all laser-cut from 3/8" AR500 steel plate in our own facility. Great for most pistol and rifle calibers, including 9mm, 45ACP, .223, 30-06 & 308 as well as most other high powered rifle calibers. Handguns should be used no closer than 10 yards and rifles 100 yards.
  • The dulcet "Ding" will be heard in no second when hit and you will see your shots. Get it and have fun in your range shooting!
  • Fun Shooting - The Swivel Paddle use gravity to swing from side to side while shooting.
  • Includes 7" x 12" AR500 hostage target and 2-1/2" AR500 top swivel paddle.
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HDSteelTargets 1/2" Thick AR500 Steel Shooting Targets 4" 3" 5" 6" 8" Gong Set

by HDSteelTargets
What We like

Use carriage bolt for mounting holes. (hardware not included)

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Product Features

  • AR500 steel is a special high carbon steel hardened to withstand repeated shots, bullets bounce off or vaporize upon impact. Targets will last years with proper use.
  • Cleaned with an industrial deburring machine. Will have sharp edges
  • Takes rifle rounds up to .338 Lapua Magnum and will last a lifetime when used properly
  • Precision cut with a CNC plasma cutter and submersion water cooled during the cutting process to maintain the integrity of the shooting targets, ensuring the longest life.
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Set of 5 Titan AR500 Steel Pistol Shooting Targets 3

TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS Set of 5 Titan AR500 Steel Pistol Targets Shooting 3" 4" 6" 8" 10" x 3/8" Thick

by TITAN GREAT OUTDOORS
What We like

Loud "GONG!" sounds provides positive feedback when a target is hit.

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Product Features

  • Set includes a single 10", 8", 6", 4", and 3" diameter round steel target. 1/2" Mounting hole spacing: 10": 5.5" | 8": 4.3" | 6": 3.1" | 4": 3.3" | 3": 2.75"
  • Mounting hole diameter: 1/2" Material Thickness: 3/8" (10mm)
  • Lasts for years | AR500 steel deflects rounds and resists pitting. Rated for all handguns except magnum cartridges.
  • Weight: 20 lb Diameters: 10", 8", 6", 4", 3" Steel: AR500 steel
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Highwild Target Stand 2x4 Base with Steel Target Hanger

Highwild Target Stand 2x4 with Base Steel Target Hanger

by Highwild
What We like

The lightweight design allows it to be taken to any environment for assembly shooting.

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Product Features

  • FOUR-LEG STAND for more stability, designed for use with 2x4 board or Highwild Adjustable Steel Post.
  • Ideal for tactical training scenarios.
  • GREAT COMBO PRICE! Includes 2x4 Target Hanger and Target Stand Base!
  • 2x4 TARGET HANGER holds target at a 15 degree angle to help deflect shrapnel to the ground.
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Highwild AR500 Steel Shooting Targets Combo - 4

Highwild AR500 Steel Targets Shooting Combo

by Highwild
What We like

Recommended for use with "Highwild Target Painting Stencil" to get the perfect way to dial in the accuracy of your firearm.

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Product Features

  • Great for most pistol and rifle calibers, including 9mm, 45ACP, .223, 30-06 & 308 as well as most other high powered rifle calibers. Handguns should be used no closer than 10 yards and rifles 100 yards.
  • With neon color powder coat you get an instant shoot and see result that is visible even at longer ranges.
  • All targets are laser-cut from USA Made high quality 3/8" thick AR500 steel plate in our own facility.
  • Great Combo Price - Includes 4", 6", 8" x 3/8" Gong Targets.
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7.8
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AR500 3/8

Make It Ring Targets AR500 3/8" Shooting Steel Target Gong 5pc Set 3

by Make It Ring Targets
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AR500 2/3 IDPA IPSC Steel Shooting Target Gong 1/2

Make It Ring Targets AR500 2/3 IDPA IPSC Shooting Steel Target Gong 1/2" 12" X 20"

by Make It Ring Targets
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7.8
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HDSteelTargets 1/2" Thick AR500 Steel Shooting 3" Targets 4" 5" 6" Gong Set

by HDSteelTargets
What We like

Use carriage bolt for mounting holes. (hardware not included)

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • Takes rifle rounds up to .338 Lapua Magnum
  • Precision cut with a CNC plasma cutter and submersion water cooled during the cutting process to maintain the integrity of the shooting targets, ensuring the longest life.
  • AR500 steel is a special high carbon steel hardened to withstand repeated shots, bullets bounce off or vaporize upon impact. Targets will last years with proper use.
  • Cleaned with an industrial deburring machine. Will have sharp edges

One of the key decision-making factors when it comes to shooting targets is safety. It is crucial that all safety protocols and guidelines are strictly adhered to when participating in target shooting. This includes wearing proper eye and ear protection, following range rules and guidelines, and being aware of your surroundings at all times. Safety should always be the top priority when engaging in this activity.

Another key factor in choosing a shooting target is precision and strength. The Dragon Targets brand stands out in this aspect as they use a Mitsubishi CNC laser cutter to ensure maximum precision and strength. The use of a laser cutter over other methods such as plasma works to prevent premature weakness in the steel, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Eliminating glare is another important consideration when it comes to targets. Dragon Targets understands this and has painted their targets with a non-reflective matte white paint. This serves to provide maximum visibility while minimizing any glare for the shooter. In addition, the paint is easily accessible and can be repainted when the original paint is knocked off.

The quality of steel used in a shooting target is also an important factor to consider. Dragon Targets uses American-made AR500 steel which is known for being high quality and durable. This type of steel also allows for the target to be flipped from side to side, protecting against premature pitting and ensuring longevity.

Overall, when considering a shooting target, it is important to prioritize safety and consider the factors of precision, minimal glare, and quality materials. Dragon Targets excels in all of these areas, making them a top choice for any shooting enthusiast.

Curtis Weaver

Curtis Weaver Author

Curtis Weaver is a lifelong outdoorsman and hunter who loves to share his passion for the outdoors with others. A self-taught angler and hunter, Curtis has been fishing and hunting since he was a small child. He has spent countless hours in the woods and on the water and has developed a deep understanding of the natural world and the animals that live in it. Curtis is an accomplished outdoorsman who is equally at home in the woods or on the water, and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with others.

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