Our Practice Steel Targets

Posted by 65guys | on June 9, 2016 | No Comments

Regular and focused practice is necessary to build and maintain the marksmanship skills needed to effectively compete in matches. AR 500 steel targets, properly sized for distance and difficulty can provide a great training aid. They provide instant feedback – an impact on target is rewarded with target movement and an audible ‘ping’. In many cases, you can also see where your shot went on the target. Most shooters would agree that they are more entertaining to hit than paper. Also, unlike paper they don’t deteriorate in the rain and don’t require posting a new target as paper quickly becomes perforated with holes after a short time.

For an in depth discussion of steel targets check out the article we wrote exclusively for Long Range Hunter.

We worked closely with our partner JC Steel Targets to design a basic “6.5 Guys” Steel Target Package which replicates what we use for training. Additionally, we hand picked a set of optional targets to create a variety of turnkey target packages, all of which offer a tremendous value to the buyer.

You can get an overview of the available packages here. In addition to the target packages, shooters will want to purchase some T-posts and a T-post Driver. Let’s explore each of the packages:

Package #1

This is our bread and butter package and something we would recommend to somebody if they practice on a 100-200 yard square range. A 5″ round at 200 yards is a two MOA target as found on the PRS Skills Barricade stages, so it’s the perfect way to practice a stage that shows up at every PRS match. The 8″ round is an excellent confidence builder for the newer shooter. When we started our regular practice sessions a couple of years ago we never thought we would graduate to a smaller target at 200 yards, however it didn’t take long.

Package contents:

(1) Double T-Post Hanger
(1) 5″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 4″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 8″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 3″ x 5″ Diamond 3/8″ Thick

Double T-Post Hanger shown with optional targets

Package #2

This package contains everything from our first package but incorporates a T-Post Spring Target shown above. The Spring Target is a very versatile target. At 100 yards it provides a nice target for offhand shots. At 200 yards, it’s perfect for practicing less stable positions (unsupported kneeling, sitting, offhand etc.). If you have access to a longer range, you can set it out at 400-500 yards. Best of all, the target makes the most satisfying pinging sound so there is no question whether you hit it or not.

Package contents:

(1) Double T-Post Hanger
(1) 5″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 4″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 8″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 3″ x 5″ Diamond 3/8″ Thick
(1) 45% T-Post Spring Target

T-Post spring target

Package #3

This is a terrific package if you have access to public or ranch land. The 66% IPSC is a challenging target when set out beyond 600 yards but it can be brought in closer when practicing less stable positions. The popper target is pure fun and a bit challenging when placed at 300 yards. If you place the Double Hanger targets at 200 yards you have a nice variety of targets from near to far.

Package contents:

(1) Double T-Post Hanger
(1) 5″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 4″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 8″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 3″ x 5″ Diamond
(1) 45% T-Post Spring Target
(1) 66% IPSC 3/8″ Thick
(1) Classic Popper

Classic popper target

Package #4

Pistol stages are becoming more common in matches and the addition of the 2″ x 4″ hangers and bases with 8″ rounds is perfect for practicing pistol. As shown in the photo below, the hanger bases also accommodate 1″ x 2″ furring strips which allows the shooter to mount a paper target, wind flag, etc. The bases can be taken apart for space savings and ease of transport.

Package contents:

(1) Double T-Post Hanger
(1) 5″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 4″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(4) 8″ Round 3/8″ Thick
(1) 3″ x 5″ Diamond
(3) 2″ x 4″ Hangers
(3) 2″ x 4″ Hanger Bases