FAQ

Yes – We stand behind our products 100%.

That said, our warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or abuse. All targets must be used according to the safety guidelines and recommendations provided on our website and in the instruction sheet included with your order.

It’s the customer’s responsibility to read and follow the provided instructions. If you need a new copy, just email us and we’ll be happy to send one.

Warranty Coverage:

• 90 days for wear items (e.g., target plates)

• 1 year for welds

We do not recommend using steel core or solid copper bullets on our targets. These types of projectiles can cause excessive damage — and in some cases, may even penetrate the steel, depending on the cartridge and velocity.

To preserve the life of your target and maintain safe shooting conditions, we strongly advise using standard lead-core ammunition only. Steel core and solid copper rounds are better suited for paper targets.

Please note: Damage caused by steel core or solid copper ammunition is not covered under our warranty.

For shooting .223 / 5.56, we recommend using 3/8” AR500 steel at a minimum distance of 100 yards.

This thickness and material are rated to handle the velocity and energy of standard .223 / 5.56 rounds when used responsibly at appropriate distances. Shooting closer than 100 yards can lead to target damage or dangerous ricochets.

Important: Avoid using steel core or armor-piercing rounds — they can pierce or crater the target, and are not covered under warranty.

The minimum safe distance for shooting .223 / 5.56 is 100 yards, regardless of whether you’re using 3/8” or 1/2” AR500 steel — as long as you’re using 55gr FMJ rounds from a 16″ barrel with a muzzle velocity at or below 2800 fps.

Important: Some .223/5.56 loads exceed 2800 fps, especially lighter grain bullets or longer barrels. These high-velocity rounds should be shot from greater distances to avoid damaging the target.

Increasing the thickness to 1/2” does provide extra durability but does not reduce the minimum distance due to the risk of pitting or cratering from high-velocity impacts.

Always verify your ammo specs before shooting at steel.

Yes — 3/8” AR500 targets are perfect for .22LR and other rimfire calibers.

They provide excellent durability, clear feedback, and won’t show noticeable wear from rimfire rounds, even with repeated use.

Just be sure to follow basic safety practices, including safe shooting distance (we recommend at least 10 yards) and eye protection.

Ricochets are rare — but not impossible.

When steel targets are used properly, most lead and copper projectiles will fragment on impact and deflect downward at roughly a 20-degree angle. That’s why it’s critical to angle your targets slightly forward and follow all safety guidelines.

However, ricochets can still happen, especially if:

• You’re using damaged or pitted targets

• You’re shooting too close

• You’re using improper ammo (like steel core or high-velocity rounds at short range)

Always wear eye protection and place your targets in a safe, open area with a proper backstop. Safety is your responsibility — every shot.

In most cases, yes — especially at closer distances.

• Handgun targets at close range are loud and easy to hear, even with hearing protection.

• As distance increases, the sound becomes fainter. For example, a hit with .223 at several hundred yards may be difficult to hear depending on wind, terrain, and the type of hearing protection you’re using.

• Larger calibers, like .308 or other .30 cal rounds, tend to produce a louder ring and are more audible at long distances.

For a louder ring:

• Choose a larger target (more surface area = more vibration)

• Choose the thinnest AR500 thickness rated for your caliber (thinner steel resonates more)

There are several ways to hang your steel targets, depending on your setup and budget:

• Use our stands: We offer purpose-built options like the Static Target Stand and the Gong Stand, designed for durability and easy setup.

• Shepherd’s hooks: A simple and affordable solution — available at most hardware stores and perfect for hanging gongs.

• DIY options: Many customers use sawhorses, plumbing pipe, or 2×4 A-frames to create inexpensive and effective target stands.

Whatever method you choose, make sure your stand is stable and allows the target to swing or move slightly to safely absorb impact and reduce ricochet risk.

We recommend using AR500 steel for both centerfire handguns and rifles. It offers the ideal balance of hardness and durability for repeated use while minimizing the risk of cratering or ricochet when used properly.

Lower grades of steel (like mild steel or AR400) do not hold up to high-velocity impacts and can become unsafe quickly. Soft steel may crater, deform, or even allow rounds to penetrate — creating unpredictable and dangerous ricochet angles.

For safety and longevity, always use AR500 or higher-grade steel rated for the calibers you intend to shoot.

AR500 is a hardened abrasion-resistant steel, specifically heat-treated to a Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) of 500. This makes it ideal for absorbing the high-velocity impact of bullets without cratering or deforming.

Mild steel, on the other hand, is typically recycled metal that is not heat-treated and is significantly softer. It’s only slightly harder than the metal used in house keys and is intended for structural or fabrication applications, not for ballistic use.

Shooting mild steel is dangerous — it can crater, bend, or even allow rounds to ricochet unpredictably. Always use AR500 or higher for safe target shooting.

We don’t sell standalone clay target holders — however, we do offer a Clay Flipper Add-On that’s compatible with our Pepper Popper targets.

This attachment allows you to add a fun reactive clay element to your steel target setup — perfect for training or just leveling up your range day.

At this time, we only ship to the lower 48 states.

Due to the weight and size of our products, shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories is not available through our standard ordering process.

Yes — we can ship to Puerto Rico and Guam, but additional shipping charges will apply.

Standard flat rate shipping does not cover these locations, so rates for these orders will vary based on the size and weight of the items.

If you’re ordering from PR or GU, please contact us directly for a custom shipping quote before placing your order.

Yes — our Static Target Stand and Static Target Holder are designed to use a standard wood 2×4 as the upright.

This setup keeps the stand lightweight, affordable, and easy to replace if the wood gets damaged. Just slide in a 2×4, attach your target, and you’re ready to go.

Pro tip: For extra stability, we recommend using a pressure-treated 2×4 and securing the base on uneven ground with stakes or sandbags.

Yes — we offer targets rated for .50 BMG, including both ball and brass solid rounds.

These targets are made from 3/4” AR500 steel and built to withstand the extreme energy of .50 cal impacts when shot at safe distances.

Note: These are heavy-duty targets and should always be used in a safe, controlled environment with proper mounting and backstop. For specific recommendations or custom setups, feel free to contact us.

For handgun calibers like 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 ACP, we recommend a minimum of 1/4” AR500 steel. It’s durable, lightweight, and perfectly suited for standard pistol rounds at safe distances.

If you think you might upgrade to larger calibers or rifle use in the future, consider stepping up to 3/8” AR500 for added versatility and longevity.

Always follow proper shooting distances and avoid steel core or +P+ rounds to preserve your target and ensure safety.

Yes — for full details on shipping rates, methods, and timelines, please visit our Shipping Information page.

If you have a specific question not covered there, feel free to contact us directly — we’re happy to help!

Most orders ship within 3–4 business days, though some may take up to 7 business days depending on the items ordered and current demand.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit our Shipping Information page.

Need something rushed? Feel free to reach out — we’ll do our best to help.

Yes — we email a tracking number as soon as your order ships.

Just make sure to provide a valid email address at checkout. If you don’t see the tracking email, be sure to check your spam or junk folder — sometimes it ends up there.

Please note: If an invalid or missing email is provided, we won’t be able to send tracking updates.

Yes — we occasionally offer coupon codes through our email newsletter and on our Facebook page. Be sure to follow us and subscribe to stay updated on current promotions.

Please note:

• Only one coupon code can be used per order — codes cannot be combined or “stacked”

• Discounted items are not eligible for additional coupon code savings

If your order is still in our shop and hasn’t shipped yet, we’re happy to issue a refund for the price difference.
If your order has already shipped within the past 7 days, we can offer you a store credit for the difference.

To be eligible, please make sure you have an online account set up with us.

Note: If your original order already used a discount code, no additional discount will be applied.

Not at this time. We currently only offer the targets and products listed on our website.

If you’re looking for a specific size or configuration, feel free to contact us — we’re always open to feedback for future product ideas.

Yes — we proudly offer discounts to Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responders.

To receive your discount, simply email proof of current or past service to:
📧 customerservice@shootsteel.com

Once verified, we’ll send you a coupon code to use on your order.

Thank you for your service!