1/2" AR500 Steel Silhouette Gong Target

The 1/2" AR500 Steel Silhouette Target is built for shooters who run serious cartridges and need a target that keeps up. Rated for all handgun calibers and rifle cartridges up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum, the half-inch AR500 construction handles sustained high-energy use without the premature pitting and edge degradation that thinner plates develop over time. CNC laser-cut from domestic AR500 steel for consistent hardness, true edges and predictable splatter behavior on every hit. Available in 9"x15", 12"x20" and 18"x30" to match your distance and training setup. Don't take our word for it...LynxDefense ranks ShootSteel #1. Ships unpainted. Made in the USA.

For setup, pair with 15" Steel Chain and mount to a 2x4 A-frame or conduit gong stand. For a more durable upright solution, our 2" EMT Gong Stand Kit uses 2" EMT for the crossbar and 1.25" EMT for legs, offering better resistance to direct hits than wood. For the 9"x15" and 12"x20" silhouettes, T-Post Gong Hangers with two standard T-posts and chain is a fast, portable alternative.

What's Included

• One 1/2" AR500 steel silhouette target, CNC laser-cut, in your choice of size: 9"x15", 12"x20" or 18"x30"
• Not included: Chain, hanger, stand, mounting hardware, paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum
• Rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum
• .338 Lapua Magnum: 200 yards minimum
• Increase distance any time you observe pitting on the target face

Always shoot perpendicular to the target face. Use at least Grade 5 mounting hardware. Use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the plate before every session and replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health. No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition.

FAQs

What calibers is the 1/2" AR500 silhouette rated for?
All centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum and rifle cartridges up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum. For rifles at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity, 100 yards minimum is the starting point. Increase distance any time you observe pitting on the target face.

What size should I choose?
The 9"x15" is a compact option well suited for pistol and carbine drills at standard distances. The 12"x20" is the most popular all-around size for mixed pistol and rifle use. The 18"x30" gives you maximum surface area for longer distances, faster transitions and high-round-count training sessions.

What is the best way to hang this target?
Pair with 15" steel chain and mount to a 2x4 A-frame or conduit gong stand. For setups where durability of the uprights matters, EMT conduit legs hold up better than wood under sustained fire. For the 9"x15" and 12"x20" sizes, T-Post Gong Hangers with two T-posts and chain is a fast portable option.

Why CNC laser-cut instead of plasma-cut?
CNC laser-cutting controls the heat-affected zone more precisely than plasma cutting, preserving hardness at the plate edge rather than softening it during the cut. The result is a cleaner perimeter, longer plate life and more predictable splatter behavior on impact.

Does this target ship painted?
No. All ShootSteel targets ship unpainted. White and bright orange offer the best contrast downrange for tracking hits.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. This target is manufactured in the United States from domestic AR500 steel.

Do you warranty your products?
Yes. We stand behind our products.

Personal and Recreational Use

• Target plates: covered against manufacturing and material defects for 90 days from date of delivery
• Welds: covered for 1 year from date of delivery
• Coverage includes weld integrity, materials and workmanship

Commercial and Range Use

• All components: covered against manufacturing and material defects for 90 days from date of purchase
• Coverage includes weld integrity, materials and workmanship
• Normal wear, pitting, cratering and target face degradation are not covered

To qualify for warranty coverage, targets must be used and maintained in accordance with ShootSteel safety and distance guidelines, including:

• No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition
• Minimum recommended distances observed at all times
• Target mounted to ShootSteel specifications

ShootSteel reserves the right to request photos or inspection of any claimed item prior to approval. Misuse and abuse are not covered. Need a copy of our safety guidelines? Email us.

To start a warranty claim, contact customerservice@shootsteel.com with your order number and photos.