1/2" AR500 Modular Steel Target System 12"x 20"

The 1/2" AR500 Modular Steel Target System is a ShootSteel classic that has been running strong on ranges across the country for years. It assembles without bolts, tools or welding, breaks down completely flat for storage and transport, and goes back together in seconds at the range. No welds to crack, no bolts to strip, no components to replace. Just set it up and shoot.

The 1/2" AR500 target plate mounts to a 1/4" AR400 base with 20" legs that feature both vertical and angled slots. The angled position deflects splash downward and allows closer engagement distances, getting you as near as 75 yards with .308 Win while the vertical position holds 100 yards as the standard minimum. The leg stake holes let you pin the base to the ground for added stability on soft terrain. Rated for rifles up to .300 Win Mag, this system handles everything from pistol fundamentals to long-range magnum rifle work on a single platform. The VSO Gun Channel has owned one of these for years. Watch their review here. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide. Manufactured in the United States.

What's Included

• (1) Target plate, 1/2" AR500
• (1) Base with 20" legs, 1/4" AR400, vertical and angled slots, stake holes
• Not included: Paint, stakes

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Centerfire rifle, vertical position: 100 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Centerfire rifle, angled position (.308 Win): 75 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Centerfire rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum
• Maximum rated cartridge: .300 Win Mag
• Always shoot perpendicular to the target face in vertical position

Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the target and base before every session. Replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health.

FAQs

How does the tool-free assembly work?
The target plate and base interlock through a slot-and-tab system that requires no bolts, tools or welding. The components slot together in seconds and break down completely flat for storage in a bag, truck bed or range bag. Because there are no welds or bolts in the connection, there is nothing to fail or replace over time regardless of round count.

What is the difference between the vertical and angled positions?
In the vertical position the target face is perpendicular to the shooter, which is the standard setup for most drills at 100 yards or greater. The angled position tilts the plate so bullet splash deflects downward rather than back toward the shooter. That downward deflection is what allows closer engagement at 75 yards with .308 Win while keeping splash patterns safe. The angled position is also useful on ranges where overhead berms or other shooters require tighter splash control.

What calibers is this system rated for?
Centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum and centerfire rifles up to .300 Win Mag. In the vertical position, 100 yards is the standard rifle minimum. In the angled position, .308 Win can be used as close as 75 yards. For muzzle velocities above 3,000 fps, 200 yards is the minimum regardless of position.

Why 1/2" AR500 for the plate and 1/4" AR400 for the base?
The 1/2" AR500 plate handles direct bullet impacts from pistol through magnum rifle cartridges without cratering. The 1/4" AR400 base handles the structural load of supporting the plate and absorbing the mechanical stress of repeated use. AR400 is well suited for structural components where toughness matters more than surface hardness, keeping the overall system lighter without sacrificing durability where it counts.

Can I stake the base to the ground?
Yes. The 20" legs include stake holes for pinning the base to soft or uneven terrain. Stakes are not included but are available at any hardware or farm supply store.

Does it ship painted?
No. The target and base ship as bare steel so you can apply your preferred color. White and bright orange provide the best downrange visibility.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. Our targets are manufactured in the United States.

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 from high-volume or high-impact use 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
• Targets 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. Use targets per the safety guidelines on our website and in the included instruction sheet. Need a copy? Email us.

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