2x4 Steel Protector Plate | 3/8" AR500 | Extends Wood Post Life

Low hits on a wood 2x4 upright end your session. The Steel Protector Plate ends that problem. The 3.5"x20" plate mounts directly to the face of a standard 2x4 and absorbs the direct hits that would otherwise split or weaken the wood, extending the life of your stand and keeping you shooting instead of replacing lumber. Rated for pistol and rifle cartridges up to .308 Win at 100 yards. Want to see it in action? Watch the video here.

The plate is 3/8" AR500 steel and ships with all mounting hardware including 1/2" carriage bolts, washers and nuts. A 9/16" drill bit is required to install the mounting holes in your 2x4. The plate will last as long as any 3/8" AR500 target in your setup. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide. Ships unpainted. Wood 2x4 not included. Manufactured in the United States.

What's Included

• (1) 3.5"x20" protector plate, 3/8" AR500
• 1/2" carriage bolts, washers and nuts
• Required, not included: 9/16" drill bit, wood 2x4

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Centerfire rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Centerfire rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum
• Maximum rated cartridge: .308 Win at 100 yards minimum

Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the plate and hardware before every session. Replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting.

FAQs

What problem does this plate solve?
A wood 2x4 upright takes only a few direct hits from handgun or rifle rounds before it splits, weakens or fails entirely. On busy ranges and during high-volume training sessions, replacing wood posts is a recurring cost and source of downtime. The Steel Protector Plate mounts to the face of the 2x4 and absorbs those hits instead, leaving the wood intact and your stand in service. It lasts as long as the 3/8" AR500 target plates it protects alongside.

Does installation require special tools?
The only tool required beyond standard hardware is a 9/16" drill bit to bore the mounting holes in your 2x4. All other hardware is included. The 1/2" carriage bolts, washers and nuts clamp the plate securely to the face of the 2x4 without welding or permanent modification.

What calibers is this plate rated for?
The 3/8" AR500 plate is rated for common centerfire handgun cartridges at 10 yards minimum and centerfire rifle cartridges up to .308 Win at 100 yards minimum. For muzzle velocities above 3,000 fps, maintain a minimum distance of 200 yards.

Does it ship painted?
No. The plate ships as bare AR500 steel. You can apply paint if desired, though bare AR500 does not require a finish to function correctly.

Is the 2x4 included?
No. The plate ships without a wood 2x4. Standard construction-grade 2x4 lumber is available at any hardware or home improvement store.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. Our protector plates 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 plate degradation from high-volume or high-impact use are not covered

To qualify for warranty coverage, products 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
• Products 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.