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

The 2x4 Steel Protector Plate mounts directly to the face of a standard wood 2x4 to protect your target stand from damaging low hits. The 3.5"x20" plate is made from domestic 3/8" AR500 steel and takes the impacts that would otherwise split, weaken or break the wood upright. It is rated for centerfire handguns and rifle cartridges through .308 Win at the specified minimum shooting distances. Made in the USA.

The protector includes 1/2" carriage bolts, washers and nuts for mounting to your 2x4. Installation requires drilling the mounting holes with a 9/16" drill bit. The plate ships unpainted and the wood 2x4 is not included. Watch the 2x4 Steel Protector Plate in action. Not sure which target thickness is right for your cartridge? Check the Shoot Steel Cartridge Guide.

What's Included

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

Assembly

Position the protector plate on the face of the wood 2x4 and mark the mounting locations. Drill the required holes using a 9/16" drill bit, then secure the plate with the included 1/2" carriage bolts, washers and nuts. Verify that the plate is firmly mounted before shooting.

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Centerfire rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum
• Centerfire rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum
• Maximum rated cartridge: .308 Win at 100 yards minimum
• Increase distance any time you observe pitting on the protector plate

Always shoot perpendicular to the target and protector face. Use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the protector plate, mounting hardware and 2x4 before every session. Replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition.

FAQs

What does the 2x4 Steel Protector Plate do?
It shields the face of a wood 2x4 from low shots that could otherwise split, weaken or break the upright, helping reduce damaged lumber and range downtime.

What size is the protector plate?
The plate measures 3.5"x20" and is made from domestic 3/8" AR500 steel.

What calibers is the protector rated for?
The plate is rated for centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum and centerfire rifle cartridges through .308 Win at 100 yards minimum. Rifles above 3,000 fps require at least 200 yards.

What mounting hardware is included?
The protector includes 1/2" carriage bolts, washers and nuts. A 9/16" drill bit and wood 2x4 are required but not included.

Does the plate fit a standard 2x4?
Yes. The 3.5"-wide protector is designed to mount directly to the face of a standard wood 2x4 upright.

Does the protector ship painted?
No. The AR500 protector plate ships unpainted.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. This product 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 Shoot Steel safety and distance guidelines, including:

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

Shoot Steel 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.