3/8" AR500 28" Static Pepper Popper

The Static Pepper Popper brings the standard IPSC/USPSA pepper popper silhouette to a spring-loaded base that stays put when you shoot it. Two high-strength die springs absorb impact energy on every hit, keeping the target upright and stable while delivering the sharp metallic ring that confirms your hit instantly. No electronics, no batteries, no walking downrange. Paint it, set it up and start running drills.

The pepper popper silhouette is the most recognized shape in competitive shooting for good reason. It presents a realistic hit zone, rewards accurate shot placement and gives you an immediate go/no-go read on your performance. The 3/8" AR500 steel plate handles centerfire handguns and rifles up to .223/5.56 and is CNC-cut for a clean edge and consistent hardness across the entire face. The 1/4" AR400 hardened steel base keeps the system light enough to transport and set up solo while the die springs protect the mounting hardware from the cumulative stress of high round counts. All mounting hardware is included and the target ships ready to assemble.

Rated for centerfire handguns and centerfire rifles up to .223/5.56. Target ships unpainted. Shipping applies to the lower 48 United States. For inquiries outside the lower 48, contact us at customerservice@shootsteel.com.

What's Included

• (1) IPSC/USPSA pepper popper silhouette target, 3/8" AR500 steel, CNC-cut
• (1) 1/4" AR400 hardened steel base with two high-strength die springs
• All mounting hardware included, ships ready to assemble
• Not included: Paint

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
• Maximum rated caliber: .308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor

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

FAQs

What is a pepper popper target and why use one?
A pepper popper is the standard silhouette used in IPSC, USPSA and 3-Gun competition. The shape presents a realistic humanoid profile with a defined hit zone that rewards accurate shot placement. Training on the same silhouette used in competition means your range reps translate directly to match performance. The Static Pepper Popper gives you that competition-standard shape with a spring-loaded base that keeps the target standing through continuous fire.

How is this different from the Static Classic Popper?
Both targets use the same 3/8" AR500 plate and 1/4" AR400 spring-loaded base. The difference is the target shape. The Classic Popper uses a round plate. The Pepper Popper uses the standard IPSC/USPSA pepper popper silhouette, making it the better choice for competitors and anyone training to competition standards.

Does this target move when hit?
No. The die springs absorb impact energy and keep the target in its upright position on every hit. This is a static target, not an auto-reset popper that flips rearward. You get the audible ring of a steel hit and a stable target that stays in place through continuous shooting.

Why use a spring-loaded base instead of a rigid mount?
A rigid mount transfers all impact force directly into the hardware on every shot. Over thousands of rounds that stresses welds, bolts and the base. The two die springs in this base absorb and dissipate that energy on each hit, protecting the mounting hardware and extending the service life of the entire system significantly.

What calibers is this target rated for?
Centerfire handguns including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, and centerfire rifles up to .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor at the distances listed above. For higher-powered rifle cartridges, see our 1/2" AR500 target options.

What is the difference between AR500 and AR400 steel?
AR500 is harder than AR400 and is used for the target face where rounds impact directly. AR400 is used for the base, where the primary demand is structural toughness rather than surface hardness. This combination gives you a face that resists pitting and a base that handles the mechanical stress of repeated loading without adding unnecessary weight.

Does it ship painted?
No. The target ships 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@shopsteel.com with your order number and photos.