3/8" AR500 42" Pepper Popper with Base

The 3/8" AR500 42" Pepper Popper with Base is a full-size fall-down steel target built to USPSA Popper Target dimensions. The CNC laser-cut domestic 3/8" AR500 plate stands 42" tall with a 12" diameter scoring circle and mounts to a 9.25"x32" zinc-plated steel base. A solid hit drops the target for clear visual and audible feedback, making it well suited for competition practice, law enforcement training and other practical shooting drills. Made in the USA.

The base includes four 1/2" stake holes for securing the system and a bottom adjustment bolt for tuning target sensitivity and resistance. Pre-drilled eye bolt holes also allow the popper to be incorporated into linked activation sequences as a swinger trigger. The eye bolt and stakes are not included. The target plate ships unpainted and all mounting hardware is included. Not sure which target thickness is right for your cartridge? Check the Shoot Steel Cartridge Guide.

What's Included

• (1) 42" USPSA Pepper Popper silhouette, CNC laser-cut from domestic 3/8" AR500 steel
• 12" diameter scoring circle
• (1) 9.25"x32" zinc-plated steel base
• Bottom adjustment bolt
• All mounting hardware
• Not included: Stakes or eye bolt
• Not included: Paint

Assembly

Attach the 42" target to the zinc-plated base using the included mounting hardware. The base includes four 1/2" stake holes for securing the system to suitable terrain. Use the bottom adjustment bolt to set the desired target sensitivity and resistance. If using the popper as a swinger trigger, install the appropriate eye bolt and activation hardware separately.

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
• Maximum rated cartridges: .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor
• Increase distance any time you observe pitting on the target face

Always shoot perpendicular to the target face. Use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the target, base, adjustment hardware and mounting components before every session. Replace any component that shows cratering, severe pitting or structural damage. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health. No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition.

FAQs

Is this target built to USPSA dimensions?
Yes. The target is built to full-size USPSA Popper Target specifications with a 42" overall height and 12" diameter scoring circle. You can review the USPSA Competition Rules for current competition requirements.

How does the target reset?
This is a manual fall-down target. A solid hit drops the popper flat. Once the range is safe, walk downrange and tip it upright for the next run. For targets that do not require a manual reset, see the Shoot Steel reactive target selection.

What does the adjustment bolt do?
The bottom adjustment bolt allows you to tune the target's sensitivity and resistance to impact for different training setups and conditions.

Can this popper be used as a swinger trigger?
Yes. The target includes pre-drilled eye bolt holes so it can be incorporated into linked target activation sequences. The required eye bolt is not included.

What calibers is this target rated for?
The target is rated for centerfire handguns and centerfire rifles through .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor when used at the proper minimum shooting distances.

How is this different from the 28" Pepper Popper?
The 42" model is the full-size USPSA Popper Target with a 12" scoring circle and 32" base. The 28" version uses the smaller USPSA Mini Popper profile for ranges or target arrays where a more compact target is preferred.

Does this target ship painted?
No. Shoot Steel targets ship unpainted. White target paint provides strong contrast downrange for tracking hits.

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.