3/8" Steel Target 16" x 8" Static Popper

The 3/8" AR500 Spring Popper is a 16" x 8" steel popper target built for high-volume pistol training and short-action rifle use that sets up in seconds and goes anywhere. Drive the stab-in base into the ground, drop the target on and start shooting. High-strength springs between the target and base absorb impact energy on every hit, keeping the plate upright and protecting the hardware from the cumulative stress of thousands of rounds. Each hit produces a sharp, satisfying ring that confirms your shot from any distance.

The target is CNC laser-cut from 3/8" AR500 steel to minimize the heat-affected zone and preserve hardness all the way to the edge of the plate. That edge quality is what separates laser-cut targets from cheaper plasma-cut alternatives, which introduce more heat, soften the perimeter and wear faster under repeated impact. Mounting holes are pre-cut to accept 1/2" hardware and grade 5 fasteners are included. Rated for all pistol cartridges and short-action rifles up to .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor at appropriate distances. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide.

What's Included

• (1) 16" x 8" popper target, 3/8" AR500, CNC laser-cut
• (1) Stab-in base with high-strength springs
• Grade 5 1/2" mounting hardware
• 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 shoot perpendicular to the target face

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

How does the stab-in base work?
The base is a ground stake that drives directly into the soil. No tools, no hardware, no flat surface required. Push it in, attach the target and you are ready to shoot. The entire system sets up in seconds, which makes it one of the most portable and field-ready popper targets in the ShootSteel lineup. Note that this base requires soft enough ground to accept a stake. Hard-packed dirt, gravel or concrete surfaces are not compatible.

What do the springs between the target and base do?
The springs absorb the impact energy transferred to the base on every hit. Without them, that energy goes directly into the stake hardware and the ground connection, stressing both over time. The springs protect the mounting hardware, extend the service life of the base and keep the target standing upright through continuous fire. The slight movement the springs allow on impact also produces a more pronounced audible ring than a rigidly mounted plate.

What calibers is this target rated for?
All pistol cartridges at 10 yards minimum and short-action rifles up to .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor at 100 yards minimum. For muzzle velocities above 3,000 fps, increase your distance to protect the plate surface. For higher-powered rifle cartridges, see our 1/2" AR500 and AR550 target options.

Why CNC laser-cut instead of plasma cut?
Laser-cutting tightly controls the heat-affected zone at the cut edge, preserving the steel's hardness all the way to the perimeter. Plasma cutting introduces significantly more heat, which softens the edge and reduces plate life under repeated impact. The difference is most visible over time as plasma-cut targets wear faster at the edges while laser-cut plates hold their hardness and shape through high round counts.

Why grade 5 hardware?
Grade 5 fasteners are the minimum recommended spec for steel target mounting because they handle the repeated shock loading of impact energy without stretching or shearing. Lower-grade hardware can fail under sustained fire, which is a safety risk. Grade 5 bolts are included so the target is ready to assemble correctly out of the box.

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@shootsteel.com with your order number and photos.