3/8" AR500 Steel Target, T-Post Hanger & T-Post Protector System | 12" x 20" Silhouette

The 3/8" AR500 Steel Target, T-Post Hanger and T-Post Protector System is a complete range-ready package built for shooters who want fast setup and long-term value from their T-post investment. The 12" x 20" silhouette hangs from our patented T-post hanger in seconds with no tools, and a 20" T-Post Protector shields the post face from low hits that would otherwise cut through the steel and force an early replacement. The protector is three pieces of 3/8" AR500 that attach directly to the post face and take the abuse so the post does not have to.

The 12" x 20" plate weighs 21 lbs and the protector adds 5 lbs, a manageable total for solo setup and takedown while delivering the durability needed for high-volume pistol and short-action rifle training. Every plate and protector is CNC laser-cut to minimize the heat-affected zone, preserve edge hardness and produce a flat strike face that keeps splatter predictable and the ring on impact clean. The zinc-plated hanger resists corrosion for year-round outdoor use. Keep a few extra hangers on hand and you can swap target sizes in seconds without tools. Manufactured in the United States.

This system is rated for pistols and short-action rifles up to 6.8 SPC and .30-30 at 100 yards when used with our heavy-duty springs. For faster rifle rounds or long-action magnums, step up to our 1/2" AR550 system for maximum longevity. 

What's Included

• (1) 12" x 20" silhouette target, 3/8" AR500, CNC laser-cut
• (1) T-Post Hanger, patented design
• (1) 20" T-Post Protector, 3/8" AR500, three-piece
• Not included: T-post, 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
• Centerfire rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Always shoot perpendicular to the target face. Maintain a fresh coat of paint and replace damaged posts immediately.

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

FAQs

What does the T-Post Protector actually do?
Every time a shot hits low on the target or misses the plate entirely, the T-post itself takes the hit. Unprotected T-posts get notched, weakened and eventually cut through by repeated bullet splash. The 20" T-Post Protector attaches to the face of the post and absorbs those low hits with three pieces of 3/8" AR500 steel. The post stays intact, your setup stays safe and you replace a protector plate instead of hunting for a new T-post mid-session.

Why 3/8" AR500 instead of a thicker plate?
3/8" AR500 is the right balance of durability and weight for pistol and short-action rifle use at appropriate distances. The 21 lb. plate is manageable for one person to set up and take down repeatedly without fatigue. For higher-velocity rifle rounds or long-action magnums, our 1/2" AR550 system is the better choice.

Will this hanger fit my existing T-posts?
In most cases, yes. The patented hanger is designed for standard steel T-posts available at farm, ranch and hardware stores. Because post profiles vary slightly by brand, bring the hanger to the store to confirm fit before purchasing posts. T-post not included.

What calibers is this system rated for?
Centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum and short-action rifles up to 6.8 SPC and .30-30 at 100 yards minimum when used with heavy-duty springs. For muzzle velocities above 3,000 fps, increase distance to 200 yards minimum.

Is 3/8" AR500 enough for faster rifle rounds?
For rifles above 2,800 fps or long-action magnums like .300 Win Mag, step up to our 1/2" AR550 system. The harder, thicker plate resists pitting from high-velocity rounds and extends service life significantly at those energy levels.

How is laser-cutting better than plasma cutting?
CNC laser-cutting tightly controls the heat-affected zone at the cut edge, preserving steel hardness all the way to the perimeter of the plate. Plasma cutting introduces more heat, which can soften the edge and reduce plate life. The result is a cleaner cut, a truer strike face and longer-lasting targets.

Does it ship painted?
No. The target and protector ship 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 using premium 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 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.