12" 50 BMG Steel Target | 3/4" AR500 Big Bore Gong

The 12" 3/4" AR500 50 BMG Steel Target is the full-size version of our big-bore gong, built for shooters who need a larger strike zone at the extended distances that 50 BMG and comparable cartridges demand. Three quarters of an inch of AR500 steel is what it takes to handle the impact energy of 50 BMG, .416 Barrett and .408 CheyTac without cratering, and the 12" face gives you a visible, satisfying target at ranges where smaller gongs disappear in the scope. Ranked the number one AR500 steel target by LynxDefense.

The gong profile keeps the chain and 5/8" mounting hardware behind the target face and out of the direct splash path, which protects them from repeated impact energy at these distances and dramatically extends hardware life between replacements. Use standard lead-core, copper-jacketed or brass solid ammunition only. Armor-piercing, API and steel-core rounds are not rated for this target at any distance. Ships unpainted. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide.

What's Included

• (1) 12" gong target, 3/4" AR500, accepts 5/8" mounting bolts
• Not included: Chain, mounting hardware, paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances by cartridge:

• 50 BMG ball and brass solids: 300 yards minimum
• 50 BMG AP and API: Not rated
• .416 and .408 lead-core: 300 yards minimum
• .416 and .408 brass solids: 400 yards minimum
• Increase distance based on your specific load and barrel length

Always use quality eye and ear protection. Ensure a proper backstop is in place behind the target. Remove all unnecessary objects from in front of, behind and to the sides of the target before shooting. Inspect the target and all mounting hardware before every session. Replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health.

FAQs

Why 12" instead of 6" for 50 BMG use?
At the minimum engagement distances for 50 BMG, 300 yards and beyond, a 6" gong requires a precise zero and clean fundamentals to hit consistently. The 12" face gives you a larger aiming reference that is practical for first-round hits at distance during zeroing, load development and sustained fire drills. It is also significantly more visible at those ranges without optics adjustments between shots.

What calibers is this target rated for?
50 BMG ball and brass solids at 300 yards minimum, .416 and .408 lead-core at 300 yards minimum, and .416 and .408 brass solids at 400 yards minimum. AP and API rounds are not rated at any distance. Always verify safe distances based on your specific load and barrel length, as muzzle velocity varies with barrel length and can affect safe engagement distance.

Why does the gong design protect the chain and hardware?
At 50 BMG distances, splash from a direct hit still carries meaningful energy when it contacts hardware in or near the impact zone. Chains and quick links mounted in front of the plate on a standard hanging setup take repeated hits and fatigue quickly under big-bore fire. The gong profile keeps all hardware behind the face and clear of direct splash, extending the service life of your mounting setup and reducing unplanned downtime.

Why is AR500 steel required for this target rather than AR400?
AR500 is harder than AR400, which means it resists deformation and penetration better under the extreme point impact of big-bore projectiles. AR400 is well suited for structural components like stands and bases where toughness under bending and mechanical stress matters. The target face, which takes direct bullet impacts from 50 BMG and comparable cartridges, requires AR500 hardness to remain intact at the rated distances.

Can I use this target for smaller calibers?
Yes. The 3/4" AR500 plate handles any cartridge rated for thinner AR500 targets within their standard minimum distances. The additional thickness simply means this plate will outlast lighter-spec targets under the same fire and is rated for cartridges that thinner plates cannot safely handle.

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 at extended distances.

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.