12"x20" 50 BMG Steel Target | 3/4" AR500 Big Bore Gong

The 12"x20" 3/4" AR500 50 BMG Steel Target is the largest plate in the ShootSteel big-bore lineup, built for shooters who need maximum strike zone visibility at the extended distances that 50 BMG and comparable cartridges demand. The rectangular 12"x20" profile gives you a generous target face that stays visible at 300 yards and beyond without scope adjustments between shots, while the 3/4" AR500 construction handles the extreme impact energy of 50 BMG, .416 Barrett and .408 CheyTac that no thinner plate can safely absorb. Ranked the number one AR500 steel target by LynxDefense.

The gong design positions the chain and 5/8" mounting hardware behind the target face and out of the direct splash path, protecting connection points from repeated impact energy at these distances and reducing unplanned downtime for hardware replacements. This target is compatible with the Complete 60" HD Gong Stand when using BMG mounting hardware. Use of unapproved stands or engagement distances shorter than recommended is hazardous and will damage the target. Ships unpainted. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide.

What's Included

• (1) 12"x20" gong target, 3/4" AR500, accepts 5/8" mounting bolts
• Not included: Chain, mounting hardware, stand, 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

Do not use AP, API or steel-core ammunition at any distance. Large-caliber rounds generate significant bullet splash that can damage nearby objects and pose serious safety risks. Remove all unnecessary objects from in front of, behind and to the sides of the target before shooting. Ensure a proper backstop is in place. Always use quality eye and ear protection. 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

What makes the 12"x20" profile different from the round gong options?
The rectangular profile presents a taller vertical strike zone than a round gong of comparable width, which makes it useful for elevation adjustment drills and for shooters who prefer a silhouette-style aiming reference at long range. At 300 yards and beyond, the additional height and width of the 12"x20" face also makes target acquisition faster between shots than a smaller round gong, which matters during sustained fire and load development sessions.

What stand is compatible with this target?
This target is only compatible with the Complete 60" HD Gong Stand when using BMG mounting hardware. Use of unapproved stands at these cartridge energy levels is hazardous and will damage the target. Do not attempt to hang this target from conduit stands or lighter-duty hardware designed for standard rifle gongs.

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.

Why are the minimum distances so much greater than standard rifle targets?
50 BMG and comparable cartridges carry impact energy that is an order of magnitude greater than standard rifle cartridges. Even at 300 yards, the bullet splash from a direct hit carries enough residual energy to cause serious injury or damage equipment at close range. The minimum distances are set to reduce splash energy to a safe level, not to protect the target from damage at closer range.

Why does the gong design protect the chain and hardware?
At 50 BMG distances, splash from a direct hit still carries significant energy when it reaches hardware near the impact zone. The gong profile keeps all mounting hardware behind the face and clear of direct splash, extending hardware service life and reducing the frequency of chain and bolt replacements under sustained big-bore fire.

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.