The Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Steel Target and T-Post Hanger System pairs a 12"x20" AR550 silhouette plate with a patented T-Post Hanger that drops onto any standard steel T-post in seconds. No bases, no tools, no fuss. AR550 is harder than AR500 and specifically built to resist pitting from high-velocity rifle rounds including .223/5.56 and fast hunting loads, which means flatter surfaces, safer splatter and longer service life compared to standard AR500 at equivalent distances. Each plate is CNC laser-cut to control the heat-affected zone and keep edges true across the full face of the plate. At 28 lb the 12"x20" plate strikes the right balance of portability and durability for frequent range use. Manufactured in the United States from Swedish AR550 steel.
What's Included
- (1) 12"x20" silhouette target, 1/2" AR550, CNC laser-cut, 28 lb
- (1) T-Post Hanger, patented design
- Required, not included: T-post
- Not included: T-Post Stand, Paint
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
- 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 targets before every session and replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health. No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition.
FAQs
Why AR550 over AR500?
AR550 is harder than AR500, which makes it significantly more resistant to pitting from fast rifle rounds. This is especially relevant with .223/5.56 and other high-velocity loads that can pit softer steel grades more quickly at closer distances. The 1/2" thickness further improves durability for sustained rifle use and extends the service life of the plate.
Will this work with my existing T-posts?
Yes. The patented hanger is designed for standard steel T-posts available at farm, ranch and hardware stores. Post profiles can vary slightly by brand, so bring the hanger with you to confirm fit before purchasing posts. T-post not included.
What calibers is this target rated for?
All centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum and centerfire rifle cartridges up to .308 Win at 100 yards minimum. For rifles above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity, increase to 200 yards minimum and monitor the plate for pitting after each session.
How does the T-Post Hanger system work?
The patented hanger slides directly onto a standard steel T-post already in the ground. No tools, no stands and no chain required. Fix the hanger to the target, drop it onto the post and you are ready to shoot. It is one of the fastest target setups in the ShootSteel lineup.
Why CNC laser-cut instead of plasma-cut?
CNC laser-cutting controls the heat-affected zone more precisely than plasma cutting, preserving hardness at the plate edge. The result is a cleaner perimeter, longer plate life and more predictable splatter behavior on impact.
Does this target ship painted?
No. All ShootSteel targets ship unpainted. White and bright orange offer the best contrast downrange for tracking hits.
Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. This target is manufactured in the United States from premium Swedish AR550 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 ShootSteel safety and distance guidelines, including:
- No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition
- Minimum recommended distances observed at all times
- Target 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. Need a copy of our safety guidelines? Email us.
To start a warranty claim, contact customerservice@shootsteel.com with your order number and photos.
- Built for .308 rifles and magnum pistols.
- ½" AR550 (premium Swedish steel), CNC laser-cut for minimal heat-affected zone and smooth edges.
- Includes our T-Post Hanger for fast setup on standard steel T-posts (T-post not included).
- Target size: 12" x 20" IPSC-style silhouette.
- Designed for high-volume training.
- Made in the USA.