The Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Short Range Rifle Target | 12"x20" is purpose-built for rifle training at distances where traditional flat-mounted steel is not appropriate. The 12"x20" target plate is made from 1/2" Swedish Hardox® AR550 steel and mounts at a fixed 40-degree forward angle to direct bullet splash and energy toward the ground. The system is rated for centerfire rifles through .308 Win at a minimum distance of 50 yards and is well suited for law enforcement, military, professional training and range use.
The system replaces wood uprights and traditional target hanging hardware with an all-steel base and upright assembly. The included upright is made from 3/8" AR500 steel, while the target plate is CNC laser-cut from 1/2" Hardox® AR550. Initial assembly requires two 3/4" wrenches. After the system is assembled, routine setup and takedown are tool-free. The complete Shoot Steel target system is manufactured in the United States using Swedish-made Hardox® AR550 steel and is covered by U.S. Patent No. 10,001,350.
What's Included
- (1) 12"x20" target plate, 1/2" Swedish Hardox® AR550 steel
- (1) All-steel base with fixed 40-degree angled target mount
- (1) Upright assembly, 3/8" AR500 steel
- (1) Hardware kit
- Weight: 63 lb
- Not included: Paint
Assembly
Initial assembly requires two 3/4" wrenches to assemble the base and upright. Once assembled, regular setup and takedown are tool-free. Always install the target in its fixed 40-degree forward position before shooting. Do not use the plate vertically or angled back toward the firing line.
Safety and Usage
Minimum shooting distance and ammunition requirements:
- Centerfire rifle through .308 Win: 50 yards minimum
- Lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition only
- Pistols are not recommended for this target
- Always maintain the fixed 40-degree forward target angle
- Increase distance any time you observe pitting or cratering
The 40-degree forward target angle is a critical part of the Short Range Rifle Target system and must be maintained during use. Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the target plate, upright, base and hardware before every session. 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
How close can I shoot this target with a rifle?
The Short Range Rifle Target is rated for centerfire rifles through .308 Win at a minimum distance of 50 yards when used with lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition and the target plate maintained at its fixed 40-degree forward angle.
Why is the target mounted at a 40-degree angle?
The fixed forward angle directs bullet splash and impact debris toward the ground instead of back toward the firing line. This mounting angle is a required part of the system and should never be changed to a vertical or rearward position.
Why use Hardox® AR550 for the target plate?
Hardox® AR550 is harder than AR500 and provides increased resistance to pitting and surface deformation from high-velocity rifle impacts, which is especially important for a target designed around shorter rifle distances.
Can I use a handgun on this target?
Pistols are not recommended. This system is specifically designed for short-range rifle training.
Does setup require tools?
Initial assembly requires two 3/4" wrenches. Once the base and upright are assembled, normal range setup and takedown are tool-free.
Does the target need to be staked down?
The supplied design uses a wide, low-profile all-steel base intended to remain stable without staking or ballast. Always verify that the system is stable on the terrain before shooting.
Does this target ship painted?
No. Shoot Steel targets ship unpainted. White target paint and bright orange target paint provide strong downrange contrast and make it easier to track impacts.
Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. This product is manufactured in the United States using Swedish-made Hardox® 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 Shoot Steel safety and distance guidelines, including:
- No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition
- Minimum recommended distances observed at all times
- Target mounted to Shoot Steel specifications
Shoot Steel 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 high-volume rifle training at 50 yards and beyond.
- Compatible with .223, 5.56, 7.62x39, and .308 calibers. Super-sonic rounds ONLY.
- ½" AR550 (premium Swedish steel), CNC laser-cut for minimal heat-affected zone and smooth edges.
- Includes 12" x 20" target and an all-steel base.
- Impact plate sits at a fixed 40° angle to deflect splatter and reduce pitting.
- Made in the USA.