Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Short Range Rifle Target | 12"x20"

Most steel targets are built for distance. The Hardox AR550 Short Range Rifle Target is built for 50 yards. The 12"x20" 1/2" AR550 plate mounts at a fixed 40-degree forward angle that deflects bullet energy downward, allowing safe rifle engagement at distances where standard flat-mounted steel creates unacceptable splash risk. It is the purpose-built solution for law enforcement, military and professional range environments that need to run rifle drills at close range without compromising safety or burning through plates.

Every component is CNC laser-cut from premium Swedish Hardox AR550 steel to preserve hardness through the cut edge and control the heat-affected zone. AR550 is harder than AR500, which means it resists pitting and maintains a smooth face longer under sustained high-velocity rifle fire at short range. The all-steel base and upright assembly eliminate wood posts, bolts and traditional target mounting hardware entirely. Initial assembly requires two 3/4" wrenches. After that, setup and takedown are tool-free. The wide, low-profile stance holds position on uneven ground without staking or ballasting. Manufactured in the United States under U.S. Patent No. 10,001,350.

What's Included

• (1) 12"x20" target plate, 1/2" AR550 Hardox, CNC laser-cut
• (1) All-steel base with fixed 40-degree angled mount
• (1) Upright assembly, 3/8" AR500
• (1) Hardware kit
• Not included: Paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire rifle up to .308 Win: 50 yards minimum
• Increase distance if pitting or cratering is observed
• Always maintain the 40-degree forward angle for safe splash deflection
• Lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition only
• Pistols: not recommended for this target

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

FAQs

How does the 40-degree forward angle allow rifle use at 50 yards?
A flat-mounted steel plate at short range sends bullet splash back toward the shooter at dangerous energy levels. The 40-degree forward tilt redirects that energy downward into the ground in front of the target rather than back toward the firing line. This controlled deflection is what makes 50-yard rifle engagement safe and is why the angle is fixed rather than adjustable. Never shoot this target with the plate in a vertical or rearward position.

Why AR550 instead of AR500 for this target?
At 50 yards, bullet impact velocity is significantly higher than at 100 yards or beyond. AR550 is harder than AR500, which means it resists surface deformation better under the higher impact energy of short-range rifle fire. The result is a plate that maintains a smooth face longer, pits more slowly and stays in service through higher round counts before requiring replacement.

Can I use pistols on this target?
No. This target is designed and optimized for rifle training at 50 yards and beyond. For handgun-specific steel targets, see our static and spring-loaded pistol target options.

Does assembly require tools?
Initial assembly requires two 3/4" wrenches to set up the base and upright. Once assembled, regular setup and takedown are tool-free. The system locks together without bolts at the field level, which means no hardware to lose between sessions.

Why does this system eliminate wood posts and bolts?
Traditional target stands rely on wood posts, bolts and mounting hardware that absorb impacts, loosen over time and eventually fail under sustained rifle fire. This system replaces all of that with an all-steel frame where the plate drops directly into a fixed-angle mount. There are no weak points to replace, no wood to split and no bolts to check between sessions. The result is a cleaner ring on impact, less maintenance and a more consistent setup from one range trip to the next.

How is CNC laser-cutting better than plasma cutting?
Laser-cutting controls the heat-affected zone at the cut edge, preserving AR550 hardness all the way to the perimeter of the plate. Plasma cutting introduces more heat, softening the edge and reducing plate life under repeated impact. On a short-range rifle target that takes high-velocity hits across the full face, that edge hardness directly affects how long the plate lasts.

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 contrast.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. This product is manufactured in the United States using premium Swedish AR550 Hardox 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.