Spring-Popper 14.5" Prairie Dog

The AR500 Prairie Dog Steel Target is a self-resetting auto popper designed for rifle training and competition practice. Strike the 14.5" prairie dog silhouette and a heavy-duty spring resets it automatically, no walking downrange, no manual reset between shots. The distinctive silhouette shape makes it a popular choice for varmint-style drills, informal competitions and shooters who want something more engaging than a round or square plate.

The target, base and legs are all constructed from AR500 hardened steel, including the base. That distinction matters. Many competing auto poppers use mild steel bases that bullet splash erodes quickly. Every component on this system is held to the same hardness standard as the face plate, so your base lasts as long as your target. Pre-drilled holes in the base accept the included legs, raising the target a full 6" off the ground. Those same holes double as staking points if you prefer to anchor the base directly to the ground without legs.

Rated for rifles up to 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout at 100 yards. Maximum rated impact energy is 1,500 ft-lbs. This target is engineered for rifle use. Due to the base geometry, handgun use is not recommended as bullet splash can redirect toward the shooter. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide.

Target, base and legs ship unpainted. Shipping applies to the lower 48 United States. For inquiries outside the lower 48, contact us at customerservice@shootsteel.com.

What's Included

• (1) 14.5" Prairie Dog silhouette target, AR500 hardened steel
• (1) AR500 hardened steel base
• (1) Leg set, raises target 6" off the ground
• Not included: Paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Maximum rated impact energy: 1,500 ft-lbs
• Handgun use is not recommended. Base geometry can direct bullet splash back toward the shooter.

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

FAQs

What makes the Prairie Dog different from other auto popper targets?
The Prairie Dog uses a realistic varmint silhouette instead of a standard geometric shape, which adds a visual challenge element to drills and informal competitions. The system uses the same AR500 hardened steel construction throughout, including the base, setting it apart from cheaper poppers that cut corners on base material.

Why is handgun use not recommended?
The base geometry on a popper-style target can redirect bullet splash back toward the shooter at handgun distances. This target is engineered for rifle use at 100 yards or greater, where splash energy and angle are within safe parameters.

What calibers is this target rated for?
Rifles up to 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout at 100 yards minimum. For muzzle velocities above 3,000 fps, increase your distance to at least 200 yards. Maximum rated impact energy is 1,500 ft-lbs.

How does the auto-reset mechanism work?
A heavy-duty spring connects the target face to the base. A solid hit flips the target rearward and the spring returns it to the upright position automatically. No downrange trips, no tools, no interruption to your drill.

Can I stake the base instead of using the legs?
Yes. The pre-drilled holes used to attach the legs also serve as staking points. Drive stakes through those holes to anchor the base directly to the ground for a lower profile setup or more stable footing on soft terrain.

Why does the base material matter?
Bullet splash hits the base on every shot. Mild steel bases, which some competitors use, degrade quickly under that repeated impact. The AR500 hardened steel base on this target resists splash erosion at the same level as the face plate, so the entire system holds up under high-volume fire.

Does it ship painted?
No. The target, base and legs ship as bare steel. White and bright orange provide the best downrange visibility.

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.