1/2" XL AR500 Steel Gong Target | 24"x24" or 22"x30" | Long Range Rifle Target

When distance increases and targets need to be visible from hundreds of yards away, small gongs stop making sense. The XL AR500 Gong Target is available in two sizes, 24"x24" and 22"x30", giving you a massive strike face that delivers both the visual feedback and the loud ring that makes long-range practice genuinely satisfying. At approximately 91 lbs. of 1/2" AR500 steel, these plates are built to absorb thousands of impacts from serious rifle cartridges without losing integrity.

Every XL gong is CNC laser-cut to minimize the heat-affected zone and preserve hardness all the way to the edge. That edge quality matters on a target this size because it sees hits across the entire face, not just the center. A plasma-cut edge softens and degrades faster under repeated impact at distance. The laser-cut edge holds its hardness session after session. Rated for all handgun cartridges and rifle cartridges up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum using standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition.

Due to their size and weight, these gongs require a solid stand. We recommend hanging with Grade 100 15" steel chain on either a 2x4 A-frame or a conduit gong stand. For conduit setups, a 2" EMT crossmember with 1.25" EMT legs handles the weight and holds up under repeated rifle impacts better than lighter conduit. Complete setup options include our 2x4 gong stand brackets and 2" EMT Gong Stand Kit.

What's Included

• (1) XL gong target in your choice of size: 24"x24" or 22"x30", 1/2" AR500, CNC laser-cut
• Not included: Chain, stand, mounting hardware, paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Centerfire rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Centerfire rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Maximum rated cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum
• Standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition only

Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the gong 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 is the difference between the 24"x24" and 22"x30" options?
Both are 1/2" AR500 and weigh approximately 91 lbs. The 24"x24" presents a square strike zone that is equally wide and tall, which suits shooters who want a symmetrical target at distance. The 22"x30" presents a taller vertical profile, which more closely resembles a silhouette target and gives you a larger vertical strike zone for elevation adjustment drills at long range.

What calibers are these targets rated for?
All centerfire handgun cartridges at 10 yards minimum and centerfire rifles up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum using standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition. For rifle cartridges at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity, 100 yards is the minimum distance. Increase distance if pitting is observed.

Why does a target this size need 1/2" AR500?
A large gong at long-range rifle distances takes hits across the entire plate face, including edges and corners, not just the center. Thinner plates pit and crater faster under that sustained impact pattern. The 1/2" thickness and AR500 hardness distribute and absorb impact energy across the full plate, keeping the surface flat and the ring loud through thousands of rounds at distance.

What stand do I need for these gongs?
At approximately 91 lbs., these gongs require a stand rated for their weight. We recommend hanging with Grade 100 15" steel chain on a 2x4 A-frame or a conduit gong stand. For conduit setups, use a 2" EMT crossmember with 1.25" EMT legs. Lighter conduit will not handle the weight and repeated impact of a gong this size reliably.

Why use Grade 100 chain instead of standard chain?
Grade 100 chain is rated for significantly higher working loads than standard or Grade 70 chain. On a 91 lb. gong taking repeated rifle hits, standard chain fatigues and can fail at the links over time. Grade 100 chain handles the dynamic load of repeated impact without stretching or cracking, keeping the target hanging safely through high round counts.

Does it ship painted?
No. The gong ships as bare steel so you can apply your preferred color. White and bright orange provide the best visibility at long-range 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.