The Duel of the Stars: Full-Size vs. Portable Texas Star
19th Sep 2025
The primary difference between the Shoot Steel Full-Size Texas Star and the Portable Texas Star is footprint and modularity. The Full-Size Star (68" tall, ~125 lbs) is the competition standard designed for permanent range installation. The Portable Star (51" tall, ~86 lbs) offers a smaller footprint and modular upgrades (like rimfire paddles) for shooters who need to transport their gear or have limited space.
Few targets expose a shooter’s weaknesses like a Texas Star. It is the ultimate test of transition speed, tracking, and trigger control. As you hit a plate, the balance shifts, the wheel spins, and the chaos begins.
At Shoot Steel, we engineer two versions of this legendary system. Both are built from CNC-laser-cut 3/8″ AR500 steel and utilize smooth, sealed bearings. But which one belongs on your range? Let’s break down the specs.
The 3/8″ AR500 Texas Star (The Competition Standard)
This is the flagship. If you have shot a USPSA or 3-Gun major match, you have likely cursed at this target. It is designed for ranges that want to replicate the exact conditions of a competition environment.
The "Heavyweight" Advantage:
Standing nearly 6 feet tall (68") with a 58" wide stance, this system is built for stability. At roughly 125 lbs, it plants itself firmly into the berm and absorbs the recoil of heavy pistol and rifle rounds without shifting.
Key Specs:
- Material: 3/8" AR500 Steel Arms and Paddles.
- Mechanism: Precision-machined hub with dual sealed bearings for zero-maintenance spin.
- Capacity: 5 x 8" Paddles (Upgradeable to 10 paddles).
- Best For: Gun clubs, competition bays, and permanent private ranges.
The Portable Texas Star (The Modular Solution)
Don't let the name fool you. The "Portable" star isn't a "light" version—it is a smarter version for the solo shooter.
We scaled the height down to 51" and tightened the base to a 28" x 28" footprint. The result is a system that weighs 40 lbs less than its big brother, making it possible for one person to break it down, throw it in a truck, and set it up solo.
The "Modular" Advantage:
The Portable Star is our most versatile system. Because of the optimized geometry, it supports unique upgrades that allow you to change the training focus instantly:
- 10-Target Kit: Double the paddles for chaos.
- Rimfire Option: Swap to lighter AR400 paddles for .22LR training.
- Cardboard Swinger Add-On: Converts the rotating motion into a "swinger" for paper targets.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | Full-Size Star | Portable Star |
|---|---|---|
| Total Height | ~68 Inches | 51 Inches |
| Base Footprint | 58" Wide (Stable) | 28" x 28" (Compact) |
| Total Weight | ~125 lbs | ~86 lbs |
| Setup Requirement | Two People Recommended | Single Person Capable |
| Target Options | 5 or 10 Paddle Kits | 5/10 Paddle, Rimfire, Swinger |
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Full-Size 3/8″ AR500 Texas Star if:
- You are equipping a commercial range or gun club.
- You have a permanent berm where the target can stay set up.
- You want to replicate the exact sight-picture of a USPSA major match.
Choose the Portable Texas Star if:
- You transport your gear to and from the range in a vehicle.
- You have limited storage space in your garage or shed.
- You want the ability to train with Rimfire (.22LR) using the adapter kit.
Either way, you are getting the smoothest, most durable bearing system on the market, made right here in the USA. Stop shooting static. Start spinning.