4 Ways to Spice Up Your Target Practice & Have More Fun!
If you're in a shooting rut or just looking for ways to liven up your practice sessions, you've come to the right place.
Here are seven creative and exciting ideas to add some FUN to your range time!
1. Try Shooting Pieces of Chalk for a Colorful Explosion
Shooting at chalk pieces can result in a fun, colorful poof when hit. They're biodegradable, so they won't harm the environment, and they provide a clear sign of a direct hit. Plus, who doesn't love a good color explosion? The downside is just that it can be tricky to set them up since they are skinny and tall. You might need to lean them against a hill. You can grab a bucket of Chalk on Amazon here.
2. Shoot Fruits & Veggies
Looking for a more...explosive target? Try shooting old fruit, like watermelons or pumpkins. They're biodegradable, so you won't leave a mess, and they provide a satisfying explosion when hit. This can be a great method for practicing precision shooting, and it's also a lot of fun! The downside is you basically get one or two shots and then the fun is over... But it's still better than throwing it in the trash.
3. Improve Your Game With Golf Balls
They're tough and will fly when hit, adding a dynamic element to your shooting practice. Try setting them up at various distances to improve your aim. Just remember to track where they go and pick them up afterward.
4. Invest in a Steel Target Stand For Maximum Fun
Using steel targets can take your practice to a whole new level.
Experience the satisfying feedback with a resounding clang every time you hit a steel target.
AR500 Steel targets are durable and can take a lot of shots without any significant damage, making them a valuable long-term investment for any shooter.
So which target stand should you get? Well, the Hang 'N Hook is the #1 Selling Target Stand in America for a reason! And it's on sale right now!
FLASH SALE: Get $137+ in FREE Gifts When You Purchase the Hang 'N Hook Target Stand Today
Hang 'N Hook Special Offer
- GIFT #1 – FREE 25-Pack of Clay Pigeon Hooks ($34.99 Value)
- GIFT #2 – FREE Download 101 Dad Jokes for Patriots ($14.99 Value)
- GIFT #3 – FREE "Handgun Sniper Video Training" ($97 Value)
- GIFT #4 – Take an EXTRA15% Off the Sales Pricing on Steel Targets (Automatically applied at checkout)
Includese 4 Gifts:
GIFT #1 – FREE 25-Pack of Clay Pigeon Hooks
Purple Clay Pigeon Hooks are designed to perfectly grip a clay pigeon and hang it so you can use it as a target. They're made from a durable polymer and can be reused many times. They fit perfectly on the Hang 'N Hook target stand but can also be hung from things like tree branches or wire fencing.
($34.99 Value) FREE!
GIFT #2 – FREE Download 101 Dad Jokes for Patriots
A FREE Download of our Side-Splitting "Firearm Funnies". This downloadable ebook is a collection of hilarious dad jokes we compiled from various sources with a firearm twist. They are sure to make your kids roll their eyes!
($14.99 Value) FREE!
GIFT #3 – FREE "Handgun Sniper Video Training"
A FREE Download of our Side-Splitting "Firearm Funnies". This downloadable ebook is a collection of hilarious dad jokes we compiled from various sources with a firearm twist. They are sure to make your kids roll their eyes!
($97 Value) FREE!
GIFT #4 – Take an EXTRA 15% Off Steel Targets
After you add the Hang 'N Hook Target Stand to your order from this page, you'll be redirected to our steel target section and you can knock off an EXTRA 15% off the lowest sales price on the page. These discounts will be automatically applied at checkout.
Set's Up in Less Than 60-Seconds
You can set up your own shooting range in less than a minute. The legs of the range are made from cheap 1" EMT electrical conduit, so it's easy to build or repair.
*Kit does not include the conduit. It would cost you a lot more to ship it to you than to buy it at a local hardware store.*
Customize With Targets & More!
- Step 1: Pick your configuration
- Step 2: Add Targets to Your Order
- Step 3: Add Fun Accessories like Zombie Stickers or Purple Clay Pigeon Holders
Trusted by military operators, law enforcement agencies, and everyday shooters!
Our customer list says a lot about the quality and safety of our products. The combination of a product that is light & portable, affordable, and durable-as-hell, make it a favorite among those who are serious about training.
Yet it's also perfect for the shooter that just wants to spice up their target practice and have fun!
Shooting Steel Targets FAQ's
Shooting AR500 steel targets is fun and actually very safe as long as you use some basic guidelines. In this section we'll cover...
- Why You should Only Shoot AR500 or AR550 Hardened Steel
- What Type of Ammo to Use
- What are Safe Distances for Rifles vs. Handguns
- How to select the right target thickness for your caliber
- How Bullets React on Fixed Targets vs. Hanging Targets
Let's dive right in...
Why You Should Only Shoot AR500 or AR550 Steel?
This hardened metal is much tougher than stainless steel. Stainless steel is too soft and bullets can actually ricochet.
But if you use AR500, the bullet will basically vaporize on contact – almost like a water balloon on contact...
The bullet splatters and sends fragments out perpendicular to the target.Watch us use soda cans to prove it in the video below
What Kind of Ammo Should I Use?
If you can get it, the best ammo to use is frangible ammo because it completely disintegrates on contact. But, it's not that common to find. So, you'll want to use Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo or ball ammo. It is everywhere.
FMJ has an outer shell made from one type of metal (usually copper) and a soft interior such as lead.
Avoid using steel core, armor piercing or green tip. This ammo reacts very differently. It doesn't break apart easily and can be unsafe.
How Close Can I be When I Shoot AR500 Steel?
| Table header 0 | Distance to Target | Target Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Rifles | 100+ Yards | 3/8" AR500 |
| Handguns | 25+ Yards | 1/4" AR500 |
The recommended distance for handguns is 25 yards. For rifles, its 100 yards.
If the target is reactive (ie. hanging targets that absorb some energy) you can safely make shots closer than the recommended distance.
But be careful because as you move closer to the target there is higher chance of splash back.
You could also cause damage to the target if you are too close. Always uses safety equipment such as eye and ear protection.
Fixed Targets Vs. Hanging (Reactive) Targets
The difference is pretty straightforward. A hanging absorbs some of the energy from a bullet and causes the target to react. If the target is hanging it will swing. A dueling tree target will swing to the other side.
A fixed target is usually affixed to a pole or sturdy object and doesn't move. Fixed targets should have a downward angle to direct bullet fragments downward. You don't need that downward angle with a hanging target. It will absorb the energy and direct the bullet downward.
Fixed Target Example
Hanging & Reactive Examples
Conclusion
Shooting steel targets can be fun and safe. Just make sure you follow the rules above and you'll be hearing the sweet clang of success in no time!