Paper Targets vs. Steel Targets vs… Rubber Targets?
When it comes to improving your shooting skills, the type of target you choose can make a significant difference. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a military professional, or a recreational enthusiast, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each will help you make an informed decision.
Paper Targets
Paper targets have long been a staple in shooting practice due to their simplicity and versatility. They come in various shapes and sizes, suitable for different shooting disciplines, from precision shooting to competitive events.
Benefits
- Precise Scoring: Paper targets provide clear visual feedback, allowing shooters to see exactly where their shots land. This precision is crucial for zeroing in rifle scopes or red dots without having lead splatter affecting the group.
- Customizable: Available in many designs, including bullseyes, silhouettes, and custom prints, paper targets cater to a wide range of training scenarios.
- Cost-Effective: Initial costs are low, making paper targets an affordable choice for casual shooters.
Drawbacks
- Durability: Paper targets are easily damaged and need frequent replacement, which can add up over time.
- Environmental Impact: Used paper targets often end up littering shooting ranges, contributing to environmental waste.
- Feedback Delay: Paper targets do not provide immediate auditory feedback, requiring shooters to manually check their hits.
- Quick Wear: Taping over hits can be a temporary solution, but after repeated use, a large hole can form, making it difficult to see new hits.
Steel Targets
Steel targets offer immediate feedback through sound and movement, making them a popular choice for new shooters who want the instant gratification of the target ringing.
Benefits
- Instant Feedback: The audible “clang” and visual movement provide immediate confirmation of a hit, helping shooters build muscle memory quickly.
- Durability: Made from high-grade materials like AR500 and AR550 steel, these targets can withstand thousands of rounds before needing replacement.
- Training Efficiency: Once set up, steel targets require minimal adjustments, allowing for uninterrupted training sessions.
Drawbacks
- Safety Concerns: Improperly designed or positioned steel targets can pose risks due to ricochets and bullet spatter, making them unsuitable for CQB or short-range target practice.
- Cost: The initial investment for steel targets is higher compared to paper targets, although their longevity can offset this cost in the long run.
- Weight and Portability: Steel targets are heavier and more challenging to transport and set up, which can be a drawback for mobile or temporary shooting ranges.
- No precise hit marking: Steel targets do not provide clear, reliable hit indicators showing where your bullet strikes the target.
- Bad Habits: Shooters may develop a “that’ll do” attitude, relying on the sound of the target ring rather than precise aiming.
Self-Healing Infinity Targets: The Best of Both Worlds
Self-healing Infinity Targets combine the benefits of paper and steel targets while addressing their limitations. They are becoming the preferred choice for many shooters, military branches, and law enforcement agencies.
Benefits
- Self-Healing: Infinity Targets can self-heal up to 110 rounds of 5.56mm per square inch, with an overall lifespan of about 7,000 rounds. This feature drastically reduces the frequency of target replacements.
- No Ricochet Risk: Unlike steel targets, Infinity Targets allow bullets to pass through, eliminating the risk of dangerous ricochets and making them safer to use at closer distances.
- Reactive Hits: These targets offer visual hit markers similar to splatter targets, providing clear feedback without the risk of spalling. A simple coat of spray paint resets the target for the next round.
- Environmental Sustainability: Made from 100% recycled materials, Infinity Targets are an eco-friendly option. They help keep shooting ranges clean and reduce environmental impact.
- Weatherproof and Durable: These targets withstand extreme weather conditions, from desert heat to freezing temperatures, maintaining functionality regardless of the climate.
- Versatility: Compatible with both firearms and archery, Infinity Targets can handle a wide range of calibers, up to .50 BMG, excluding hollow points and slugs.
- Thermal Compatibility: They retain a heat signature for up to five minutes, making them suitable for use with thermal optics.
Drawbacks
- Initial Cost: More expensive upfront than paper targets. However, the extended lifespan and reduced need for replacements justifies the initial investment in the long run.
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- Availability: Depending on location, these targets might be harder to find compared to traditional paper or steel targets.
- No Auditory Feedback: Unlike steel, which provides an auditory clang, Infinity Targets are designed to allow bullets to pass through without sound.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each target type, shooters can choose the best target to enhance their training, ensure safety, and support sustainable practices. The self-healing Infinity target, with its innovative features, overcomes the common pitfalls of traditional targets, making it an excellent choice for modern shooters.