The best way to get your rifle on target is with a proper sight picture. The optic needs to be zeroed in before the gun can be fired. This process takes time and requires patience. A good 3-D target allows you to quickly engage targets out to 100 yards (or more with magnifiers). It provides far more magnification than binoculars or a spotting scope. With this type of optic, you can sharpen and clarify your vision as well as see in low light conditions. These capabilities are quite useful for shooting at night or in poor weather.
3-D Targets come in both red and green models; we tested the most popular ones available today to find out how they perform overall and which ones offer the best value in different categories.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best 3D Targets
There are several things to take into account when looking for a fresh set of 3D targets. These are examined in greater detail in the section that follows.
Intended Use
The use of the target will determine a great deal about its suitability. For instance, if you’re looking for a tool that can help with your hunting or fishing then a rugged outdoor model might be just the ticket. However, if you want something that can simply remind you to keep up your exercise routine then a plastic one may be better suited to the task.
Also consider how much accuracy is needed as well as whether any particular features (like a built-in laser) would make the target easier to hit.
Material
Due to their light weight and ability to survive outside conditions, plastic and rubber are frequently utilized as materials in 3D targets. Additionally, because of their propensity to absorb stress well, these materials are less prone to break when handled roughly.
Steel and titanium are commonly found in combat rifle scopes and other military gear because these materials are strong and resistant to corrosion. They’re often heavier too, so don’t usually need to be handled gently.
Size/Weight
A 3D target shouldnt be taken lightly; if it isn’t properly aimed and fired at, it could cause serious injury. So while comfort is important when using a firearm, size and weight should also be considered. For example, if you plan on wearing ear protection while shooting then a large heavy rifle might not be ideal. Likewise, if you’re going to be hiking through rough terrain then a large heavy pistol might prove uncomfortable.
Also, keep in mind that some guns have longer barrels than others. If you plan on using a 12-inch barrel gun but only have room for a 10-inch scope, you’ll either have to sacrifice range or precision, depending on which weapon you choose.
Shape
While all the points on a 3D target represent exactly where the bullet would strike if fired at that angle, their shape does affect their effectiveness. In general, rounded points work best for stopping bullets, especially those made from soft metals like aluminum. Flat surfaces do better when it comes to piercing through flesh and bone. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some flat-faced targets are designed to look like heart shapes to discourage shots to the chest area, while pointed stars are sometimes shaped like diamonds to deter thieves. It’s difficult to say what style will be most effective without knowing who your intended audience is.
Features
As mentioned above, 3D targets come equipped with various features including lights, scents, sounds, and even flint and strikers to help users create fire by striking metal against stone.
- Lights: Lights can help improve visibility during both day and night hours. But they’re particularly helpful when trying to complete tasks after dark, such as repairing a fence, cutting grass, or cleaning out a garage.
- Scent: Many animals rely heavily on smell rather than sight to navigate and identify surroundings. A good hunter uses every sense available to him or her, and scent is no exception.
- Sound: Loud noises can startle wildlife and drive them away, but quiet ones don’t necessarily mean calm waters. Making noise while fishing helps mask your presence and gives you a better chance of catching fish.
- Flint and striker: As mentioned earlier, creating fire by striking two pieces of metal together is an ancient method of lighting a campfire or cooking food. This simple act has been improved upon over time, and modern versions use a mechanical device called a striker. The flint contains a small amount of fulminate, a chemical compound that causes a spark when struck. By itself, it doesn’t produce much heat, but combined with a striker, it creates enough friction to ignite the fuel source (wood, paper, etc.) underneath it.
Types of 3-D Targets
There are several different types of 3D shooting targets available. Each type has its own unique features and uses, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making a purchase.
Basic Boxes
Basic boxes come in many shapes and sizes. They can be single- or multiple-use items. Some even have an integrated bipod stand for added versatility. The most common types include paper, cardboard, and plastic. These materials tend to absorb the impact of bullets well but offer little protection against shrapnel or debris from exploding ammunition.
The good news is that these kinds of targets are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace if they get damaged. Just pop them in the mail and wait a few days for new ones to arrive. It usually takes less than 24 hours for standard shipping, and some companies will overnight your replacements even sooner than that. If you opt to use this service, keep track of your order using the tracking information provided by the company through their website.
Advanced Boxes
These are just like basic boxes except they’ve got more features. Usually, advanced boxes are designed with law enforcement officers in mind. That means things like bulletproof glass, reinforced panels, and quick access draw loops (or “QADLs”) on the front end. Many also have safes built right into the corners of the box. Those safes are great for keeping legally acquired firearms secure while you’re away from home or the range. Safes are especially handy when storing multiple weapons because there’s no need to worry about someone breaking into the safe and finding the combination. Just leave it behind when you go out on patrol. When looking at one of these high-end lockboxes, keep in mind that the best option isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. Sure, spending money to protect yourself and your valuables is always advisable, but you don’t have to break the bank to do so. There are plenty of options that won’t cost as much but still provide excellent protection.
Clip-On Targets
Some shooters prefer not having to spend time dealing with a target holder. Instead, they’d rather have a simple piece of plywood with a big red X on it. This kind of setup works fine in a pinch, but it doesn’t give you any flexibility in terms of where you want to put the board. You’ll either have to drive it out to the far side of the room or make significant adjustments to your gun sights to account for the extra distance between the board and your intended point of aim.
This kind of solution might work better if you were going somewhere remote, such as the mountains, where there aren’t many places to put something down. Otherwise, you’ll probably wind up walking around all day long trying to avoid tripping over the thing.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When choosing our recommendations for this article, we relied on personal experience with a variety of shooting mats and targets. To find the best rangefinder-style target, we looked at what features were most important to shooters when buying a hunting or tactical rifle target.
We then searched for products that met those requirements. When we reviewed product videos from manufacturers like Cabela’s, OpticsPlanet, or Brownells, we paid close attention to how well each explained the reasoning behind their choices. In addition, we read reviews from independent sources and online retailers to get a sense of what others thought of these products. Finally, we came up with some ideas of our own based on our findings.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3-D Target
How do you aim a three-dimensional target?
First, determine the distance to the target. Next, adjust the elevation angle of your weapon to match the height of the target.
What is the difference between holographic and red dot sights?
The most obvious difference is that one uses visible light while the other uses infrared laser energy to illuminate an area in front of the optic for use by the user in conjunction with the sight’s lens system. The less obvious differences are mostly subtle variations on how the two systems work. For instance, some allow for faster loading than others, or feature different types of lenses (e.g., some offer both clear and smoke lenses), etc.
Are there any disadvantages to using a 3d target?
One disadvantage is that it can be difficult to tell where the actual target is at times, especially if it moves very quickly during the shot. This means that it may not hit its intended target location and could cause over-shooting or under-shooting. Another disadvantage is that they don’t fit inside of standard firearms magazines, so you’ll need to purchase a separate magazine loader/placer if you plan on carrying them regularly. That said, they’re still worth considering as they provide excellent training value for novice shooters.
Can anyone use a 3D target?
Anyone can use a 3D target; however, certain groups of people will have more success with specific models. These include law enforcement officers, military personnel, and competitive shooting enthusiasts.