The only method to evaluate your shooting accuracy when it comes to shooting is to fire shots downrange. All the fanciful gadgets, applications, and technologies are no match for some good ol’ live fire training. What, though, makes a good target? The finest paper target for shooting will clearly show where the bullet actually made contact. You can be going to the shooting range for a variety of reasons. Choosing the right target makes all the difference whether you’re practicing self-defense, honing your shooting competition abilities, or just having a friendly competition with friends.
Paper continues to be one of the most flexible target materials because it is the most well-known. It’s a top option if you need to calibrate your sights or scope or if you need to calculate your scoring in a competitive shooting match because it’s a great tool for tracking shot groups. Plain paper targets might be challenging to visually check from a distance. Modern reactive chip targets, on the other hand, make them simpler to read since impacts produce bright halos on their surface. Only clays are less durable than paper shooting targets, although neither is typically expensive.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paper Target
When shopping for a paper target, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at these in detail.
Intended Use
The main use of a paper target is shooting practice. So, it’s important to think about how much impact you want your shots to have. If you’re just getting started with your firearm, then a low-impact model might be all you need. However, if you’re an experienced shooter who wants to improve his or her game, then a high-quality product made from heavy card stock may be what you’re looking for.
Material
Paper targets come in various materials, each with its own benefits and downsides.
- Heavyweight cardboard or thick plasticine tends to absorb more of the shock caused by firing a gun than lightweight cotton fiber paper. This makes them better suited for practicing in windy conditions.
- Cotton fiber paper is very soft and flexible but can tear easily. Heavy cardboard resists tearing but absorbs more shock than fiber paper.
- Belt buckles tend to snap when hit because they’re not designed to withstand constant wear and tear.
Size/Shape
A standard size for a paper target is 5 inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 1 inch deep. You’ll most often see this shape used in indoor ranges where space is less of a concern. However, outdoors it doesn’t always follow that same measurement pattern. Sometimes the width is wider (around 6 inches) to allow for longer sight lines without having to move your head too far. Also, some products are flat rather than round so they don’t take up as much room on a shelf or table.
Weight
If you’d prefer to keep things light, a lighter weight paper target will suit you well. Most cardboard targets weigh around 2 pounds, whereas heavier plasticine models sometimes reach 4 pounds. However, even though they feel light in hand, these targets still pack a wallop when fired. They’ll hurtle through the air toward whatever was the point of origin, which means they should only be handled with care.
Features
There are many features that make one paper target better for your needs over another.
- Mesh nets between the holes give the illusion of depth perception, making the target appear three dimensional.
- Rivets holding together the pieces of the target breakage allows you to estimate range based on the amount of damage done to the target.
- You can write anything you’d like on the surface using permanent marker pens.
- Special effects such as glow-in-the-dark paint jobs and reflective finishes bring extra realism to your marksmanship experience.
Price
Every time you shoot, money is a concern. It should thus be taken into consideration when choosing your objective. But don’t deceive yourself: Just because something is on sale at a low price doesn’t mean you’re saving money. Paper targets are without a doubt the most affordable, but the best shooting target for your budget ultimately depends on your own preferences. Paper will probably prove to be less of a financial strain if you visit the range once a month or fewer.
Types Of Paper Targets
Paper targets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Each has its place in the world of shooting sports, but you need to know what you’re getting into before making your purchase.
Basic paper target
The most common type of paper target is made from basic white or blue construction paper. These are inexpensive options that can be used for a wide range of applications. They make an excellent choice if you don’t have much money to spend on a new paper target or want something portable. The only downside with this option is that it’s not very durable. You’ll get better performance out of these targets if you use them at close range.
Hanging Targets
A hanging target is just like its namesake – it hangs from a hook suspended over a firing line. This allows users to see how their shots compare to those of others without having to guess where the bullet would land. It also gives instructors the ability to mark areas of improvement without cluttering up the room with “dummies” (decoys). Hanging targets are typically more expensive than other types of paper targets because they require precision mounting hardware and installation by professionals.
Duck/Turkey Call
This isn’t really a type of paper target, but rather a method of practice. Instead of aiming at a paper plate, you simply shoot at whatever sounds closest to the call you are trying to replicate. For example, if you are imitating a mallard quacking sound, you will concentrate all your efforts on reproducing that particular sound. Since ducks fly away when shot at, this exercise forces you to think about what you are doing instead of letting your mind wander as it usually does during normal shooting exercises.
Silhouette Paper Targets
This target is possibly the most well-liked of all the shooting training targets in the group. It is frequently used during concealed carry training to educate law enforcement professionals and contains rings that should assist the shooter in keeping track.
X-Rays Paper Targets
These paper targets were also designed with hunters in mind. To assist the shooter in determining a range and hitting a specific vital, it includes a paper animal objective that displays the animal’s vitals.
Zombie Paper Targets
Shooters’ favorite zombie target sport has been more and more popular in recent years. The phrase “zombie target” is a lighthearted variation on the conventional paper target that features paper zombies placed in tactical locations for shooters to point and fire at.
Binoculars
If you’ve ever heard someone talk about zeroing binoculars, then you already know there is no such thing as a truly objective viewfinder. In fact, many shooters prefer using a pair of binoculars as a rear sight when sighting in a rifle. Binoculars offer a magnified view of the area being searched through, which makes it easier to pick out specific items or features within a given distance. Plus, since the magnification occurs after the initial light enters the device, any glare present won’t interfere with your vision.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We started by searching for the best value in each category. Value is determined by price point, features, and accessories. To find our top picks for the best paper targets, we looked at what others had to say about their experiences with various brands. The most popular reviews came from independent websites or online retailers who sell through both drop-shippers and third-party vendors.
The most crucial aspect of a good paper target is that it offers a perfect setting for your shooting practice. Other than that, there are several choices on this list that provide similar performance but are available in various sizes, forms, materials, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Targets
What is the purpose of shooting at a target?
Shooting at a target allows you to test your ability as a shooter. Whether it’s for recreational purposes or training, there’s no denying that shooting at something that moves and/or has an identifying feature (such as a red dot sight) placed upon it is more challenging than shooting at a static target.
How do I use a paper target?
Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer clear instructions on how to mount their products, but make sure you understand how everything works before taking off in the field. Also, be sure to wear eye protection when using any kind of laser-based aiming system, since lasers can cause serious injury if they hit your eyes. Finally, practice in a safe place free from flammable materials such as wood or tinder; otherwise, you could lose all of your money worth of ammunition and gear in a firestorm.
Can anyone use paper targets?
Anyone can use them, regardless of experience level. However, some companies advertise certain product features based on whether or not the customer has any relevant military experience.