Our Top Picks For A Great Reactive Steel Target

Our Research On The Best Reactive Steel Targets

Highwild AR500 Steel Hostage Reactive IDPA Shooting Target 3/8″

This all-metal AR500 steel hostage target is made of special materials rated to withstand repeated shots from even the heaviest calibers. Designed for use with handguns, rifles, and shotguns up to 500 yards away, our hostage-takers are not only extremely durable but also topped off with tasteful high gloss paint jobs.

Highwild Hostage is a modern variation on the classic hostage game. These steel shooting targets provide instant visible feedback and operate like an IPSC cardboard popper, where hits cause the target to fall backward. When the steel target falls, you know your shot was effective and accurate. The AR500 steel resists pistol calibers up to 9mm and rifle calibers up to .223.

Hostage also offers slow-motion instant visible feedback similar to an IPSC cardboard popper but offers increased durability over one-time-use cardboard targets. In addition, the AR500 steel resists pistol calibers up to 9mm and rifle calibers up to .223.

The hostage comes in a black powder coat finish for added durability and is outfitted with a welded base plate, making it easy to add to your existing range or attach it to a target stand.

Features

• Targets are made from 3/8″ thick AR500 steel for extreme durability.
• All metal hostage is not limited to a silhouette target, and the steel target also works as a popper with visible feedback.
• Includes a welded base plate, making it easy to mount hostage to an existing frame or stand.
• Package Dimensions: 11.5″ x 15″ x 3.75″ (LxWxH)
• Shipping Weight: 8 lbs.
• This classic hostage game design offers instant visible feedback and sound on each hit that causes the target to fall backward – signaling a successful shot.
• The hostages feature a welded base plate, attaching them to your existing system or adding them to a target stand.
• The hostage targets are made from 3/8″ thick, high-quality AR500 steel and can withstand thousands of rounds of repeated use with handguns at point-blank range and rifles out to 500 yards away.
• The simple fall-over design of the hostages provides instant recognition and feedback for better shooting.
• The sturdy plating on the AR500 steel is smooth yet very durable, while the base plate provides a perfect platform for quick target mounting.

Pros

• High toughness steel plate body.
•  It has a longer service life than cardboard and paper
• Its high strength can effectively withstand powerful cartridges such as .50 caliber BMG and 30-06 Springfield etc.
• It has high intensity and can help you to improve your shooting accuracy.

Cons

• High walls impact the size of the scope image is generally more limited. For example, it isn’t easy to use a large-power scope.
• The target’s back is flat, making it easier to receive bullets directly.

Do-All Outdoors Big Gong Show 9″ Self-Healing Shooting Target

The Do-All Outdoors Big Gong Show 9″ Self-Healing Shooting Target is a reactive steel target made from the durable 18 gauge, fully welded construction. The circular steel target with its unique design offers shooters a challenge for being creative and offers great entertainment when shooting at this product.

The target system is self-healing, so if a bullet ricochets and hits nearby, it won’t damage the target or leave permanent marks on nearby surfaces. In addition, the 10, 15, and up targets are fully weatherproof, so you can leave them outside without worrying about damage.

Features

• Self-healing target system; eliminates dents and bullet splatter caused by ricochets.
• Great for use with pistols all the way up to .50 caliber rifles (no minimum power required)
• Shipping Weight: 8 lbs.
• This classic hostage game design offers instant visible feedback and sound on each hit that causes the target to fall backward – signaling a successful shot.
• The hostages feature a welded base plate, attaching them to your existing system or adding them to a target stand.
• The simple fall-over design of the hostages provides instant recognition and feedback for better shooting.
• The sturdy plating on the AR500 steel is smooth yet very durable, while the base plate provides a perfect platform for quick target mounting.

Pros

• High toughness steel plate body.
• It has a longer service life than cardboard and paper
• Its high strength can effectively withstand powerful cartridges such as .50 caliber BMG and 30-06 Springfield etc.
• It has high intensity and can help you to improve your shooting accuracy.

Cons

• High caliber firearms may damage the steel

Caldwell Resetting Targets with Portable Design and Shooting Spots

The Caldwell resetting target with Portable design and shooting spots is a powerful tool for improving your accuracy through instant feedback. It can be attached to your existing system or added to a stand. The sturdy plate on the AR500 steel makes it durable, and the simple fall-over design instantly recognizes success, which can help you improve your shooting abilities.

The resetting target has a high toughness steel plate body. It also has longer service life than cardboard and paper. The height of the walls can prevent scope image size, which is usually limited. The back of the target is flat, making it easier to hit directly by bullets.

This product is not designed for .50 caliber firearms.

Features

• Lightweight and portable design
• It is made of High-Toughness steel material
• 18 gauge, fully welded construction
• Self-healing; eliminates dents and bullet splatter caused by ricochets
• Dimensions: Rimfire – 16.8” W x 22.5” H x 1.8” D
• 2.5” shooting spots included, and the targets automatically orient after every shot

Pros

• The resetting targets offer instant feedback on every hit, which helps improve your shooting skills.
• The steel plate body is very durable which can hold up well against high-caliber firearms.
• Its portable design makes set-up and storage very easy.

Cons

• It might get bent or dented after a few uses.

Do-All Outdoors Prairie Popper Steel Auto Resetting Shooting Target Rated for .22 Caliber

The Do-All Outdoors Prairie Popper Steel Resetting Shooting Target has high visibility, so you always know where to shoot for more fun. Whether you’re a learner or a professional shooter, this target works well in various weather conditions, so you can spend less time worrying about getting ready for your next big game.

The Prairie Popper is a popular iconic steel shooting target. The original design of the Prairie Popper features a rotating system inside so that your bullet impacts create instant visual and audio feedback as it pops up from behind the plate. It has been specially designed for shooters who love using handguns or .22 rifles to train their skills.

This model of the Prairie Popper has a steel base that enables you to attach it to your existing system or add it to a stand. The steel plate body is very durable and can hold up well against high-caliber firearms.

Features

• This target features a welded base plate for easy stand or system attachment.
• It is designed with high visibility, so you will always know where to shoot. In addition, you can use it under various weather conditions.
• The Prairie Popper steel target has a rugged design. It weighs around 12 pounds.
• This steel target is specifically rated for soft nose lead .22 caliber ammunition only (at a minimum of 30 yards).
•  It measures approximately 4 x 5x 11 inches.
• Both the target plate and base are made of heavy-duty steel, making this a sturdy pop-up target.

Pros

• It can be set up and stored very quickly.
• The product has the original Prairie Popper design, which auto-resets after each use.
• The steel construction is very durable.

Cons

• It is not designed for high-caliber firearms.

MEMX Reactive Shooting Targets

The patented design of MEMX reactive targets flips targets in their shot direction to give shooters a more realistic shooting experience. In addition, these high-quality steel plates come with self-adhesive backing for installation on any outdoor surface like trees, barns, sheds. This bundle offers 10 ten sheets of animal silhouettes and 5 five sheets of heavy-duty police silhouette targets.

This target is perfect for use with handguns, shotguns, and rifles at any range. MEMX targets come in different colors, shapes, and sizes to suit your needs.

It is a set of 3 easy to use self-adhesive targets. The steel targets come with several inches of adhesive on the back and make clean-up more convenient by eliminating paper waste.

They are made from premium AR500 ballistic grade steel that works well against high-caliber firearms and both handguns and shotguns.

Features

• The product is made of heavy-duty steel that is designed for high-caliber firearms.
• The targets flip in the direction they are shot, providing instant visual and audio feedback.
• You can use them on various outdoor surfaces like trees, barns, sheds, etc.
• This target also has a self-adhesive backing for easy installation. It does not require any tools or anchors.
• The steel construction is very durable and includes 3 self-adhesive targets, 5 5-inch steel targets, and 10 10-inch steel targets.

Pros

• The product provides instant visual and audio feedback when used with high-caliber firearms.
• It can be easily set up by simply applying it to an outdoor surface.
• The self-adhesive backing enables you to clean up without any paper waste.

Cons

• It is not designed for use with handguns or shotguns.

Buyer’s Guide For Reactive Steel Targets

Steel targets are a great way to practice shooting, but finding the best steel targets for novice and competitive shooters is not easy. We’ve done all the research and found these five reactive steel targets that will make your days at the range more enjoyable. Read on to find out more about each one of them.

When it comes to shooting, many people appreciate the sound and visual feedback of reactive targets. They are used for firearms training by the military and various games such as steel challenge and sporting clays. Steel targets can be arranged in different configurations to move around or stay stationary.

The primary difference between a regular target and a reactive one is that the latter flips in the direction of the bullet. If you want to know more about reactive targets, check out our buyer’s guide below:

Size and Design

Before buying a steel target, consider its size and design. Ensure that it is not too heavy, as you will need to carry it around during installation and transportation. Remember that the larger and heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to carry and install. It should also be made of durable steel and have a weather-resistant finish for increased lifespan.

Installation

The installation of your steel target depends on its design. Some targets need to be anchored, while some require special clamps, bolts, chains, or magnets for proper attachment. Check out if the product you are about to purchase comes with any of these accessories. Some targets also come with a dueling tree for easy attachment.

Multiple Target Use

Most high-quality steel targets are designed for multiple target use. It makes them a better choice because you do not need to buy more targets for different purposes.

Price

High-quality steel targets are usually more expensive than their standard counterparts. However, since you can use them multiple times, you will have enough time to recover the cost of the product through reduced expenses on paper targets.

Budget

Reactive steel targets are available in different price ranges, although they are not as cheap as their paper counterparts. Therefore, it is always best to choose one that is within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions For Reactive Steel Targets

Can you use these steel targets for paintball?

No. These targets are suitable only for firearms training by the military and various games such as steel challenge and sporting clays.

Can you use a steel target for handguns and shotguns?

No, reactive targets are usually designed for high-caliber firearms. They should also have heavy-duty steel construction with a weather-resistant finish to work against both handguns and shotguns.

What is the best way to clean up steel targets after every session?

You can easily set up your steel target again using the included self-adhesive backing without any paper waste.

How can I attach steel targets to various surfaces?

Since they come with self-adhesive backing, you do not need to use any tools or anchors for attaching them to different surfaces.

Are these targets reusable?

Yes, you can reuse high-quality steel targets as long as they are not damaged or dented. You can use them multiple times to save your money.

What is the best way to store steel targets?

Storing a reactive target properly will increase its lifespan and ensure that it does not get dented or damaged. Storing it in its original box will provide enough protection. You can also make your own storage case using plywood for larger targets.

Is there any way to set up the steel Shooting targets faster?

Most reactive steel targets come with stakes, chains, bolts, clamps, magnets, and other devices for easy installation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to enjoy reactive steel shooting targets for your next range session, we have the information you need. We hope that our buyers’ guide and frequently asked questions about these products help decide which product best suits your needs.