FAQs

Q: How is AR500 steel different than mild steel?

A: AR500 steel is a special alloy of steel that is heat-treated to a hardness of 500BHN. Mild steel has a BHN hardness of around 120 and is not heat-treated. 

Q: Can I shoot steel core/solid copper bullets at your targets?

A: We do not recommend shooting any steel core/solid copper bullets at the targets! Depending on the specific caliber they can do a lot of damage, or even shoot through the target. Shoot your steel core/solid copper bullets at paper targets.

Q: Can I use AR500 targets for my 22lr?

A: Yes – the 1/4” AR500 targets work great for .22 rimfire.

Q: Should I worry about ricochets?

A: First, always wear safety glasses when shooting steel targets. Next, set up targets in a safe location. Most of the lead and copper deflects at 20 degrees, so in general, the bullets do not bounce back or ricochet.  This doesn’t mean they never will, just that most of the bullets will fragment and deflect at 20 degrees.

Q: Will I be able to hear the target?

A: In general, yes! Hearing the target depends on how good your hearing is. Close handgun targets are loud and easy to hear. The further out you go, the quieter they get. At several hundred yards, a 223 can be hard to hear, depending on the wind and hearing protection being used. Larger rifles, such as .30 caliber, will remain audible even at longer ranges.

Q: How can I hang the targets?

A: Blue Steel Targets offers steel target stands, including the static target stand and gong stand. The targets may also be hung using a simple shepherds hook found at your local hardware store. Customers also have used sawhorses and plumbing pipe to make cheap stands.

Q: What grade of steel do I need for shooting?

A: Blue Steel Targets uses AR500 grade steel exclusively in our targets. It’s ideal for both center fire handgun and rifles. Lower grades of steel can be dangerous, and don’t last as long.

Q: Do you sell a steel target stand that uses a 2x4?

A: Yes. Blue Steel Targets' static target stand and static target holder use a wood 2x4 for an upright. This saves on cost and weight.