Shooting Steel: Pros & Cons of Steel Targets

When I first started shooting many years ago, I only had access to indoor ranges. This meant paper targets were the only option, and if I wanted to shoot something “fun,” that basically meant grabbing a zombie splatter target every once in a while. 

Once I obtained access to an outdoor range and shot steel targets for the first time, I was hooked. There is no better sound than the “ping” of a round hitting a steel target downrange. I’ll wait to see if you can think of something better…I didn’t think so.

While steel targets have plenty of advantages over traditional paper targets, they are not without a few drawbacks. I’ve wound up acquiring quite the collection of various steel targets over the years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should, too. 

Today, we’ll discuss the types of steel targets and their pros and cons, and we will provide you with alternatives in case you decide against them. 

Types of Steel Targets

Thicknesses

Not all steel targets are made to withstand hits from the same calibers so it’s important to understand and plan accordingly which targets you need to have with you. 

I always recommend going with the thickest steel you can afford. You may only be planning to shoot 9mm and 5.56, but if your friend shows up with a .300 Win Mag rifle that you’ve wanted to shoot since you can remember, you’re going to need a much thicker steel than you would for that little 9mm round.

Shapes

Depending on your goals, you can order different shaped targets to best suit your training. While a simple round gong or square-shaped target can do the trick in many instances, sometimes you may need a more specific shape. 

Let’s say you shoot IPSC. In that case, you’ll want a torso-style target. Or, maybe you’re a hunter. There are tons of different animal-shaped targets available to help you practice placing your shots in the most ethical locations.

Benefits

There are many benefits to shooting steel over paper, especially if you shoot at long distances. 

As I mentioned earlier, there is no better sound than the “ping” of you ringing steel out in the distance. The audible feedback gives you instant hit confirmations without having to walk downrange. The same applies at shorter distances as well.  

You also don’t have to keep hiking down range to replace paper targets. After a magazine or two on a paper target, you better have another one ready to go but with steel, you can keep your targets in place even between range sessions and save yourself setup time. That means more time shooting!

If you really want to advance your training, products like Dueling Trees and Texas Stars can help you improve your hand-eye coordination even more. These types of targets provide movement that can’t be realized with paper targets.

Drawbacks

Steel targets may sound like the best thing since sliced bread, but they are not without their drawbacks. 

First, they can be extremely heavy to transport, especially if you are bringing several at a time or have full-size torso-style targets. In addition to the targets themselves, you may also have to lug around stands to hold them, which means more weight and additional space is required. 

You also can’t shoot steel targets as closely as paper targets. The potential for ricochets and fragments coming your way is an added risk at any distance, but especially the closer they are. If you run a lot of close-quarters drills or have a shoot-house, steel targets may not be the best bet for you.

Lastly, steel targets are not cheap. If you want to order a wide variety of sizes and shapes, be prepared to spend a significant amount upfront, however, they will last you a very long time and can be considered an investment to an extent. 

Alternatives

It can never hurt to have several different types of targets, whether you’re able to shoot steel or not. You may find yourself inside for some range days or outside, but wanting to shoot at closer distances than steel is recommended. 

If the ladder is the case, Infinity Targets are my go-to. They are self-healing, weatherproof, and 100% made in the USA. With a simple can of spray paint, you can cover your hits and get back to shooting. Best of all, there is no chance of ricochets, so you can shoot them as close as you’d like.

For indoor ranges where paper or cardboard targets are best, Splatterburst Targets or comparable brands make it easy to see your shots from a distance and can extend your range time thanks to the spare cover-up stickers that come included.

These targets typically have an adhesive on the back, which makes it simple to slap onto your cardboard backing, shoot, and repeat.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there is a time and place for almost any type of target. I always recommend having a variety of targets that include steel, paper, and self-healing. That way, you’re covered for all types of ranges. 

Steel targets can be very satisfying to shoot, but always ensure that the proper safety precautions and recommended guidelines are followed. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun!