How to Care for Your Steel Plate Targets

When you are crafting your personal practice shooting range, choosing the right targets is one of the most important decisions you will make. A durable, high-quality target, like the AR500 steel plate options we offer here at Copper Ridge Outdoors, can be your biggest investment. With the right steps, you can ensure that you get the most out of your investment by making your steel plate targets last as long as possible. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss a few ways that you can capitalize on the durability of your targets. Read on to learn more, and find all the shooting gear you need here at Copper Ridge Outdoors!

Paint Your Targets

Choosing AR500 steel for your targets is a great first choice for more durable shooting gear, as the hardened metal holds up well to weather and firearms alike. However, you can supplement the natural advantages of your steel plate target by painting the surface. The right paint can provide additional protection from the sun, rain, and frequent use. It can help prevent rust, and as an added bonus, paint can also help you track your shots so you don’t have to rely on sound alone.

For best results, make sure you choose a paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. A cheap spray paint will require coat after coat, and it will cost you more in the long run. As you use your targets, make sure you regularly re-apply the paint for continuous protection. Some shooters like to repaint their targets after every target round to check their accuracy, but how you maintain your paint is up to you.

Practice at a Distance

You’ve chosen targets for your practice range that are made for the calibers you prefer to use, but it’s important to keep in mind that these targets are made for specific calibers at a specific distance. For example, most of Copper Ridge Outdoors’ outdoor shooting targets can withstand impacts up to 3,000 feet per second at a minimum distance of 100 yards. Even a thick AR500 steel plate target will wear out quickly if you mount it too close and subject it to improper use. Practice safe shooting and make sure you’re standing at an appropriate distance for the target and caliber you’re using.

Mount Your Targets at an Angle

Another practice you can implement to preserve the condition of your targets as much as possible is mounting them at an angle. A 20-degree downward tilt works well for directing bullet splatter downwards. This angle eliminates the possibility of a straight-on hit, which protects you as well as your target, preventing bullet fragments from ricocheting out or back toward the shooter. This reduces damage to the target, which means you can enjoy your investment for longer.

If you are looking for a way to add an angle to your practice range set up, explore Copper Ridge Outdoors’ inventory of shooting gear. We offer a variety of options not only in outdoor hunting targets, but mounting systems as well. Choose our 2x4 target holder with a 0.5-inch grade for a safer custom target mount, and order today.

Flip Your Targets Regularly

In the same way you rotate your tires and flip your mattress, you should flip your targets periodically. Every time a steel plate target is hit, the heat causes the surface to expand, which can cause bowing. This is especially true if you are shooting with higher velocity rounds. Flipping your targets helps even out the damage on either side and prevents permanent bowing in one direction. Ensuring your outdoor hunting target wears evenly on both sides can help it last longer. It also makes for a safer set up, as bowing can change the direction of bullet spray and make ricochet more dangerous.

Stay safe and get the most out of your investment with these maintenance tips for your steel plate shooting targets! Whether you are looking for replacement outdoor hunting targets, or you need the right shooting gear to improve your home practice range, turn to Copper Ridge Outdoors. We offer a wide range of outdoor supplies for hunting and shooting, and we oversee our products from manufacturing to shipping. Not only does this guarantee high-quality results, but it also cuts out the cost of a middle man. Find the equipment you need at a better price today from Copper Ridge Outdoors!