What's the Difference?
When shopping for steel shooting targets, you'll often see terms like AR500 and SR500 used to describe the steel used in target construction. For shooters building a home range, training facility, or competition setup, understanding the difference between these materials can help when selecting steel targets.
Both AR500 and SR500 refer to high-hardness steel commonly associated with demanding applications. However, the specific characteristics of a steel target depend on more than the grade designation alone. Steel hardness, thickness, target design, manufacturing quality, mounting system, and intended use all play important roles.
For shooters looking for dependable steel targets, Defense Targets is going to break it down.
What Is AR500 Steel?
AR500 is a designation commonly associated with abrasion-resistant steel with a nominal hardness around 500 Brinell.
The "AR" generally refers to abrasion resistant, while "500" refers to the approximate Brinell hardness classification.
AR500 steel has become well known in the shooting community because of its hardness and durability. It is frequently used in the construction of steel shooting targets and other applications where resistance to wear is important.
However, simply seeing "AR500" on a product doesn't tell you everything about the target.
The target's:
- Steel thickness
- Actual hardness
- Manufacturing process
- Surface condition
- Target design
- Mounting method
- Intended ammunition
- Manufacturer specifications
can all affect how the finished target performs.
What Is SR500 Steel?
SR500 is another high-hardness steel designation used in steel target manufacturing.
Defense Targets uses SR500 steel for its American-made shooting targets and modular target systems. The material is selected for target applications where durability and dependable performance are important considerations.
Like any steel target material, the performance of an SR500 target depends on the complete product—not simply the name of the steel grade.
That means buyers should consider the thickness and construction of the target along with the material itself.
AR500 vs. SR500: What's the Difference?
At a basic level, both AR500 and SR500 steel targets are associated with high-hardness steel designed for demanding applications.
The important distinction for consumers is that steel designations should not be viewed as the only measure of target quality.
A well-designed target requires the right combination of:
- Appropriate steel hardness
- Proper thickness
- Quality manufacturing
- Suitable target geometry
- Reliable mounting hardware
- Proper installation
- Appropriate use
In other words, AR500 vs. SR500 isn't necessarily a simple "which steel is harder?" comparison.
Two targets made from similarly classified steel can have substantially different real-world characteristics depending on how they are manufactured and configured.
Is SR500 Better Than AR500?
There isn't a universal answer that one designation is automatically better than the other.
For a steel target buyer, the more important question is whether the complete target system is appropriately designed and manufactured for its intended application.
Defense Targets uses SR500 steel to build its target systems with a focus on firearm training, competition shooting, professional training, and serious range use.
The company offers a variety of configurations, allowing shooters and range operators to select a target system based on their particular needs.
Why Steel Hardness Matters for Shooting Targets
Hardness is an important consideration when selecting a steel shooting target.
Steel targets are exposed to repeated impacts, and the material needs to be appropriate for the intended application. Higher-hardness target steel can help resist deformation and wear when properly used.
However, hardness alone doesn't make a steel target safe or suitable for every application.
Target thickness, construction, mounting, distance, ammunition, and other factors all matter.
Always follow the target manufacturer's specifications and applicable range-safety practices when using steel targets.
Target Thickness Matters
One of the biggest mistakes when comparing steel targets is focusing exclusively on the steel grade.
A target's thickness is also important.
Different target applications may call for different thicknesses. A small target intended for one type of range use may have different requirements from a large silhouette or a heavy-duty target system.
When comparing products, look beyond labels such as "AR500" or "SR500" and examine the complete specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Steel Target Design Matters, Too
The shape and design of a target can influence how it functions.
A flat plate, gong, IPSC-style target, hostage target, dueling tree, and plate rack all serve different purposes and have different mechanical designs.
This is why Defense Targets offers more than a single style of steel target.
Its product lineup includes:
- Reactive steel targets
- IPSC-style targets
- Gong targets
- Hostage targets
- Dueling trees
- Plate racks
- Modular steel target systems
This range of designs allows shooters and range operators to build a setup around their specific training or shooting objectives.
AR500 vs. SR500 for Range Use
For shooters deciding between AR500 and SR500 targets, the best approach is to evaluate the entire product rather than choosing based solely on the steel designation.
Consider:
Steel Specification
Understand what type of steel the manufacturer uses and how it is intended to perform.
Target Thickness
Look at the target's thickness and compare it with the manufacturer's intended application.
Target Design
A reactive target, gong, plate rack, and silhouette target each provide a different shooting experience.
Mounting System
A reliable mounting system is an important component of a complete steel target setup.
Manufacturing Quality
Consistent manufacturing and quality control matter when you're purchasing equipment intended for repeated range use.
Intended Application
Consider whether you're building a home range, training facility, competition setup, or professional range.
Why Choose SR500 Steel Targets From Defense Targets?
Defense Targets specializes in American-made SR500 steel targets and modular steel target systems designed for demanding shooting environments.
Rather than offering only individual steel plates, Defense Targets provides a range of target configurations designed to make building and expanding a shooting range straightforward.
From reactive targets and gong targets to IPSC-style targets, hostage targets, dueling trees, and plate racks, shooters can create a setup that fits their training or competition needs.
The modular approach also makes it possible to configure a range around different target types and applications.
Build Your Range With American-Made SR500 Steel Targets
Whether you're building a home shooting range, outfitting a professional training facility, preparing a competition setup, or upgrading an existing range, choosing the right steel targets is an important part of the process.
While AR500 and SR500 are both associated with high-hardness steel, the steel designation is only one part of what makes a quality shooting target.
Target thickness, design, manufacturing quality, mounting hardware, and intended use should all be considered before making a purchase.
For shooters and range operators looking for American-made steel targets, Defense Targets offers SR500 steel targets and modular target systems built for firearm training, competition shooting, professional training, and serious range use.
Shop Defense Targets and build your range with American-made SR500 steel targets and modular steel target systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AR500 the same as SR500?
No. AR500 and SR500 are different steel designations. Both are associated with high-hardness steel, but the designation alone does not tell you that two products are identical in composition, manufacturing, or performance.
Is SR500 good for shooting targets?
SR500 can be used for steel shooting targets when properly manufactured and used according to the manufacturer's specifications. Defense Targets uses SR500 steel for its American-made steel targets and modular target systems.
Is AR500 steel good for shooting targets?
AR500 is commonly used for steel shooting targets because of its high hardness and resistance to wear. However, target thickness, design, manufacturing quality, mounting, ammunition, and intended use are also important considerations.
What is the difference between AR500 and SR500 targets?
The primary difference is the steel designation used by the manufacturer. Buyers should also compare target thickness, construction, design, mounting system, and intended application rather than relying exclusively on the grade name.
What types of steel targets does Defense Targets offer?
Defense Targets offers American-made SR500 reactive steel targets, IPSC-style targets, gong targets, hostage targets, dueling trees, plate racks, and modular steel target systems.
Are steel targets good for firearm training?
Steel targets can provide immediate visual and audible feedback during appropriate firearm training and range use. Always follow the target manufacturer's specifications, safe-use instructions, and applicable range rules.
Train with purpose. Get immediate feedback. Keep improving with Defense Targets. And be sure to follow Defense Targets on Instagram!