FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Steel Targets

 

What type of wood posts are recommended for steel target systems?

All steel target systems are designed for treated or untreated 2x4 wood posts. For best results, we recommend using 4-foot 2x4s.

What hardware is required to set up steel targets?

  • Strike Face Bracket: Carriage Bolt 1/2"-13 x 1-1/2" & Hex Nut 1/2"-13

  • Modular Base: Bolt 5/16"-18 x 1" & Hex Nut 5/16"-18

What safety gear should shooters and spectators wear?

Always wear:

  • ANSI-approved shooting glasses

  • Hearing protection rated for firearms

  • Protective clothing

What ammunition is safe for shooting steel targets?

  • Use only high-quality duty or service ammunition.

  • Handgun ammo: Maximum 1,500 fps.

  • Rifle ammo: Maximum 3,200 fps.

  • Shotgun ammo: Birdshot and buckshot only.
    ❌ Do not use armor piercing (AP), steel core, hardened ammunition, or shotgun slugs.

What are the safe shooting distances for steel targets?

  • Pistols: Minimum 20 yards.

  • Rifles: Minimum 100 yards.
    Always set targets vertically with a proper backstop (recommended 25 ft height) and a clear downrange safety area.

What should I do if my steel target is damaged?

Stop using the target immediately if it has deep depressions (>2mm) or other visible damage. Damaged targets increase the risk of ricochets and injury.

Does Defense Targets offer a warranty?

All sales are final. Products are sold “as-is” with no warranty. Buyers assume all risks related to firearm use and target wear.

What safety rules should I follow when shooting steel targets?

Follow NRA Firearm Safety Rules at all times:

  • Always keep firearms pointed in a safe direction.

  • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

  • Keep firearms unloaded until ready to use.

  • Identify your target and what is beyond it.

  • Store firearms securely.

  • Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.

DISCLAIMER

  • Defense Targets, LLC will not be responsible for any damage nor will be held responsible if you injure yourself or someone else, or damage any property while using or misusing its products.
  • Use of firearms is inherently dangerous. Any injuries resulting from the use of our products in conjunction with the use of firearms constitutes an assumption of open, obvious risks of injury and/or death.
  • Use our targets with the utmost care and caution, and do so at your own risk.
  • Any use other than the specified configuration of this product constitutes an assumption of risk for any and all injury, death, or damage done to the any persons or property where the product is to be used.
  • Upon using any of our targets, the shooter assumes full responsibility for any and all injuries, death and/or damages resulting from the application of firearms use to the targets
  • Modification Of Disclaimer- Defense Targets, LLC and its Officers reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to modify this Disclaimer in any manner and at any time, without prior notice. The terms of any such amendment to this Disclaimer shall become effective immediately upon posting of such terms on our web site, and reader/user’s access of this web site on or after such posting shall constitute acceptance of such amended terms.