There are many misconceptions about shooting steel targets. One of the most common is that steel targets are unsafe because there is always a ricochet. The truth is that if you use targets made from the right kind of steel and set them up properly, they actually have a very low ricochet risk. At Alliant Metals, we provide the highest quality AR500 steel targets. We want all our customers to be safe while using our targets, so it is important to know how to use them correctly.
Steel targets are designed to be hit with bullets, but you need to ensure that you are using ammo that is suitable for target shooting. A steel target absorbs the impact of the bullet and destroys it so that it does not ricochet. If you use the wrong type of ammo, the target may not be hard enough to destroy the bullet on impact.
Because the laws of physics exist, after a bullet hits the target, it has to go somewhere, even if the target destroyed it on impact. When you set up the target, angle it down. That way, the force will send the bullet into the ground instead of in an unpredictable direction.
Most target shooting accidents occur because people don’t know what they’re doing. Or they fail to follow the appropriate guidelines for the weapons and targets they are using. Possibly the simplest way to reduce the risk of getting hit by a ricochet is to stand far enough away from the target. What qualifies as a safe distance depends on the kind of gun you are shooting with. For example, you should stand at least 30 yards away if you are using a shotgun, but for rifles, a safe distance is at least 100 yards.
AR500 steel targets are designed to be hit by bullets repeatedly, but everything wears down over time. Always inspect your targets before shooting. If there is any pitting or other damage to the surface of the target, don’t use it. The bullet can hit the surface at an odd angle. Then you won’t be able to predict where the spent bullet lands, and your risk injuring yourself or others.
There is always an inherent risk involved in any target shooting, but you can greatly reduce that risk by taking the proper safety precautions. When you use high-quality AR500 steel targets from Alliant Metals, you can rest assured that you have a product that will perform to your expectations. By taking the necessary precautions, you can safely engage in target shooting with our targets.
