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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Shooting Targets

Practice effectively with reactive paper targets, steel gongs, and silhouette targets.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
Shoot-N-C Reactive Targets

Birchwood Casey

Shoot-N-C Reactive Targets

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

See your hits immediately without walking downrange. That bright chartreuse ring around each hole is addictive.

Type

Reactive paper

Feedback

Bright ring around hits

Backing

Self-adhesive

Sizes

3"-17.25"

Pros

  • βœ“ Instant hit feedback
  • βœ“ See hits from distance
  • βœ“ Self-adhesive

Cons

  • βœ— Single use
  • βœ— Can be pricey per shot
  • βœ— Wind can affect loose pieces

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Shoot-N-C Reactive Targets
Shoot-N-C Reactive Targets Best
Birchwood Casey
4.7
$15 View
Auto Reset Steel Target
Auto Reset Steel Target
Do-All Outdoors
4.6
$90 View
Scorekeeper 100-Yard Rifle Sightin
Scorekeeper 100-Yard Rifle Sightin Value
Champion
4.5
$8 View
Adhesive Silhouette Targets
Adhesive Silhouette Targets
EZ Aim
4.4
$9 View
AR500 Steel Gong Target
AR500 Steel Gong Target
ShootingTargets7
4.8
$45 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Shoot-N-C Reactive Targets

Birchwood Casey

Shoot-N-C Reactive Targets

4.7 (34,567 reviews)

See your hits immediately without walking downrange. That bright chartreuse ring around each hole is addictive.

Type

Reactive paper

Feedback

Bright ring around hits

Backing

Self-adhesive

Sizes

3"-17.25"

Pros

  • βœ“ Instant hit feedback
  • βœ“ See hits from distance
  • βœ“ Self-adhesive

Cons

  • βœ— Single use
  • βœ— Can be pricey per shot
  • βœ— Wind can affect loose pieces
Premium Pick
Auto Reset Steel Target

Do-All Outdoors

Auto Reset Steel Target

4.6 (6,789 reviews)

Knock them down, they pop back up. Steel targets provide instant feedback and endless reuseβ€”pay once, shoot forever.

Type

Steel auto-reset

Targets

4-5 paddles

Material

Steel

Use

Rimfire/pistol

Pros

  • βœ“ Reusable forever
  • βœ“ Auto-resets
  • βœ“ Satisfying ping

Cons

  • βœ— Heavy
  • βœ— Rimfire/pistol only (most)
  • βœ— Requires stand
Best Value
Scorekeeper 100-Yard Rifle Sightin

Champion

Scorekeeper 100-Yard Rifle Sightin

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

Purpose-built for zeroing your rifle. Grid lines and multiple bulls make sight-in efficient and documented.

Type

Paper sight-in

Grids

Yes

Size

14"

Pack

12

Pros

  • βœ“ Precision sight-in grids
  • βœ“ Highly visible
  • βœ“ Affordable

Cons

  • βœ— Paper only
  • βœ— Single use
  • βœ— Not reactive
Budget Pick
Adhesive Silhouette Targets

EZ Aim

Adhesive Silhouette Targets

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Simple, effective, cheap. EZ Aim silhouettes give defensive shooters realistic practice without premium pricing.

Type

Paper silhouette

Size

12"x18"

Adhesive

Yes

Pack

25

Pros

  • βœ“ Budget friendly
  • βœ“ Realistic silhouette
  • βœ“ Peel and stick

Cons

  • βœ— Not reactive
  • βœ— Basic paper
  • βœ— Need backer
AR500 Steel Gong Target

ShootingTargets7

AR500 Steel Gong Target

4.8 (5,678 reviews)

AR500 steel handles rifle impacts that would destroy lesser targets. That "PING" never gets old.

Type

Steel gong

Material

AR500 3/8"

Sizes

4"-12"

Use

Rifle/pistol

Pros

  • βœ“ Rifle-rated AR500 steel
  • βœ“ Loud ping feedback
  • βœ“ Lasts thousands of rounds

Cons

  • βœ— Minimum distance required
  • βœ— Heavy
  • βœ— Mounting hardware extra

Buying Guide: How to Choose Shooting Targets

How to Choose Shooting Targets

Purpose Drives Choice
Zeroing a rifle? Paper with grids. Training defensive skills? Silhouettes. Having fun? Steel that rings.

### Target Types
Paper: Affordable, single-use, great for documentation
Reactive: Shows hits instantly with color change or movement
Steel: Reusable forever, satisfying feedback, requires distance

### Steel Target Safety
  • Minimum distances: 10 yards pistol, 100 yards rifle
    - Angle targets downward to deflect fragments
    - AR500 for rifles, lesser steel for rimfire only
    - Never shoot steel with steel-core ammo

    ### Match Target to Purpose
    - Sight-in: Grid targets with multiple aiming points
    - Accuracy practice: Bullseye targets with scoring rings
    - Defensive training: Silhouette targets
    - Fun shooting: Steel poppers and gongs
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Shooting Targets

    Paper or steel targets?

    Paper for precision and documentation. Steel for instant feedback and reusability. Most shooters use both for different purposes.

    What steel for rifle shooting?

    AR500 minimum, 3/8" thick for most rifles. AR550 for magnums. Softer steel pits and becomes dangerous with rifle impacts.

    How far away should steel targets be?

    Pistol: 10 yards minimum. Rifle: 100 yards minimum. Shotgun slugs: 100 yards. These minimums prevent dangerous splashback.

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