Having targets when shooting can make a significant difference when it comes to improving your shooting skills. Whether you are into this activity just for pleasure, to improve your accuracy or to receive immediate feedback, understanding the many types available on the market is essential for helping you achieve the needed results.

What Types of Targets Are There?

The choice of shooting target products is huge, allowing people with different needs a variety to pick from. They are essential when shooting as they not only give fire arming a purpose but also make things more fun, especially when competing with friends and family. But in order to make the right choice, first you should go over them, consider their purpose and benefits, and pick the ones that will best meet your needs.

Reactive

The greatest thing about the reactive type of shooting target is that it can react visibly or audibly when hit. Thanks to this, you, the shooter, will receive instant feedback on your shots. Generally speaking, it can be made from self-sealing polymers, steel or specially treated paper. Aside from the material, you can also choose from a selection of types of reactive rifle targets, so consider all of them before making your choice.

Spinning

As the name suggests, these targets are designed to spin once you hit them which makes everything more fun and challenging at the same time. Given the fact that they spin, they will also help you work on your accuracy. Generally speaking, they are made from polymer or metal materials, and they can reset automatically.

Pop-Up/Jumping

These targets are designed to pop up or move when hit which is great for simulating moving and reactive targets.

Gong

Given the fact that these are made from metal, they will emit a loud sound when hit, giving you audible feedback. Practice shows that they are mainly used for long-distance shooting.

Resetting

Depending on the type, these targets allow for being reset manually or automatically and they are designed to fall immediately when hit. This makes them the perfect type of target for those who love continuous shooting.

Knock-Down

These targets are mainly used in shooting competitions to simulate taking down the target for good as they fall over when hit.

Swinging

These targets are quite similar to the spinning ones with the only difference being that they swing back and forth when hit, making it hard to be accurate because of the constant moving. On the other hand, this is a great exercise for becoming a pro.

Stationery Targets

These targets are one of the most versatile models available on the market as they are available in different designs ranging from silhouettes to bull eyes. Being stationary means that they offer a clearer visual shooting placement and feedback.

What Are the Most Commonly Used Materials?

Paper/Cardboard

Without a doubt, this is one of the most commonly used materials for the purpose not only for its price but also for the fact that it will provide you with a clearer visual. It’s said that this type of target can also improve your accuracy, the only downside is that it can wear down over time, and is susceptible to weather conditions.

Steel

Steel is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials for the purpose which also provides you with audible feedback. Being made from steel makes it perfect for being used for different firearms and distances. One of the greatest downsides of steel targets is that it’s more expensive than the rest and if not used properly there is a chance for ricochet.

Reactive Polymer

The greatest benefit of this material is that it offers immediate feedback which makes it among the most preferred types and materials by shooters. This type of targets is also known as self-healing because of the material, which makes it perfect for the purpose.

A material of this kind allows you to practise as long as you want without having to worry about anything. The greatest downside, however, aside from its price is that it offers less accuracy when training. And since the spots you have hit will heal quickly, it would be difficult for you to see your shots and see whether you are progressing or not.

What Type of Targets Are Ideal for Rifle Shooting?

Out of all the materials offered on the market, it seems that steel is considered the best not only for its durability and immediate feedback but also for its versatility and ease of maintenance. Riffle enthusiasts can shoot best at steel targets as they are able to withstand everything. In fact, they are thought of as perfect for handling high-velocity impacts with ease. However, if the price seems too high for you, you can always invest in reactive targets to make shooting more challenging. This will also help you improve your accuracy whether shooting close or a distance.