Not sure where to put this although it does involve training/shooting.
I’m looking for some steel plates for targets from 100-1000 yards. What do you guys use and where is the best place to order them? I figure AR500 is what most use. I am mostly looking for silouhette, square/circle, and 1 Gong. I have stands already designed/built but my mild steel plate supply is running dry and I’m tired of punching holes through them.
law enforcement targets
Yeh, LE Targets. Excellent company. We shoot AR500 only with rifles. 3/8 would probably be good enough is we’re talking 100 yards or more. We shoot ours from quite a bit closer so we use the 1/2 inch stuff.
http://www.wideners.com/itemview.cfm?dir=1020
Buy any 6 steel targets in one order & shipping is free according to the last email they sent me.
Might give these guys a look. www.mgmtargets.com
A TigerSwan Instructor told me last week that mgm is GTG.
At Redback One we have been working with a company located in Monassas, VA called Red Stitch Tactical. Darrin who is the owner is a former Marine who knows targets.
He has boosted his capability with a CNC machine to cut all kinds of shaped targets. He makes swingers, static and falling plates as well as mini’s and even truck hitches!
What I like about RST is the way Darrin has constructed the target bases. Remember that all AR500 rifle grade steel is just that, so the only consideration is how it is hung and the type of base that it is attached to.
RST use bolts for most of the static series but they are placed low on plates so they get hit less frequently. The base is made very well and is super solid yet easy to move around. I have seen way too many steel targets fall over due to flimsy base.
If you go check them out, let them know RB1 sent you there and Darrin will give you a 10% discount on your order.
The coupon code if you go direct to the webpage is RB1
Been buying alot from MGM through Brownells and JC Steel targets. JC carries some 1/2" targets and their T post hangers are pretty nice.
ime, i have the fewest problems with action targets. they have the most durable designs. they are not easy to deal with though, and relatively expensive. their hostage targets are the best.
JC steel targets is an excellent source for cheap hanging plates. and the money goes to a good cause.
I am a huge fan of big dog steel’s headhunter targets. these are excellent reactive targets.
mgm makes good targets for 3gun. the kind of thing you’d want if you were and RO scoring AR15s shooting at 300 yard plates
if you are getting small plates, i strongly suggest water jet, not plasma cut.
Myself and friends have bought from this site as he is local. So far they have been working out well.
I own a couple plates from jc steel targets. There are group buys on the snipershide from time to time which brings the price down.
Another vote for JC Steel Targets. Not only do they make excellent targets, but it supports a GREAT cause. Jake is a great guy that heavily supports our sport along with being a phenomenal shooter himself. Don’t hesitate to check them out.
Back in the day, we used to get billet steel automobile and truck flywheels from the junkyard for scrap price. They resisted everything but AP bullets.
I doubt that they’re a) available anymore, and b) cost-effective.
I buy mine from guys who got tired of humping them back and forth to the range. 
mbogo
Also, don’t weld to the target plate, the hardness (which is necessary to resist rifle velocity bullets) near the weld will be ruined.
I’m a believer in MGM.
Can’t say that nobody does as good as they do, just that I have been very happy with them in comparison to others.
For cheap plates, Widener’s are pretty good.
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Just shot up a bunch if ShootSteel 1/2" plates. Handguns including .44 mag at 15 yds splattered but no dents. At .75 yds .223 also splattered and no dents. Finally got a hint of dents with a Mosin. Two hits from the Mosin on the very edge cut a shallow groove which I understand is where the heat treat may be compromised. Overall very impressed.
I bought a steel silhouette from qualitytargets.com based on a member’s recommendation. They had the best price overall i found. I’m quite happy with it.
Some companies cut their AR500 steel plate with a plain old plasma cutter. That ruins the temper around the edges and you’ll eventually get a lot of nicks and gouges from bullet strikes in about a 1 inch circumferential margin. Look for AR 500 that’s been cut with underwater plasma or some other technology that leaves the steel’s temper alone.
Unfortunately, not all AR500 steel is created equal. There can be a significant difference in AR500 plates from two different companies so you want to make sure you’re choosing a quality vendor. Additionally, heat is the enemy when it comes to steel targets so you want to pay attention to how they cut their steel and how they weld it.
Also pay attention to the design of the target. Targets that are angled down at 30 degrees (give or take) are generally safer as they deflect the splatter toward the ground instead of back at you. This downward cant is also better for the target itself as it lessens the force as opposed to hitting straight on. This means longer target life. Targets with smooth faces as opposed to ones with mounting bolts protruding may also be safer and minimize the need for having to replace bolts that get hit too much. However the trade off here is that without mounting bolts, it usually means that a bracket has been welded to the back and then you have the heat concerns to think about.
Consider, also, whether you want a steel base or wood base. Steel usually holds up better although most companies aren’t using AR500 steel in their bases. A few are. These obviously hold up better but are more expensive. Wood bases may need to be replaced more often but this helps reduce the price of the overall target…and shipping expense. But you may have to deal with running to Home Depot every now and then. I’ve also seen a couple companies sell a steel protector plate for the 2x4. It’s probably worth it to get one of these for $10 or $15. You can, of course, build your own stands.
Pay attention to the design of the stand. If you’ve got your own range at home, it probably doesn’t matter. But if you’re going to be lugging these things around, you want something sturdy, compact and easy to setup.
Two companies to look at are Action Target. Their Evil Roy line is wonderfully portable. Targets are good quality and customer service is solid although they can be hard to contact. I have a few of their targets and had a couple of issues. They took care of me, no problem. But they were a little hard to contact…really busy and a bit under staffed…Not an unwillingness to help (my impression).
Also Nutnfancy has a 15% discount code for them.
Second company is MGM. I don’t own any of their stuff personally but have friends that do. Many people swear by them too.