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Steel popper targets are the perfect way to take your shooting skills up a notch and have some fun at the same time. Steel poppers are an often underrated target that can offer shooters of all levels a chance to have a great time honing their accuracy and making their shooting sessions even more enjoyable.
Steel popper targets are made from high-quality steel that makes them durable and long-lasting. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors so you can pick one that fits your style and preferences. These targets are also designed with safety in mind - they have curved away from the shooter as well as rounded edges so you remain safe while shooting at them. And because they are made of steel, they can withstand multiple shots without breaking or becoming misshapen like other materials such as paper or cardboard would when hit by bullets.
Not only do steel popper targets offer an amazing shooting experience, but they also create some impressive sounds when hit - a loud ‘POP’ sound followed by metal fragments flying off into the air which is sure to make each session both exciting and rewarding for every shooter who uses it. Additionally, these targets provide a much larger target area than standard paper targets which helps shooters hone their accuracy more quickly and easily than ever before.
For those just starting out with steel popper targets, there are sets available that include everything needed including several sets of pellets of different weights along with instructions on how to set up and use the target correctly; this makes it easier for newbies to get started without feeling overwhelmed or confused about what needs to be done.
There are many brands with different features and price points to choose from when purchasing a steel popper target. We've researched all the options so you can make an informed decision while shopping!
How We Choose
To find the best Steel Popper Targets, we looked at a variety of factors including weight, size, shape, and portability. We also considered things like durability and customer satisfaction ratings. In the end, we ended up with a list of targets that meet or exceed all of our criteria.
Highwild Resetting Target, Rated for .22 Rimfire - Large Size and 2.5 Inch Shooting Targets | Pop-Up Steel Prairie Dog B- .22 Auto Resetting Prairie Dog
Highwild Resetting Target
Rated for .22 Rimfire - Large Size and 2.5 Inch Shooting Targets
The Highwild 2.5-Inch Resetting Target is a large target that's ideal for use with .22 caliber rifles and pistols. It can be used to train your aim, although we'd have preferred this target was made of steel if you plan on using it for that purpose.
Although this target looks like it could take a beating, the bottom line is that it's not really designed or tested to withstand abuse. The frame is constructed from lightweight metal and will deform under repeated strikes by bullets or BBs – which means you need to be careful when setting up this target outside as there's no way of protecting the ground beneath it from damage.
The Highwild 2.5-inch Resetting Target has four stakes included in the box, but they're fairly weak and don't provide much stability when shooting at this target from different angles or over long distances. That said, if you want something easy to set up that allows you to practice your aim without having to walk downrange after every shot, then the Highwild 2.5-inch Resetting Target may be exactly what you're looking for.
Birchwood Casey World of Targets Shooting Sports Competition Self Resetting Popper .22 Rimfire with 4" Paddle Steel Target
Birchwood Casey
World of Targets Shooting Sports Competition Self Resetting Popper .22 Rimfire
The Birchwood Casey Portabuckle Pistol Target is a great option if you don't want to fork out for a dedicated pistol target stand, but still need something that'll hold up to the rigors of regular use.
It's designed for use with .22 rimfire ammo only, which limits its usefulness for more powerful guns. But this does mean that it can be more forgiving than some of the other options on our list, making it good practice regardless of your skill level.
The main selling point of this target is its portability and ease of set-up - simply place it on your shooting station and fire away. It features a springless design and will automatically reset itself back into position after every shot, so all you have to do is keep shooting.
Do-All Outdoors - Silhouette Popper Steel Target, Rated for .22 Caliber
The Do-All Outdoors Steel Target is a solid choice for any budding shooter. It's sturdy and durable, with a steel frame and reinforced corners to keep it standing upright even after being hit with bullets.
The target plate is 4 x 5 inches in size, which means you'll need some space to set this up properly if you want to use live ammunition instead of plastic pellets. The spikes that come included in the box are useful for grounding the target as well as helping keep it upright, so it's worth investing in some additional ground stakes before setting up this target if you don't already have them.
There's no assembly required here at all - just pull back on the trigger of your .22 rifle or pistol, aim carefully and fire away! If you're using live ammunition, there will be no ricochets or stray bullets flying around your backyard - but there will still be a satisfying 'thunk' when your shot hits home each time.
Caldwell AR500 Pepper Popper Target with 3/8 Inch Thickness and Interactive Auto Reset for Shooting, Plinking, and Target Practice
Caldwell AR500
Pepper Popper Target with 3/8 Inch Thickness and Interactive Auto Reset
Add some fun interactive targets to your range with these Caldwell AR500 Auto Resetting Targets. Constructed using AR500, the finest rifle-rated target steel available on the market. Each target includes a free-standing frame, popper, or prairie dog shape AR500 target and ground stakes. The base of the frame sits 7 inches off the ground. When the target is struck with a bullet it falls backward and is automatically reset with the integrated reset spring. For maximum life expectancy impact velocities of 3,000 fps or below and impact energies of 3,500 ft. lbs. or less are recommended.
Champion Range and Target Traps and Targets Metal Pop-Up Target (Diamond Shape), Orange, 7 1/2" x 2 3/4"
The Champion 7.5 x 2.75-inch metal target is a perfect choice for beginners looking to get into target practice without spending too much money on a large model. It's small in size and easy to use, but it still has enough durability and strength to withstand years of shooting.
The orange paint makes this target visible from afar and helps it stand out against the green grass or ground, so you can easily see when your shot hits home. The steel construction means that this target will last through years of regular use, and its four stakes mean you have plenty of options for mounting it securely in place.
The only downside here is that the return spring can make an annoying clicking sound if you accidentally bump the target during its return back to the upright position - though we doubt many people would be able to resist knocking this down intentionally after seeing how low-priced it is compared to other models!
Steel Popper Targets FAQs
Steel is a metal that has been used for thousands of years. It's the material of choice for many products, including weapons and armor.
As such, it's only natural to wonder about steel when looking for the best steel popper targets. We've compiled some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about steel so that you can make an informed decision before spending your hard-earned money on a target.
Are Steel Popper Targets Safe?
That depends on how you look at it. Obviously, the whole point of a popper target is to get shot and have that bullet explode in a puff of paint or some other type of marker. That's going to happen regardless of which brand you choose, so almost all steel popper targets are safe in that sense.
The question here concerns the level of safety afforded by each specific model. Some steel popper targets only protect against lower-caliber rounds; .22s and similar ammunition won't really do much damage unless you're using an oversized gun or shooting at extremely close range. There are others specifically designed to withstand shotgun blasts without concern for damage or bending, but those tend to be quite expensive compared with the average model (although they can be worth the investment if your needs are specific).
As long as you understand what kind of protection your chosen target affords, then you should feel safe about letting your kids shoot at it while supervised by proper adults.
What Guns Can I Shoot At My Steel Popper Target?
Most steel popper targets are designed to withstand almost any firearm, so you can fill them full of holes with everything from a BB gun to a 12-gauge shotgun. However, the more powerful the shot, the quicker it will knock your target over, so be prepared for lots of resetting and extra wear and tear on your stand.
For medium-range plinking – say 50 yards or less – most shooters agree that .22 rifles are ideal choices thanks to their low recoil and cheap ammunition costs. You can also take aim at your popper with 9mm handguns and even some higher-powered submachine guns if you're shooting at a very close range (less than 10 yards). Of course, other options like shotguns with birdshot rounds and high-power pistols firing non-hollow point ammo should be avoided unless you have a sturdy base for your target.
Conclusion
Steel targets have become the favorite of many shooters just to hear it "ring"! Shooters everywhere learn fast that targets can be addictive and it doesn't matter if you are plinking with a .22lr or using a bolt action in rifle calibers to extend out farther than the eye can see...
