Hanging AR500 Steel Targets: Are Chains or Straps Better?

When you invest in quality laser cut AR500 steel targets, silhouettes, and gongs, how you hang them matters just as much as the steel itself. A proper mounting setup absorbs punishing kinetic energy, maximizes target movement, and—most importantly—prevents premature wear or ricochet hazards.

Two of the most popular methods for suspending targets from a 2x4 stand or any stand for that matter are steel chains and heavy-duty straps (often made from reinforced rubber or industrial nylon). But which option is right for your range setup? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and performance of chains versus straps.

1. Steel Chains: The Range Classic

Steel chains (such as robust 3/8-inch links) have been a staple of shooting ranges for decades. They offer a reliable, old-school method for keeping targets securely in place.

The Pros:

• Incredible Durability: High-grade steel chains (Grade 80 is best) can withstand significant indirect trauma and environment exposure.

• Satisfying Audible Feedback & Swing: Chains allow targets to swing freely back and forth, giving you that classic, smooth pendulum motion and a distinct sound profile on impact.  Chains produce a louder audible report vs straps.

• Easy Customization: You can easily adjust chain lengths or link them using standard shackles and bolts.

The Cons:

• Vulnerability to Direct Hits: While strong, a direct high-velocity rifle round hitting an exposed chain link can snap or weaken it over time.

• Ricochet Risk: Rigid metal-on-metal connections can occasionally increase the chance of unpredictable spall deflection if stray rounds strike the mounting hardware directly.

• Target Flat to Shooter:  You need two chains to keep your target flat to the shooter.  Only one center chain will result in the target twisting.

2. Heavy-Duty Straps: The Modern Shock-Absorber

Conveyor belt rubber straps and high-tensile nylon mounting straps have surged in popularity among tactical shooters and high-volume training facilities.

The Pros:

• Superior Shock Absorption: Rubber and reinforced straps flex violently upon impact, absorbing a massive amount of kinetic energy before it transfers to your target stand or 2x4 lumber.

• Better Deflection: If a bullet strikes a hanging strap, it typically passes straight through or tears cleanly without creating dangerous, unpredictable ricochet angles like rigid steel hardware might.  Straps can take many, many direct hits before failing.

• Tangle-Free Transport & Single Strap Mounting : Straps lay flat and don't tangle in your range bag, making setup and teardown at the range faster and cleaner.  Since the straps are flat, you can hang plates using only one strap in a center plate hole.

The Cons:

• Wear from Splatter: High-velocity lead or jacket spall close to the top mounting hole can eventually chew through rubber or fabric straps faster than heavy steel links.  Jacket spall is very sharp and can become lodged into the strap leaving a very sharp edge.

• Less Traditional Swing: Some shooters prefer the fluid arc of a swinging chain compared to the tighter, dampening movement of a thick rubber strap.

• Less Audible Report: Straps will dampen the audible ping you hear off steel plates because of the harmonic properties of rubber versus steel.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Steel Chains if: You want a traditional, long-lasting setup that provides a wide, satisfying target swing and you are confident in your shot placement to avoid hitting the top hardware.

• Choose Heavy-Duty Straps if: You are training with high-volume drills, want to minimize structural shock to your target stands, or prefer a safer profile against stray spall splatter.

• No Wrong Choice: Both options done properly are effective and durable methods for hanging AR500 Steel Shooting Target Plates.  Many times the choice comes down to personal preference.

Pro-Tip: No matter which method you choose, always try to angle your AR500 targets downward (roughly 15 to 20 degrees) to direct energy and bullet fragmentation safely into the ground, drastically extending the life of both your targets, superior safety and protecting your hanging hardware!