Skip to content

Target Selection & Safety Guide

Firearm Safety

It goes with-out saying, but always follow the 4 basic safety rules when handling or shooting your firearm, shoot responsibly: 

  • Treat every gun as loaded: Always assume a firearm is loaded, even if you think it is empty or safe.
  • Never point at things you won't destroy: Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, away from people and yourself.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger: Rest your finger outside the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you decide to fire.
  • Be sure of your target and beyond: Know what you are shooting at and what is behind your target to prevent accidental injury or damage. 
You should also know and follow the safety rules specific to your local range. It’s also extremely important to know and follow the manufacturers’ safety rules for set-up, inspection, and use of your targets.  Always use eye and ear protection and maintain proper shooting distances from your target. 
Purchasers, users, spectators assume all responsibility and liability when using any Bash Target Supply target or target system.  Bash Target Supply shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage or death caused by direct or indirect use of Bash Target Supply Products.
There are many variables when selecting steel targets, how to safely hang them, appropriate calibers, safe shooting distance and more.  When in doubt, ask us questions!  Give us a call (603)257-2274 (BASH)

Steel Target Safety

Visually inspect all steel targets before and after use for safety.  Any targets that are pitted, cracked or deformed can not be used.   Never use steel core, armor piercing or tracer ammunition on steel targets.  Adhere to minimum recommended distances in our Target Selection and Safety Guide.  Careful attention needs to be observed mounting your steel targets, when in doubt, ask us questions!   

Not all steel is equal. High quality steel targets are made from a hardened steel commonly known as AR500 or AR550. These hardened steel targets last longer and are SAFER to shoot. Beware of cheap steel targets. They are prone to ‘spalling’ which refers to flakes or fragments of the steel target being broken or falling off when the bullet contacts the steel plate. These flakes, and even pieces of the bullet itself, can bounce or ricochet in any direction. If it’s a static/stationary target, and not oriented at a 20-degree downward angle, this ‘frag’ can bounce back to the shooter or others on the range if you do not follow the safe shooting distance requirement.

The ricochet of bullet, bullet pieces, or even target material is always possible. This risk is mitigated (not avoided) by the following: 1) Using AR500 or AR550 certified steel, 2) Using the correct steel target for the rifle or pistol caliber you are shooting, 3) Setting up the steel correctly. Example: static steel target should be oriented at a 20-degree downward angle to direct any ricochet towards the ground, and 4) Following the manufacturers’ minimum safe distance requirements for the steel target and firearm type (example: no closer than 10 yards on our Red, 5/16” pistol targets.)