The Best Targets for the Shooting Range: Tactical Picks for Every Shooter

Female military personnel practice shooting at outdoor range.

At first, a target might seem like the least technical part of your shooting gear. But if you're preparing for a range day, qualification cycle, or tactical training block, the right target can improve visibility, reinforce muscle memory, and keep training efficient.


At Qualification Targets Inc., we’ve spent decades supplying agencies, academies, and marksmen with tested, reliable targets. But we also know it’s about more than paper—it’s about performance.

Paper & Cardboard Targets: Still the Gold Standard

Consistency is what matters most—especially when training for qualification, working on law enforcement drills, or instructing concealed carry courses—paper remains one of the most dependable options.

Why? Precision. Clean holes. Easily traceable groups.

Top Picks from Qualification Targets Inc.:

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective when buying in bulk

  • Easy to score and track improvement

  • Can be customized for drills (easily add hit zones, print overlays)

When to Use Paper Targets:

  • Indoor ranges

  • Instructor-led classes

  • Qualification & civilian defense practice

Steel Targets: Immediate Feedback, No Second Guessing

Steel targets bring lots of energy to the range. The ping of a successful shot gives instant feedback—and that’s critical when in real-time shooting scenarios.

Steel Targets Are Best For:

  • Movement drills

  • Tactical response simulations

  • Shooting under time pressure

Our team recommends:

Key Features:

  • The reactive feedback eliminates a delay in correcting missed shots

  • Targets are durable with proper caliber (9mm–.308 rated)

  • Work great in outdoor shooting environments

Note: Not all steel targets are created equal. Avoid soft steel; only use targets rated for your caliber and inspect welds before each use.

Pro Tip: Pair steel targets with a shot timer for a more competitive and measurable experience.

Reactive & Specialty Targets: Making Training Dynamic

Reactive targets engage your reflexes and force realistic transitions. Whether they flip, spin, or reset, they simulate unpredictable movement under pressure.

Perfect for:

  • Defensive pistol courses

  • Force-on-force training

  • Advanced law enforcement scenarios

Examples include:

  • Knockdown Steel Targets

  • Turn-and-shoot mechanical targets (ideal for range instructors)

Key Benefits:

  • Encourages rapid target acquisition

  • Excellent for shoot/don’t-shoot judgment scenarios

  • Increases shooter engagement and focus

Additional Considerations When Choosing Your Targets

1. Caliber and Distance
 Are you shooting .22 LR at 100 yards? Go with a bullseye. Practicing with 5.56 or .40 cal? We recommend steel or silhouettes rated accordingly.

2. Environmental Safety & Ricochet Control
Use rubber berms or angled steel to safely deflect rounds. Avoid using steel targets for short-range pistol practice, unless rated for such use.

3. Transport & Storage
Some steel and reactive targets are bulky. If you shoot at multiple ranges, paper or collapsible stands may be more practical.

Pick the Target That Trains Like You Fight

The best target for your range session is the one that supports your goals. Whether your mission is getting bullseyes and tight groups or movement and fast transitions—your training should reflect it.

Need help planning your range gear list? Check out our website or reach out to our team. We are happy to help. 

FAQ

What are the best targets for shooting at the range?
The best target depends on your purpose. Use paper for qualification, steel for instant feedback, and reactive for dynamic training.

Are steel shooting targets safe?
Yes—if they're rated properly for your caliber and used at a safe distance. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines.

Can I print my own targets?
Yes, printable targets are a great option for sighting-in and drill building.