If you’re serious about improving your shooting accuracy—or preparing for an upcoming USPSA match—IPSC cardboard targets are a must. Designed for practical shooting sports, law enforcement training, and personal defense drills, these targets aren’t just traditional silhouettes. They’re tools to help you shoot faster, smarter, and with more accuracy under pressure.
Whether you're chasing that A-zone or just looking to tighten your groupings, knowing how IPSC targets work (and why they’re a great option) can take your training to the next level.
What Is an IPSC Target?
IPSC stands for International Practical Shooting Confederation. In the U.S., you’ll hear them referred to as USPSA targets —the name refers to the regulation silhouette used in competitions sanctioned by the United States Practical Shooting Association.
This type of target is shaped like a humanoid torso and is broken into scoring zones that reward speed, precision, and decision-making. You’ll find them in many USPSA matches, tactical shooting drills, law enforcement qualifications, and personal defense training courses.
If you're looking to improve your shooting performance—not just wanting to fire off a bunch of rounds —training with these IPSC targets will give you measurable results and true feedback .
Official USPSA Target Dimensions & Features
At Qualification Targets Inc., our IPSC cardboard targets meet the USPSA competition standards. Here’s what makes them official:
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Size: 18 inches wide by 30 inches tall.
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Scoring Zones:
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Alpha (A): Center mass — highest value
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Charlie (C): Mid-value zones on either side
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Delta (D): Outermost scoring zone
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Perforations: Clean scoring lines for quick and accurate scoring
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Material: Sturdy, corrugated cardboard that holds up to high-volume shooting
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Color: Brown front with a white back—great for shoot/no-shoot setups or visibility drills
New to USPSA scoring? Use this USPSA Scoring Guide to learn how matches are scored and why accuracy is so important.
Why Serious Shooters Train With IPSC Cardboard Targets
You can shoot at soda cans or paper plates all day—but if you want to track progress and train with some sort of purpose, you need consistent, regulation-sized targets to practice with.
Here’s why many USPSA shooters and instructors use IPSC targets:
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Improved Accuracy: The defined scoring zones make it easy to see where you’re hitting—and in turn, tell you where you need to adjust.
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Realistic Training: The silhouette shape reinforces shot placement for defensive training or use-of-force simulations.
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Build Speed Under Pressure: You’re able to run drills that mimic real match stages: quick transitions, reloads, and target engagements under time constraints.
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Measure & Track Progress: Consistency matters. When every target you use is the same size with the same zones, you are able to compare each session and see how much you have improved over time.
Train Like You Compete
What is one of the best ways to improve match performance? Simulate, as close as possible, the real-life situation while you practice.
Using official IPSC cardboard targets lets you practice everything from draw-and-fire drills to shooting on the move—just like you would in a USPSA stage. Whether you're setting up a practice stage at home or running a course at a shooting range, these targets will help you get ready for the next match.
If you’re an instructor or run a training group, they’re also a great option for consistent coaching and scoring.
Where to Buy UPSSA-Compliant IPSC Targets
At Qualification Targets Inc., we make it easy to get high-quality IPSC cardboard targets delivered directly to your range or home. Our targets are competition-compliant, available in bulk, and designed for heavy use.
👉 Shop IPSC Cardboard Targets Now
Fast Shipping. Bulk Discounts. Reliable Quality.
TIP: Pair your order with target pasters or no-shoot overlays to extend training time and get the most out of every session.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about putting holes in cardboard. It’s about pushing yourself to improve - whether you're chasing a personal best or getting ready for your first competitive match. With IPSC cardboard targets, you’re not just training—you’re building skills that will show up when it counts.
Ready to level up your range days?
👉 Order USPSA Targets from Qualification Targets Inc. today and train like you mean it.
FAQ About IPSC Targets:
Q: What’s the difference between IPSC and USPSA targets?
A: They’re essentially the same target shape and size. IPSC is the international governing body, while USPSA is its U.S. regional affiliate. USPSA matches use targets that follow IPSC design but with slight rule variations. When you see a cardboard silhouette labeled as “IPSC” or “USPSA,” it’s referring to the same regulation target.
Q: What are the scoring zones on an IPSC cardboard target?
A: There are three main zones:
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Alpha (A) – Center mass and head zone, worth the most points
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Charlie (C) – Mid-value zone, just outside the A-zone
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Delta (D) – Outer zone, worth the fewest points
Scoring values depend on the power factor of your ammunition (minor vs. major) in USPSA competitions.
Q: Can I use IPSC cardboard targets for dry fire training?
A: Absolutely. While they’re made for live fire, many shooters use full-size or scaled-down IPSC targets for dry fire practice at home. Mount one to a wall or door and practice draws, reloads, and transitions with a safe, unloaded firearm or dry fire training aid.
Q: Are IPSC cardboard targets reusable?
A: Not in the traditional sense—they’re meant to take live fire. However, you can extend their life by:
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Applying target pasters over shot holes
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Rotating the target or flipping it for fresh sides
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Using them with shoot/no-shoot overlays for more complex drills
For the best value, many shooters buy them in bulk packs.
Q: What accessories should I use with IPSC targets?
A: To get the most from your training setup, we recommend:
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Target stands for easy setup
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Pasters to cover shot holes and reuse targets
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White no-shoot overlays for scenario-based drills
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Timer apps or shot timers for measuring performance under pressure
Q: Can I use IPSC targets for law enforcement or defensive training?
A: Yes. A lot of law enforcement agencies and instructors choose IPSC-style silhouettes over other options because they simulate a real torso and provide better shot placement training. They’re also useful for judgment-based drills with shoot/no-shoot scenarios.