Defense Targets makes affordable targets in America. The most popular model is the Ready Ship Target (RST)with an A/B and part of C Zone IPSC strike face made of AR500 3/8 rifle-rated steel, measuring 9.5×20 w/ the top at 5.75in wide. The RST includes a collapsible steel stand with a 2×4 bracket for steel targets and 1×2 brackets to hang paper and steel targets. All brackets and bolts included, just provide the lumber.
Defense has solved the riddle of steel: How can I buy steel targets without spending a fortune on shipping? The secret ingredient is Priority Mail (If it fits, it ships at a flat rate box). Through world class engineering and clever design these American geniuses figured out how to get a lot of target into a flat rate USPS box and BOOM! free shipping. Like Grandma Miller, if you find a good steel target with free shipping, buy two.
All Defense Targets feature strike faces made of AR500 3/8 rifle-rated steel. The designation “AR500” means that the steel scored a 500 on the Brinell Hardness Test. This test measures the resistance offered to the penetration of a carbide steel ball (1.6 mm diameter) when subjected to a weight of 12.6 kg. The resulting hardness value is computed as the ratio of the applied load to the area of the indentation produced. The Brinell Hardness Test test is accepted as a worldwide standard for measuring the hardness of steel.
In the past, I have used bubba scrap metal targets. While cheap, they are extremely unsafe and self destructive. The hardness of the steel is critical because only a smooth surface will generate predictable splatter patterns. Soft steel will develop pits, craters, dimples, and other deformations. The irregularities cause bullets to deflect in unpredictable patterns making the system unsafe.
The modular design of the Defense Targets means that the target stand and strike face can be changed or modified with other components to change training scenarios. The RST Hostage Head Add On is shown below:
The Defense Target system offers a long-lasting, range quality steel target that can easily disassemble into light fairly components which fit in any vehicle and be assembled for shooting in seconds.
To save you money, the RST ships unpainted and disassembled. Half a can of spray paint, four bolts and a wooden 2X4 later, it is fully mission capable.
You can get your very own Ready Ship Target (RST) for $180.00 at defensetargets.com
About Defense Targets:
Defense Targets (formerly Renaissance Steel Research)Â is veteran owned and operated. They specialize in AR500 Steel Target Systems, Armored Vehicles, Barriers and Bollards. All of their products are made in America.
Defense Targets operates a 33,000 sq.ft. state of the art CNC machining, welding and fabrication facility in North Carolina. Defense Targets is a contract manufacturer specializing in all forms of CNC machine, metal fabrication, engineering, design and production. With 30+ years of expericence, Defense Targets is a multi-faceted steel fabrication, welding, and engineering business. They specialize in producing affordable, top-shelf AR500 rifle-rated steel targets, providing the complete spectrum of target systems from A-Zone to Full Size IPSC, Gongs, Dueling Trees, Plate Racks, and Outdoor Range Packages. Their facility houses CNC machining capabilities offering laser cut precision, including intricate steel stencils. We manufacture Anti-Terrorism Barriers, Bollards, and Armored Vehicle Options.
Photos courtesy of Defense Targets
