When hunting, engaging in shooting sports, or using a firearm in anyway, safety should always be your main concern. If you’re even the least bit experienced, you probably know the Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety, as well as the importance of wearing proper personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, long sleeves and closed toe shoes. Here’s what you need to understand specifically about steel target shooting safety:
While steel targets are a rewarding way to sharpen your shot, they come with one major precaution: Bullet fragmentation. When a bullet impacts a steel target, fragments will deflect or ricochet away from the target at a high velocity. As long as you practice the safety steps listed below, you will drastically minimize the risk of unpredictable bullet fragmentation:
- Make sure targets are facing downward at a 20 degree angle.
- Hang the targets loosely to allow the target face to absorb energy and swing back deflecting bullet fragments to the ground.
- Keep objects such as other targets, target stands and any other solid objects away from your shooting target to reduce potential secondary ricochet.
- Stagger multiple targets or use plywood to absorb fragments between targets.
- Do not place the targets over hard objects on the ground such as rocks or concrete.
- Inspect and replace any significantly deformed or damaged steel targets that may cause an unpredictable ricochet.
- Do the same for any target hardware (bolts, hooks and stands) that is damaged and may also cause unpredictable ricochet.
Follow these steel target shooting safety steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a fun, safe and enjoyable shooting experience! Click here to browse through our products and find your next set of Knock-Overs, Gongs and more.
