AR550 Targets: The Durable Choice for Serious Shooters

When you need steel targets that can stand up to demanding rifle and pistol training, AR550 targets are built for the job. With excellent hardness, durability, and resistance to deformation, AR550 steel provides a dependable target solution for recreational shooters, competitive shooters, law enforcement, military training, and shooting ranges.

At MGM Targets, we manufacture AR550 targets in the USA with the quality and attention to detail shooters have come to expect since 1994.

What Are AR550 Targets?

AR550 is an abrasion-resistant steel with a nominal hardness of approximately 550 Brinell. The higher hardness makes AR550 particularly well suited for applications where steel targets will receive repeated impacts.

For shooters, that means an AR550 target can provide excellent service life when properly selected, installed, and used at appropriate distances with suitable ammunition.

The result is a steel target that can handle serious use while providing the immediate feedback that makes shooting steel so satisfying.

Why Choose AR550 Targets?

There are several reasons shooters choose AR550 targets over softer steel options.

1. Exceptional Durability

Shooting targets can take thousands of impacts over their lifetime. Softer steel can eventually develop craters, dents, or other damage when exposed to ammunition and shooting conditions beyond its intended use.

AR550 targets offer excellent resistance to deformation, making them a great choice for high-volume shooting and demanding training environments.

2. Built for Rifle and Pistol Training

AR550 steel can be used across a wide variety of shooting applications when the target thickness, ammunition, distance, and setup are appropriate.

From handgun practice to rifle training, AR550 provides the durability shooters need when their targets are going to see serious use.

3. Instant Feedback

One of the biggest advantages of steel targets is the immediate feedback they provide.

A properly hit steel target can deliver an unmistakable “PING!”, allowing shooters to know they connected without having to walk downrange and inspect a paper target after every shot.

That makes steel particularly useful for drills, practice sessions, competition preparation, and recreational shooting.

4. Long-Term Value

The initial cost of a quality steel target is only part of the equation. A target that lasts for years of regular use can provide significantly better value than repeatedly replacing damaged targets.

That’s where AR550 targets can really shine.

For busy ranges and serious shooters, investing in durable steel can reduce replacement costs and keep your range setup ready for the next training session.

AR550 vs. AR500 Targets

AR500 and AR550 are both popular choices for steel shooting targets. The primary difference is hardness.

AR550 is harder than AR500, giving it additional resistance to deformation under demanding conditions.

That doesn’t automatically make AR550 the right choice for every shooting application. Target thickness, ammunition, shooting distance, angle, target design, and installation all matter.

For shooters who expect their targets to receive substantial use, however, AR550 targets are an excellent premium option.

AR550 Targets for Long-Range Shooting

Steel targets are especially popular for rifle practice because they make it easy to confirm hits at extended distances.

Large AR550 plates and gongs can provide excellent visibility while allowing shooters to spend more time practicing and less time walking downrange to check targets.

MGM Targets offers AR550 target options designed for everything from general rifle practice to more demanding long-range applications.

Whether you’re working on marksmanship, practicing positional shooting, or simply enjoying a day at the range, a properly selected AR550 target can make your shooting setup more efficient and enjoyable.

AR550 Targets for Competition Shooting

Competitive shooters need targets that can withstand repeated use while providing consistent feedback.

That’s why AR550 steel is an excellent choice for competition training.

MGM Targets offers a variety of steel target designs for shooters preparing for disciplines such as USPSA and Steel Challenge. From individual target plates to reactive targets and complete target systems, AR550 provides the durability needed for high-volume practice.

The right steel target can help you spend more time working on transitions, movement, accuracy, and speed—and less time replacing targets.

AR550 Targets for Training and Shooting Ranges

AR550 targets aren’t just for individual recreational shooters.

Professional training facilities, law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and public shooting ranges can all benefit from durable steel target systems.

High-use environments put tremendous demands on targets. A target that may work perfectly for occasional recreational shooting may not be the best choice for a range seeing shooters every day.

That’s where the durability of AR550 targets becomes especially valuable.

Choose the Right AR550 Target

Not every shooting application requires the same target.

When selecting an AR550 target, consider:

• Caliber and ammunition you’ll be shooting
• Shooting distance
• Target thickness
• Target size and shape
• Fixed or reactive target design
• Frequency of use
• Target mounting system
• Range configuration

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential. Steel targets should always be used according to their intended application and with appropriate safety practices.

Why Buy AR550 Targets from MGM Targets?

MGM Targets has been building steel shooting targets since 1994. Our products are designed by people who understand what shooters expect from their equipment.

We manufacture our steel targets in the USA and offer products for recreational shooting, competition, professional training, and shooting ranges.

Whether you’re looking for a simple AR550 plate, a reactive target, a target stand, or a complete steel target system, MGM Targets has options designed to help you get more out of every trip to the range.

Upgrade Your Range with AR550 Targets

If you’re looking for steel targets that combine durability, performance, and long-term value, AR550 targets deserve a serious look.

They’re tough enough for demanding applications, versatile enough for a wide variety of shooting activities, and capable of providing the instant feedback that makes shooting steel so much fun.

Ready to upgrade your range? Explore MGM Targets’ selection of AR550 steel targets and find the right setup for your next training session.

Frequently Asked Questions About AR550 Targets

Are AR550 targets better than AR500 targets?
AR550 is harder than AR500 and generally provides greater resistance to deformation. The best choice depends on the caliber, ammunition, distance, target thickness, and intended use.

What are AR550 targets used for?
AR550 targets are commonly used for recreational shooting, rifle and pistol training, competition practice, professional training, and shooting ranges.

How long do AR550 targets last?
Service life depends heavily on ammunition, shooting distance, target thickness, impact location, mounting, and frequency of use. Properly selected and used AR550 targets can provide many years of service.

Can you shoot rifles at AR550 targets?
AR550 targets can be used for rifle shooting when the target is specifically rated for the ammunition and distance involved. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and established steel-target safety practices.

Where are MGM Targets made?
MGM Targets manufactures its steel shooting targets in the USA.