Safety Information

Safety Guidelines

Shooting steel targets, like any other shooting activity, comes with some inherent risks. We have provided some basic guidelines here to help mitigate safety risks - but please remember, it is ultimately the shooter's responsibility to provide a safe shooting environment.

General

  • Always use appropriate eye protection and hearing protection that complies with the relevant Australian Standards.
  • Never use hardened, armour piercing, steel core or incendiary ammunition to shoot Armour Target steel targets.
  • Never shoot Armour Target steel targets with steel ball-bearing shot or solid slugs from a shotgun.
  • Ensure all shooting activities comply with the relevant firearms regulations in your area.

Targets

  • Never shoot steel 'targets' that have not been specially designed as shooting targets. Armour Target steel targets are manufactured from AR500 quenched and tempered steel. Most grades of steel are far too soft to prevent significant deformation from a bullet impact and can result in bullets penetrating through the target or ricocheting in an unpredictable way.
  • Inspect targets thoroughly every time before shooting. Ensure the targets are not damaged in any way and the surface of the target is clean and smooth. Never shoot targets that have craters on the target surface.
  • Never alter or modify our targets in any way.

Shooting in a Safe Direction

  • When choosing a location for shooting steel targets, ensure there is a solid back-stop, such as a large hill, down-range of the targets to 'catch' any stray shots.

Mounting

  • Steel targets should always be mounted on an angle of 15 degrees downwards such that projectiles are deflected towards the ground.
  • Mount targets as close as possible to the ground to reduce the chance of ricochets.
  • Targets should be mounted in such a way as to permit them to swing (like a pendulum) when shot to help absorb the energy of the projectile.

Recommended Minimum Shooting Distances

  • Handgun:  Maintain a minimum distance of 25m and use only frangible projectiles. Jacketed projectiles increase the risk of ricochets and should never be used to sheet steel targets.
  • Rimfire Rifle:  Maintain a minimum distance of 50m when shooting steel targets with rimfire ammunition.
  • Centre-fire Rifle: Maintain a minimum distance of 100m when shooting steel targets with frangible centre-fire ammunition. Maintain a minimum distance of 150m when using non-frangible centre-fire ammunition.
  • Spectators should ALWAYS remain behind the shooting line.

Limited Liability

Armour Target steel targets are intended for a specific use which comes with inherent dangers. It is the sole responsibility of the user/s to ensure their own safety and the safety of any and all bystanders. Armour Targets steel targets must only be used for their intended purpose and in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. No warranty is provided for our products except that they will perform adequately when used for their intended purpose. Altering or modifying our targets in any way shall void all warranties, expressed or implied. All risks associated with the use of our targets is assumed by the purchaser/user. We accept no responsibility for the improper or illegal use of our targets.