When you’re looking to improve accuracy or just enjoy a casual plinking session, the type of target you choose makes all the difference. Let’s break down the pros and cons of three common options: steel, paper, and improvised targets like bottles and cans.
1. Steel Targets
Pros
- Provides immediate audio/visual feedback via the “clang” when hit
- Highly durable – quality AR500 steel lasts for thousands of rounds
- Reusable and low maintenance – ideal for frequent shooters
Cons
- Higher upfront cost compared to paper or makeshift targets
- Heavy and harder to transport
- Risk of ricochet damage if not used properly or with safe ammunition
2. Paper Targets
Pros
- Excellent for precision work – perfect for scoring, tuning optics, or sighting in rifles
- Lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to roll out anywhere
- Great variety in customizable target designs
Cons
- No feedback at the moment of impact – requires walking downrange or using spotting systems
- Single-use and vulnerable to wind, rain, or general wear
- Not exactly eco-friendly when used in bulk
3. Bottles & Cans (Improvised Targets)
Pros
- Adds excitement with visual and audio effects as they shatter or fly
- Free or upcycled – just grab from home recycling bins
- Shapes and sizes vary, offering unplanned challenges
Cons
- Shards and debris create cleanup and safety hazards – especially with glass
- Inconsistent target size hinders skill tracking
- Often banned on many public ranges for safety and environmental reasons
Enter Box Targets
Box Targets were born from the need for a lightweight, reusable, eco-friendly target with real-time feedback. Founded in Arizona in 2017 by a father-son team, they deliver:
- Durability & cost-effectiveness – folds out into a 54″ tall cardboard target strong enough for repeated use
- Clean & lightweight – unlike bottles and cans, Box Targets are easy to clean up and move
- Easy setup – takes around 30 seconds once trained, and about 3 minutes the first time
- Wind resistance – won’t fall over in winds up to 8MPH, add the Box Weight or some rocks to weigh it down up to 13MPH
- Versatile use – suitable for pistol, rifle, shotgun, airsoft, even slingshots or throwing knives
Conclusion
Choosing the right target depends on your goals:
- Steel excels for durability and instant feedback, but costs more and requires care
- Paper is precise and cheap, but single-use
- Bottles & cans are fun and free, yet messy and unreliable
For an all-around solution – clean, lightweight, and reusable – Box Targets combine the best traits of each type while eliminating their downsides. They’re a simply a smarter, more sustainable target to shoot.