M193 at 50 yards is a fairly brutal test of hardened steel surfaces. If a target survives that without serious dimpling, you know it’s good steel. The Shootsteel.com 12” spring popper held up to 2 standard capacity magazines of Israeli M193 (which runs pretty hot in my experience) without any problems.

Ignore that little chip on the extreme edge at about 1:30, there isn’t a steel target made that can take an edge hit from M193 at that range without deforming. The good news is that slight deformations on the edge aren’t likely to send spall back at the shooter, and really this target should only be shot at 100yds and further anyway. I was deliberately subjecting this target to extremes for testing purposes.

Overall target strength and durability was established with about 20 rounds of .30-06 at 100yds.  They advise against long-action calibers on this particular model, if you plan on shooting magnums, shootsteel.com does make a magnum version of this target, that said, after 20 rounds there was no deformation or bending of the plate and the base held together just fine, despite being bounced into the air with every hit.

A 178gr projectile with a muzzle velocity of 2800fps smacks the 100yd steel with over 2700 ft/lbs of force. Click image for video

I’m really impressed by the way this target remained upright and straight during testing. Having targets flop over in the middle of a class or match is embarrassing. One of the ranges I teach at has very hard, rocky ground that resists target stakes. Consequently, it is pretty common for small steel targets to get knocked over there. I don’t foresee that being an issue with this model.

The target and legs are held to the hardened baseplate with bolts and nylocks. This makes for a very sturdy, rugged platform that doesn’t tip over when hit, even if it isn’t staked into the ground.

I can’t wait to run this target in a precision rifle class, the 6” disc gives a 2MOA target at 300 yards, which is a challenging but very achievable target for new scoped rifle shooters, and reactive targets like this are a fun confidence builder.

This target is built to last.

RATING:

Cost 5/5 For a high quality product that should last through several years of service, this is priced very reasonably.

Durability 5/5

Functionality 5/5

Overall Rating 100% EXCELLENT

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

 

By Michael Lake

Writer Michael Lake is a Benefactor Life Member of the National Rifle Association and has been actively involved in a variety shooting activities since 1989. In addition to being a certified range safety officer he holds several NRA instructor ratings and armorer certifications. He has received training from the US Army Marksmanship Unit, the US Marine Corps Rifle Team and some of the finest private training facilities in the nation. In 2013 Michael co-founded Adaptive Defense Concepts, a Northwest Ohio-based Training organization. currently a contractor for the Department of Energy managing safety for the National Homeland Security program in Eastern Idaho, an instructor for Badlands Tactical Training Center, and is an accomplished Freemason.

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