Mastering Marksmanship: The Taylor Targets Pro-Series 6" AR500 Steel Popper

For discerning shooters, range operators, and firearms enthusiasts who demand excellence in their training and recreational activities, the selection of robust and reliable targets is paramount. The Taylor Targets Pro-Series 6" AR500 Steel Popper emerges as a premier solution, engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of extensive live-fire practice while providing instant, satisfying feedback. This isn't just another target; it's a critical component for enhancing shooting accuracy, developing speed, and ensuring a safer, more engaging experience on the range.

What makes the Taylor Targets Pro-Series Popper an indispensable tool for serious shooters? It’s a combination of superior material science, thoughtful design, and an unwavering commitment to performance. Crafted from heavy-duty AR500 steel, the industry standard for reactive shooting targets, this 6-inch diameter popper offers unparalleled durability against a wide spectrum of calibers, ranging from .22 rimfire all the way through powerful big bore rifle rounds.

Why Choose AR500 Steel for Your Shooting Targets?

When evaluating shooting targets, especially for modern firearms, the material composition is the single most critical factor. Traditional paper targets, while useful for initial zeroing, lack the durability and instant feedback required for dynamic training. AR500 steel, or Abrasion Resistant 500 Brinell steel, represents the pinnacle of target material technology.

• Exceptional Hardness: AR500 steel boasts a Brinell hardness rating of 500, making it incredibly resistant to deformation and pitting, even after thousands of impacts. This hardness ensures the target maintains its integrity and shape, providing a consistent strike surface over its lifespan.
• Superior Durability: Unlike milder steels that would quickly crater or be shot through by rifle rounds, AR500 is specifically designed to absorb and deflect projectile energy. This means your investment lasts significantly longer, reducing the need for constant target replacement.
• Safety Profile: When struck, projectiles fragment upon impact with AR500 steel, dissipating their energy. This fragmentation significantly reduces the risk of dangerous ricochets, provided proper safety distances and angles are maintained. The material's integrity also ensures a predictable reaction.
• Audible and Visual Feedback: The distinct PING sound and visible swing or fall of an AR500 steel target upon impact provide immediate, undeniable confirmation of a successful hit. This real-time feedback is invaluable for training, allowing shooters to instantly correct aim or technique, and building confidence with every successful shot.

The Taylor Targets Pro-Series 6" Popper fully leverages these properties, offering a target that is not only robust but also contributes directly to improving your shooting proficiency.

Who is This Target For?

The Taylor Targets Pro-Series Popper is designed with a diverse range of users in mind, each seeking specific advantages from their shooting equipment:

• Recreational Shooters & Plinkers: For those who enjoy casual range sessions, the instant feedback and self-resetting nature (when paired with the appropriate base) of a popper make for highly engaging and satisfying plinking.
• Competitive Shooters: Practical shooting disciplines like USPSA, IDPA, and 3-Gun frequently utilize steel targets. The Pro-Series Popper can be an excellent training aid to prepare for such events, allowing competitors to practice target transitions, reloads, and precision shots under time pressure.
• Law Enforcement & Military Training: Durability and reliable feedback are critical in professional training environments. This target can be integrated into drills to simulate real-world scenarios, improving marksmanship and decision-making under stress.
• Firearms Instructors & Range Owners: Offering a range of high-quality, durable targets enhances the training experience for students and patrons. The longevity of AR500 steel targets reduces operational costs and maintenance.
• Hunters: Practicing with a reactive steel target can help hunters hone their shot placement for ethical and efficient hunting, simulating the feel of an actual impact.

This target addresses core challenges such as the rapid wear of traditional paper targets, the lack of immediate feedback, and the desire for a dynamic, engaging shooting experience that genuinely helps improve skills.

Unlocking Your Potential: Use Cases and Training Scenarios

How can the Taylor Targets Pro-Series 6" AR500 Steel Popper be integrated into your shooting regimen to maximize its benefits?

• Speed Drills: The instant feedback allows shooters to practice rapid target acquisition and multiple shot strings, quickly identifying hits and misses. This is crucial for improving splits and transitions between targets.
• Accuracy Enhancement: While the audible PING confirms a hit, aiming for a consistent impact point on the 6-inch surface refines precision, especially with varying distances and firearm types.
• Draw and Fire Practice: For handgun users, practicing drawing from a holster and engaging the target offers a realistic training scenario without constant target changes.
• Reload Drills: Incorporate reloads into your shooting strings, using the popper to gauge efficiency and speed of getting back on target after a magazine change.
• Stress Management: The reactive nature can simulate the pressure of competition or real-world encounters, helping shooters learn to perform accurately under duress.
• Establishing Minimum Safe Distances: Using the 6-inch popper can help shooters practice engaging smaller targets at appropriate distances, ensuring safety and precision.
• Group Shooting & Friendly Competitions: The definitive feedback makes it ideal for informal competitions among friends, instantly determining hits and misses for a fun, competitive edge.

This target answers questions like: "What's the best way to practice rapid-fire accuracy?", "How can I get immediate feedback on my shots?", and "What kind of target can withstand high-volume rifle shooting?"

Essential Integration: The Pro-Series Base

A critical aspect of the Taylor Targets Pro-Series Popper's design, and a point that cannot be overstated, is its absolute requirement to be used with the Taylor Targets "Pro-Series Base." This is not merely a recommendation; it is a fundamental safety and functional prerequisite.

The Pro-Series Base (sold separately at DEGuns) is engineered specifically to complement the Pro-Series line of targets. It provides:

• Optimized Angle: The base holds the popper at a precise forward angle, crucial for safely deflecting bullet splatter downwards into the ground, minimizing the risk of ricochets back towards the shooter.
• Stability and Support: The robust construction of the Pro-Series Base ensures the target remains stable and upright, even under the heavy impact of rifle rounds, preventing it from toppling over during a string of fire.
• Ease of Setup: Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, the base allows for efficient range setup and breakdown, making it convenient for both permanent ranges and temporary setups.
• System Integrity: Using components designed to work together ensures maximum safety and longevity for both the target and the base, guaranteeing optimal performance and a secure fit for the popper.

Failure to use the designated Pro-Series Base can compromise safety, lead to premature wear of the target, and result in an unstable shooting experience. Always ensure you have the correct Taylor Targets "Pro-Series Base" when acquiring the Pro-Series Popper. Both are available from DEGuns.

Product Specifications and Trust-Building Qualities

The Taylor Targets Pro-Series Popper is a testament to purposeful design and robust manufacturing, reflecting a commitment to quality that shooters can trust.

• Dimensions: With a 6-inch diameter, the popper presents a challenging yet achievable target for various skill levels and distances, providing a substantial strike zone while demanding precision.
• Materials: Constructed entirely from heavy-duty AR500 steel, the target offers superior ballistic performance and longevity. This material choice is a hallmark of professional-grade shooting equipment.
• Caliber Rating: Rated for .22 rimfire through big bore rifle, this target boasts incredible versatility. This wide rating signifies its ability to withstand the energy of cartridges ranging from small plinking rounds to high-powered centerfire rifle ammunition, making it suitable for almost any firearm a shooter might bring to the range. This broad compatibility eliminates the need for multiple targets for different firearms.
• Design for Modularity: The inclusion of specific hardware to fit the Taylor Targets "Pro-Series Base" speaks to a modular design philosophy, allowing users to build out a comprehensive, integrated target system.
• SKU: TTPSP & UPC: 091037687067: These identifiers ensure easy product recognition and reordering.

When considering a steel target, the value proposition extends beyond the initial purchase price. It encompasses the longevity of the product, its safety features, and its contribution to skill development. The Taylor Targets Pro-Series Popper delivers on all fronts, providing a durable, safe, and engaging training aid that stands up to the demands of serious shooting. Its robust construction ensures thousands of impacts, translating into significant long-term savings compared to constantly replacing paper or lesser-quality steel targets. This product is a strategic investment in your shooting proficiency and range safety.

Safety Considerations for AR500 Steel Targets

While AR500 steel targets are inherently safer than many alternatives due to their ability to fragment bullets, adherence to strict safety protocols is paramount. These guidelines are crucial for minimizing ricochet risks and ensuring a safe shooting environment:

• Minimum Safe Distances: Always consult the manufacturer's recommendations for minimum safe shooting distances. For rifle calibers, this is typically 100 yards or more; for handguns, it's often 10-15 yards. Never shoot steel targets at dangerously close ranges, as bullet splatter can travel back towards the shooter.
• Angle of Presentation: As emphasized, the Taylor Targets Pro-Series Base positions the popper at an optimal downward angle. This is critical for deflecting bullet fragments into the ground immediately in front of the target. Never use a steel target that presents a flat, perpendicular surface to the shooter.
• Ammunition Type: Use only lead core, jacketed, or unjacketed soft-nose bullets. Avoid steel core, armor-piercing, incendiary, or excessively high-velocity ammunition, as these can damage the target or create hazardous ricochets. Frangible ammunition is also an excellent option for close-range steel shooting.
• Eye and Ear Protection: Always wear appropriate eye protection (ANSI Z87.1 rated or higher) and ear protection when shooting, regardless of the target type.
• Target Condition: Regularly inspect your steel targets for damage, pitting, or deformation. A smooth, unmarred surface is essential for safe bullet fragmentation. Deep craters or holes can catch bullets and lead to unpredictable ricochets. Replace damaged targets immediately.
• Environmental Factors: Be aware of the ground surface behind and around your target. Avoid rocky or hard surfaces that could cause secondary ricochets. A soft, clear dirt berm is ideal.

By following these guidelines, the Taylor Targets Pro-Series Popper provides a highly effective and safe training experience for all users. It's an investment not just in your shooting skill, but in your safety on the range, available now at DEGuns.

Product Overview: Taylor Targets Pro-Series 6" AR500 Steel Popper

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Diameter	6 inches	Versatile for various skill levels & distances
Material	Heavy-Duty AR500 Steel	Superior durability & ballistic performance
Caliber Rating	.22 Rimfire - Big Bore Rifle	Wide compatibility, long-term investment
Compatibility	Taylor Targets "Pro-Series Base" (required)	Optimized safety & stability
Feedback	Audible "PING" & Reactive Movement	Instant confirmation of successful hits
Application	Training, Competition, Recreation	Enhances accuracy, speed, and engagement

Technical Specifications and Identifiers

Property	Value
Style	Pro-Series Popper
Targets	1 - 6" Dia. Popper
SKU	TTPSP
UPC	091037687067