Shooting targets are essential for improving your accuracy, skill, and enjoyment of shooting. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a hunter or a competitor, a plinker or a defender, you need to choose the right target for your needs and goals. But with so many materials of targets available, how do you decide which one is best for you?

Paper

Paper targets are the most basic and affordable. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, such as bullseye, silhouette, splatter, and reactive. Paper targets are ideal for testing or correcting your accuracy with any type of firearm, especially handguns and rifles. You can easily measure your shot groups, adjust your sights or scope, and score your performance.

The main drawback of paper targets is that they are not reusable. After you put too many holes in them, you have to replace them. This can be time-consuming and wasteful. Also, plain paper targets can be hard to see at long distances, unless you use a spotting scope or binoculars. However, modern reactive paper targets can solve this problem by creating bright halos around your hits.

Steel

Steel targets are the most durable and long-lasting. They are made from hardened steel plates that can withstand repeated shots from most calibers. Steel targets are great for training and practice, as they provide instant auditory feedback when hit. You can hear the satisfying “ding” sound when you hit the target, which reinforces your positive shooting habits.

Steel targets also come in various shapes and sizes, such as gongs, plates, spinners, poppers, and animals. Some of them are reactive, meaning they move or fall when hit. This adds more challenge and fun to your shooting experience.

The main drawback of steel targets is that they are more expensive than paper targets. They also require more care and maintenance to prevent rust and damage. You have to use the right type of ammunition and distance to avoid ricochets and splatter. You should also wear eye and ear protection when shooting steel targets.

Clay

Clay targets are designed to be thrown through the air and burst upon impact when hit by the pellets of a shotgun shell. They are also known as clay pigeons or skeet. Clay targets are perfect for improving your shotgun skills and reflexes. You have to track the moving target and lead your shot accordingly.

Clay targets are fun and challenging to shoot. They provide visual feedback when hit by exploding into pieces. You can use different types of throwers to launch them at different angles and speeds.

The main drawback of clay targets is that they are not reusable. They also create a lot of debris and litter on the ground. You have to clean up after yourself or use biodegradable clay targets that dissolve over time.