{"product_id":"dragon-ar500-steel-targets-3-8-or-1-2-in-painted-gong","title":"Dragon AR500 Steel Targets 3\/8 or 1\/2 in - Painted Gong","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Dragon AR500 Steel Target is evaluated for shooters who want a durable, audible and low-glare steel gong for range practice. The bottom line: this is best for shooters using high caliber rounds who need a reliably hard target that rings clearly and resists pitting; the combination of American made AR500 steel and a matte white finish delivers longevity and visibility that most paper or lesser steel targets cannot match.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Made Steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manufactured in the USA from AR500 steel so the plate is hard enough to withstand high caliber impacts with long service life when used correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Available in 3\/8 in or 1\/2 in thickness to match different calibers and shooting intensity, providing choices for durability and portability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-Reflective Paint:\u003c\/strong\u003e Matte white paint reduces glare and improves target visibility at the range while still being easy to repaint after use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLaser Cut Precision:\u003c\/strong\u003e CNC Mitsubishi laser cutting gives clean edges and consistent dimensions without the heat damage associated with other cutting methods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudible Feedback:\u003c\/strong\u003e The target produces a loud ding when hit so shooters can hear strikes without walking downrange, improving practice efficiency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlip to Extend Life:\u003c\/strong\u003e The design allows flipping the target to spread wear and delay pitting, extending practical life under heavy use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis target is ideal for hunters, competitive shooters and range owners who regularly use high-velocity or heavier calibers and want a long-lasting steel gong with clear audio feedback. The American made AR500 construction and optional 1\/2 in thickness are especially well suited to shooters who value durability and repeatability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose who shoot only low-power rimfire at very close range or who prefer reactive targets with paint splatter rather than a ringing gong might look elsewhere; for casual paper-target practice the cost and weight of AR500 steel may be more than needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh quality AR500 steel construction delivers strong resistance to dents and deformation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatte white, non-reflective paint improves visibility and can be repainted after wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLaser cut edges ensure precise shape and maintain material strength compared with high-heat cutting methods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear audible ding on impact allows faster, safer practice without constant range checks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavier and more expensive than paper or light steel targets, so it may be overkill for casual rimfire shooters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires adherence to safety protocols and correct shooting distances to avoid premature wear or ricochet risks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAR500 steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8 in or 1\/2 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSizes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 in down to 4 in diameter options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMatte white non-reflective paint\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCutting method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMitsubishi CNC laser cut\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMade in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Dragon AR500 Steel Target is a solid choice for shooters who need a durable, precision-cut gong that rings loudly and resists pitting. Its American made AR500 construction, matte finish and thickness options make it good value for frequent shooters and those using high calibers; casual rimfire users may find its weight and cost unnecessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this target handle high caliber rounds?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the AR500 steel construction and availability in 1\/2 in thickness are intended to withstand high caliber impacts when used at recommended distances.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the paint create glare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe matte white non-reflective paint minimizes glare for better visibility and can be repainted after the original coating is worn off.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow will I know when I hit the target?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gong produces a distinct, loud ding on impact so shooters can hear strikes without walking downrange.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dragon Targets","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48187570290907,"sku":"B07XPKS9RP","price":73.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61oaL3RPWmL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769454659","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/dragon-ar500-steel-targets-3-8-or-1-2-in-painted-gong","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}