Highwild AR500 Steel Target 3/8in Gong Silhouette - Durable Range

In this review the Highwild AR500 Steel Target earns a clear recommendation for shooters who want a durable, visible gong for regular range use; the biggest reason to buy is its combination of 3/8in AR500 steel construction and neon powder coating, which together deliver long life and easy shot pickup. The reviewer tested usability notes against common pistol and rifle calibers and found the target well suited to training and casual shooting, with a satisfying audible feedback when hit.

Key Features

• Laser-cut precision: The laser-cut manufacturing yields a smooth, burr-free edge that reduces sharpness and improves mounting fit for consistent performance.
• Neon-colored powder coating: High-visibility neon powder coating makes the target easy to see at typical handgun and rifle distances in varying light conditions.
• 3/8in AR500 steel: Thick AR500 steel delivers high hardness and durability so the target resists deformation under repeated impacts from common calibers.
• Wide caliber compatibility: Rated for most pistol and rifle calibers, the target handles 9mm,.45 ACP,.223,.308 and larger rounds when used at recommended distances.
• Audible feedback: The steel construction produces a clear ding on impact, which helps shooters quickly confirm hits without electronic gear.
• Accessory compatibility: The target can be combined with Highwild brackets, stands, and hangers to build a custom range setup for different drills.

Who It's For

The Highwild AR500 target is aimed at handgun and rifle shooters who practice regularly and want a durable, reusable metal gong that shows impacts clearly; it fits recreational plinkers, training shooters, and small club ranges that need a visible reactive target. The neon finish helps when shooting in lower light or when tracking follow-up shots at typical pistol distances.

Those who should look elsewhere include benchrest or precision shooters who need small reactive silhouettes at extreme ranges, and folks who require soft or splatter targets for indoor airgun use, since the AR500 steel is built for live firearm calibers and requires proper distance and backstop.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust 3/8in AR500 construction offers long-term durability under repeated shooting.
• Neon powder coating improves visibility and makes spotting impacts easier.
• Laser-cut edges provide clean geometry and consistent mounting with no burrs.
• Works with a wide range of pistol and rifle calibers when used at recommended distances.

Cons

• Size impressions vary among users, so shooters seeking a very large plate may find it smaller than expected.
• Paint will wear over time with repeated hits and may require occasional touch-up or replacement.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Highwild AR500 Steel Target is a solid choice for shooters who want a long-lasting, visible gong that rings and holds up to thousands of rounds; its 3/8in AR500 construction and neon coating provide good value for regular range use. Buy this if you need a reliable reactive target for pistols and rifles and plan to mount it on a proper stand and backstop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this target suitable for handguns?
Yes, it is suitable for handguns when shot from at least 10yd and is commonly used with 9mm and.45 ACP.

Will it stop high-power rifle rounds?
It is made of AR500 and will handle many rifle calibers when used at safe distances such as 100yd, but always follow range safety and distance guidelines.

Does the neon coating last forever?
The powder coat improves visibility but will wear at impact points over time and may require touch-up or replacement after heavy use.