shooting target

Question
Dear Sir,
I wonder, what are the factors that govern choosing targets for a specific weapon type?. For example what is the shooting target for G3 Rifle, MP5 submachine gun & a 9mm hand gun?


Answer
Hi Abdallah.

The choice of targets varies based on several factors including the type of shooting, distance, range design, and the shooter's preference.

Most target shooting fits into several general categories: testing, informal practice, training, sporting events, and formal competition.

Testing includes adjustment of a scope or adjustable sights, comparison of multiple firearms, or comparison of multiple cartridges so this typically involves targets which have precise measurements such as grids and rings, and sometimes large sheets for shotguns. Informal shooting usually involves a mixture of standard paper targets and fun targets such as tin cans, cardboard boxes, balloons, water jugs, or whatever the shooter has on hand. Training is typically focused on realistic targets such as animal profiles, human silhouettes, and mannequins. Sporting events normally use very specific paper targets which vary based on distance, and they also use clay discs. Competitions will often involve a mixture of human silhouettes, reactive steel targets, and common items such as furniture, vehicles, etc.

Each type of event, sport, or shooting may have a unique set of rules or guidelines which specifies the targets to be used at certain distances. Most ranges have restrictions on the types of targets which are safe to shoot in each facility.

There are literally thousands of targets out there so it all depends on what type of shooting is planned, where you will shoot, and which firearms / ammunition will be used. The following site contains many different targets which are grouped by category so this should give you some idea of the most commonly used targets:

http://www.pistoleer.com/targets/

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Bob