Steel targets are targets for
firearms made out of
hardened (
martensitic)
steel, and are used in sports such as
Cowboy Action Shooting,
practical/ dynamic shooting and for
long range shooting. They are popular in both training and competitions because the shooter gets instant feedback on a hit in the form of sound, and one can also often see the bullet getting pulverized and the target moving. Hanging or self-reseting targets also have the advantage that the shooter doesn't have to go forward to tape the targets, making it a good option for
shooting ranges that otherwise have
electronic targets. Steel targets also are weather proof, contrary to paper targets that may not hold up when wet.