Why cheap targets ?

Ballox

Ballox

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With all of the money spent on guns, ammo and accessories I've always been perplexed why most. Indoor pistol clubs and shooters use regular cheap paper targets which make it very dificult to see the hits until you pull the target back or go retrieve them after shooting (especially 22).
I have seen many guys shooting @ 15-20yds and having to use a spotting scope between shots just to see where it went.
Why don't people use the the colour "exploding" impact type that clearly show the hits.
I know that they obviously cost more than paper but why cheap out on one of the most crucial parts of shooting ?
 
Very good point,now that I am saving so much by reloading I think I will treat myself to some targets that I can actually see where I hit.
 
If you're not trying to save money on targets, you're not shooting enough.:)

I often times use a heavy black marker to trace a regulation IPSC target onto a piece of scrap (free) cardboard and then use a combination of downloaded targets and paper plates. Considering my ammo costs for most range sessions are well over $150, I refuse to spend more than a couple dollars on targets.
 
Because my groups are so tight those targets don't let me see any better anyways. ;)

Seriously though, I don't typically shoot pistols far enough to need them. I can usually see pretty good at 15m, and don't shoot often at 20/25m, but when I do I usually have a spotter anyways.

Most of my rifle shooting is done at 100 - 200m and even if I am shooting the Mosin, or Enfield at 50m I don't think those targets help enough anyways.
 
Ballox said:
With all of the money spent on guns, ammo and accessories I've always been perplexed why most. Indoor pistol clubs and shooters use regular cheap paper targets which make it very dificult to see the hits until you pull the target back or go retrieve them after shooting (especially 22).
I have seen many guys shooting @ 15-20yds and having to use a spotting scope between shots just to see where it went.
Why don't people use the the colour "exploding" impact type that clearly show the hits.
I know that they obviously cost more than paper but why cheap out on one of the most crucial parts of shooting ?
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I don't know why you're only referring only to indoor ranges, but I do it because I am frugal/cheap ... and walking from my deck to whatever target I have placed "out there" is a good and healthy activity.

I print-out 8.5" x 11" downloadable targets at the local bulk copymart, and spend the money that I've saved on "faster horses, younger women, older whiskey ... " :)
 
I cast my own bullets and reload to save money. Shoot .38/357 revolvers often cos I don't like picking up or losing expensive .45 acp brass.

I have binos to see .22LR bullet holes up to 100 meters, 9mm/38 holes are easy to see at 25 meters. I shoot 12 - 14 shots per 8.5 x 11 target paper so I can see my hits easily, no problemo.

I have a problem spending 5 bucks to buy five target sheets, twice/thrice a month.
 
boomer49 said:
I don't know why you're only referring only to indoor ranges, but I do it because I am frugal/cheap ... and walking from my deck to whatever target I have placed "out there" is a good and healthy
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If you are shooting from your deck you are on the wrong topic. Indoor Pistol ranges was what I was referring to. It's ridiculous watching guys shooting 22 @ 14-20yds and not being able to see where the last shot landed before shooting the next. How are you ever supposed to improve your shooting if you can't clearly see where the previous shot landed ?
 
Ballox said:
It's ridiculous watching guys shooting 22 @ 14-20yds and not being able to see where the last shot landed before shooting the next. How are you ever supposed to improve your shooting if you can't clearly see where the previous shot landed ?
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If you keep aiming at the same spot on the target, it shouldn't matter if you can see the hits or not. Chasing your shots doesn't make you a better shooter, shooting consistently makes you a better shooter. Shoot at the same spot, and adjust your sights as required after looking at the group.
 
I bought a package of the Vizishot (orange dots when hit) targets and will never buy again. Don't help much as you go farther out, if you lean something on them, there goes some ink... not worth $12 for 10 or whatever I paid.

Cheap targets do the trick. If you want high visibility, get some with bright yellow/orange circles... Save your $ for ammo and gasoline to get to the range. $1.28/litre here.
 
i had a pack of neon bright round postit notes about 2 in in diameter, my favorite ones were bright pink with hearts haha, easy to see on a white piece of paper at 20 yards. I cant find them anymore so i switched to regular square ones.

I will shoot a 5 shot group and if i cant see where they are i will use a spotting scope, its not a big deal.

I dont like expensive targets... they are gonna be shot up anyways.
 
mlehtovaara said:
x 2
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X3 :)

If you want cheap, I use plain white paper that comes with a buy/sell paper and I use a bingo marker to mark a small aiming point and to cover up the holes to see how I'm shooting. I'm fortunate in that our range has retractable targets so it's easy to bring your target back and check it and then move it out to the same spot. TC
 
I don't feel the need for black flake off targets except for the odd shooting trip, but I don't get shooters who come to the range with already shot up targets and keep plugging away at targets that look like a shotgun shot them.

What exactly are you trying to learn, and considering the cost of ammo (aka practice) how much does it cost to print off a couple of 8.5x11 targets?

I always come with a stack of various 8.5x11, 8.5x14, IDPA or misc targets as I never know exactly what I will want to shoot. I usually go with a plan, but sometimes it is fun to change things up.
 
I have printed off the Midway or Lee targets on 8.5X11 paper. Then I went to the dollar store and box a bunch of circular stickers (364 per pack) for a buck. They suit me fine.
 
I like the black flaking targets once and a while, they are nice for the long guns as it makes it alot easier to see @ say 200y without a spotter and they do come with black stickers so you can reuse them a couple of times. I found it really easy do download differrent targets off the net (some are a lot of fun) and it doesnt get much cheaper than that! I have a 11x17 printer also so that helps. What would be a lot of fun is to be able to shoot at one of those "racing targets" for lack of a better name, is like 6 paddles on a post and you got to flip them all over to the opponents side and you win, I've done this with semi auto .22rifles and it was fun. Here is a question some of you can flame on- Have you seen those exploding targets that actually explode? they didnt make a HUGE explosion but they looked cool, I seen em used on Sons of Guns " Red Jacket", and yes I know they are in the deep south and get a lot of cool #### we can't, but that would be cool just to try it! (they sell em on thier web site)
 
Im just a casual shooter but not seeing where my last shot landed takes some of the fun out of it for me.
 
If you have lots of time, or are just cheap, stretch a orange garbage bag over a piece of cardboard, spray with stove paint, let dry. Mark aiming points with stickers or liquid paper.

Or just print them off the printer at work.
 
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