Shooting target

Lore & Background

Most targets used in shooting sports today are abstract figures, but given the military and hunting origins of shooting disciplines, many originally resembled human opponents or animals. The circular bullseye target might have originally resembled a human torso or hunted animal. Notable instances of targets with martial origins include field targets used in Det frivillige Skyttervesen, where the original intent was to resemble wheels of vehicles, barrels, bunker openings, or enemy personnel. The origins of these targets are not usually given thought.

Targets vary by action: stationary, dynamic, running (moving sideways), moving, disappearing, and flying (used in skeet, trap, double trap). By reactivity, they include non-reactive paper and foam targets, as well as reactive types such as splatter targets (dual-lamination paper that exposes a bright underlayer on impact), steel targets (which make loud sounds), bouncing targets (self-healing elastomer that rolls unpredictably), and explosive targets (containing binary explosive or flammable gas). Interactive electronic targets display impacts on a screen and provide remote scoring.

In archery, World Archery Federation (FITA) targets have 10 evenly spaced concentric rings scored 1 through 10, with an inner X ring used as a tiebreaker. 3D archery targets are life-size models of game animals. In firearm sports, air rifle field targets use metal plates often shaped like small game. Clay pigeons are clay discs thrown to imitate flying game birds. Fullbore target rifle (ICFRA) uses different target sizes for short and long range distances. International Practical Shooting Confederation matches use both steel and paper targets.

Reader's Guide

Shooting targets are fundamental to the practice and competition of shooting sports, providing a standardized means of measuring accuracy and skill. Their evolution from martial and hunting origins to abstract designs reflects the transition from practical necessity to sport. The variety of target types—from simple paper bullseyes to reactive steel gongs and explosive containers—accommodates different disciplines, skill levels, and desired feedback. Paper targets remain the most common for precision shooting, while reactive targets add excitement and immediate confirmation of hits. The development of electronic targets has introduced precise, instant feedback and remote monitoring, enhancing training and competition. In archery, the FITA target's concentric color rings create a clear scoring hierarchy, and 3D animal targets bring a hunting simulation element. The continued use of traditional materials like clay and paper alongside modern innovations like self-healing rubber and interactive systems shows the enduring importance of targets as the central focus of shooting sports.

Did You Know?

• A splatter target uses dual-lamination paper that exposes a bright underlayer around the impact hole, creating a high-contrast jagged rim.
• Steel targets are also known as gongs and produce loud sharp sounds when hit.
• Bouncing targets are made from self-healing elastomer and roll unpredictably when shot.
• Explosive targets can contain binary explosive like Tannerite and may include dye powder for colored smoke.