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We hit the range to test out some of DA Targets’ self-healing, color-changing polymer targets.
At shooting events like CANCON, we need targets as much as we need guns and ammo. With thousands of attendees looking to dump as many rounds down range as possible, however, that means not just any targets will cut it.
Paper targets are obviously out. These would get torn to shreds instantly and need constant replacing. Steel targets are great in a lot of ways, and we used them on certain bays at CANCON too, but there are several reasons why they’re not ideal either. At closer ranges, there’s a risk of ricocheted bullets or spall flying back. Both can be exacerbated by cratering on the target’s surface after they’ve been subjected to heavy abuse. Plus, they’re expensive, and the sheer number needed to supply an entire range day event makes steel target companies less than eager to provide them.
The solution? For us, it was DA Targets.
Made of self-healing polymer, DA Targets are designed to withstand thousands of rounds before needing to be replaced. They also can be shot at any distance without risking a ricochet. The combination of the targets’ longevity and safety made them ideal for use at CANCON, as even the most heavily shot-up targets were still good and ready for continued use when the event was over. Sure, after taking thousands of rounds, they look a bit peppered compared to new ones, but that doesn’t stop them from being just as effective as the day they came out of the box.
While you’re probably not planning on hosting a range day event any time soon, if you like to shoot, DA Targets have a lot to offer you.
The DA Targets Advantage
We already covered that self-healing DA Targets have an incredible lifespan and can be safely shot at any distance. Those are huge benefits for both range events and individual users, but the targets have a few more advantages more noticeable when using them for personal target practice.
An obvious one, they’re way lighter than steel. Anyone that shoots at a range where they must drag out, set up and eventually collect their steel targets for every practice session is well aware of what a pain in the ass that is. Even DA Targets’ full-size silhouettes weigh less than 5 pounds each. Whenever moving them around is a consideration, you’ll appreciate just how handy they are more than you might think. Plus, it makes it way less of a headache to set up multiple targets for drills.
Speaking of training, DA Targets can potentially improve your shooting even more than steel targets. When steel dings, most people just mark it as a hit without caring or checking whether it went in the A-zone or only nicked the edge. Even if you cared to check, the target would need to constantly repainted to differentiate between new and old hits. Not a problem with DA Targets, at least not with their color-changing variety (all silhouette DA Targets are color-changing, but the gongs are available as either color-changing or not).
As the name implies, these targets temporarily change color at the point of impact and turn from red to bright, fluorescent yellow. This makes it easy to see exactly where your shots are landing and whether you need to adjust your aim or not. It’s not quite as primally satisfying as hearing the ring of steel, but it does a much better job of letting you know where you’re hitting.
The only minor limitations of DA Targets pertain to projectile types and ambient temperature. To help them last as long as possible, FMJ bullets should be used as hollow points, wadcutters and blunt-faced projectiles will tear them up faster. Also, because the color-changing properties come from the heat of a bullet, each target is sold as being rated for either cool (45-80°), mild (60-80°) or warm (60-100°) temperatures. Depending on where you live, you might need to get more than one if you want the color-change feature to be effective year-round. Also, the company warns that projectiles traveling slower than 800 fps still have a chance to ricochet, so be mindful of that.
DA Targets’ Options
DA Targets has several different target sizes and styles available to cater to a variety of shooting needs. The silhouettes are offered in C-zone, half- and full-size options, and the gongs are available in 4- and 6-inch sizes with either hanging straps or as knockdown targets. All of these are officially rated for .22 LR up to .308 Winchester, but they can withstand even larger, more powerful rounds to a certain degree as well.
If you’re looking to shoot these with .50 BMG or a similarly powerful round, you’ll have to use the company’s new 4-inch Rifle Target. This model isn’t color-changing, but it is thick enough to handle the really big stuff.
Parting Shot
The next time you’re setting up steel targets at your range, while you catch your breath, think about how you could be dealing with lightweight polymer targets instead. Polymer that can last as long if not longer than steel, can be shot at any distance and can change color upon impact to show your hits. You’ll probably decide it’s time to give DA Targets a try.
For more information, visit da-targets.com, or if you’re attending SHOT Show 2025, swing by booth 42654 to see the company’s new stuff in person.
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