Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target Review

The Road Test: Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target

As someone who has spent over a decade putting gear through its paces across a variety of demanding environments—from the dusty windswept plains of fieldwork to the sterile precision of a laboratory bench, and the often chaotic world of workshop tinkering—I approach new equipment with a blend of eager curiosity and seasoned skepticism. My search for a more engaging and convenient shooting experience recently led me to the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target. Designed for shooters working with calibers from .38 Special up to .44 Magnum, this self-resetting target system promises to eliminate the tedious downtime of manually resetting targets, allowing for more uninterrupted practice.

What specifically drew me to this particular auto-reset target was the allure of sustained shooting without the constant trek downrange. After countless hours spent at various ranges, the simple act of walking up to reset targets can eat up a significant portion of valuable practice time, especially when you’re trying to focus on improving accuracy, trigger control, or drawing speed. I’ve experimented with various target types over the years, from simple paper bullseyes to reactive steel plates, but the idea of a target that resets itself truly piqued my interest as a potential game-changer for efficiency.

Upon receiving the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target, my initial impressions were generally positive. The construction felt robust, with a definite heft to the steel components that suggested durability. The assembly process, even without scrutinizing the included instructions (which, as I later discovered, proved to be a wise decision), was remarkably straightforward. It took less than ten minutes from opening the box to having the target ready for its first baptism by fire. The design, with its forward-leaning stance and integrated ground spikes, conveyed a sense of stability and safety, features crucial for any shooting accessory.

Before settling on the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target, I did briefly consider a few other options. Simpler, non-resetting steel targets were on my radar, but they lacked the interactive appeal. Some more complex electronic targets with scoring capabilities seemed overly complicated and expensive for my immediate needs. Ultimately, the balance of functionality, durability, and an attractive price point for a self-resetting system made this particular model from Do All Outdoors the most compelling choice for my immediate goals. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; it looked promising on paper and in hand, but only actual live fire would tell the true story of its capabilities.

Real-World Testing: Putting Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial range session with the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I set it up on a clear, safe backstop, ensuring ample clearance and a stable footing for the ground spikes. I opted to start with my trusty 9mm handgun, loaded with standard Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition, at a comfortable 10-yard distance. The target’s setup was surprisingly simple; hammering the sturdy ground spikes into the earth took minimal effort, and the unit felt remarkably secure.

During this first outing, the target performed admirably. I fired well over 100 rounds of 9mm FMJ without a single malfunction of the target itself. The reactive plates spun and locked as advertised, and the central reset target effectively brought them back into position after each successful hit. As expected, the pre-painted black areas on the target plates were quickly obliterated by the gunfire, revealing the bare steel beneath. I hadn’t bothered with the included stickers at this point, so visibility became a minor concern as the session progressed.

However, the real test of its resilience came after that first outing. The paint was essentially gone, but the steel itself showed absolutely no signs of damage—no dents, no pockmarks, just bare metal where the paint used to be. The solid steel construction proved its worth immediately. Following this initial experience, I decided to enhance its visibility. I spray-painted the targets with a bright fluorescent orange paint I had on hand. This simple addition made a significant difference in spotting the targets and confirming hits, especially at the end of the day.

Extended Use & Reliability

My second outing with the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target brought a new element: improvisation. I realized that having the targets closer to ground level, while functional, wasn’t ideal for practicing a more realistic sight picture. So, I threw together a simple wooden box from scrap lumber and secured the target to it, raising it about 18 inches off the ground. This elevated position significantly improved the shooting experience, making it feel more like shooting at torso-sized targets. The target unit itself continued to hold up exceptionally well, even with dozens more hits from the 9mm.

The reactive elements of the target consistently worked as intended. Hits on the outer plates caused them to spin and lock, and a subsequent hit on the central reset plate effectively returned them to their ready state. The paint applied after the first use held up reasonably well, though it too began to chip away with repeated impacts. Remnants of paint and any residue from the stickers were easily brushed off, preparing the surfaces for fresh application. The solid steel material remained unblemished, demonstrating impressive resistance to impact.

Even the vertical supports of the target assembly took some hits, and while paint flaked off where struck, the underlying steel showed no structural damage. The sturdy ground spikes, which I had initially driven into the earth with a hammer, also maintained their shape and integrity without any deformation. This target has proven to be a durable and reliable piece of equipment that has significantly enhanced my practice sessions by allowing for continuous shooting without manual intervention.

Breaking Down the Features of Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target

Specifications

The Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target is engineered with shooter convenience and durability in mind. It features three 4 1/2 inch diameter targets arranged horizontally on a sturdy frame. The system is specifically designed for handgun and rifle calibers ranging from .38 Special to .44 Magnum, with a stated projectile caliber compatibility of .38 Caliber and a recommended bullet type of Soft Point (SP). The primary material is described as Heavy Duty Steel, ensuring robustness against repeated impacts.

The movement of the target system is entirely automatic, with the two outer targets spinning and locking when hit, and resetting when the central target is struck. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly streamlining practice sessions. The design incorporates a forward lean intended to deflect stray bullets downwards, enhancing safety, and includes stabilizing ground spikes for secure anchoring in various terrains. The manufacturer is Do All Outdoors, and the unit typically comes in a black and gray color scheme.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function—providing a reactive and self-resetting target experience—the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target largely delivers. For its intended calibers, the mechanism for spinning and locking the outer targets, and resetting them with a hit on the central plate, works reliably. The target plates are responsive to well-placed shots, and the reset function is generally effective, allowing for rapid follow-up shots without stepping away from the shooting bench or firing line.

However, there are nuances to its performance that are crucial for potential buyers to understand. While it’s rated for .38 to .44 caliber, the user feedback highlighted a significant caveat: it’s specifically recommended for soft-nosed bullets. This means standard Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds, which are common for practice with many handgun calibers like 9mm, might not always trigger the reset mechanism reliably, especially at greater distances or with less-than-perfect hits. Conversely, using softer-nosed ammunition, like Soft Points (SP), increases the likelihood of a proper reset.

Furthermore, a critical piece of information that seems to be inconsistently communicated is the minimum engagement distance. User experiences suggest that not to be used closer than 30 yards is a recommendation that was missed in initial product descriptions. This is a significant limitation for many shooters, as common handgun practice distances are often much shorter, typically 15-25 feet. Attempting to use the target at closer ranges, particularly with less powerful calibers or FMJ rounds, can lead to inconsistent resetting and a frustrating shooting experience. The effectiveness of the reset mechanism is highly dependent on the velocity and impact energy of the projectile, as well as the precision of the shot placement.

Design & Ergonomics

The Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target boasts a practical and functional design focused on survivability and user convenience. Its solid steel construction is immediately apparent, giving it a reassuring weight and suggesting it can withstand a considerable amount of abuse. The forward lean of the frame is a smart safety feature, directing potential ricochets or deflections away from the shooter and into the ground. The integrated ground spikes are robust and provide a stable anchor, though they can require a firm strike with a hammer to fully seat them in tougher soil.

While the design is inherently functional, there’s always room for ergonomic refinement. The ease of assembly is a major plus, as it minimizes initial setup time. The target plates themselves are a decent size (4 1/2 inches), making them reasonably visible, though this is heavily dependent on the paint or target decals applied. The overall unit is portable enough to transport to a range but substantial enough not to be easily knocked over by errant shots or wind.

The biggest ergonomic challenge, as discovered through user feedback, lies in the ambiguity surrounding its operational parameters. The lack of prominent disclaimers regarding the soft-nosed bullet recommendation and the minimum engagement distance creates a disconnect between user expectations and actual performance. This can lead to disappointment if a user isn’t aware of these limitations prior to purchase. A more explicit warning or clearer instruction set would significantly improve the user’s ergonomic experience by setting accurate expectations from the outset.

Durability & Maintenance

The Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target exhibits excellent durability in its core construction. The heavy-duty steel used for the target plates and frame has proven resistant to deformation and significant damage, even after hundreds of impacts from common handgun calibers. The paint, whether factory-applied or aftermarket, is the primary wear item; it will invariably be shot off quickly, requiring reapplication for consistent visibility. This is typical for any reactive steel target.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. After a shooting session, a quick brushing to remove any debris or loose paint is usually sufficient. The mechanism for the spinning and resetting plates appears robust, with no obvious points of fragility. The ground spikes are also well-made and show no signs of bending or breaking after being hammered into the ground. The primary potential failure point, beyond cosmetic paint wear, would be the pivot points of the spinning targets if they were subjected to extreme abuse or the wrong ammunition type consistently.

One area for improvement could be the clarity of maintenance or operational advice. While the target itself is durable, understanding its precise ammunition and distance requirements is critical to preventing premature wear or operational issues. For instance, consistently shooting FMJ rounds at closer distances than recommended could potentially put undue stress on the reset mechanism over time, though this is speculative without long-term testing under those specific conditions. Overall, for its intended use with appropriate ammunition, this target is built to last.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target comes with a basic set of accessories, primarily focused on immediate functionality. Included are the ground spikes essential for its stable deployment, and typically, stick-on target decals that can be applied to the plates for enhanced visibility. These decals, while a useful addition, are consumables and will be shot off rapidly, much like the factory paint.

Beyond these included items, customization largely revolves around maintaining and enhancing visibility. As I discovered, readily available fluorescent spray paint offers a practical and cost-effective way to reapply a visible surface to the target plates after the original coating is destroyed. This simple customization significantly boosts the usability of the target, especially in varied lighting conditions or at longer distances.

There aren’t many other external accessories that directly integrate with this specific target system. Its design is fairly self-contained. However, one could argue that the wooden box I constructed to elevate the target serves as a form of customization. This allows users to adapt the target’s height and presentation to better suit their training goals, such as simulating head-and-chest level targets for pistol practice. While not a direct accessory from the manufacturer, this kind of user-driven adaptation speaks to the product’s potential for integration into personalized training setups.

Pros and Cons of Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target

Who Should Buy Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target?

This Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target is an excellent choice for shooters who primarily use handguns or rifles in the .38 to .44 caliber range and often practice at distances of 30 yards or more. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their shooting time by minimizing downtime spent resetting targets, making it suitable for recreational shooters, competitive practice, or even some tactical training scenarios where sustained fire and quick follow-up shots are emphasized. If you frequently use soft-nosed or soft-point ammunition for your practice, this target will offer a highly engaging and efficient experience.

However, this target is likely not the best option for individuals who primarily shoot with 9mm FMJ ammunition at distances closer than 30 yards. If your typical range setup involves shorter distances, or if you rely solely on FMJ rounds for economy, you will likely encounter frustrating issues with the target’s resetting function, potentially leading to a less than satisfactory experience. Those who are unwilling or unable to maintain target visibility through repainting or alternative methods might also find it less practical over time.

For those who decide to purchase, I highly recommend stocking up on bright fluorescent spray paint for easy touch-ups to maintain visibility. Additionally, consider bringing a small hammer or mallet to ensure the ground spikes are firmly set, especially on harder ground. If your shooting range doesn’t allow for long-range handgun practice, or if you frequently use FMJ rounds at shorter distances, you might want to explore other types of reactive targets or consider this target only if you can meet its operational requirements.

Conclusion on Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target

The Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target offers a compelling proposition for the right shooter: a durable, engaging, and time-saving addition to practice sessions. Its heavy-duty steel construction and auto-reset functionality are its standout features, allowing for significantly more trigger time and less walking downrange. The safety-oriented design with its forward lean and stable anchoring further adds to its appeal.

However, its value is intrinsically tied to understanding its specific operational requirements. The reliance on soft-nosed ammunition and the necessity for a minimum engagement distance of 30 yards are critical caveats that potential buyers must be aware of. Without adhering to these parameters, the core auto-resetting function may underperform, diminishing the product’s primary benefit and leading to disappointment.

For those who can meet these conditions—frequenters of longer pistol ranges, users of appropriate ammunition, and individuals willing to perform basic maintenance like repainting—this target represents excellent value. It’s a well-built piece of equipment that, when used as intended, delivers on its promise of a more dynamic and efficient shooting experience. If you fit that profile, the Do All Outdoors Handgun Auto Reset Pro Target is definitely worth considering for your range bag.