The Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target in Action: First Look
For years, I’ve been on the hunt for an economical target solution that can handle the varied demands of my shooting interests, from precise handgun drills to extending the reach of my 6.5 Grendel rifle. The Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target caught my eye due to its promise of multiple aiming points and a high-visibility design. My search was spurred by the often-questionable lighting at indoor ranges and the desire for more effective practice at longer distances outdoors. Upon receiving the substantial 100-pack, my initial impression was of a functional, no-frills product. The paper felt quite thin, immediately raising a flag about its performance without support. I had considered a few bulk-pack options from online retailers, but Action Target has a reputation for quality that nudged me in this direction. My first reaction was one of cautious optimism, hoping these targets would offer more utility than my previous budget finds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were twofold: the dimly lit bays of an indoor range and the wide-open expanses of an outdoor shooting park. At the indoor range, the fluorescent elements of the targets did indeed offer a noticeable boost in visibility against the ambient lighting, making the aiming points stand out reasonably well, especially at closer distances. Outdoors, the brighter conditions made the colors pop, providing clear targets even when I pushed my rifle to 200 yards. However, the thin paper became immediately apparent. Without a sturdy backing like cardboard, these targets sagged considerably when stapled to a standard target stand, leading to more misses than I would have liked, often due to the target deforming.
The ease of use was straightforward; they’re paper targets, after all. Punching holes and stapling them to a backer was intuitive. The main quirk was the paper’s tendency to rip or tear easily, especially when subjected to impacts from higher-velocity rounds. I found myself needing to be more deliberate with my staple placement and avoiding impacts too close to the edge to prevent premature damage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several trips to the range and a few sessions at the outdoor park, the Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target pack has seen significant use, with about half the 100-pack depleted. The durability is, as anticipated, a significant limitation. The paper thickness, comparable to standard 20lb copier paper, means these targets do not hold up well against rifle fire without substantial reinforcement. Pistol rounds create large, ragged holes, and even .22 LR fire can cause considerable tearing if the paper isn’t perfectly taut.
Maintenance is essentially non-existent for the targets themselves; once shot, they’re done. The real “maintenance” involved ensuring I always had a proper backing. I discovered that using a cardboard target holder or even pinning them to a thick sheet of plywood dramatically improved their usability and the accuracy of my shots. When used with a backing, they performed adequately for their intended purpose, but without it, they are quite fragile. Compared to heavier cardstock targets I’ve used in the past, these fall short in raw resilience, though their low cost partly compensates for this.
Breaking Down the Features of Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target
Specifications
The Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target comes in a 17.5×23 Inch size, which provides a decent surface area for practice. Each package contains 100 targets, making them an economical choice for high-volume shooting. The targets are constructed from white paper, featuring distinct bull’s-eye rings in yellow, red, and blue. The designation PR-BE6 is the manufacturer’s item number for this specific model.
The 17.5×23 Inch dimension is a practical size for most standard target stands and backings. The 100 Per Package quantity is a significant selling point for those who frequent the range or conduct frequent training. The fluorescent colors are a key feature, designed to enhance visibility, particularly in low-light conditions or at longer distances. This specification is crucial for improving shooter focus and hit identification.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target is to provide clear aiming points and allow for shot group analysis. The fluorescent colors do indeed make the bull’s-eye rings stand out, especially under the artificial lights of indoor ranges. This visual aid can be particularly helpful for shooters who struggle with focus or have vision challenges.
However, the paper’s thinness is a significant drawback in terms of functionality. It lacks the rigidity to remain stable when shot, especially with higher caliber firearms, leading to frustrating misses that aren’t necessarily the shooter’s fault. This means achieving tight, meaningful groups can be challenging without a robust backing. While they serve as a visible marker, their ability to provide clean, analyzable shot placement under vigorous fire is compromised.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target is classic and functional. The white paper provides a neutral background, allowing the colored bull’s-eye rings to pop. The layout features a central bull’s-eye with concentric rings, expanding outwards to a total of six scoring zones.
Ergonomically, a paper target is about as simple as it gets. The design prioritizes visibility of the aiming points. The inclusion of multiple bull’s-eyes is a smart design choice, offering shooters the opportunity to practice engaging multiple targets or focus on different zones of the target without needing to reposition. The sheer number of 6 bull’s-eye zones on each target maximizes practice potential.
Durability & Maintenance
As previously noted, the durability of these targets is their weakest point. The thin paper stock is susceptible to tearing and deformation upon impact, especially from rifle rounds. This means their lifespan is inherently limited and dependent on the ammunition used and the presence of a proper backing.
Maintenance is minimal in the sense that the targets are disposable. There’s no cleaning or special care required beyond proper storage in a dry environment to prevent premature degradation. However, the lack of durability means that frequent replacement is necessary, which can offset the initial low cost if you’re not prepared for it. For heavy use, they are not a long-term solution without external support.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target comes as a standalone product, with the 100-pack being the primary offering. No specific accessories are included with the targets themselves. However, their design is compatible with a wide range of standard shooting accessories.
Essential complementary items would include staplers, tape, or specialized target pasters to reinforce bullet holes or repair tears. Most importantly, a robust target backing system, such as cardboard sheets, plywood, or commercial target holders, is crucial for optimal performance. These targets are designed to be affixed to almost any stable surface.
Pros and Cons of Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target
Pros
- Highly Visible Fluorescent Colors: The yellow, red, and blue bull’s-eye rings offer excellent contrast, especially in challenging lighting conditions at indoor ranges.
- Economical Bulk Packaging: The 100 Per Package quantity provides a cost-effective solution for frequent shooters and training sessions.
- Multiple Aiming Points: With 6 bull’s-eye zones, these targets offer ample opportunity for varied practice and skill development.
- Practical Size: The 17.5×23 Inch dimensions are suitable for most common shooting setups and stands.
- Good for Initial Spotting: The bright colors aid in quickly identifying where shots are landing, even at a distance.
Cons
- Very Thin Paper: The paper stock is quite flimsy, making it prone to tearing and deformation without a solid backing, significantly impacting accuracy analysis.
- Poor Durability Against Rifle Fire: Rifle rounds, even smaller calibers, can easily rip through the paper, rendering the bull’s-eye zones unusable or distorted.
- Requires Reinforcement for Optimal Use: To get the most out of these targets, additional materials like cardboard or plywood are almost always necessary, adding to the overall cost and setup time.
Who Should Buy Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target?
The Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target is best suited for shooters who prioritize cost-effectiveness and visibility for handgun practice or plinking. It’s ideal for indoor range enthusiasts who need targets that pop under artificial lighting, or for casual outdoor shooters who aren’t concerned with pinpoint accuracy from rifle fire. These targets are also a good option for training scenarios where volume is more important than the pristine condition of the target afterward.
However, serious rifle shooters, particularly those engaging targets at extended distances or those who demand precise shot group analysis, should likely look elsewhere. Shooters who prefer not to deal with the added hassle of reinforcing flimsy targets will also find better alternatives. Complementary items like heavy-duty staplers, target pasters, and a reliable cardboard target holder system are highly recommended for anyone opting for this 100-pack.
Conclusion on Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target
The Action Target High Visibility Fluorescent 6 Bull’s-Eye Target offers a visible and affordable option for basic target practice, particularly for handguns and at closer indoor ranges. The fluorescent colors do an admirable job of catching the eye, and the 100-pack bulk quantity makes it an appealing choice for high-volume shooters on a budget. However, its significant drawback lies in the paper’s thinness, which compromises durability and the ability to accurately analyze shot placement without substantial reinforcement.
Considering its price point and the need for additional backing, the value proposition is fair but not outstanding for those seeking robust performance. I would recommend these targets primarily for casual handgun shooters and indoor range practice where visibility is key, with the caveat that they absolutely require a sturdy backing to be effective. For more demanding applications or if you prefer targets that hold up to rifle fire with minimal fuss, investing in heavier cardstock or dedicated tactical targets would be a wiser long-term choice.