The Most Honest Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705 Review Online
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve learned to appreciate gear that delivers on its promise. The Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705 caught my eye due to its clear intent: making shot placement immediately visible. This particular pack promised an intense white splatter effect, designed to simplify shot correction and maximize range time.
My need for effective and informative targets arose during a recent series of advanced pistol training sessions. The existing paper targets we were using, while functional, required constant trips downrange to assess accuracy, eating valuable training minutes. I needed something that offered instant feedback, allowing for more dynamic drills and quicker adjustments to shooting technique.
Initial impressions of these targets were positive; the material felt surprisingly durable for what appears to be a standard tag board. The print quality was crisp, and the layout of multiple bull’s-eyes was well-executed, offering ample aiming points within the generous 12×18 inch dimensions. I briefly considered some of the pricier, reusable reactive targets, but the cost-benefit analysis for high-volume training pointed towards disposable, high-visibility options like this one. A quick glance at the packaging confirmed the quantity and size, sparking a sense of immediate utility and a feeling that this pack might indeed streamline our training.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first encounter with these targets was at an outdoor range during a brisk autumn afternoon. The bright white background, contrasted with the black bull’s-eyes and aiming points, immediately stood out against the natural backdrop. I mounted one on a standard target stand, securing it with clips, and began with my trusty 9mm pistol at 15 yards, firing a series of controlled shots.
The performance was exactly as advertised. Each impact from the 9mm projectile left a distinct, vibrant white halo around the bullet hole, creating a stark visual cue. Even at this distance, the splatter was easily discernible, allowing for immediate confirmation of shot placement without any ambiguity. I then transitioned to a .45 ACP handgun, and the larger caliber produced even more pronounced splatter, further enhancing the visual feedback.
There was a slight learning curve, not with the target itself, but with recalibrating my anticipation of the splatter effect. It’s so immediate that you can almost feel the impact registering visually. I found no issues with the targets tearing prematurely, even with multiple hits in close proximity, though I would advise against excessively close-range fire with high-powered rifles, as that could compromise the target’s integrity.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several weeks of consistent range use, the Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705 proved their worth. They held up remarkably well to sustained fire from various handguns, including .22 LR, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The durable tag board construction resisted tears and sagging, even when multiple shots landed near the edges.
Maintenance was virtually non-existent, which is the beauty of disposable targets. Once a section was sufficiently peppered, or if conditions warranted a fresh target, I simply removed the old one and stapled a new one in place. Storing the remaining targets was straightforward, as the 12×18 inch size fits easily in a range bag or a dedicated target box.
Compared to thinner, less robust paper targets I’ve used in the past, these Dirty Bird targets offered significantly better durability and vastly superior visual feedback. Budget options often disintegrate with the first few hits, rendering them useless for tracking progress. These, however, maintained their integrity and visibility throughout their usable life, making them a far more cost-effective choice for effective training.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705 come in a pack of 8 targets, each measuring 12 inches in height and 18 inches in length. The manufacturer, Birchwood Casey, has designed these targets with a focus on providing excellent visibility. The primary material is a durable tag board, chosen for its ability to withstand projectile impacts while clearly displaying the splatter effect.
The “Intense White Splatter” feature is perhaps the most significant aspect, offering superior contrast that makes bullet impacts instantly visible. This specification is crucial for effective training, as it allows shooters to quickly assess their accuracy and make necessary adjustments. The multiple bull’s-eye design provides several aiming points on each target, maximizing the utility of each sheet and reducing the frequency of target changes during a shooting session.
This format makes them suitable for virtually any firearm and any setting, as stated by the manufacturer. Whether you’re practicing with a small-caliber rimfire pistol, a service handgun, or even a PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) at appropriate distances, the targets are designed to perform. The generous 18-inch length offers a good balance between providing sufficient aiming area and remaining manageable for transport and mounting.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of core functionality, these targets excel at their primary purpose: providing immediate shot feedback. The “Dirty Bird” technology is genuinely effective, producing a bright white splatter that contrasts sharply with the black aiming points and the target background. This makes it incredibly easy to see exactly where your shots are landing, even from a distance.
The strengths of this product lie in its simplicity and effectiveness. The intense white splatter is a clear winner, allowing for faster shot correction and more efficient training sessions. This is particularly valuable during drills that require rapid fire or quick transitions between targets. A minor weakness, if one can call it that, is that the splatter effect is permanent; once hit, that area is marked. However, this is inherent to disposable targets and is a small trade-off for the immediate feedback.
For their intended purpose, these targets meet and often exceed expectations. They deliver precisely what they promise: clear, instant visual confirmation of where your bullets are impacting. This is a significant advantage over plain paper targets that require you to physically walk downrange to assess your accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets is straightforward and highly functional. The 12×18 inch size is a practical choice, large enough to offer multiple shooting opportunities without being unwieldy. The layout features several concentric bull’s-eyes, along with aiming points and even smaller target squares on the edges, providing variety for different training scenarios.
Build quality, as mentioned, is good for tag board material; it’s sturdy enough to hang and shoot at without immediate disintegration. The printing is crisp and clear, ensuring the aiming points are easily visible from shooting distances. Ergonomically, there’s not much to discuss with a flat target, but its ease of handling and mounting is commendable. The fact that it comes in an 8 per package quantity is also a practical design choice for shooters who frequent the range.
The contrasting colors are well-chosen for optimal visibility. The black ink for the bull’s-eyes and markings provides a solid aiming point against the bright white splatter background, which itself is a vivid contrast to the paper. This thoughtful design ensures that even in varying light conditions, the impact points are readily apparent.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of these targets is quite good for a disposable paper product. The durable tag board construction allows them to withstand multiple hits from various handgun calibers without completely disintegrating or tearing off the stand. I experienced minimal issues with the targets sagging or ripping prematurely, even when several shots were grouped closely together.
Maintenance is essentially zero, as these are designed for single-use and disposal after their effective life. This makes them incredibly convenient for range trips. There’s no need for cleaning or special storage beyond keeping the unused pack dry and relatively flat. Potential concerns are minimal, mainly related to extreme conditions like heavy rain, which could weaken the paper, but for typical range use, they hold up admirably.
Accessories and Customization Options
These targets do not come with any specific accessories, as they are a consumable item. However, their simplicity is part of their appeal. They are designed to be used with standard target stands and fasteners like staples, tape, or target clips. There are no inherent customization options for the targets themselves, beyond the fact that you can choose which bull’s-eye or aiming point to focus on for each shot.
The 8 per package quantity is a practical consideration, ensuring you have a good supply for multiple range visits. While not an accessory, it’s a packaging feature that adds to the overall value for the user. Compatibility with standard range equipment is excellent, meaning you won’t need any specialized gear to use them effectively.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705
Pros
- Intense White Splatter: Provides immediate, high-contrast visual feedback on every shot.
- Durable Tag Board Construction: Resists tearing and holds up well to multiple impacts from handgun calibers.
- Multiple Bull’s-Eye Design: Offers ample aiming points, allowing for more shots per target and varied drills.
- 12×18 Inch Size: A practical and generous size for most handgun and PCC training scenarios.
- Excellent Visibility: Clear black markings against a white splatter background make them easy to see in various conditions.
Cons
- Disposable Nature: Like all paper targets, they are single-use and eventually need disposal.
- Limited Durability for High-Power Rifles: While good for handguns, sustained fire from powerful rifles at very close range might degrade them faster.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705?
These targets are ideal for recreational shooters, competitive pistol trainees, and firearm instructors who want to maximize their time on the range. Anyone focused on improving their handgun accuracy and speed will benefit immensely from the immediate visual feedback. They are perfect for static drills, drawing practice, and even dynamic shooting exercises where quick assessment is key.
Individuals seeking extremely long-lasting or reusable targets might want to consider alternatives. Those primarily engaging in long-range rifle shooting might also find the 12×18 inch size insufficient for their specific needs at extreme distances, though they can still be useful for zeroing or practicing closer shots. I’d recommend supplementing these with a good set of target clips or a robust stapler to easily mount them on various backings.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705
The Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Multiple Bull’s-Eye Targets 12×18 Inches 8 Per Package 35705 are a standout option in the disposable target market. Their core promise of intense white splatter is delivered upon with impressive clarity, significantly enhancing the training experience by providing instant feedback. The durable tag board construction and practical 12×18 inch dimensions make them a robust and user-friendly choice for a wide array of shooting applications.
For their price of $12.95 for an 8 per package count, these targets offer exceptional value. They facilitate more efficient practice sessions, allowing shooters to learn and adapt more quickly. I wholeheartedly recommend these targets to any handgun shooter looking to refine their accuracy and make the most of their range time. They are a simple, effective tool that directly addresses the need for immediate visual confirmation of shot placement, making them a smart buy for serious practice.