Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target Review

The Most Honest Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target Review Online

For years, I’ve been chasing that perfect setup for solo shooting practice, the kind that keeps you in the zone without constant interruption. My search led me to the Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target, a system promising hands-free resetting and hours of uninterrupted fun. Given my extensive experience across various demanding environments, from gritty workshops to dusty field operations, I approached this target with a critical eye, eager to see if it lived up to its claims of a “totally hands-free resetting system.” I was looking for a reliable way to improve my marksmanship without the tedious walk downrange after every few shots, a common pain point for many firearm enthusiasts. My previous target setups were often cobbled together or required manual intervention after each string, significantly breaking my focus and flow. While I considered a few higher-end electronic targets, their astronomical price points put them out of reach for dedicated practice. This particular model, with its promise of an automatic reset at a more accessible price, seemed like a compelling compromise. My initial impression upon unboxing was a mix of intrigue and immediate concern regarding the build quality.

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

First Use Experience

I set up the Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target in my usual backyard shooting area, a patch of open ground with a safe backstop. The setup involved hammering in the included ground spikes to secure the base, a process that was straightforward enough, though they felt a bit flimsy on harder soil. My first testing session involved a variety of .22LR firearms, including a Ruger 10/22 rifle and a Browning Buck Mark pistol. The initial moments were filled with a strange sort of anticipation; would it actually reset? Hitting the four lower targets did indeed cause them to flip up, and a subsequent hit on the center reset target successfully brought them all down. It was functional, in a basic sense, but the mechanism felt a bit crude, and I already noticed some scuffing on the metal surfaces after only a dozen or so impacts.

The conditions were typical for a late afternoon range session – sunny with a light breeze. The target’s solid steel construction seemed adequate for .22 caliber, and there were no immediate signs of deformation from direct hits. Ease of use was a definite win; no complicated instructions were needed. However, a significant quirk emerged almost immediately: the user manual, and indeed the product description on arrival, strongly advised shooting from a minimum of 30 yards. This wasn’t explicitly stated online, and it raised a red flag for me. It implied a certain fragility or design limitation that wasn’t transparent upfront.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, primarily for casual target practice, the Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target has settled into a predictable performance pattern. It consistently resets, which is its core function, but the initial feeling of apprehension about its longevity has only grown. I’ve noticed a definite increase in visible wear, particularly around the pivot points of the individual targets and the central reset plate. The paint has chipped in several places, revealing bare metal underneath, and the mechanism sometimes requires a more deliberate, forceful hit to ensure a clean reset, especially if one of the lower targets is slightly misaligned.

Durability is where this target truly shows its limitations. While it has held up to .22LR rounds without catastrophic failure, I have zero confidence in its ability to withstand anything more powerful, despite the description’s claim of being “rated for a full range of .22 pistol and rifle action.” The metal, while solid, feels somewhat thin, and I suspect repeated direct hits at closer ranges would quickly deform the targets or compromise the resetting mechanism. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down is usually all that’s needed, and it’s easy to store due to its relatively compact size when not in use. Compared to the heavy-duty steel targets I’ve used in professional training environments, this unit feels decidedly less robust. It performs its intended function, but the feeling is that it’s a disposable or short-term solution rather than a long-term investment.

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

Specifications

The Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target is constructed from solid steel, which is a good starting point for any target designed for firearm use. It features five 2 1/2in Diameter Targets, four of which are the reactive targets that must be hit to flip into a locked position, and one central target that triggers the reset for all five. The product is specifically rated for .22 Caliber Soft Nose Lead ammunition, a crucial limitation that users must understand. It includes steel ground spikes for securing it to the earth, as well as high visibility target stickers to enhance visibility downrange. The manufacturer, Do All Outdoors, presents this as an easy-to-assemble unit.

These specifications translate directly to user experience. The 2 1/2 inch diameter of the reactive targets is a decent size for .22 caliber firearms, offering a reasonable challenge without being impossibly small. The solid steel construction provides a measure of safety, absorbing impacts and preventing over-penetration. However, the explicit limitation to .22 Caliber Soft Nose Lead is a critical piece of information that dictates its primary use case and immediately rules out larger calibers or certain types of ammunition. The ground spikes are functional for soft ground but might be insufficient for harder surfaces or windy conditions, and the high visibility stickers are a thoughtful inclusion for practice.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target is its auto-resetting capability, and in this regard, it performs as advertised. Hitting the individual targets flips them up, and a subsequent hit on the central reset target brings them all back down. This hands-free operation is its greatest asset, allowing for sustained shooting practice without constant intervention. However, the performance is intrinsically linked to its limitations. The need to shoot from a minimum of 30 yards, as indicated on the product itself, significantly impacts how and where it can be effectively used. This distance requirement is likely to prevent damage to the resetting mechanism or the target faces themselves from direct hits at closer ranges.

Its greatest strength is undoubtedly the targets automatically reset feature, which is a genuine time-saver and focus-enhancer for shooters. The weakness lies in its perceived fragility and the restrictive ammunition limitations. While it works for .22LR, I would be extremely hesitant to test it with anything with more power or velocity. It meets the basic expectation of resetting, but the caveats surrounding its use prevent it from exceeding expectations for its intended purpose as a simple plinking target.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this auto-reset target is functional but rather basic. It’s constructed from sections of folded and welded steel, creating a self-contained unit with five target plates. The finish is a simple black paint, which, as I’ve observed, isn’t particularly durable against repeated impacts. The overall build quality feels somewhat rough; the welds are utilitarian rather than refined, and the edges can be a bit sharp in places. There’s no significant ergonomic consideration beyond its function as a target; it’s not something you hold or manipulate in a way that would require grip comfort.

The mechanism for flipping the targets up and then resetting them relies on leverage and gravity. When a lower target is hit, it’s designed to flip up and lock. The central reset target, when struck, triggers a lever system that allows all the locked targets to fall back into their resting position. This mechanism works, but it feels a bit clunky and requires a reasonably solid hit to actuate reliably. The included ground spikes are simple L-shaped pieces of metal that screw into the base, offering basic stability but lacking any advanced anchoring features.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is the most significant concern with the Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target. While it is made of steel, the gauge of the metal and the nature of the pivoting target mechanisms suggest a limited lifespan, especially if used frequently or at slightly closer ranges than recommended. I’ve already seen chipping and scuffing, and I anticipate that repeated impacts, particularly on the reset plate, could eventually lead to bending or misalignment. I suspect that if a target plate becomes permanently deformed, the entire unit might become less effective or cease to reset altogether.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe-down after use is generally sufficient. Rust could become an issue if the paint chips extensively and the target is left exposed to moisture, so periodic checks and perhaps a touch-up with rust-inhibiting paint would be advisable for long-term storage. There are no complex parts to clean or lubricate, which is a plus, but the inherent design limitations point towards a product that is more of a consumable than a long-term investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target comes with a few essential accessories. These include five 2 1/2 inch Diameter Targets (integrated into the unit, with the central one acting as the reset) and a set of steel ground spikes. Also included are high visibility target stickers, which are a welcome addition as they make spotting the targets easier, especially at the recommended 30-yard distance.

Beyond the included stickers, there are limited customization options for this particular target. The individual target plates are not designed for easy replacement or modification. However, the target itself offers a basic platform for practice. Users could, theoretically, place their own paper targets or reactive spinners in front of this steel target for an added layer of challenge or to provide more visible impact indications, though this would detract from the “hands-free” aspect. The core functionality is fixed, and the primary “customization” comes down to ammunition choice and shooting distance within the specified limits.

Pros and Cons of Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target

Who Should Buy Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target?

The Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target is best suited for casual plinkers and beginner shooters who exclusively use .22LR ammunition and primarily shoot from at least 30 yards. It’s ideal for someone looking for a simple, affordable way to have more fun with their .22 rifle or pistol without constantly retrieving targets, especially for backyard practice. This target excels in scenarios where simplicity and the novelty of an auto-resetting system are the main priorities, rather than extreme durability or versatility.

However, individuals who shoot larger calibers, prefer shooting at closer ranges, or require a target that can withstand rigorous or heavy-duty use should look elsewhere. Professional trainers, serious competitive shooters, or anyone expecting a target to last for many years under heavy stress would likely be disappointed. If you plan on using anything other than soft-nose .22 lead, or want a target that feels exceptionally robust, this particular model is likely not the right choice. For those using it as intended, a simple range bag to carry it and perhaps a small container of touch-up paint for the inevitable wear might be helpful accessories.

Conclusion on Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target

The Do All Outdoors Auto Reset Pro Target delivers on its core promise of an auto-resetting system, offering a convenient and engaging experience for .22LR shooting. The hands-free operation is undeniably a significant benefit, allowing for extended practice sessions without the usual interruptions. However, its overall value is significantly tempered by the limitations regarding ammunition type and the recommended shooting distance, which were not prominently advertised. While the solid steel construction offers a basic level of protection, the build quality and finish suggest that this target is more of a disposable range accessory than a long-term investment.

For its current price point of $55.39, it offers a novel experience but lacks the robust durability one might expect from a piece of shooting equipment. If your primary use is casual plinking with .22LR at 30+ yards and you understand its limitations, it can provide hours of straightforward fun. For users seeking greater longevity, versatility, or the ability to use a wider range of calibers or shooting distances, exploring other options would be a prudent decision. This target is a decent option for its specific niche, but buyers should be fully aware of its restrictions before making a purchase.