AO Review: Grizzly Targets AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package

It was a few months ago we had our 1st review of a Grizzly Targets steel target here on our sister-site of TheFirearmBlog. As we mentioned then, paper targets have their place in the shooting community, but plinking on steel is increasingly more popular, reactive, and flat out more fun than the old standby of paper. We previously looked at the Grizzly Targets 6″ AR500 Steel Reactive/Knockdown Circle which is great for rimfire and smaller cartridges. This time around we are looking at a larger target from Grizzly Targets in their 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand. That is quite the mouthful, but Grizzly Targets essentially sent us one of their steel target systems and all of the necessary accoutrements. Let’s dive in and check it out!

Specifications: Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package W/Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand

With this setup that we are reviewing from Grizzly Targets, there are a few different components assembled together to make for a complete shooting package. You have the All Terrain Stand (four-legged stand for uneven terrain), a Galvanized Steel Post (this holds up better than a 2″ x 4″ piece of wood), and the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap which is the heart of the target system. All of the specifications and features can be read below as presented by Grizzly Targets:

Designed in partnership with military and law enforcement
System creates a super loud “gonging” sound when hit. That report is amplified even more if combined with one of our Galvanized steel posts (shown in picture)
IPSC target face measures 12″ W x 24″ H x 3/8″ thick factory tested AR500 steel
Both the target cap/stand are galvanized for weatherproofing and protection from rounds/splatter
The armored cap has a piece of 3/8 AR500 on the target side to protect the hanger from errant rounds
The hook on the armored cap is made of AR500 making the system last even longer
The all terrain stand is elevated with extra long legs for heavy target stability for uneven or flat surfaces
Made of 3/8″ AR500 steel, rated for Handgun, Rifle Rim Fire and Shotgun

There is Free Shipping for this target package from Grizzly Targets and it is covered by the Grizzly Guarantee which means that every component that is not intended to be shot – known as a non shooting surface (NSS) – is covered by their limited lifetime warranty. Grizzly Targets goes on to further explain their 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand below:

“Built to last, sounds awesome and is portable. All you need is a wood 2/4 or one of our Galvanized steel posts.
Grizzly Center Hang Target C- Zone IPSC package is made of 3/8” Laser-Cut AR500 Steel and is cut to match the same measurements of a standard C-Zone IPSC Target. The C-Zone IPSC is great for training regardless of your needs, Self-Defense, Mil/Leo Defensive, Concealed Weapons Classes, Plinking, Shooting Sports, or even ranges looking to provide steel for their customers.
The biggest thing that we have achieved with these targets systems compared to our other similar targets is the how loud the report is when struck by rounds. This not only provides the shooter with a hit confirmation, but also creates a sense of gratification!
With the audible report, break down portability, and the quickest setup time, this is the best bang for your buck target on the market!“

Assembly: Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package W/Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand

When it came to assembly I did the most stubborn and predictable thing possible: I started assembling square pegs into square holes and hoped it was easier than Ikea furniture. As it so turned out, this package was incredibly easy to assemble and even a gun Neanderthal like me got it done without directions or Google. A good wrench set or a few Crescent wrenches is all you will need to put this Grizzly Target package together. The package features include the following:

Designed in partnership with military and law enforcement.
System creates a super loud “gonging” sound when hit. That report is amplified even more if combined with one of our (shown in picture) Galvanized steel posts.
IPSC target face measures 12″ W x 24″ H x 3/8″ thick factory tested AR500 steel.
Both the target cap/stand are galvanized for weatherproofing and protection from rounds/splatter.
The all terrain stand is elevated with extra long legs for heavy target stability for uneven or flat surfaces.
Made of 3/8″ AR500 steel, rated for Handgun, Rifle, Rimfire, and Shotgun.

Range Time: Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package W/Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand

When it came to actually shooting the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand I loved that you could break it down for transport so easily. Instead of it being a heavy, cumbersome shooting apparatus you can simply break it down to what I would call the base, the galvanized steel post, and then the top with the hang target. Instead of this steel target being a permanent fixture somewhere, I can make it mobile and take it with me to wherever I would like to go shooting.

Once I got situated out in a field on my family’s cattle ranch (safely away from our herd of grass mulchers) the fun began. Re-assembly out of my pickup was easy and in under 1 minute I was loading magazines and shooting. Grizzly Targets advertises that this target, in particular, has a strong gonging sound and is amplified by mating it with a galvanized steel post (which they sent me to use as well). I was astonishingly surprised how the steel target echoed and sang across the field I was shooting in. This target package definitely is music to your ears when you make an impact.

While the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target with Hanger Cap hangs pretty much vertical when it is stationary, it does allow for a good deal of swing or movement backwards to impede bullet spray or fragments from coming back at the shooter. I was shooting as fast as I could possibly empty magazines out of a SIG Sauer P365XL 9mm from roughly 10 yards while maintaining positive hits (close-toed boots, pants, coat, eye, and ear protection present – be safe out there), and I had zero “splash-backs” from the target.

If you decide to shoot for the upper portion of the Center Hang Target, the Hanger Cap does have liberty to move backwards in that direction as well to displace bullet fragments away from the shooter. Over one evening of launching some freedom seeds, I made probably 200+ impacts on this Grizzly Targets package, and although the paint is shot off the target is still flat, flush, and has no actual dents whatsoever. I look forward to giving it some exercise with a few of my revolvers and potentially some rifles at longer distances as well.

Final Thoughts: Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package W/Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand

All in all, if you want a simple-to-assemble, easy-to-transport, and fun steel target that will genuinely sing to you, then this is it. The Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap and All Terrain Stand has an MSRP of $197.95 while the Galvanized Steel Post retails for $65.95.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Grizzly Targets for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package with Hanger Cap, Galvanized Steel Post, and All Terrain Stand is something worth spending your money on? Would you set one up at your home range? Would you take it on the road with you for mobile shooting opportunities? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak