Grizzly Targets AR500 Steel Face-Off: IPSC Reactive vs Center Hang

In the past couple days we have intimately walked through and looked at some of the AR500 steel targets offered by Grizzly Targets with in-depth, editorial reviews. Our staff was authentically impressed by both targets, but that only begs the question of: which one is better?

Are you better off with the Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target? Or should you buy the Grizzly Targets AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package? It is a fair question to ask if you only have $200 allocated to spend towards a new steel target. So, let’s dive in, look at the pros and cons of each, and see which one might be best for you!

Pros: Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target

To get the ball rolling on this “Steel Face-Off,” we will look at all of the positive attributes of the Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target that we reviewed just yesterday. For starters, if you are going to be investing in steel targets you will definitely want to ensure they are made of AR500 steel at a minimum. That is simply a baseline to make sure you are getting a quality product that will last. Both of the Grizzly Targets we are comparing and have previously reviewed are fabricated with that level of steel so no worries there. These would be some of the best attributes I found in the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target:

Strong Deflection/Hanging Angle
Can be Staked Down for Increased Stability
Also allows you to Shoot Paper Targets

This steel target impressed me with its level of safety in that it so effectively re-directs or ricochets your lead spalling straight down into the dirt. An actual line was being cut into the grass where I was shooting because this design worked so well. Also, if you are on uneven terrain you have the option to stake this steel target in all 4 corners so it won’t tip over. Additionally, if you want to shoot paper targets as a supplement to your steel practice you can hang paper on this system, too.

Cons: Grizzly Targets 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target

When looking at some potential negatives of this target I could only think of one, and it honestly boiled down to my lack of preparedness heading to the range than it did to this being a bad target in any way. Nonetheless, this is one thing you will want to consider if you are eyeing the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target:

The Base is Tippy if the Ground is not Flat – Use Stakes

I was shooting on a slight hill or incline when I reviewed the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target and the target was fairly tippy. It felt like it was “on its toes” wanting to fall forward. This is mainly because the target is angled so strongly forward to deflect rounds that its balancing point or equilibrium is “on its toes.” Again, Grizzly Targets has already accounted for this in the fact that you can stake it down. I simply did not bring stakes with me on my range day so it is something I observed.

Pros: Grizzly Targets AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package

When it came to this target I probably enjoyed shooting it the most because of the 2nd positive I mention in the list below. In my mind, steel targets give you a significantly more positive and audible hit confirmation than paper targets ever will, but the AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package does that even better.

The Four-Legged base is very Sturdy on all Terrain – Uneven, Sloped, Flat, All of the Above
Impacts create a Phenomenal Ringing Sound – Far Greater than All Other Steel Targets

Everybody who shoots steel loves hearing that ringing positive hit. Its like a small kick of dopamine for our shooting ego. We absolutely love it! The AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package is one of the best I have ever heard because the target will ring for 10-15 seconds after you make an impact. Finally, I like the four-legged base because it was very sturdy even on the sloped area I was shooting. If the gradient was even rockier I believe it would have had no issues at all.

Cons: Grizzly Targets AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package

With this target, similar to the last one, I do not see a glaring problem or issue at all with it, but I want to propose some food-for-thought for people who might contemplate buying one. So, this would be my only minor critique of the AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package:

Setup for Steel Only – Cannot also use to Shoot Paper Targets

The AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package is a great option for shooting steel, but if you are wanting to have an all-in-one system that can simultaneously be setup to run paper targets this model unfortunately cannot do that.

Final Thoughts: AR500 Grizzly Targets – IPSC Reactive vs Center Hang

Overall, if you are looking to invest in steel targets for the 1st time or the 10th time you will not be disappointed with Grizzly Targets. Both targets tested were easy to assemble and transport which is a big plus in my book. Also, while they were constructed of strong materials they were not overly heavy in their individual pieces. Both targets were incredibly safe to shoot even at relatively close distances with a handgun.

So, which one would I pick if I could only get one?! I would create this from Grizzly Targets:

By taking the base of the 3/8″ AR500 IPSC Reactive Steel Target and coupling it with the top portion of the AR500 IPSC Center Hang Target Package, I believe you have the perfect Grizzly Targets package for under $240. You have a multi-use base, strong target, safe, lightweight, easy to assemble, and it will ring like a wind chime. Also, all Grizzly Targets are covered by the “Grizzly Guarantee” that every component that is not intended to be shot – known as a non shooting surface (NSS) – is covered by their Limited Lifetime Warranty.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Grizzly Targets for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their different steel target packages. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe these steel targets are 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