Standard operating procedure here at On Target dictates that we put at least 200- rounds downrange through a defensive carbine in order to test it’s handling, shooting characteristics and reliability before we put it on paper to test its precision. For the past three years, Salute Products steel-plate targets have been bearing the brunt of these 200-round sessions—as well as constant personal use during training and/or “play time”—and they have withstood the punishment without degrading, breaking or failing in any way, shape or form. As far as steel’s concerned, Salute’s USA-made targets get our highest stamp of approval for durability, function, portability, user-friendliness and safety.
Colonel Mike Howard, U. S. M. C. (Ret.) and his staff of military combat veterans at
Salute Products have created what is perhaps the best rifle and pistol practice target yet devised. Their new Spartan action target ($329.95) is based on the IPSC A-C zone shape and offers three moving target zones: the head, heart and pelvic areas. Built from 3/8-inch thick AR500 armor plate steel, the front plate has three cut outs that pass the bullets through to three pivoting rear plates. The head cut out is T-shaped to simulate the eyes/nose area; the center heart cut out is round; and the lower pelvic area cut out is a triangle with rounded corners. Behind each cut out is another, smaller armor plate that pivots outward when hit and is exposed outside the front plate. Just shoot it again and it flips back to the ready position behind its cut out. The Salute Products website has a great video of the Spartan operating under fire. The Spartan measures 23.3 inches tall by 11.81 inches wide and weighs 30 pounds. It requires an armored base, and Salute Products has just what you need.
Salute’s DOD Mil-Spec base—which will hold the Spartan or any other 3/8-inch thick Salute steel target measures 30 inches long, by 18 inches wide, by 42 inches tall, and weighs 27.5 pounds. Priced at $129.95, it meets Department of Defense military specifications for bullet deflecting steel target bases. It holds the target stationary with a 30 degree forward tilt to deflect bullet fragments downward into the ground.
Beware of imitations, as some Salute target designs have been knocked off by disreputable competitors and built in China from inferior materials. See the USA-made Spartan and DOD Mil-Spec base at your firearms retailer, or contact Salute Products, Dept. OT; Tel.: (503) 439-3006; Web: www.saluteproducts.com
