Paper or steel targets: which should a new shooter start with?

We haven't shot these targets for this comparison. Everything below comes from the makers' own pages and published warnings, scored on our public rubric (hit feedback, indoor-range compatibility, size and standard, and pack contents and portability). The rubric, and the gate every steel target must pass, are on how we pick gear.

Paper and steel side by side

Two gaps stand out. Champion's listing doesn't state the plate size or thickness for the Center Mass target, and the hanging gong's page doesn't state its steel grade; confirm both on the listing before you buy. And Birchwood Casey's page sets no minimum distance for its paper target. Paper still needs a safe backstop behind it, which a range provides.

Feedback: what each target tells you

Paper keeps a record. Every hole stays where it landed, so after a string you can see the group: where your shots clustered and which way they drifted. A reactive sheet makes that record easier to read. Birchwood Casey says the Shoot-N-C Handgun Trainer leaves "crisp, chartreuse rings around each bullet hole," so you can see hits from the bench, and the 110 pasters in the pack let you cover old holes and start fresh.

Steel doesn't keep a hole-by-hole record. It tells you that you hit the plate, not exactly where each shot went on it, and Champion's warnings list the ways a steel target changes over time: it wears, and it can become pitted. For a new shooter trying to learn why shots land where they do, that hit-or-miss answer is less useful than a paper group. Once you can keep your shots together on paper, steel becomes a fun test of it.

Safety: distance, angle and ammunition

This is the biggest difference, and it's why steel has a gate on this site. Champion publishes its rules in its Steel Target Warnings. These are Champion's rules for Champion targets; other makers may publish different ones, and some publish none. Follow your own target maker's warnings and your range's rules. Here is what Champion says, quoted:

Champion's other warnings cover setup, people and ammunition:

• Angle: "Target must be mounted with the shooting face of the target angled down toward the ground. A 10-20 degree angle from vertical is recommended."
• Backstop and direction: "Target must have a proper backstop and never be shot at an angle from the side that might cause a bullet to deflect in an unsafe direction."
• Ground and surroundings: the target must be placed over a surface that will reduce or eliminate the likelihood of bullet fragments traveling in an unsafe direction, and used only where hot fragments or sparks won't start a fire.
• People: "All persons must remain behind the shooter when the target is in use."
• Ammunition: Champion says its steel targets "are not rated for use with sub-sonic rimfire ammunition, steel shot, non-lead pellets or BB's, steel core, steel jacketed, bi-metal jacketed, incendiary, armor piercing, tracer, A-frame style, solids, solid brass, or solid copper bullets," and are designed for lead and copper jacketed lead core bullets only.
• Condition: inspect the target before each use and replace it when severely pitted or damaged, because "A severely pitted or damage steel target can present a hazardous situation due to unpredictable bullet fragmentation or ricochet."

Paper has none of those maker-published distances, but it isn't rule-free. The NRA's rule applies to every target: "Know your target and what is beyond" ( NRA Gun Safety Rules). With paper, the range's backstop does that job, and you hang the target only when the range is cold.

Where each is allowed

Range rules decide this before you do. They vary, so these are examples from ranges whose rules we read, not a standard:

• Indoors: The Range 702 in Las Vegas lists "Personal steel targets" under the things to leave at home (The Range 702).
• Public outdoor ranges, paper only: Connecticut DEEP's Glastonbury range permits "standard paper targets only" and prohibits shooting at steel targets (CT DEEP), and Mississippi's MDWFP ranges say "only paper targets may be used" ( MDWFP).
• Steel by approval: Georgia DNR ranges require targets of "paper, cardboard, ballistics polymer, or similar material," and say "Metal targets may be used for special events if approved by DNR in advance" (Georgia DNR).

Every rule we read allows paper. Steel was banned or needed special approval at each public range whose target rules we read. If you want to shoot steel, look for an outdoor range or club that allows it, and ask what distances they require. Our indoor vs outdoor range guide explains the other differences.

What each needs besides the target

We don't quote prices, but we can tell you what else goes on the list:

• Paper: something to hang it on (the range's frame, a cardboard backer or a stand), a way to attach it (the Shoot-N-C is self-adhesive; other sheets need staples or clips), and pasters if the pack doesn't include them.
• Steel: a mount that holds the face at Champion's recommended angle. Champion's 2x4 Target Stand Topper is made for its Center Mass line and sits on 2x4 lumber, which isn't included. You also need a range that allows steel, a proper backstop, ground and surroundings that meet Champion's warnings, and room to stand at least 15 yards back with non-magnum handgun ammunition.

Setting up your own stand? Our best target stands covers paper and steel mounts, and the DIY target stand guide covers 2x4 builds.

How long each lasts

Paper is a consumable: each sheet takes a session or two, longer with pasters. Steel lasts longer, but it isn't forever either. Champion says "All targets are considered consumable and will wear as they are shot," tells you to inspect before each use, and notes that "both sides of the target can be used." Champion also warns that "Targets and target stands will accumulate lead residue when shot," so wash your hands with soap and water after handling them and before eating or drinking. Our guide to lead exposure at the shooting range covers the rest.

Which to start with

Paper, for almost every new shooter. It works at every range whose rules we read, it shows you where each shot went, and it has no maker-published distance rules to manage. Once you're shooting outdoors at a range that allows steel, and you can keep your shots together on paper, a Champion steel target set up at or beyond Champion's published minimum distance is a good next step. The Center Mass AR500 is our pick because Champion publishes the rules and makes a matching topper; the Centerfire Hanging Gong is covered by the same warnings, though its page doesn't state the steel grade or thickness. Champion's Center Mass listing names that line as AR500.

Or consider

• Best shooting targets: six paper and reactive picks for a first range trip.
• Best reactive targets: Shoot-N-C, splatter and self-healing targets, and what to ask your range about each.
• How far away steel targets should be: the full safety guide, built on makers' published distances.