Targets

Targets for air guns are often dismissed as simple accessories. A piece of paper, a folding target, anything to hold up – done. In practice, target systems are one of the most important tools for evaluating technique, ammunition and your own shooting in a comprehensible way. Without a target, there is no clear result. Without reproducible target training, much remains a matter of feeling.

Whether you use an air rifle, air pistol, CO₂ system or compressed air: if you want to understand your weapon, you need suitable targets.

Why targets are indispensable for air guns

Air guns are sensitive to changes. The condition of the barrel, the weight of the diabolo or BB, the seal clearance, the temperature or even a small change in the shooting position have a direct effect on the point of impact. Targets make these effects visible.

You can see:

• Scatter circles instead of single hits
• Vertical and lateral deviations
• Consistent errors in your stance
• Differences between types of ammunition
• Effects of maintenance or adjustments

Without a target, all you have is interpretation. With a target, technique becomes measurable.

Paper targets – sober, precise, honest

Paper targets are the most technically clean solution when it comes to evaluation. Clear rings, defined hit zones and reproducible results make them the standard for sighting in and comparison tests.

Suitable for:

• Sighting in sights or optics
• Comparing different projectiles
• Analysis of dispersion circles
• Calm technique training

Advantages:

• Very precise hit patterns
• Low costs
• Simple documentation

Disadvantages:

• Not durable
• Sensitive to moisture
• No direct hit feedback

Paper works best in combination with a stable bullet trap. Improvised solutions quickly lead to damaged walls or unclear hit patterns.

Reactive targets – feedback without running

Reactive targets show hits immediately. Flipping over, falling over or visible markings replace looking through the scope or walking to the target.

Typical variants:

• Folding targets made of metal or plastic
• Reset targets with cable pull or spring
• Hit display via colour marking

These are useful for dynamic training or longer distances. They are less suitable for detailed dispersion analysis, as they indicate hits but do not document them precisely.

Metal targets – durable, but not universal

Metal targets are robust and designed for continuous use. They save time and material, especially during frequent training. At the same time, they require more attention in terms of safety.

What matters:

• Inclined hit surfaces to deflect ricochets
• Sufficient material thickness
• Stable bases
• Appropriate safety distance

Metal targets are well suited for pistols and moderately powerful air rifles. With high joule values or very hard projectiles, the risk of ricochets increases significantly. Safety goggles are mandatory – regardless of distance and power.

Bullet traps – underestimated, but essential

A bullet trap is not a target in the strict sense, but it is an essential part of the equipment. It safely catches projectiles, reduces ricochets and keeps the training area under control.

Types:

• Fabric bullet traps: quiet, mobile, limited durability
• Metal bullet traps: durable, compact, significantly louder
• Box systems with paper targets: widely used, space-saving

Especially in indoor areas, the right bullet trap determines whether training remains practical or ends quickly.

Electronic targets – technology with limitations

Electronic target systems count hits, react with light or sound, or combine several targets into small training modules. Technically interesting, but not suitable for every application.

Strengths

• Hit display without follow-up
• Training modes
• Variety in training

Weakness

• Sensitive to moisture
• Often only designed for low power
• Limited hit analysis

Useful for technique training and motivation, but more of a supplement than a primary tool for precise setup work.

Size, distance and scaling

A target only works effectively if its size and distance are appropriate. Targets that are too large at short distances distort the result, while targets that are too small at long distances lead to frustration rather than insight.

Rules of thumb:

• Air pistol / indoor: small targets, short distances
• Air rifle leisure: medium targets, 10–20 metres
• High-performance systems: reduced target zones, greater distance

Scaled targets help to represent real hit zones and make training measurable.

Common mistakes in target training

• Training distances that are too short
• Unsuitable target types
• Lack of bullet trap
• No documentation of changes
• Forgetting safety goggles

Rebounds are often underestimated with air guns, regardless of calibre or power.