Targets

Dive into the world of precision shooting with our targets for soft air and air rifles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, our selection has the right target for everyone. From small targets for targeted training to high-quality systems with a stand for more demanding challenges - you'll find everything here. Our range in the ID Paintball Shop includes bullet traps, targets and dartboards from top brands such as Combat Zone, Umarex and Walther. These products are not only suitable for soft air and air rifles, but also for other shooting sports. Robust and durable, they are perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

Targets are often an underestimated aspect of airsoft. Many see them as mere accessories for the backyard or basement. In practice, they are one of the most useful tools for thoroughly checking your technique, setup, and handling—without the stress of the playing field, without discussions about hits, and without excuses. If you want to improve your accuracy consistently, you can't do without proper targets.

Here, we take a look at the different types of airsoft targets available, their technical differences, and what they are really suitable for.

Why targets make sense in airsoft

Airsoft replicas are sensitive to small changes: hop-up adjustment, BB weight, temperature, gas pressure, or even a freshly cleaned barrel. A target makes these changes visible. You can see:

  • Scatter circles instead of gut feeling
  • Vertical and lateral deviations
  • Constant errors in the aim
  • Effects of BB changes

Especially when sighting in or readjusting, a clean target is much more meaningful than cans or improvised cardboard targets.

Paper targets – simple but precise

The classic paper target is still the most precise option when it comes to evaluation. Cleanly printed rings, clear contrasts, and defined hit zones make them ideal for:

  • Shooting in hop-up
  • Comparing different BB weights
  • Fine-tuning optics
  • Reproducible training

Advantages:

  • Very low cost
  • Clear hit patterns
  • Easy to replace

Disadvantages:

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

Paper works best in combination with a bullet trap or stable backstops.

Reactive targets – feedback without running

Reactive targets show hits directly. Either by flipping over, falling over, or through color markings. They are particularly practical if you are training at longer distances and don't want to run to the target after every magazine.

Typical variants:

  • Folding targets made of metal or plastic
  • Reset targets with cable pull or spring mechanism
  • Color-changing targets

They provide immediate feedback but are less suitable for analyzing fine dispersion patterns.

Metal targets – robust but with limitations

Metal targets are durable and popular for continuous use. The material and construction are important here. Thin sheet metal bends quickly, while thick steel plates last longer but increase the risk of ricochets.

What to look for:

  • Inclined hitting surfaces
  • Stable bases
  • Sufficient safety distance
  • Use only with safety glasses

Metal targets are well suited for pistols and lower joule values, less so for powerful DMR or HPA setups.

Bullet traps – order instead of BB chaos

A bullet trap is not a target in the traditional sense, but an important addition. It collects BBs, prevents ricochets, and keeps the training area clean.

Types:

  • Fabric bullet traps: quiet, mobile, limited durability
  • Metal bullet traps: stable, durable, loud
  • Box systems with paper targets: very common, compact

Fabric solutions are often more convenient for indoor training, while metal boxes have advantages in the basement or garage.

Electronic targets – gimmick or useful?

Electronic airsoft targets count hits, react with light or sound, or combine several targets into small training courses. Technically interesting, but not useful for everyone.

Pros

  • Hit display without follow-up
  • Training modes
  • More variety

Cons

  • Sensitive to moisture
  • Usually only for low joule values
  • Less precise hit analysis

Suitable for technical training, but not the best choice for fine-tuning your setup.

Size, distance, and scaling

A target only makes sense if it is suitable for the distance. Small targets at short distances are of little use, as are huge targets at 30 meters.

Rule of thumb:

  • Pistol / indoor: small targets, short distances
  • AEG / outdoor: medium targets, 15–30 meters
  • DMR / sniper: reduced target zones at greater distances

Scaled targets help to simulate realistic hit zones.

Common mistakes in target training

  • Distances too short
  • Unsuitable target types
  • No bullet trap
  • No documentation of changes
  • Forgotten safety glasses

Rebounds in particular are often underestimated – regardless of joule values.