Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Double Tap Industries manufactures premium steel shooting targets, reactive targets, modular storage systems, and shooting accessories designed for durability, safety, and real-world performance.

Yes. Approximately 95% of our products are made in the USA, including our steel targets and mounting systems. We also offer a small selection of carefully sourced products that meet our quality standards and complement our core offerings.

All product instructions are linked on individual product pages. Locate the item you purchased to view PDF instructions directly from our site.

Double Tap Industries is located in Madison, IN.

Caliber Armor is located in Louisville, KY.

We do not have a traditional retail location, but customers are welcome to walk in for purchases and in-store pickup.

Our Caliber Armor facility does have a storefront, and armor/carrier fittings can be accommodated at that location.

Yes. Register to receive our year-round service member discount. Simply provide your name, email, branch/type of service, and service credentials. Sign Up Here.

Yes. We offer dealer programs and discounts for qualified businesses, and resellers. If you're interested in becoming a dealer, please submit your business information here. Our team will review your application and follow up with next steps.

• USA-made product lineup
• In-house customer support (no outsourced call centers)
• Premium reactive steel targets
• Purpose-built rimfire and centerfire solutions
• Multiple mounting options (2x4, T-post, conduit)
• Modular storage slat wall systems
• Carefully curated complementary gear
• Same-day shipping on stocked items

Yes—steel targets are safe when used correctly with proper materials, setup, and shooting distance.

To ensure safe use, follow these guidelines:

• Use AR500, AR500, or SR500 steel only – Never shoot mild steel, as it can crater and cause ricochets
• Keep proper distance – Minimum 10 yards for handguns, 100 yards for rifles
• Angle targets downward – Directs bullet fragments safely into the ground
• Avoid steel core or armor-piercing ammo – These can damage targets and create hazards
• Inspect targets regularly – Do not shoot damaged or pitted steel

When used properly, steel targets are one of the safest and most effective ways to train, offering instant feedback and long-lasting performance.

The right target depends on your application:

• Rimfire shooting (.22 LR): Rimfire-rated targets (typically 1/4" AR500)
• Pistol calibers (9mm, .45 ACP): 3/8" AR500 targets
• Rifle calibers (.223, .308): 3/8" AR500 centerfire-rated targets
• Magnum rifle calibers (300 Win Mag, .338): 1/2" AR500 targets

Choosing the correct target ensures safety and long-term durability.

Rimfire targets: Designed for lower-velocity rounds like .22 LR & .17 HMR

Centerfire targets: Built for higher-velocity calibers like 9mm, .223/5.56, and .308

No. Doing so can damage the target and create unsafe shooting conditions.

Most pistol and rifle calibers can safely be used with 3/8" AR500 hardened steel. Higher-caliber rifles or shooting at closer distances may require 1/2" AR500 steel. Rimfire calibers like .17 and .22 LR are suitable for 1/4" AR500.

Refer to our Ammo Caliber Chart to determine the correct thickness and safe shooting distances. If you have questions, we’re happy to help you choose the right setup.

AR500 steel: Industry-standard hardness and durability

AR550 steel: Higher hardness than AR500, offering increased resistance to wear and longer lifespan under heavy use

SR500 steel: Premium target steel engineered specifically for shooting applications, delivering consistent hardness and superior longevity

Mild steel is unsafe for shooting and should never be used as a target material.

• It can crater, dent, or deform easily
• Increases the risk of ricochet and unpredictable bullet fragmentation
• Wears out quickly and becomes hazardous

For safety and performance, always use properly rated hardened steel targets like AR500, AR550, or SR500.

AR500 steel is a hardened, abrasion-resistant steel with a Brinell Hardness Number between 460–544. Upon bullet impact, the projectile fragments and disperses, helping reduce the risk of ricochet when used at proper distances and angles.

SR500 steel is similar but designed specifically for shooting applications, with a minimum Brinell hardness of 500 for increased durability.

CNC laser cutting provides a cleaner, more precise cut with minimal heat input, resulting in little to no heat affected zone (HAZ). This helps maintain the integrity and hardness of the steel—critical for safe, long-lasting shooting targets.

Plasma cutting uses significantly higher heat, which can create a larger heat affected zone. This may soften the steel around the cut edges, potentially reducing durability and increasing wear over time.

A safe and effective setup includes:

Proper shooting distances

Targets that can move or swing on impact

A slight forward angle to direct fragments downward

A reliable mounting system

• Rimfire/pistol calibers: Minimum 10 yards
• Centerfire rifle calibers: Minimum 100 yards

Always refer to our Ammo Caliber Chart before shooting steel targets.

Do not use:

• Steel core ammunition
• Armor-piercing rounds

• 2x4 target stands
• T-post target stands
• Conduit-based target stands

These options provide flexibility depending on your range setup and portability needs.

• Easy to assemble and replace
• Helps absorb impact and reduce wear
• Widely compatible with hanging target systems
• Ideal for both portable and fixed range setups

We offer 2x4 protector plates that shield the wood portion of your target stand and extend its lifespan.

Shooting tripods support firearms, spotting scopes, and optics, providing a stable platform for improved accuracy and observation.

They are a great hunting essential and keep shot placement steady on the shooting range.

We offer:

• Carbon fiber tripods: Lightweight and ideal for mobility and field use (higher cost)
• Aluminum tripods: More affordable while still providing excellent stability

The primary differences are weight and price, allowing you to choose based on your needs.
👉 Browse our full selection of tripod systems to find the right fit for your setup.

Tripods are ideal for:

• Long-range shooting
• Hunting
• Precision shooting setups
• Stabilizing optics or spotting scopes

Reactive targets move, swing, or provide audible feedback when hit, giving instant confirmation and improving shooting engagement.

👉 Browse our full selection of reactive steel shooting targets to find the right fit for you.

Yes. They help improve:

• Accuracy
• Speed
• Target acquisition

The Assault Wall is a modular slat wall system designed to organize firearms, gear, and accessories efficiently.

A proper setup includes:

• A modular wall system
• Secure mounting
• Accessories for firearms, magazines, and gear

• Rifles and pistols
• Magazines and ammunition
• Tactical gear and accessories
• Hunting Gear

Gunfire can cause permanent hearing damage. Proper hearing protection reduces noise exposure and protects long-term hearing health.

Yes. We offer hearing protection options selected for reliability and performance in shooting environments.

Yes. We are the parent company of Caliber Armor, a manufacturer of advanced body armor systems. All of our protective armor products are made in the USA.

The right solution depends on your needs:

• Low-profile protection: Lightweight armor systems
• Rifle-rated protection: Hard armor plates
• Professional use: Modular plate carrier systems

All body armor we offer is 100% made in the USA, with the majority manufactured in our Louisville, KY facility.

Each product page lists the calibers and threats the armor is rated to stop. Technical specification sheets are also available for details on velocities and NIJ testing or certifications.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

Proper care will extend the life of your plate carrier and maintain performance:

• Remove all armor plates before cleaning
• Spot clean using mild detergent and cold water
• Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals
• Air dry only (do not machine dry)
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when drying

Refer to our Care, Use, & Fitting Guide for specific care instructions for our carriers.

Yes. Orders placed before 3PM EST ship the same day, excluding items with lead times listed on the product page.

All in-stock items without listed lead times will ship the same day when ordered before the cutoff time.

Yes. We offer free shipping to the lower 48 states.

Additional shipping fees may apply to orders shipped to:

• Alaska
• Hawaii
• U.S. territories

We accept returns on eligible items within a specified timeframe from the date of delivery.

• Items must be unused and in original condition
• Some products may be subject to restocking fees
• Custom or made-to-order items may not be eligible for return
• Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the item is defective or incorrect

For full details or to initiate a return, please contact our team or refer to our complete return policy page.

Yes. We specialize in custom fabrication for:

• Shooting ranges
• Businesses
• Shoots and events
• Personalized projects

Our targets are compatible with most common mounting systems, including:

• 2x4 stands
• T-post mounting systems
• Conduit stands

We also offer a full line of target stands and hangers for steel and paper targets.

• Use appropriate calibers
• Maintain proper shooting distance
• Repaint regularlyInspect for wear before use

Replace targets showing:

• Cratering or pitting
• Warping
• Structural damage