The 10 Best Resetting Targets
Special Honors
Atlas AR500 Rifle Spinner The Atlas AR500 Rifle Spinner is made from laser cut steel and has a wide stance that allows it to take impact after impact without getting knocked over. It features two different sized paddles, and you can adjust both the weighting and the lean of them to increase the difficulty. atlastargetworks.com
TA Targets VTAR: Self Resetting Popper The TA Targets VTAR: Self Resetting Popper is made with heavy-duty components that should allow it to outlast many other lesser-quality options. It is available in a range of sizes and with gongs in various shapes, allowing you to get the one that best fits your target practice needs. tacticalar500targets.com
Editor's Notes
September 17, 2020:
One of the most important things to consider when choosing shooting targets, whether they are resetting or not, is their intended use. It is vital that you pick a model that is designed for the ammo you use, not just so that it can withstand the impacts of your bullets, but also as a safety precaution. Plus, if you don't pick a model that can handle the force of the ammo caliber you are using, you may just wind up knocking the whole thing over, which means you'll still end up walking down range constantly.
The Do-All Outdoors SS6038 and Caldwell Magnum Popper are the most heavy-duty options on our list and can stand up to Magnum velocity bullets. The latter is made from AR500 steel, which is incredibly tough, but the former offers more targets to shoot at, which some users may prefer. Not far behind the above two models when it comes to durability are the Sub.Moa Flip Shot AR500 and Jumping Targets AR500 Reactive, both of which are also made from AR500 steel. The former is rated for a variety of calibers ranging from 9mm to .45ACP to .308, while the correct ammo for the latter will be dependent on the model you choose. If you go with the smaller 2.5-inch gongs, you'll want to stick with .45 and smaller ammo, while if you choose the 3.5-inch gongs, you will need calibers like .223 and .306 if you really want to make the unit jump.
If you just like to play around with an airsoft rifle, you should get enough action from the Crosman CSLT and Crosman Squirrel. The former can also be used for .22 caliber weapons, as can the Caldwell Rimfire 902365 and Birchwood Casey Gallery Expert. The Champion DuraSeal Bottle and Cans is a versatile option that provides good action from small caliber weapons, but is durable enough to handle large caliber rifles, too. That being said, you'll want to do your best to avoid hitting the frame on this model, as it isn't very strong and can easily be damaged.
Whichever resetting target you choose, and whichever weapon you use, we recommend that you always wear proper shooting glasses and take all other precautions to ensure you have safe experience.
March 13, 2019:
Shooting practice is considerably more fun when you have reactive targets to aim for. It gets even better if those reactive targets are also self-resetting, so you don't have to walk downrange after every time you hit one. We've found the best options suitable for a variety of ammo sizes. If you only practice with airsoft rifles, then you'll want to look at the Crosman Squirrel, since it has been specifically designed for pellets. If you practice extends to .22 bullets and other relatively small-caliber ammo, your best options are the Caldwell Rimfire 902365, Sub.Moa Flip Shot AR500, Crosman CSLT, Birchwood Casey Gallery Expert, and the 2.5-inch Jumping Targets AR500 Reactive. Those who are using larger caliber ammo, perhaps shooting with .44 or .38 bullets, can take a look at the Caldwell Magnum Popper, Caldwell 103654, and the larger Jumping Targets AR500 Reactive options.