Keep your steel Target strong, safe, and ready for years of training
Whether you own a Mini A-DAP, C-Zone A-DAP, or a full-size A-DAP setup, proper maintenance ensures maximum durability, reliability, and safe performance. Below are guidelines, best practices, and tips to help you get the most out of your system.
These steps can be used for any quality steel target system, but they’re specifically tuned for our AR550 A-DAP Target Systems — built for serious shooters who demand performance and longevity.
This isn’t complicated — it’s about being intentional. The A-DAP system is designed to take abuse, but the reality is: it’s still a piece of steel and hardware. If you treat it right, it’ll outlast your ammo budget. Here’s how to do that.
1. Start Every Range Session With a Quick Inspection
Before you send that first round downrange, take 60 seconds and check your system. Make sure the Steel Target Plate is flat, the welds are solid, and the hardware is tight.
Here’s what to look for before every session:
Check the strike plate:
Look for cracks, deep pitting, or warping over 3/16". A few small dimples from thousands of rounds are normal — that’s just character. But if you see anything that looks like a crater, it’s time to rotate or replace your plate.
Hardware - Snug All Nuts:
Hit every bolt and nut. Make sure your top bracket and base hardware are snug. You don’t need to torque everything to death — just firm and consistent. If you notice something working loose often, consider adding a dab of blue Loctite (never red).
Base and post:
Your base and upright should be solid. No wobbles, no sketchy setup. If the system isn’t planted firmly or level, you’re setting yourself up for an unstable system. Take the time to level and secure it.
Follow Proper Ammo and Safety distance:
The A-DAP system is designed around AR550 steel, but it’s not invincible. Respect the distance guidelines and ammo rules we provide in the manuals.
FMJ ammo, no steel-core, and stay within safe velocities. That’s how you keep yourself and your gear safe.
2. Pay Attention During Training
As you’re running drills, don’t just zone out and send rounds. Your target system is a feedback tool — it’ll tell you when something’s off.
- Listen to the ring. A clean hit on a healthy strike plate gives you that crisp, satisfying “ping.” If the sound goes flat, dull, or uneven, stop and check it.
- Watch for weird movement. If your plate isn’t resetting right or seems sluggish, check the hinge or spring tension. A little dirt or bullet splatter in the hinge can mess with smooth motion.
- Avoid shooting hardware. Sounds obvious, but it happens. The base, hinge, and bolts are not AR550 — they’re structural components.
3. Post-Range Care: 5 Minutes of Maintenance
When the training day’s done, it’s tempting to toss everything in the truck and head home. But take five minutes and give your system a quick post-range check.
Brush off debris and dirt.
Carbon, dirt, and jacket fragments collect fast. Knock them off before they harden or corrode. Use proper PPE when necessary.
Touch up the coating.
Paint isn’t just for looks — it protects your steel. If you see exposed metal or chips in the powder coat, hit it with a quick coat of paint. We offer touch-up paint for that reason. Don’t let bare steel sit exposed as it will develop rust.
Tighten everything again.
The repeated shock of bullet impacts can back hardware off, and make the bolts and nuts loose. Make sure everything’s still secure before packing up.
Flip or rotate the strike plate.
One of the perks of our design: the A-DAP strike plate can be rotated or flipped to spread wear. If you’re running thousands of rounds, rotate it occasionally to even out the surface life.
Store it smart.
Keep your system in a dry place. Moisture and salt will eat at the hardware over time. It’s built tough, not indestructible.
4. Long-Term Maintenance and Replacement
If you’re training regularly, you’ll eventually reach the point where the plate’s got some serious miles on it. Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace or rebuild:
- Cracks or pass-throughs: retire it immediately.
- Severe pitting or warping: time for a new strike plate. Please contact info@tatargets.com for recommendations.
- Broken welds or bent hardware: Contact us. Though our A-DAP System does not have welds other systems may. Our warranty covers manufacturing issues, but we can also help you troubleshoot wear or replacement options.
5. Safety & Common-Sense Tips
This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway.
- Always wear quality eye and ear protection.
- Follow all distance guidelines in your Exodus Systems user manual.
- Never shoot steel-core or AP ammo.
- Never modify or “repair” a damaged strike plate with welding or grinding — it changes the hardness and ruins the safety profile.
- Always contact us if you’re unsure about a plate’s condition. We’ll tell you straight if it’s safe or not.
5.1 Don’t Shoot the Bases or Mounts
Aiming at the plate is one thing — shooting the base, mount, bolts, or legs is another. Striking anything other than the intended strike surface dramatically increases the chance of unpredictable fragments, ricochets, and damage to the target’s structure. Never intentionally or repeatedly engage frames, bolts, hinge pins, or uprights. If your rounds are consistently hitting anything other than the center of the plate, stop shooting, re-evaluate your setup and distance, and correct your aim before continuing.
- Aim for the center of the strike plate — that’s where the steel is tested and designed to take hits.
- Avoid shooting within a few inches of edges, welds, bolts, or mounting hardware.
- Inspect mounts, bolts, and legs before and after range time; replace any bent or deformed components.
If you’re nervous about hitting the base or you know your groupings wander, our Grounder Target Systems are built with that in mind — they come with armored legs to stand up to stray hits. And if you’re a “bad shot” (we’ve all been there), our foldable Grounder Target Systems are the perfect choice — same rugged construction, easier to store, and designed to reduce the risk of damage from off-center impacts.
Foldable And Fully Armored
The Grounder Target System is a fully-armored, low-profile steel target with a built-in handle for maximum portability, designed for durability and precision.
Built to Last — If You Treat It Right
The A-DAP system is one of the toughest, most responsive steel target systems in the world — but even the best gear needs attention. The few minutes you spend inspecting, maintaining, and caring for your system translate directly into years of safe, reliable training.
We build Portable Steel Target Systems right here in the U.S. — people who want to train with purpose. So take care of your equipment, and it’ll take care of you.
5 Ways To Maintain Your AR550 A-DAP Steel Target