A Better Option to USPSA Cardboard Targets (TA Targets C Zone Cardboard)

Why are cardboard targets so important for shooting? 

Cardboard targets are phenomenal tools for accountability when training with firearms. I know, a steel target manufacturer is saying cardboard targets are important. Shocking, right? Not really. Steel targets have their place. They are critically important to training, efficiency, and building skills. Further, steel targets are a ton of fun, they get newer shooters excited to shoot, and remove some of the stigmas around shooting. What they aren't always the best at is tracking your hits with accountability. There are ways around this (smaller targets, reactive targets, and fresh paint), but cardboard is still the best tool on a live fire range for knowing EXACTLY where you hit every shot. The data provided is so critically important to understand your performance. 

Traditionally, most folks will simply purchase USPSA targets for their training. A USPSA target is the most common shape and size. But what if we told you we have another option that is less expensive, offers more shooting drills, more excitement, and better data? Yeah, we know. Now we have your attention. 

USPSA Cardboard Targets 

USPSA targets are utilized in competition spaces. They are built to a standard spec, and the target zones are per USPSA spec. Further, USPSA targets must be licensed, and dues are owed to USPSA for anyone manufacturing these targets. This isn't inherently bad, but it adds tangible cost to the production of these targets. These standards are implemented for consistency and scoring in competition. 

USPSA targets are inherently expensive, and they lack precise aiming zones, which are really their only "downfalls". The scoring zones are not necessarily a bad thing, but for a new shooter, they are vague and large. Every company is making the same target, and due to the materials used, they are fairly expensive to produce. You buy one USPSA target, you've bought them all. Ultimately, you find a company you like to support, you buy a pack of 50, and you're set. The problem is: Most new shooters don't know how to use them. They might not understand proper sight picture, what to aim at, or what is an acceptable standard of performance. They're VERY large. Folks can get complacent and not actually push their skillset. But, they have their place in competitive spaces, and for that, they will live on. 

A Better Option: Our C Zone Cardboard Targets 

We will not stop manufacturing USPSA targets, but we knew we could bring something to market that would help new and seasoned shooters even more. I wrestled for a while designing the C Zone. I knew it had to offer different drills, and I still wanted to retain the competitive scoring zones on the reverse side. As I started designing this target, I thought back to the early days when I had other instructors and shooters taught me what drills to run, and what performance I should expect to see. When you look at the target, you'll see these different target zones, and the ways they can be implemented is basically limitless. 

The key here is that we gave clear target zones that hold shooters to different standards, depending on the goals and drills being run. From police department qualifications, to throttle drills, to dot drills and even zero diamonds, this target offers shooters more for less money. 

Because the C Zone is a smaller target, we are able to fit more per sheet. Further, more per sheet equates to less cost for the customer. Because of this, we were able to run a premium corrugated paper, and the target is printed in two passes giving it a front and a rear. Two targets in one for your convenience. 

Discussing the front of the target and the drills it contains

On the front of the target you will find the following features: 

1.) A Solid 6" center circle

2.) A bordered 8" circle (to replicate B8 sized targets for qualifications)

3.) 10 1" Circles. These are great for precision pistol shooting AKA "Dot Drills"

4.) 5 Diamonds along the bottom horizontally spaced at .5 Mil increments. These are fantastic for zeroing rifles and checking windage. 

5.) Diamonds on the left and right side going vertically. On the left, they are spaced in MOA increments. On the right, Miliradian. You can test your turrets and confirm that they return to zero. Great for dialing in your precision rifle and new optic. 

6.) On the top there is a 4" triangle. I LOVE using this in combination with the center circle. Speed up on the circle, dial it in for higher accountability on the triangle. 

New shooters should take advantage of this side to do drills from slow, methodical drills, to building speed and increasing accountability. The combinations and styles of shooting are limitless. From pistols, to rifles, to shotguns, the front side will serve you well. 

The Rear of the Target: More traditional competition accountability and scoring

We added a second side of the target, which follows USPSA A and C Zones. These zones are printed instead of perforated or embossed, which keeps the zone accurate and the cost to produce lower. This side can be used much like you would use a standard USPSA target. However, the scoring zones are easily seen and identified by newer shooters, and tracking hits and misses is much easier. 

Whether you are running doubles, bill drills, or any variation of firearm drills, this side can get you acclimated to USPSA style targets with larger target zones. The only downside: The target zones are larger. For precise tracking and skill building, we tend to shoot the front more than the rear. But it's there for any of you who love shooting USPSA targets, want to hold yourself to a higher standard, and don't need to spend the extra money on the D Zone.

Which steel target and cardboard bases should you consider for these targets?

We also manufacture the perfect bases to mount these C Zone Cardboard Shooting targets on. Our lineup consists of many bases, but there are two that work best for this application: 

1.) Our Genesis Steel Target Base (Be sure to add paper holders in the extra options)

2.) Our Cardboard Target Base (Paper holders are included)

The Genesis Base is an awesome option if you plan to eventually run a steel target system. The Cardboard base is specifically for cardboard. These bases will work for our USPSA targets and our Cardboard C Zone targets with no modifications or additional parts. 

Some other base options include: 

1.) Our Breakdown Base.

2.) Our Gen 3 Round Base. 

These bases work great for USPSA targets, but we recommend our extended paper holders to achieve the proper spacing of the furring strips that hold up the cardboard target. You don't "need" them, but with the standard paper holders, the spacing is a bit wide and the posts must "lean in" a little bit to mount the cardboard target. 

A Vision to Inspire

We exist to inspire individuals to become capable providers and protectors. The products we create, like our C Zone Cardboard Shooting Targets, are meant to provide an affordable, practical, and valuable solution to meet that vision. If you have any questions about these targets, comment below or email us at info@tatargets.com.