Answer: For the 3/8″ & 1/2″ paddles it is acceptable to engage the system at 10 yards with pistols, 25 yards with magnum pistols, 50 yards with light carbines (300 BLK, 7.62X39, 5.56/.223 IF AMMO IS LESS THAN 3,000 FPS), and other medium rifles (up to 308/6.5 CM) at 100 yards. Pistol distance would be acceptable with modern semi-auto pistols like 9mm, .40 S&W, 45ACP, and 10mm. Magnum pistols start at .357 magnum. Calibers like 460, 480, and 500 S&W should be used at 100 yards. NEVER engage the Phoenix with ANY caliber that has a muzzle velocity OVER 3,000 FPS UNLESS extreme distance is added to lower impact velocity. Shooting the Phoenix with ammo faster than 3,000 FPS can cause serious damage to the system.

Answer: It depends on the volume of rounds you will be putting into your Phoenix. That is truly the deciding factory. We rate distances for both paddles the same on this system. If you are a higher volume shooter, get the 1/2″. If this is a backyard steel target system that will not see high volume, the 3/8″ will be perfectly fine. Paddles can easily be swapped and replaced down the road as well.

Answer: Always check that the hardware is tight the first few uses. Additionally, do a visual inspection PRIOR to each range day. If something is broken or missing, discontinue use and contact us for replacement parts. Make sure the cable is always routed properly. Keep the paddles adjusted properly for the calibers you are using. Sometimes you may want to touch up the paint and we do offer touch up paint HERE. If you take good care of the Phoenix, it will last an incredible amount of time.

Answer: The Optional spring kit can be installed behind each paddle through some extra holes in each basket. The spring forces the paddles to return to their upright position. The spring kit is very easy to install and is critically important for folks looking to shoot at further distances.

Answer: Distance shooting with rifles. When you start shooting 100 yards +, it becomes impossible to use a cable to reset the system. In these scenarios, we HIGHLY recommend the spring kit. Sometimes gun clubs want a plate rack but don’t want to risk anyone going downrange. In these situations they often purchase the spring kit. One thing to note: High volume ranges WILL wear out the springs faster than a backyard shooter. You may need to replace the springs more frequently in these instances. OR double up the springs (buy two kits) and add more tension to the spring. This will limit paddle movement, but will make the springs last longer.

Answer: We produce our products in Southeastern PA. We oversee every step of the process, QC, production, packaging, and shipping. From start to finish, TA Targets is manufacturing high quality systems for hard use. We have invested heavily in newer specialty equipment to further streamline our processes and increase quality even further.

No. The “armor” we use for the strike plates (actual target impact plates) is made from a proprietary material that is manufactured in Sweden. this is the best material we have found in the world. We were largely dissatisfied with the QC of American made strike plates and had too many issues with quality control. Eventually we hope a US manufacturer creates a material that is as available and as stringent as our Swedish plate. For now, this is the best material to service our customers. US Manufactured AR500 and AR550 is used in areas that are NOT main strike plates. Some examples of this are the Rifle Dueling Tree Shields, Plate Rack Shields, Arachnid front shield and hostage brackets.

We source all other raw materials like our mild steel and AR500 steel from domestic mills. SOME hardware will unfortunately come from overseas as there are no US counterparts available at this time. We do NOT use Chinese mild steel or AR500 steel in any circumstances in any of our systems.

Maybe. Just in case, be sure not to eat the paint or lick the target before or after you’ve shot it. If you are just curious, led tastes horrible and will probably cause mental damage. If you have done it once you are likely to do it again. Handle at your own risk, if you choose, you may wear an industry grade hazmat suit and gas mask with a HEPA filter and good luck charm on your wrist. For more information visit https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65