Got a question?

Look for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, or email us directly at sales@saluteproducts.com for an answer.

1. Do I need to order additional parts for my target system to work? What comes with my order?

All you need to order is a target and a base - bases come with all the parts you need for your target to operate.


2. How long from the time I order my target until it is shipped?

Most orders are processed & shipped the same day or within a few days, but that occasionally due to custom parts or armor plate availability, other orders could take longer, possibly up to 1-3 weeks.


3. What Are Your Steel Targets Made Of?

High-Carbon Steel - Steel with more than 0.3% carbon. The more carbon that is dissolved in the iron, the tougher and less formidable the steel becomes. High-carbon steel's hardness makes it suitable for severe, high-wear applications. "AR" or "Abrasion Resistant" steel is such a high-carbon steel. There is no surface treatment or chemical application that can affect the steel's hardness. Salute Products, Inc steel "Plinger" targets are made of AR 500 steel on the Brinell hardness scale.


4. What is the Brinell Hardness Number?

Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) - The Brinell hardness test depends upon the resistance offered to the penetration of a carbide steel ball (1.6 mm diameter) when subjected to a weight of 12.6 kg. The resulting hardness value is computed as the ratio of the applied load to the area of the indentation produced. This test is accepted as a worldwide standard for measuring the hardness of steel.


5. Where does Salute Products, Inc get their steel?

There are only a few plants that make this kind of heavy-duty steel, and all the target manufacturers must get their supply from one of these plants. Steel of this quality and reputation is always certified by the plant that created it, regardless of which target manufacturer the steel is shipped to. Other certifications are merely cosmetic. When all the rhetoric is boiled away, there are manufacturers who use steel that is not appropriate for targets, and there are manufacturers who use steel that is. Among the major manufacturers producing dependable, high quality steel targets, the quality of the steel itself is practically the same.


6. How much of a factor is design on the quality of the steel target?

Proper design is essential! Even the best steel can't compensate for poorly designed targets. There are several unavoidable truths that must be followed to create targets that are as safe and durable as possible. Smooth and totally flat shooting surfaces are critical. There are several things manufacturers can do to ruin the smoothness and flatness of a steel target. They can use inferior steel that will crater, pock, and deform. They can put brackets, clamps, chains or bolts in the way. Remember, anything that can be shot, will be shot. A flat, uniform surface helps predict and protect against a bullet's splatter pattern. If the steel is damaged or if anything else is in the way, all bets are off. Bullet fragmentation and ricochet are inherent and acknowledged issues when shooting on steel targets. Proper target design helps you address those issues with the highest degree of safety possible.


7. Why are Salute Products, Inc steel target designs superior to others?

When a bullet strikes a steel target that is completely stationary at a 90-degree angle, all the bullet's energy goes directly to weakening that point on the steel. If the target is completely stationary but is positioned at slightly less than a 90-degree angle, a portion of the bullet's energy at impact is deflected rather than absorbed. If the target is positioned at slightly less than a 90-degree angle AND the target is able to move on impact, a much larger portion of the bullet's energy is deflected rather than absorbed. Steel "Plinger" targets are positioned at an angle and move when they are hit, but automatically reset using our Patent Pending spring design. Dissipating a bullet's energy is safer and will help your targets last longer. However, every steel target including ours can be damaged. Steel hardness and proper design can both be defeated by misuse and/or abuse of the target. This is why we do not recommend the use of steel core or armor piercing ammunition on our steel "Plinger" targets.


8. How do bullets damage steel targets?

The basic destructive force generated by bullets striking steel targets is heat. Excessive concentrated heat alters the steel's hardness properties and results in damage to the target's face. The amount of heat generated is proportional to the speed of the bullet, which is why rifles cause more damage to steel targets than handguns.


9. What is the minimum safe distance for handgun shooting on steel targets?

Safe handgun distance on steel targets is 10 yards minimum. Splatter from the copper jacket separating from the lead core could ricochet back and injure yourself or others at closers distances.


10. What is the minimum safe distance for rifle shooting on steel targets?

As recommended by the NRA, safe rifle distance on steel targets is 100 yards minimum. Splatter from the copper jacket separating from the lead core could ricochet back and injure yourself or others at closers distances. Also, shooting on bare steel with a rifle at less than 100 yards can damage your target. Even at 100 yards, the target absolutely must be mounted at an angle, and the steel must be extremely hard (AR500) like Salute Product, Inc. steel  targets.


11. What is the minimum safe distance for shotgun shooting on steel targets?

Safe shotgun slug distance on steel targets also means 100 yards minimum. Shotgun slugs have the greatest potential for bodily harm to the shooter due to the sheer volume of lead that can be returned from damaged or poorly designed steel targets. Stay back!


12. What about shooting frangible ammunition on steel targets?

Frangible ammunition requires the same quality steel and design as regular ammunition. Many types of frangible ammunition, particularly for rifles, are lighter than regular lead ammunition. Remember that lighter bullets can mean greater speed, which means more heat, which can mean damage to your steel target.


13. How can I pay for my targets/bases with a check instead of using a credit card?

    Enclose a check and mail your order to:

    Salute Products Inc.,
    P.O. Box 700
    North Plains, Oregon 97133

If you cannot use a credit card to pay for your order, Salute Products will accept payments via checks or money orders, but customers are required to download, fill out and mail in the Snail Mail Order Form to the following address: