What Size Target for Pistol Shooting?

When it comes to the size of target you should use for pistol shooting, it honestly depends on your distance from the target, your shooting skill level, and whether you want to improve your accuracy or speed.

Why Target Size Matters

The right size helps you:

• Train your focus
  
  

• Improve shot accuracy
  
  

• Practice under realistic conditions
  
  

• Track your progress
  
  

If your target is too large, it’s easy to hit but doesn’t help with aim. If it’s too small, it can be hard to hit, especially for beginners.

Standard Pistol Shooting Distances

Recommended Target Sizes by Distance

3–5 Yards: Use 8–12 Inch Targets

At close range, your target can be fairly small. You’re usually practicing quick draws, double taps, or defensive shooting drills. An 8-inch round target or even a standard paper plate size (around 9 inches) is perfect.

At short range, you don’t need a giant bullseye to hit. You’re aiming fast, and the focus is more on control and speed than pinpoint accuracy.

Best target options:

• 8" paper plates
  
  

• 9" bullseye targets
  
  

• Silhouette targets with a 6–8" center zone
  
  

7 Yards: Use 8–12 Inch Targets

Seven yards is one of the most popular distances for pistol shooters. At this range, you want a target that helps with both accuracy and consistency.

Stick with an 8–10 inch round target or a silhouette with scoring zones. You’re far enough to test your aim but close enough to get instant feedback.

Best target options:

• NRA B-8 (5.5" black center, 8" scoring rings)
  
  

• 9" bullseye targets
  
  

• IDPA or USPSA silhouettes
  
  

10–15 Yards: Use 12–18 Inch Targets

Now the challenge starts to increase. At this distance, your grouping might start to widen. That’s okay. This is where you work on sight picture and trigger control.

Go for targets that are 12 to 18 inches in diameter or standard silhouettes. These let you track groupings while still rewarding accuracy.

Best target options:

• 12" to 15" round targets
  
  

• Full-size IDPA silhouette (18" wide x 30" tall)
  
  

• USPSA cardboard target
  
  

25 Yards: Use 18–24 Inch Targets

This is considered long-range for pistol shooters. You’ll want a larger target to help keep shots on paper. Smaller targets at this distance can be frustrating, even for experienced shooters.

Use 18–24 inch round targets or full-size silhouette targets. These help you assess consistency, not just precision.

Best target options:

• NRA B-6 and B-8 targets
  
  

• Full-size silhouette (18" x 30" or larger)
  
  

• Steel plates (8"–10") if practicing advanced skills
  
  

Target Types and Their Sizes

There are many types of pistol targets. Here’s a quick overview:

Bullseye Targets

Credit: Envato Elements/ Mehaniq41

 

Bullseye targets are paper targets with a series of rings and a center dot, or “bullseye.” You score higher the closer your shot is to the center. They're made for accuracy training and are often used in competitions, like NRA bullseye shooting. 

Here are some essential features:

• Come in sizes from 5.5" to 12"
  
  

• High-contrast design (usually black and white) for better visibility
  
  

• Center bullseye is typically 1.5"
  
  

• Available in adhesive or standard paper formats
  
  

• Compatible with indoor and outdoor ranges

Silhouette Targets

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ Mint_Images

 

Silhouette targets are shaped like the outline of a human body. They're used to train for real-world shooting situations, like self-defense or law enforcement practice. Instead of aiming for a small bullseye, you focus on hitting key zones, usually the chest or head.

They're great for improving shot placement and speed under pressure. Some have scoring zones marked. Others are just plain outlines. If you're training for defensive shooting, silhouette targets are what you want.

Here are some essential features:

• Usually 18" wide by 30" tall
  
  

• High-contrast colors for better visibility
  
  

• Often made of paper, cardboard, or steel
  
  

• Available with or without printed scoring zones
  
  

• Some versions include multiple target zones (head, center mass, pelvic area)
  
  

Steel Targets

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ wirestock

 

Steel targets are metal targets made for repeated use. When you hit them, they make a loud “ping” sound and often move or swing, giving you instant feedback without needing to walk downrange.

They’re great for speed drills, defensive training, and competitions. Most are made from AR500 or AR550 steel, which can handle repeated shots from pistols and rifles without getting damaged.

Steel targets come in different shapes, like circles, silhouettes, or gongs, and can be mounted on stands or chains. 

Here are some essential features:

• Most are 6", 8", or 10" rounds
  
  

• Weather-resistant and built for outdoor use
  
  

• Painted or powder-coated for visibility and rust protection
  
  

How to Choose the Right Target Size for You

Pro Tips for Better Pistol Shooting Practice

• Don’t use tiny targets too soon. Focus on tight groupings before shrinking the size.
  
  

• Use the same target for consistency. That way, you can track real progress.
  
  

• Mix target types. Try bullseyes, silhouettes, and plates to build different skills.
  
  

• Use reactive targets (like steel) only when safe and allowed at your range.
  
  

• Stick to standard competition targets if you're training for matches.
  
  

Summary

The right target size for pistol shooting depends on how far you’re shooting, what you’re practicing, and your experience level. Here’s a recap:

• Use 8–10" targets for 3–7 yards.
  
  

• Use 12–18" targets for 10–15 yards.
  
  

• Use 18–24" targets for 25 yards.

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