AR500 vs NM500 Steel Targets

Longlegs

Longlegs

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I found a deal on some IPSC 66% 1/2" NM500 steel targets. Is this flavor of steel the same as AR500 or is it an inferior product?
 
Having a tough time finding anything concrete via google but it looks like they’re the same thing just different standards. I’m guessing here but it seems like “nm” is a less common foreign way to rate abrasion resistant steel.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
Having a tough time finding anything concrete via google but it looks like they’re the same thing just different standards. I’m guessing here but it seems like “nm” is a less common foreign way to rate abrasion resistant steel.
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That's more or less what I'm seeing as well. The ones I found are made by Birchwood Casey and show "Made in USA" but I bet the steel is imported from China or somewhere.... A dealer not too far from me is starting to carry a new line of steel targets and he offered to sell me the remaining 6 of these for $30 each. I think they were $84.99 on the sticker for regular price. I figured for less than $200 out the door they are probably worth it, especially being 1/2" thick.
 
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1/2” thick is the way to go for rifle targets for sure. That extra 1/8” from 3/8->1/2 makes a huge difference in rifle durability.

I made and sold AR500 targets as a small side gig a long time ago and had a few people torture test my 1/2” targets. They will take a beating for years! My personal targets are over 10yr old and still not damaged despite shooting them as close as 25yd.
 
I gotta reset my ransom/silhouette target. it's shifted too far forward and a little to the right. the 2 reactive sections wont swing right with 22lr anymore.
I'd like a full size target in 1/2", but the cash on that... ouch.
 
Longlegs said:
That's more or less what I'm seeing as well. The ones I found are made by Birchwood Casey and show "Made in USA" but I bet the steel is imported from China or somewhere.... A dealer not too far from me is starting to carry a new line of steel targets and he offered to sell me the remaining 6 of these for $30 each. I think they were $84.99 on the sticker for regular price. I figured for less than $200 out the door they are probably worth it, especially being 1/2" thick.
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That sounds like a deal. You know Birchwood Casey is an accessories company and re-branding that from someone. I noticed that even Walmart has some now, as well a Tractor Supply. I'd love to find some IPSC/IDPA in either full or reduced. But, as DSG said above, the cost...
 
NM 500 is abrasion resistant wear plate made/sourced overseas. Probably China.
It should be fine for target use. Try a few pieces and see how it holds up.
 
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