Description
The Birchwood Casey AR500 6-inch round steel target is one of those pieces of range gear that just earns its keep. Cut from 3/8-inch AR500 steel, this gong is built to take a beating from centerfire handguns and rifles while giving you that instant ding you can hear and see from the firing line. That immediate feedback is what makes steel so addictive, and a 6-inch round is a great size for working on accuracy without making things too easy.
What the AR500 6in Round Brings to the Range
AR500 is the workhorse of the steel target world, with a Brinell hardness in the 460 to 540 range that lets the surface deflect bullets instead of absorbing them. This plate carries a maximum bullet energy rating of roughly 3,000 foot-pounds, so it comfortably handles common pistol calibers like 9mm, .40, and .45, along with standard rifle rounds when you keep your distance in check. The bright white powder coat isn't just for looks either. It gives you strong visual contrast against dirt banks and brush, and every hit leaves a mark so you can confirm your shots at a glance.
Setting Up Your Birchwood Casey Steel Gong
The plate comes with square mounting holes sized for carriage bolts, which are not included, so you can hang it from a chain, a target stand, or a dedicated gong hanger. For best results and the longest target life, mount it to hang freely with a slight downward angle so fragments and spatter get directed toward the ground. Set up that way, this thing will outlast stacks of paper targets and give you a reusable aiming point for sight-in sessions, defensive drills, or plain old plinking with friends.
Birchwood Casey has been making shooting and gun care gear since 1948, and their steel line has a well-deserved reputation for durability. This 6-inch round is a smart pick whether you're building out a private range or just want something rugged to toss in the truck for range day.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Birchwood Casey
- Manufacturer Part Number: RND6-38
- Model: AR500 Gong
- UPC: 888151041833
- Steel Grade: AR500
- Thickness: 3/8 inch
- Diameter: 6 inch
- Style: Round Gong
- Finish: Hi-Vis White Powder Coat
- Maximum Bullet Energy: 3,000 ft-lbs
- Rated For: Centerfire Rifle and Pistol
- Mount Type: Multiple, square holes for carriage bolts
- Quantity: 1
- Shipping Weight: 3.146 lbs
What’s Included
- One Birchwood Casey AR500 3/8in 6in round steel target
Frequently Asked Questions
What calibers can I shoot at the AR500 6in round target?
This 3/8-inch AR500 plate is rated for centerfire handguns and rifles up to about 3,000 foot-pounds of bullet energy, so common rounds like 9mm, .40, .45, .223/5.56, and .308 are all fair game. Steer clear of steel-core, armor-piercing, and tracer ammunition, since those can pit or damage the surface. Keeping to standard lead or jacketed ammo will get you the longest life out of the steel.
How far away should I stand when shooting this steel target?
A good rule of thumb is a minimum of 10 yards for standard handgun calibers and 100 yards for rifle rounds. Magnum handgun loads and higher-velocity rifle cartridges call for even more distance to keep fragmentation safe and manageable. Always wear eye protection and follow the distances your range recommends.
Does the Birchwood Casey 6in round target come with mounting hardware?
No, the carriage bolts and hangers are not included. The plate has square mounting holes sized for carriage bolts so you can attach it to a chain, target stand, or a gong hanger kit. Hanging it to swing freely with a slight downward tilt gives you the best feedback and the longest target life.
Will the white powder coat wear off from being shot?
The hi-vis white coating will chip where bullets strike, and that's actually part of how it works. Each impact leaves a clear mark so you can confirm your hits at a glance, then a quick coat of spray paint freshens it right back up. The AR500 steel underneath is what handles the abuse and keeps ringing shot after shot.





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