First Thoughts on the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette
The Allen Ez Aim Silhouette, specifically the B27 target crafted from corrugated material, is a staple for any serious shooter. Allen is a well-known name in the shooting accessories industry. This target offers a standardized and readily available aiming point for honing skills, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out. Its large 23 x 35-inch surface provides ample space for multiple target points or extended drills, making it a versatile tool.
As someone with over a decade of experience in the outdoor and tactical realm, I’ve used my fair share of targets. Over time, I have noticed many shooters (myself included) fail to track their progress, especially when practicing fundamentals. The Allen Ez Aim Silhouette offers a simple, affordable way to visualize and analyze shot placement. I needed a reliable, cost-effective target that would provide consistent feedback.
Upon unboxing (or unwrapping, given its simple nature), the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette presents a familiar, utilitarian design. The corrugated cardboard feels sturdy enough for its intended purpose. It is reasonably lightweight for easy transport to and from the range. My initial thought was, “This is exactly what I expected.”
Compared to some of the more elaborate, self-healing targets or those printed on heavier stock paper, the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette is undeniably basic. Products like the Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C targets offer immediate visual feedback with their reactive surfaces. However, these come at a significantly higher price point. Cheaper paper targets often lack the standardized dimensions and silhouette shape that the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette provides. I chose this target for its balance of affordability, size, and practicality.
My first impression was a mix of practicality and slight boredom. It’s a target, after all. However, I was excited to put it to use and see how it would perform in a real-world setting, helping me refine my shooting fundamentals and analyze group sizes. I was curious whether this simple, cheap target could provide enough feedback for effective training.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Ez Aim Silhouette to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for a summer afternoon: sunny, with a slight breeze. I primarily used it for pistol drills at distances of 7, 15, and 25 yards. My focus was on practicing sight alignment, trigger control, and drawing from a holster.
The target performed as expected, providing a clear aiming point for each drill. Even with the slight breeze, the corrugated cardboard held up reasonably well, especially when secured properly to a target stand. There were no surprises. I immediately noticed that analyzing shot placement was easy due to the clear silhouette outline.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette is showing signs of wear and tear, as expected. Multiple bullet holes, staple punctures, and minor tears are visible. The corrugated cardboard is beginning to show its age. These targets are definitely disposable items.
Maintenance is nonexistent. The target is meant to be discarded after significant use. Compared to my experiences with steel targets, which require occasional cleaning and painting, the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette offers unparalleled convenience. It’s a one-and-done solution.
My prior experiences with paper targets yielded similar results regarding durability. However, the standardized B27 silhouette of the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette offers a consistent point of reference for tracking progress. This consistency is something I value over the slightly longer lifespan of some thicker paper targets.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Ez Aim Silhouette
Specifications
- Target Type: B27 Silhouette. This is a standardized silhouette commonly used for law enforcement training and competitive shooting.
- Dimensions: 23 x 35 inches. This size provides ample space for multiple shot groups at varying distances.
- Material: Corrugated Cardboard. It offers a balance of affordability and moderate durability for target practice.
- Purpose: Firearm target practice. Ideal for honing accuracy, sight alignment, and trigger control with rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
- The significance of these specifications lies in their practicality and affordability. The standardized silhouette allows for consistent training across various skill levels. The large size accommodates different shooting disciplines.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Ez Aim Silhouette performs its job admirably. It accurately presents a clear aiming point and readily displays shot placement. Its main strength is its simplicity and affordability.
The cardboard construction is vulnerable to tearing, especially in windy conditions or with repeated use. This is a weakness that needs to be managed with proper target mounting. It meets my expectations for a budget-friendly target, offering adequate performance for most training scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is purely functional. It features a simple silhouette printed on corrugated cardboard. The target is lightweight and easy to handle.
There’s no learning curve. It’s a target. Set it up and shoot it. This straightforward approach makes it incredibly user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its corrugated cardboard construction, the Allen Ez Aim Silhouette isn’t designed for extreme longevity. Expect to replace it regularly, especially with frequent use.
Maintenance is nonexistent. Discard the target once it’s too damaged to be useful. The lack of maintenance contributes to its overall convenience.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Ez Aim Silhouette doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s a target, pure and simple. Customization is limited to adding your own aiming points or scoring zones with markers.
It is compatible with virtually any target stand or hanging system. Shooters might consider using target pasters to extend the target’s lifespan by covering bullet holes. These pasters are widely available and easily applied.
Pros and Cons of Allen Ez Aim Silhouette
Pros
- Affordable and readily available. This makes it accessible to shooters of all budgets.
- Standardized B27 silhouette. Ensures consistent training across different skill levels.
- Large 23 x 35-inch size. Provides ample space for multiple shot groups.
- Lightweight and easy to transport. Simplifies setup and takedown at the range.
- Clear aiming point for practicing fundamentals. Great for honing accuracy and sight alignment.
Cons
- Corrugated cardboard is not very durable.
- Susceptible to tearing in windy conditions.
- Offers no immediate shot feedback (requires walking downrange to check).
Who Should Buy Allen Ez Aim Silhouette?
The Allen Ez Aim Silhouette is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious shooters looking for an affordable target option.
- Beginners who need to practice basic marksmanship skills.
- Law enforcement or competitive shooters using the B27 silhouette for training.
- Anyone needing a large target for pistol, rifle, or shotgun practice.
Who should skip this product?
- Those seeking immediate shot feedback (consider reactive targets instead).
- Shooters who require highly durable targets for long-term use (steel targets are a better option).
- Individuals shooting in consistently windy conditions (thicker paper or polymer targets may be preferable).
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A sturdy target stand to prevent the target from falling over.
- Target pasters to extend the target’s lifespan.
- Staple gun for securing the target to the stand.
Conclusion on Allen Ez Aim Silhouette
The Allen Ez Aim Silhouette offers exceptional value for its price. It’s a simple, affordable, and effective tool for practicing shooting fundamentals. The price is absolutely justified.
I would personally recommend it to any shooter on a budget or those needing a standardized B27 silhouette for training. Don’t expect miracles in terms of durability. However, its affordability and practicality make it a worthwhile addition to any shooter’s range bag.
Head to your local sporting goods store or order online and grab a few Allen Ez Aim Silhouette targets. Hone your skills, track your progress, and become a more accurate and confident shooter!