Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black Review

First Thoughts on the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black

The Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black might seem like a small, inexpensive item, but for someone who spends a lot of time at the range dialing in accuracy, it can be an invaluable tool. Coming from Gunstar, a brand known for its practical and affordable shooting accessories, these reticles promised to offer something a little different from standard target dots. My initial thought was, “For six bucks, what’s not to try?”

My focus has always been on precision, and sometimes, standard target dots just don’t cut it. They can be too small to easily acquire at longer distances or lack a distinct center, making precise aiming a challenge. I was looking for a set of reticles that would offer a clearer aiming point, especially when practicing with different firearms and calibers. The promise of varying reticle sizes and thicker walls for better point of interest isolation immediately caught my attention.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black. The build is basic, as expected for the price, but the reticles themselves are cleanly cut from what appears to be decent quality paper. The different sizes are immediately apparent, and the thicker walls around the reticles do seem like they will offer improved visibility. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of dots provided; 25 dots in six different sizes.

I’ve previously used standard Caldwell target dots and Splatterburst targets. These are fine for general practice, but sometimes they’re not ideal for zeroing optics or refining marksmanship. I chose the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black because of the reticle design and thicker wall construction. The “chubby” design seemed to offer a balance between precision and visibility, something I hadn’t found in other options.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The low price point had tempered my expectations, but the design seemed thoughtful and potentially very useful. I was eager to get to the range and see if the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black could live up to its promise of improved accuracy and point of interest isolation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I put the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black through its paces at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on pistol and rifle drills at 25 and 50 yards. The weather was a typical sunny California day, with minimal wind. My primary goal was to zero a new red dot sight on my AR-15 pistol and refine my pistol shooting technique.

The reticles performed surprisingly well in the bright daylight conditions. The black ink stood out sharply against the white target background, and the thicker walls did seem to help isolate the aiming point. I found the larger reticles particularly useful for quickly acquiring the target with the red dot, while the smaller dots were excellent for fine-tuning my pistol shots. There were no issues with adhesion; the reticles stuck firmly to the target without peeling.

One small initial issue was that peeling the reticles from their backing sheet was difficult, as the paper reticles can be delicate. Using a small knife or fingernail to start the peel is recommended. After first use, I was impressed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black has proven to be more durable than I initially expected. I have used these reticles in both indoor and outdoor range settings, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 90°F. The reticles still adhere well to the target, even after being exposed to moderate humidity.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the reticles themselves, though the paper construction means they are single-use. Cleaning and maintenance are non-existent, as these are designed to be disposable. They simply stick, get shot at, and removed for disposal.

Compared to using standard bullseye targets, the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black offers a significant improvement in terms of visibility and aiming precision. I have found that my groupings are consistently tighter, particularly when using the smaller dots for focused practice. For a budget-friendly option, this target set has exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black

Specifications

The Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black is a simple but effective product designed to enhance target shooting accuracy. It includes:

  • Five different sizes of reticles, with two of each size provided (10 reticles total). These varying sizes allow shooters to select the most appropriate reticle for different distances, calibers, and aiming preferences.
  • Six different sizes of dots, with 25 dots total. The diverse range of dot sizes allows for precise zeroing and accuracy training.
  • Thicker reticle wall construction. This feature enhances point-of-interest isolation, especially beneficial for spot shooters focusing on extreme accuracy.

These specifications are important because they address several key aspects of target shooting. The variety of reticle and dot sizes provides versatility, allowing shooters to adapt to different shooting scenarios. The thicker reticle walls aid in visual clarity, crucial for achieving consistent and accurate shots.

Performance & Functionality

The Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black performs its job admirably, providing a clear and distinct aiming point for target practice. Accuracy is noticeably improved compared to using standard target dots, particularly at longer distances. The reticles are easy to use and require no special setup.

The main strength of this product is its simplicity and effectiveness. The varying reticle and dot sizes cater to a wide range of shooting needs. A minor weakness is the delicacy of the paper construction.

The product largely meets expectations, providing a cost-effective solution for improving target shooting accuracy. For the price, I believe these targets exceed expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black is straightforward and functional. The materials used are basic, but the reticles are cleanly cut and easy to apply to a target. The weight is negligible, as these are simple paper stickers.

The product is user-friendly, with no learning curve involved. Simply peel and stick.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the paper construction, the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black is designed for single-use. They are not meant to be reused or repaired.

Maintenance is non-existent. The reticles are disposable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black does not come with any additional accessories. It is a self-contained product designed to be used with existing targets. There are no specific customization options, although shooters can experiment with different reticle and dot placements on the target to suit their individual preferences.

These targets are compatible with any target type. No additional accessories are needed.

Pros and Cons of Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black

Pros

  • Affordable price point. Provides great value for improving target shooting accuracy.
  • Variety of reticle and dot sizes. Caters to different shooting distances and preferences.
  • Enhanced point-of-interest isolation. The thicker reticle walls aid in visual clarity and precision.
  • Easy to use. Simply peel and stick, with no special setup required.
  • Improved accuracy. Noticably improves accuracy compared to standard targets.

Cons

  • Delicate paper construction. Requires careful handling to avoid tearing.
  • Single-use only. Not designed for reuse or repair.


Who Should Buy Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black?

The Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black is perfect for casual and serious target shooters alike. Any marksman who is looking to improve accuracy and precision will benefit from this low-cost item. It is also an excellent choice for those who are new to shooting and want to develop good aiming habits.

Those who are looking for a more durable, reusable target system should skip this product. Also, if you are not interested in refining your accuracy, then these targets are not for you.

A must-have accessory to pair with the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black is a good quality target stand. This allows for consistent and reliable target placement.

Conclusion on Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black

The Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black is a surprisingly effective and affordable tool for improving target shooting accuracy. The variety of reticle and dot sizes, combined with the enhanced point-of-interest isolation, make it a valuable addition to any shooter’s range bag. While the paper construction means it is a single-use product, the low price point more than compensates for this limitation.

The price is absolutely justified. For under six dollars, you get a set of reticles that can measurably improve your shooting performance.

I would personally recommend the Gunstar Chubbie Target Reticle Set Black to anyone looking to refine their marksmanship without breaking the bank. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable solution that delivers on its promise. Head to the range, grab a pack of these, and see the difference for yourself!


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