The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel Made a Bold First Impression
The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel promises a simple, self-contained solution for practicing your BB and pellet gun marksmanship. Allen is a well-known name in the shooting accessories market, so I approached this target trap with a healthy dose of optimism, hoping it would offer a durable and convenient way to hone my skills without constantly replacing cardboard targets. This looked like a smart tool to add to my training arsenal.
For years, I’ve struggled with finding a reliable and clean way to practice with my airguns in my backyard. I’ve used everything from cardboard boxes to makeshift target stands, but the constant mess of BBs and pellets scattered across the lawn, coupled with the endless cycle of replacing damaged targets, became frustrating. I needed something durable, self-contained, and easy to set up.
Upon unboxing the Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel, I was immediately struck by its compact size and relatively lightweight design. The stainless steel construction gave it a reassuringly solid feel, although the initial impression of the welds and assembly was somewhat utilitarian rather than refined. I hoped the performance would match the promise of the materials.
I considered other target traps like the Gamo Rocker or the Champion VisiColor target, both of which offer visual feedback but can be less durable than stainless steel options. I chose the Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel primarily for its promise of long-lasting durability and easy containment of projectiles. I wanted something that could withstand repeated use and minimize cleanup.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The sturdy material was encouraging, but the somewhat crude assembly instructions (as others have noted) and the no-frills design left me with some reservations about the overall user experience. I was eager to get it set up and see how it performed in a real-world shooting scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel at my outdoor shooting range in my backyard. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for an initial shakedown. I set the trap up on a sturdy wooden stand at a distance of 10 yards, using a variety of BB and pellet guns ranging from .177 to .22 caliber.
The trap performed reasonably well initially. It effectively contained the majority of the BBs and pellets, preventing them from scattering across the yard, which was a definite improvement over my previous setups. However, I did notice that some of the lighter BBs occasionally ricocheted off the back plate, escaping the trap altogether.
Setting up the target was a bit clumsy at first, as I ended up ignoring the paper instructions and going straight for the picture on the box as also noted by another reviewer. I realized that the target hangs on to the trap system with a slightly non-intuitive method that required an extra pair of hands initially. After that it was straightforward. No major issues presented themselves during the first-time use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel has proven to be a moderately durable, but not entirely flawless, addition to my shooting setup. The stainless steel construction is holding up well, showing no signs of rust or significant wear and tear. However, the back plate has started to develop some minor dents from repeated impacts.
Maintenance is relatively simple. The trap is easy to clean, requiring only occasional wiping down to remove lead and dirt. However, the design doesn’t allow for easy emptying of the collected BBs and pellets. I find myself having to turn the whole trap upside down and shake it, which is a bit messy.
Compared to my previous experiences with cardboard targets and makeshift traps, the Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel offers a significant improvement in terms of durability and containment. However, the occasional ricochets and the difficulty in emptying the trap detract from the overall experience. It performs adequately, but doesn’t entirely exceed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel
Specifications
The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel is constructed of durable stainless steel, offering resistance to rust and corrosion for extended outdoor use. This makes the trap a decent contender for year-round practice.
The trap is designed to be compatible with both BB and pellet guns, providing versatility for different types of airguns. This allows users to switch between different ammunition types without needing multiple traps.
Its dimensions are compact, typically around 6″ x 6″ x 6″, making it portable and easy to set up in various locations. This small size is good for backyard practice or for carrying to the range.
The trap features a back plate designed to absorb the impact of BBs and pellets, preventing them from passing through the trap. This keeps the area cleaner and improves safety by keeping projectiles within the system.
It is designed for use with standard-sized paper targets, typically 6″ x 6″, offering a consistent target area for practice. Using specific sized targets keeps costs down and allows easy access.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel effectively contains most BBs and pellets, minimizing mess and enhancing safety. The stainless steel backplate is strong but can produce occasional ricochets with lighter projectiles.
The trap’s performance is adequate for casual backyard practice, but competitive shooters might find its accuracy lacking due to potential ricochets. The trap delivers average results, but performs as advertised, assuming the shooter understands its limitations.
The trap’s main strength lies in its durability and ability to contain projectiles. Its primary weakness is the occasional ricochet and the difficulty in emptying the collected BBs and pellets.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel features a utilitarian design with a focus on functionality over aesthetics. The stainless steel construction is robust and durable, but the overall build quality lacks refinement.
The trap is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. The design is straightforward and easy to understand, although the assembly instructions are less than helpful. This easy to understand design means that most users can get to shooting quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures a long lifespan with proper care. Regular cleaning and maintenance, such as wiping down the trap to remove lead and dirt, will help prevent rust and corrosion.
The trap is relatively easy to repair, as the simple design allows for straightforward replacement of parts if needed. This means that the average user will not have a problem keeping the trap maintained and functional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel typically comes with a few paper targets to get you started. Customization options are limited, as the trap is designed as a self-contained unit.
The trap is compatible with standard-sized 6″ x 6″ paper targets from various brands. Users can also add their own custom targets or create their own designs.
Pros and Cons of Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction for long-lasting use.
- Effective at containing most BBs and pellets, reducing mess.
- Relatively lightweight and portable for easy setup.
- Compatible with both BB and pellet guns.
- Simple design for easy maintenance.
Cons
- Occasional ricochets, especially with lighter BBs.
- Difficult to empty the collected BBs and pellets.
Who Should Buy Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel?
Perfect for: Casual backyard shooters looking for a durable and self-contained target trap. This is also beneficial for parents who want to provide a safe and controlled shooting environment for their children.
Who should skip this product? Competitive shooters seeking pinpoint accuracy and visual feedback, or those who prioritize ease of emptying collected projectiles.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A sturdy target stand, a pellet/BB trap door modification for the back, and higher quality target paper.
Conclusion on Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel
The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel provides a decent, if not exceptional, solution for backyard BB and pellet gun practice. Its durable construction and ability to contain projectiles make it a worthwhile investment for casual shooters.
The price is justified for those seeking a long-lasting and relatively hassle-free target trap. However, the occasional ricochets and the difficulty in emptying the trap may deter some users.
I would cautiously recommend it to casual shooters who prioritize durability and containment over pinpoint accuracy and ease of maintenance. The Allen EZ-Aim Shooting Target & Trap BB & Pellet Stainless Steel is a functional tool that gets the job done, but don’t expect perfection. Invest now and elevate your backyard shooting experience with a reliable target trap!