The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK Made a Bold First Impression
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK isn’t exactly the kind of product that elicits gasps of excitement, but in the world of serious shooting, reliable targets are essential. Forget the fancy, tech-laden gear for a moment; accuracy starts with something simple and consistent to aim at. These brightly colored paper targets from Allen promised exactly that, and at a price point that made me raise an eyebrow.
My pursuit of consistent practice targets led me to these. As a firearms instructor, I’m constantly burning through targets, so affordability and availability are paramount. The local range was perpetually out of stock, and online retailers often stung with exorbitant shipping costs. The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK, promising a decent quantity at a budget price, seemed like a worthwhile gamble.
Unboxing the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK was, well, uneventful. Eight sheets of paper, neatly stacked and banded together. The colors are vibrant, a definite plus for visibility in varying lighting conditions. They felt a bit thinner than some premium targets I’ve used, but also far from flimsy newsprint.
Compared to heavier card stock targets like those from Birchwood Casey or even self-adhesive options from Champion, the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK clearly prioritizes affordability. I also considered getting a single large silhouette target, but decided it would be easier to use smaller targets more frequently to avoid carrying a large roll of paper. I chose this pack because of the low price and the quantity of targets included.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. For the price, I wasn’t expecting perfection. I was hoping for a functional, reliable target that could withstand a decent amount of shooting without tearing to shreds immediately, and it appeared to deliver.
Real-World Testing: Putting ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range. I brought the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK along during a handgun qualification day with a group of officers. We engaged targets at distances ranging from 7 yards to 25 yards, using a variety of calibers, including 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
The targets performed surprisingly well, even in the slight breeze. The bright colors allowed for clear visibility of bullet holes, making scoring easy and efficient. I was pleased the colors are indeed easily visible downrange.
I did experience some minor tearing around the larger caliber holes, but nothing that rendered the target unusable. The paper is obviously not as robust as higher-end targets, but it’s a tradeoff I was willing to make. There were no unexpected issues after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK has proven to be a reliable, if not luxurious, training tool. I’ve used them in both indoor and outdoor ranges, and even stapled them to cardboard backers for makeshift drills in my backyard (safely, of course). They work well.
Durability is acceptable, given the price point. While the targets will eventually show wear and tear, they hold up reasonably well to repeated use. They start showing significant wear and tear after about 50-75 rounds of handgun fire.
Maintenance is nonexistent; these are disposable targets. However, I did find that storing them flat in a plastic bag kept them from creasing and tearing prematurely. Compared to more expensive targets, the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK is clearly less durable. But again, the low cost more than compensates for this.
Breaking Down the Features of ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK
Specifications
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK boasts a simple but functional design. The targets are paper, measuring 12 inches by 18 inches. This size is suitable for a variety of shooting disciplines and distances.
The pack contains eight targets, each printed with an assortment of brightly colored game animal silhouettes. The varying colors – red, blue, yellow, and green – provide excellent contrast and visibility, even in low-light conditions. The paper is thin but sufficient for range use.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the user’s ability to see and score their shots accurately. The size is manageable for transport and mounting. The color contrast is useful in a variety of different environments and lighting situations.
Performance & Functionality
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK performs its primary function admirably: providing a clear, visible target for shooting practice. Accuracy is entirely dependent on the shooter, of course, but the target’s design facilitates accurate scoring.
The main strengths are the vibrant colors and the affordability. The weakness is the paper thickness, which could be improved. Overall, the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK meets expectations for a budget-friendly target option.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and utilitarian. The paper is lightweight and easy to handle. The colors are well-chosen for visibility. There is virtually no learning curve.
The build quality is adequate. The materials are basic, but the printing is clean and the colors are consistent. The targets are very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK will last as long as it takes you to shoot through the target, which will obviously depend on the caliber and volume of fire. The paper is susceptible to tearing, especially with larger calibers and closer distances. Maintenance is not applicable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK does not come with any accessories, nor are there any customization options available. The targets are designed to be used as-is. You can mount them to various backer boards or target stands, but the target itself is not customizable.
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK is compatible with any standard target stapler or clips.
Pros and Cons of ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK
Pros
- Extremely affordable; making it ideal for high-volume shooting.
- Bright, contrasting colors for easy visibility and scoring.
- Suitable size for a variety of shooting distances and disciplines.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Simple, no-frills design.
Cons
- Paper is relatively thin and prone to tearing, especially with larger calibers.
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK?
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a reliable supply of targets for practice. It’s also a great option for instructors who need to provide targets for a large number of students. This is a great product for casual shooting and zeroing rifles.
This product might not be ideal for shooters who demand premium, ultra-durable targets or require specific target designs for specialized training. These targets are also not the best for long-range shooting because the paper may tear off the target board.
A must-have accessory is a good target stapler or clips for mounting the targets to a backer board.
Conclusion on ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK
The ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly target option that delivers on its promise of providing a visible and functional aiming point. While the paper is not the most durable, the low price and vibrant colors make it a worthwhile investment for high-volume shooting practice. The Allen targets are a great way to save money on range day.
The price is definitely justified. You get eight targets for under five dollars. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable target solution.
Grab a pack (or several) of the ALLEN EZ AIM 12″X18″ GAME ON 8PK and get some range time in. You won’t regret it!