Let’s Talk About Crosman Impact Targets
For those of us who spend our weekends turning backyard plinking sessions into tactical training exercises, the right targets are essential. Enter the Crosman Impact Targets, a deceptively simple product promising a whole lot of fun and immediate feedback. Crosman, a name synonymous with airguns and affordable shooting, throws their hat into the target ring with these reactive, self-adhesive paper targets.
My need for reliable and visually clear targets stemmed from countless frustrating sessions where I couldn’t discern my groupings effectively. Cheap paper targets often left me squinting and guessing at bullet holes, especially with lower-powered air rifles. I needed something that offered instant clarity and a bit of fun to make practice more engaging.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the vibrant colors and the satisfying stickiness of the self-adhesive backing. The targets felt lightweight and well-made for their purpose. They seemed promising, a big upgrade from the generic tan targets I’d been using.
Compared to Birchwood Casey’s Dirty Bird targets (which are pricier) and standard bullseye paper, the Crosman Impact Targets stood out for their affordability and the promise of immediate visual confirmation. I almost went with the Birchwood Casey, but the price of the Crosman and the quantity of repair stickers swayed my decision. Initial excitement was high – I was eager to see if these targets could actually deliver on their splatter promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Crosman Impact Targets to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my home’s makeshift backyard range, a space carved out for honing my skills with air rifles and pistols. I tested the Crosman Impact Targets using a variety of airguns, ranging from a .177 pellet pistol to a .22 caliber break-barrel rifle, at distances between 10 and 30 yards. The weather was typical for an early summer afternoon – sunny with a slight breeze.
The targets performed admirably, creating a highly visible yellow “splatter” around each point of impact. The contrast was particularly helpful for identifying shots from the .177 pistol, which often left barely perceptible holes in standard paper. Applying the targets to cardboard was easy thanks to the self-adhesive backing.
The first surprise came when using the .22 rifle. The splatter was significantly larger and more dramatic than with the pistol, proving the targets’ reactivity. One small issue arose after a few dozen shots: the adhesive began to peel slightly from the cardboard in a couple of spots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Crosman Impact Targets have proven to be a reliable and fun addition to my training regimen. They hold up well to repeated impacts, though the paper naturally tears and deteriorates over time. Direct hits will eventually obliterate the target, but that’s where the repair stickers come in handy.
Signs of wear and tear are minimal aside from the expected bullet holes. The adhesive remains reasonably strong, even after being exposed to humidity and temperature fluctuations. I’ve learned to ensure the cardboard backer is clean and dry before applying the targets to maximize adhesion.
Maintenance is non-existent; simply replace the targets as they become unusable or apply the repair stickers for extended use. Compared to standard paper targets, the Crosman Impact Targets offer superior visibility and a more engaging shooting experience. The reactive splatter is a significant upgrade and helps me quickly assess my accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Crosman Impact Targets
Specifications
The Crosman Impact Targets feature a self-adhesive paper construction designed to create a visible splatter upon impact. Each pack contains 5 sheets of targets with varying sizes. There are (4) 4-inch Visible Impact targets, (1) 3-inch Visible Impact targets, and (2) 2-inch Visible Impact targets per sheet.
Each sheet also includes 32 repair stickers. This results in 35 targets and 160 repairs per pack. This variety of sizes allows for different training scenarios and distance adjustments.
Crosman lists the target quantity as 5.
The quantity of individual targets within those sheets amounts to 35.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Crosman Impact Targets is to provide immediate visual feedback on shot placement, and they excel in this area. The reactive splatter is highly visible, even at longer distances. Accuracy assessment is quick and easy.
The targets are durable enough for numerous shots before needing replacement or repair. A strength is definitely the high visibility of the impact and the convenience of the self-adhesive backing. The adhesive could be stronger for more demanding environments, and the paper could be slightly thicker for added durability. Overall, they meet expectations for a budget-friendly reactive target.
Design & Ergonomics
The Crosman Impact Targets are simple in design, but effective. The bright colors and clear target zones make them easy to see and aim at. The self-adhesive backing makes target setup a breeze.
They are lightweight and easy to transport. There isn’t much of a learning curve involved – peel, stick, and shoot!
Durability & Maintenance
The targets are designed to be disposable, and their lifespan depends on the caliber and frequency of use. With careful placement and the use of repair stickers, a single target can last for a surprisingly long time. Thicker paper stock would improve their overall durability, but for the price, the existing durability is acceptable.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply peel off the old target and replace it with a new one.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Crosman Impact Targets don’t come with any additional accessories beyond the repair stickers. Customization is limited to how you choose to mount the targets. They’re designed to be compatible with standard target stands and cardboard backers.
There are no specific Crosman branded accessories for these targets. You can use them with a wide range of backstops and target holders. This makes them versatile for different shooting environments.
Pros and Cons of Crosman Impact Targets
Pros
- Highly visible impact splatter for easy accuracy assessment.
- Self-adhesive backing for quick and convenient target setup.
- Affordable price point makes them accessible to all shooters.
- Multiple target sizes on each sheet for varied training scenarios.
- Includes repair stickers for extended target use.
Cons
- Adhesive could be stronger for more demanding environments.
- Paper could be slightly thicker for increased durability.
Who Should Buy Crosman Impact Targets?
The Crosman Impact Targets are perfect for recreational shooters, airgun enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an affordable and effective way to improve their accuracy. They are especially useful for beginners who need immediate visual feedback to learn proper aiming techniques. Backyard plinkers will also appreciate their convenience.
Those who require extreme durability or shoot high-powered firearms may find these targets less suitable and might need to seek out steel targets or heavier-duty paper targets. No must-have accessories are necessary, but a sturdy cardboard backer is recommended for optimal target adhesion and longevity.
Conclusion on Crosman Impact Targets
In summary, the Crosman Impact Targets deliver on their promise of providing a fun and effective shooting experience. The reactive splatter is a significant improvement over standard paper targets, making accuracy assessment quick and easy. The self-adhesive backing and included repair stickers add to their convenience and value.
At a price of $4.47, the value proposition is excellent. These targets offer a lot of bang for your buck.
I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable and engaging way to practice their shooting skills. Grab a pack of Crosman Impact Targets, head to the range (or your backyard), and start honing your accuracy today!