Targets and target holders

A hunter rarely picks up an air gun just for fun. More often it is a tool for pest control around the farm, keeping crows or martens away from outbuildings, and training the hand and eye before the autumn rifle season. Targets and target holders let you check your accuracy, adjust a red dot or optical sight, and get used to the gun's behavior in a calm setting without the pressure of an actual hunt.

Who these targets are for

A hunter does not need a target for competition, but for real preparation - confirming the shot lands where you expect and that your hand stays steady after hours in a high seat. An air gun paired with a target lets you practice often without spending on rifle ammunition, and a metal or reactive target also trains you to react to a game animal appearing suddenly. That kind of preparation matters most before a driven hunt, when the shooting window lasts a second or two.

Types of targets available

The range covers several target types suited to different training situations, from fine-tuning accuracy to sharpening reaction speed. Your choice depends on what you are doing - calibrating optics or rehearsing an actual field scenario.

Paper targets

Paper target Umarex 14x14 cm, Paper target UMAREX 17x17 cm, Sig Sauer training paper targets and Sig Sauer Five Zero targets, along with BORNER White/Black, BORNER Black/White and MegaLine Tricolour targets, are the cheapest and quickest to replace. They suit everyday accuracy checks and sighting-in before heading out to the field or forest.

Metal targets

The Metal target UMAREX Walther "Ducks" 3.2080 is shaped like waterfowl and falls or makes a sound on impact - the closest imitation of a real hunting reaction, useful for training fast target acquisition for bird hunting.

Active targets

The Umarex UX Airgun Active Target series 2, 3, 4 and 5, in different sizes, are metal targets that move or flip on impact. They sharpen reaction speed and suit training where hitting the mark matters less than spotting and engaging it quickly.

Foldable targets

The Foldable target "Briedis" 150x100 cm carries a full-size big-game silhouette, so you can practice shot placement against the real proportions of the animal you hunt. Its foldable frame sets up easily in a yard or field and packs away again after practice.

Holders and accessories

The Paper target holder - pellet trap 17x17 and the Paper target holder UMAREX 14x14 keep the paper stretched flat and catch the pellets, while the Red dot mounting plate SIG SAUER P226/P220 helps secure a red dot firmly to the pistol while you sight it in.

How to choose the right target

A few things to weigh when picking a target:

• Gun type - a pneumatic pistol usually suits the 17x17 cm format, a rifle suits 14x14 cm.
• Shooting distance and location - a yard or farm setup needs a safe holder with a pellet trap.
• Purpose - checking pure accuracy, or training a fast reaction to a moving target.
• Target size - a large silhouette like the "Briedis" suits preparation for big-game hunting, a small paper target suits sighting in optics.
• Reusability - a metal target lasts far longer than a paper one, which needs replacing after a handful of shots.

Caring for a target between sessions

Check a target after every session and replace it if needed - a torn paper target no longer marks the true point of impact, and a chipped metal target coating can throw off the sound or fall it makes on a hit. Regular care lets a single target last far longer and saves setup time before your next session on the farm.

Wipe the Metal target UMAREX Walther "Ducks" 3.2080 and the Umarex UX Airgun Active Target series clean of dirt or grass after use and dry them off so moisture does not build up on the surface. Replace paper targets such as the Umarex 14x14 cm or Sig Sauer training once the hole pattern makes the next shot hard to read - a holder with a pellet trap keeps the paper flat and dry between sessions so it does not crease in storage.

Sighting in optics before the season

Before the autumn hunting season, a target is used not only to check accuracy but to sight in optics or a red dot on the exact gun you will carry - skip this step and even a good sight can point to the wrong spot in the forest.

The Red dot mounting plate SIG SAUER P226/P220 lets you fix a red dot firmly to the pistol, and shooting at a paper or metal target then shows whether the point of aim matches the actual impact. Sig Sauer targets with several shooting centers make this easy, since they let you read the offset at more than one distance in a single session. The same principle applies to an optical sight on a rifle - sight in calmly on the farm, then confirm with the exact pellets you plan to carry into the field.

Practical field advice

When shooting in a yard or on the farm, always set the target against a safe backstop - a hay bale, an earth bank, or a dedicated holder with a pellet trap - so a pellet cannot travel further. Before the season, check your optical or red dot sight with the exact gun and pellet type you will carry into the forest. Set metal and active targets firmly so they do not tip in an unexpected direction toward anyone nearby on impact.

Brands in this category

The category is led by UMAREX with Walther-licensed products, SIG SAUER paper training targets, plus BORNER and MegaLine paper targets and the locally named "Briedis" silhouette.

Related accessories: optical sights for calibrating your optics, CO2 cartridges for your air gun, and cleaning products for gun care after practice. If you are unsure which target or holder fits your gun, write to us and we will advise.