Revolutionize Your Handgun targets with DA Targets

Enhancing Handgun Practice with DA Targets: A Review by Corey Burton

In his recent article, “DA Targets: Productive handgun targets: Corey Burton shares his experience integrating DA Targets into his handgun training regimen. As a dedicated handgun hunter, Burton emphasizes the importance of consistent practice to maintain proficiency, noting that even a short hiatus can affect grip, trigger pull, and follow-through.

Transitioning from Traditional Targets:

Burton's practice setup includes steel gongs at various distances, with the furthest at 200 yards. While effective, he sought to address certain limitations, such as the maintenance required for steel targets and the lack of immediate feedback from paper targets. This led him to explore DA Targets' color-changing options.

Features of DA Targets

DA Targets are crafted from a self-healing polymer that visibly changes color upon impact, providing instant feedback. Burton tested six-inch round cool weather targets, designed for temperatures between 45°F and 80°F. These targets appear black when cold, turning red at the point of impact. In warmer conditions, the targets are red and shift to yellow upon being hit. The color change lasts approximately two minutes, allowing for clear identification of shot placement.

Performance and Durability

Testing with various handguns ranging from .22 Long Rifle to .45 Colt, Burton observed that all calibers induced the color change, with larger bullets producing more noticeable effects. The targets demonstrated resilience, with minimal visible damage even after hundreds of rounds. Notably, full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds left almost no trace after the target's self-healing process. Cleaning the targets with soap and water effectively removed powder residue, restoring their visibility.

Advantages Over Traditional Targets

Burton highlights several benefits of DA Targets:

1. Safety: Unlike steel targets, bullets pass through DA Targets, reducing the risk of ricochet and damage to mounting structures.
2. Immediate Feedback: The color change provides instant visual confirmation of shot placement, enhancing training efficiency.
3. Low Maintenance: The self-healing material eliminates the need for repainting or patching, common with steel and paper targets.
4. Portability: Lightweight and easy to set up, these targets are suitable for various shooting scenarios, including dynamic field positions.

Conclusion

Burton concludes that DA Targets are a valuable addition to his training equipment, offering a practical solution that enhances the quality of practice sessions. He plans to expand his use of these targets to further diversify his training.