Caldwell AR500 Prairie Dog Auto-Reset Popper Target
The Caldwell AR500 Prairie Dog Auto-Reset Popper Target delivers instantaneous audio and visual feedback for long-range precision practice, tactical drills, and recreational shooting. The target plate is cut into a realistic prairie dog silhouette from premium, 3/8-inch through-hardened AR500 steel—widely recognized as the industry standard for centerfire rifle-rated targets. Mounted to a heavy-duty steel base frame with an integrated high-tension reset spring, the target plate drops flat backward upon impact to absorb projectile kinetic energy, then immediately springs back to the upright position. This automated mechanical design removes the need to walk downrange to reset targets or pull cords, maximizing active training time on the firing line.
Key Features:
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3/8" Through-Hardened AR500 Steel: The target plate is built to withstand high-volume centerfire rifle use without dimpling, cratering, or structural deformation when used within operational limits.
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Integrated Spring Auto-Reset System: Features a robust, heavy-duty coil spring mechanism that immediately returns the prairie dog silhouette to a vertical orientation after every successful impact.
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Elevated Free-Standing Frame: The rugged steel base frame elevates the bottom of the target plate 7 inches off the ground, ensuring clear visibility above short grass or uneven range terrain.
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High-Visibility Powder Coat Finish: Coated in a bright, industrial yellow finish that contrasts sharply against outdoor backdrops, simplifying fast target acquisition through iron sights or optics.
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Secured Ground Anchorage: Included heavy-duty steel ground stakes drive directly through pre-drilled anchor ports in the base frame, keeping the assembly stable and upright during heavy impacts.
Specifications:
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Manufacturer: Caldwell Shooting Supplies
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Product Name: AR500 Steel Prairie Dog Auto-Reset Target
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SKU / MPN: 1178561
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UPC: 661120265634
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Target Plate Material: 3/8-inch Through-Hardened AR500 Steel
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Target Silhouette Shape: Prairie Dog (Varmint)
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Target Plate Dimensions: 13.5" H x 5" W
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Assembled Footprint Dimensions: 23.5" L x 9" W x 4.25" H
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Target Assembly Weight: 19.0 lbs
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Finish: Weather-Resistant Yellow Powder Coat
Ballistic Limits & Operational Safety Rules:
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Maximum Impact Velocity: Rated for projectiles traveling 3,000 fps (feet per second) or below at the point of impact. Impact velocities exceeding 3,000 fps will cause premature pitting and surface cratering.
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Maximum Impact Energy: Rated for kinetic energies of 3,500 ft-lbs (foot-pounds) or less at the point of impact.
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Minimum Safe Distance: Minimum target placement distance for centerfire rifle calibers is 100 yards to protect the shooter against bullet fragmentation and jacket splatter. Handgun calibers can be shot at a minimum of 15 yards.
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Ammunition Restrictions: Use standard lead-core or copper jacketed projectiles only. NEVER use armor-piercing (AP), steel-core (green tip), steel jacketed, or solid monolithic copper solid ammunition, as they will permanently crack, indent, or punch through the AR500 plate.
Package Contents:
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1x Caldwell 3/8" AR500 Steel Prairie Dog Target Plate
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1x Spring-Loaded Heavy-Duty Base Frame Assembly
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4x Heavy-Duty Steel Ground Anchoring Stakes
Universal Range Add-ons (High-Converting Cart Fillers):
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Champion Electronic Hearing Protection Muffs: Keep range commands clear while protecting your hearing from loud centerfire rifle muzzle blasts.
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Premium Multi-Caliber Field Cleaning Kit: Keep a universal hard-case rod and brush kit in your vehicle to clear carbon or copper fouling right at the bench.
- High-Clarity ANSI Z87.1 Ballistic Shooting Glasses: Essential wrap-around eye protection designed to shield against stray wind-blown debris and target spall fragment spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the auto-reset mechanism work on this target?
The target plate is mounted to a heavy-duty industrial coil spring built into the base frame. When a bullet strikes the prairie dog silhouette, the kinetic energy forces the plate to drop completely flat backward, absorbing the impact safely. Once the energy dissipates, the high-tension spring instantly snaps the plate back up to its original vertical position, eliminating the need to walk downrange or pull reset cords.
Can I use a .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO rifle on this target?
Yes, but you must strictly observe the minimum distance of 100 yards. Because .223/5.56 velocities regularly exceed 3,000 fps at the muzzle, shooting the target too close will cause the bullet to crater or pit the AR500 steel. Placing the target at 100 yards or further allows the velocity to safely drop below the 3,000 fps operational limit.
Will standard handgun rounds activate the reset spring?
Yes. Standard defensive and training handgun calibers (such as 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP) have plenty of energy to drop the target plate. Because handguns operate at much lower velocities, you can safely shoot this target with pistols at a minimum distance of 15 yards.
What type of ammunition should I avoid to prevent damaging the steel?
Never use armor-piercing (AP), steel-core (like green-tip 5.56 M855), steel jacketed, or solid monolithic copper/brass ammunition. These specialty rounds do not fragment properly upon striking AR500 steel and will permanently crater, dimple, or crack the target plate. Use only standard lead-core projectiles with traditional copper jackets.
Do I need to paint or treat the target over time?
The target arrives with a highly visible yellow powder coat finish, but bullet impacts will naturally chip away the coating at the point of contact. To prevent surface rust from outdoor moisture, we recommend giving the face of the plate a quick spray with any standard, fast-drying hardware store spray paint between range sessions.
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: This product consists of the steel target plate, spring-loaded frame assembly, and ground stakes only. Firearm platforms, ammunition, optics, and target paint are NOT included with this purchase. Always wear ANSI-rated eye and ear protection when operating on active firing lines.