When it comes to firearm training, not all paper targets are created equal—and choosing the right one for 10, 15, or 25 yards can make or break your range day. You wouldn’t wear reading glasses to drive at night, right? Same idea. The right paper target enhances your focus, reinforces accuracy, and supports your skill level—whether you're honing your concealed carry draw or running drills like a competitive shooter.
In this guide, we’re zeroing in (pun intended) on how to choose the right paper target for various shooting distances—plus we’ll share pro tips, target design considerations, and spotlight top-performing paper targets from Axle Targets to take your training to the next level.
📏 Distance Drives Design: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Each distance—10, 15, or 25 yards—demands different things from your paper target. Let’s break it down.
🔟 Shooting at 10 Yards: Precision Over Perspective
This is typically where self-defense shooters and new firearm owners spend a lot of time. At 10 yards, you’re close enough that fine details matter. You're working on accuracy, consistency, and target acquisition speed.
What to look for:
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Clear scoring zones
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Smaller bullseyes or aiming points
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Targets that support fast-paced drills
📌 Recommended Target: The Modern Samurai Project Target by Axle Targets is a top pick here. Designed in collaboration with Scott Jedlinski and MSP, it features crisp visual markers perfect for red dot sight training and high-tempo exercises at closer ranges.
1️⃣5️⃣ Mid-Range (15 Yards): Balance Between Speed and Precision
At 15 yards, you're still close—but not too close. Here, shooters are often training for carry permit qualification, USPSA-style drills, or pushing their reaction and movement skills.
What to look for:
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Multiple scoring zones
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Human silhouette or anatomical elements
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Targets that simulate real-world threats or vital zones
📌 Recommended Target: The Anatomy Target by Axle Targets is ideal here. With internal anatomical outlines and realistic threat presentation, it forces shooters to think beyond just center mass and start engaging critical hit areas.
2️⃣5️⃣ Going Long (25 Yards): Clarity, Contrast, and Control
Twenty-five yards separates the casual shooter from those refining advanced marksmanship or testing duty-ready equipment. At this range, visibility and contrast become key—your eyes need something easy to pick up quickly.
What to look for:
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High-contrast design (black on white or bold colors)
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Clean shapes or hit zones that remain visible at distance
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Scaled human or vital silhouettes
📌 Recommended Target: Check out the Sage Dynamics Target. This one’s purpose-built for real-world training. Featuring multi-zone drills, headboxes, and numbered target points, it holds up at distance while still challenging your decision-making.
🧠 Design Details That Actually Matter
When choosing a paper target, it’s tempting to grab whatever’s cheapest or most popular—but your training deserves better. Here’s what to pay attention to:
1. Scoring Zones & Feedback
Whether you’re training alone or coaching others, instant visual feedback is gold. Look for defined A/B/C zones, clear outlines, and targets that make it easy to track your hits.
2. Anatomical Realism
Anatomy targets help you build muscle memory for real-world defensive scenarios. Training on center mass is fine, but understanding vital organs and head zones gives your practice purpose.
3. Target Size vs Distance
At 25 yards, a small bullseye is hard to see—especially in low light. Larger silhouettes help maintain visual focus and sight alignment. At 10 yards? Shrink things down and challenge your precision.
4. Material Quality
Axle Targets uses premium 60-lb offset paper, ensuring that even under fast-fire conditions, your rounds punch clean holes and the paper doesn't shred or fold.
🎯 Product Spotlights: Targets That Earn Their Place on the Line
Let’s take a closer look at three high-performing, distance-optimized paper targets from Axle Targets that make training smarter, not harder.
1️⃣ Modern Samurai Project TargetWhy it's great for 10 yards:
This is your go-to if you're into dot-focused training or want to speed up your draw-to-shot times. It’s minimalist, effective, and brutally honest about your performance. |
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2️⃣ Anatomy TargetWhy it shines at 15 yards:
Ideal for defensive firearm instructors, CCW holders, and LEOs looking to boost target discrimination under pressure. |
3️⃣ Sage Dynamics TargetPerfect for 25 yards:
This target challenges shooters at every level—from static drills to advanced movement scenarios. Aaron Cowan's design ensures you're not just hitting center mass but thinking tactically. |
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💡 Pro Tips & Expert Insights for Smarter Range Time
Whether you’re training solo or running a class, these range-tested tips can help you squeeze more value out of every shot.
✅ Don’t Stick to One Distance
Rotating between 10, 15, and 25 yards trains your depth perception, sight acquisition, and trigger control under varying conditions.
✅ Use the Same Target for Multiple Drills
A good target should do more than one thing. The Sage Dynamics and Anatomy targets offer multiple zones, letting you train headshots, failure drills, or zone transitions—all on the same sheet.
✅ Tape Over, Don’t Replace
Use pasters or masking tape to cover hits instead of switching targets. Saves money, saves paper, and lets you track patterns over time.
✅ Record Your Results
Tracking hits across training sessions gives you real-time performance feedback. Mark your hits with a Sharpie, take a photo, and log your sessions.
🔚 Wrapping It Up: Every Shot Counts—So Should Your Target
Training smart means choosing the right gear, and that starts with your paper target. Whether you’re practicing rapid draws at 10 yards, refining accuracy at 15, or pushing your limits at 25 yards—Axle Targets has the right paper target for the job.
Here’s your go-to lineup:
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🟢 Modern Samurai Project Target – 10-yard drills, red dot training
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🟡 Anatomy Target – 15-yard vital zone accuracy
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🔵 Sage Dynamics Target – 25-yard long-distance tactical shooting
Don’t just shoot. Train with purpose.