What should never be used as a target on a shooting range?

The use of anything that may cause ricochets, such as rocks or steel, as targets on a shooting range is strictly prohibited due to the significant safety hazards they pose. When bullets strike hard surfaces, they can bounce off at unpredictable angles, creating dangerous projectiles that can harm people or cause damage to property. This unpredictability makes ricochets a serious concern in maintaining a safe shooting environment.

On a well-managed shooting range, the targets are typically designed to absorb the impact of bullets without producing harmful ricochets. Materials such as paper, cardboard, and wood are commonly used because they do not have the same risk of causing bullets to ricochet. In contrast, using hard or uneven surfaces, like rocks or metal, can severely compromise safety protocols. Therefore, the emphasis on avoiding such materials underscores the importance of choosing appropriate targets that maximize safety for everyone present at the range.