Tip of the Week: Fold Your B-27 Targets
We go over a simple trick that can help improve your training regimen while also making for a safer trip to the indoor range.
PPT Editor. NRA & USCCA instructor. Hunter, former competitive shooter, collector (200+ firearms)
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When it comes to paper targets for the range, there are a ton of options.
But many people like me enjoy using an old standby, the B-27 silhouette. This classic target offers shooters a target that is decent for precision shooting and great for drills, all with easy-to-score rings.
However, a minor problem can occur when using these targets at indoor ranges (gross, I know).
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The Height Issue
B-27 targets are pretty tall. So, when you clip your target to the target carrier, it is common for the x-ring to be hanging a fair bit below your shoulder height.
Depending on the height of the carrier and your own height, this may present an issue where you have to angle your gun further down to aim at the x-ring.
Where this really becomes a problem is at closer distances — about 7 yards and in.
If the target is hanging too low, then you will be aiming down and risk hitting the floor. Although the backstop at the rear of the range will catch most ricochets, shooting the floor still increases the chance something could make its way back behind the firing line. Not to mention, shooting the floor is bush league, and no one wants to be that person.
Additionally, if you are shooting for the head at close distances, you also run the risk of shooting the ceiling or, worse, the carrier. I’ve seen the embarrassment that people have when they hit the cable on the carrier and break it — it's not good.
Sure, you can shoot at a different spot on the target, but like most people, I enjoy shooting the x-ring for both the challenge and the scoring feedback.
You can also move the target further away, but shooting and doing drills at 5-7 yards is very common. Pushing it out to 10-15 yards may not always benefit your specific training goals for the day.
Fold It
So, how do you alleviate this issue? It's simple. Just fold about 4-6 inches of the top of your target over.
This should leave about one-half to two-thirds of the head left. But more importantly, it will raise the x-ring so that it is much closer to your natural point of aim, where your arms are parallel to the ground.
Having a natural aiming posture is key to developing and maintaining good grip, stance, and sight alignment fundamentals.
In addition to improving your training, your bullets should be traveling straight into the backstop.
If you decide you want to practice headshots, you can always simply reel your target in, unfold it, and then clamp it back on the carrier.
This doesn't just apply to B-27 targets, either. If the place you want to aim at on a different target seems too low, fold it!
Final Thoughts
I am shocked at how many people I see who are printing decent groups and handling their weapons well, yet still shoot toward the ground on targets that are hanging too low.
Folding your target can make things much easier while making you look like a pro and keeping the range officers happy in the process. But despite how simple and obvious this method may seem, I have only ever spotted one or two other people folding their targets.
As always, be sure of what is behind your target, including floors and ceilings. With that said, grab a stack of B-27s, fold away, and get to punching that x-ring out! Be sure to check out our article on the Best Shooting Targets and Stands!