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Targets in Practical Shooting
An overview of the paper and steel targets used in IPSC matches.
IPSC matches use two main target types: paper targets, scored using A, C, and D zones, and steel or reactive targets, which are scored simply as a hit or a miss.
Steel targets are typically poppers or plates and must fall or react visibly to count as a hit.
Some stages also include "no-shoot" targets, which incur a penalty if hit and must be avoided while engaging nearby targets.
A stage designer determines each target's placement, distance, and visibility, forming part of the tactical challenge of every stage.