Immediate feedback is almost always helpful when you're on the range. There are a lot of tools and reactive targets out there, and in this article we'll bring you through how to make your own high-viz target similar to Shoot-N-C or Dirty Bird targets for only a couple of bucks. They are handy even if you're using some magnification, and prevents you from having to travel downrange to check or pull your targets. DIY High-Vis targets are especially handy for zeroing a pistol red dot.

Materials

-Poster board (brighter colors are better)
-Packaging tape (Year's supply for $12.19 on Amazon)
-Black or other high contrast paint + additional color

The quality level of these materials doesn't have to be high whatsoever–go Dollar Tree cheap if you can (we only used a premium Rustoleum because it was already in-hand).

1) Cut your poster board to your desired shape/size. A commonly found size is 24×36 inches and it's exceedingly easy to make four large targets from each piece.

2) Cover the front side of each sheet with packaging tape. You can reverse these first steps if you so desire and cover with tape and then cut. Overlapping is AOK.

3) In a well-ventilated area, cover the tape with your spray paint and allow to dry

4) Apply your aiming points freehand or use a stencil with your other spray paint. We opted for a quick squirt to make an easy aiming point.

5) Shoot!

Why it Works

The spray paint has a hard time adhering to the surface of the packaging tape because it's so smooth; there aren't as many small cracks and crevices for the paint to stick. When a projectile passes through the tape and paper, the paint immediately surrounding the bullet hole will flake off making your point-of-impact (POI) highly visible. Because the paint has so tenuously adhered, these DIY targets can get scratched or marked up, but by and large they'll survive in your range bag unless you fold them.

Cheap, easy, and useful DIY High-vis targets.

Other DIY Projects from RECOIL

• DIY Bolt Gun Build.
• Fakelite: the Best Fake Bakelite Recipie.
• DIY… Suppressor? The Legal Way.
• DIY Truck Drawers for Guns and Gear.

Why you can trust RECOIL

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Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. 

Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

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