While paper and card targets will always be essential for precision zeroing and ammo testing, there are times when airgun shooters crave something more exciting than simply punching holes. Flare Targets offer an exciting cure for range tedium in the form of their awesome exploding pyrotechnic targets, which go off with a flash, a bang and a satisfying puff of smoke when you shoot them.
Made in the UK by Premium Targets and distributed by John Rothery Wholesale, Flare are available in various configurations with different sizes and different noise levels ranging from massive explosion to more discreet pop. All the target packs featured here each have a current UK recommended retail price of £9.95.
Below top: There are three types of Flare exploding airgun target
Below bottom: A flare target goes off with an explosive bang after a direct hit
These pyrotechnic targets are flat discs that go off with an explosive bang when you hit them. Using them couldn’t be simpler – they have an adhesive patch on the back, and you just stick them to your chosen backstop. The harder the backdrop you stick them to, the better the effect when you hit them. Tough steel targets work a treat, and that’s what I have generally been using for my tests with my Tom's Targets bespoke bison proving perfect for the job.
The yellow Flare Whisper is the low noise option. It still makes a bang but is better suited to places where you don’t want to make too much of a din. I’ve been test them in 38mm – a nice sized target that is still manageable if you want to push it out to longer ranges.
If you want more of a bang, try the Flare Sniper. These are orange and I was sent them in packs of ten – some with 38mm targets and some with more challenging 25mm targets. The smaller size would be useful on smaller ranges where you aren’t able to push them out to such extreme distance. Again, they produce a great effect when you hit them, with a bang, a flash and a big cloud of smoke.
Below: The yellow Whisper (top) is the low noise Flare target while the or orange Sniper is significantly louder
The Flare 45L is for shooters who want a really massive bang – it is very loud plus you also get the visual explosion and smoke. I was sent a few five-packs of these in 45mm. That larger size is a good idea for these ones because the chances are that you’re going to be shooting them over longer ranges.
These targets performed brilliantly during my testing and detonated with great effect every time a pellet hit the mark. They certainly do the job when you want a really exciting target – maybe to a really long target at the end of a course as exciting for spectators as it is for those shooting it. They are also a great way for making target shooting more engaging when introducing newcomers to the sport – they’re bound to get hooked on the buzz of hitting these.
I’ve had great fun shooting Flare Targets with mates – usually putting a few of these out at really long range and seeing who can hit them first. You’ll will certainly know when that happens.
Below: The Flare 45L is a 45mm target that makes the most explosive bang in the range
A top tip for anyone who buys the larger versions and want to make them more challenging without putting them at extreme range: you can always affix them to the kill zone of a metal target that has a smaller hole or even a reducer to increase the level of difficulty.
Before you use these targets, do take time to familiarise yourself with the safety instructions on the packet. It’s all the usual stuff. Minimum shooting distance is 10 metres and you should consider wearing eye and ear protection if you’re not shooting them over long ranges. Also be considerate about where you’re using the louder ones – you don’t want to upset your neighbours or cause a panic.
Flare targets are a brilliant way to add an extra dimension to your airgun target shooting. The bang, flash and cloud of smoke is great fun for shooters and anyone watching. Simple and highly effective, they are great fun and I would certainly recommend giving them a try.
Article first published 17th September 2025
