How to Choose the Right Target System for Your Shooting Range

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Designing a high-performance shooting range takes more than just walls, backstops, and lighting. The real magic, the thing that defines the shooter experience, comes from your target systems. Whether you’re outfitting a tactical training facility, a competitive shooting range, or a public indoor shooting gallery, the target systems you choose directly affect safety, realism, efficiency, and shooter satisfaction.

At Spire Ranges, every target system is engineered with a specific type of shooter and use case in mind. From wireless retrievers with built-in scenarios to electric, turning targets designed for split-second decisions, Spire’s Command series offers unparalleled technology and rugged durability. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out which Spire Ranges target system is the right fit for your facility based on your range type, training goals, budget, and user expectations.

Why Target Systems Matter

Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth highlighting why your choice of target system is so critical. A great target system:

  • Improves shooter safety by creating controlled engagements
  • Enables dynamic and reactive training scenarios
  • Boosts throughput and session efficiency
  • Enhances the realism of drills and games
  • Increases repeat visits and user satisfaction

In other words, the right target system makes your range better in every way.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Target System

When choosing a target system for your range, think about the following factors:

1. Range Environment

Are you building an indoor or outdoor range? Is it a public facility or a law enforcement-only site? Target systems should be chosen with your operating environment in mind.

2. Type of Training

Are your shooters civilians looking for recreation, professionals preparing for real-world situations, or competitive shooters who demand precision and timing?

3. Space Constraints

How wide is your range? How deep? Is your ceiling height suitable for overhead retrievers, or do you need a system that installs flush?

4. Level of Interactivity

Do you need simple point-and-shoot targets, or should your system support complex scenarios with moving, turning, and reactive targets?

5. Budget and ROI

Target systems are an investment. Choosing the right technology upfront means fewer upgrades later and more value delivered to your shooters.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the options Spire Ranges offers.

Command Recon: The Smartest Wireless Retriever on the Market

If your range serves a mix of recreational shooters, competitive marksmen, and professionals, the Command Recon is one of the most versatile options available.

Key Features:

  • Wireless target retrieval system with no overhead cables
  • Pre-programmed training scenarios and games
  • Turning target capabilities for shoot/don’t shoot drills
  • Controlled remotely or through touchscreen interfaces

Ideal For:

  • Indoor ranges where aesthetics and noise reduction are key
  • Law enforcement and tactical training where response time is tested
  • Civilian ranges that want to offer immersive training scenarios

The Command Recon is all about flexibility and intelligence. Shooters can load scenarios like hostage drills, accuracy competitions, or timed challenges without ever needing range staff to reset targets. If you’re building a premium facility and want to impress users from the first shot, Recon is your go-to.

Command Urban: The Overhead Retriever That Redefines Design

Some ranges need a robust, overhead-mounted system with dependable performance in high-use environments. That’s where the Command Urban comes in.

Key Features:

  • Overhead retriever design with secure, track-based operation
  • Compatible with a wide range of targets
  • Built to handle continuous use and heavy fire volume

Ideal For:

  • High-traffic indoor ranges
  • Facilities that require straightforward point-to-point target retrieval
  • Training environments where the reliability of motion is paramount

The Command Urban is a workhorse. While it doesn’t offer the gamified intelligence of the Recon, it more than makes up for it with speed, reliability, and minimal maintenance. It’s perfect for shooters who need a traditional yet modern retrieval experience that just works every time. Think of Urban as the modern evolution of what retrievers should be. If you want something that’s familiar to operators but built for the next generation of shooting ranges, Urban is the right fit.

Command Fury: Reactive Turning with a Tactical Edge

Tactical shooters need targets that challenge their speed, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. That’s exactly what the Command Fury was built to do.

Key Features:

  • Turns targets 90, 180, or 360 degrees instantly
  • Includes advanced features like random edging and friend/foe presentations
  • Silent operation to reduce audible cues

Ideal For:

  • Tactical training centers
  • Law enforcement and military ranges
  • Shoot/don’t shoot training scenarios

Fury lives up to its name. It forces shooters to react quickly with minimal warning. Randomized target presentation teaches situational awareness, and friend or foe logic can train decision-making under pressure. If your facility caters to officers or operators who face high-risk scenarios in the real world, you can’t go wrong with Fury.

Command Bridger: Powered Precision with 90-Degree Turning 

The Command Bridger is an ideal choice for ranges that want reactive targets without going all-in on digital complexity. Dependable performance with simple operation.

Key Features:

  • 90-degree turning target system
  • Air-powered design reduces mechanical wear
  • Configurable for single or grouped target presentations

Ideal For:

  • Tactical simulators with limited budgets
  • Outdoor ranges without wireless infrastructure
  • Indoor facilities that want a simple, effective reactive target

While the Fury is about speed and interactivity, the Bridger gives you dependable 90-degree turns at a lower entry cost. It’s a great stepping stone for facilities looking to expand their tactical offerings or add reactivity without a full system overhaul.

Command Stryker: Complete 360-Degree Target Turning

When you need full-circle control, the Command Stryker delivers unmatched flexibility.

Key Features:

  • 360-degree turning motion
  • Programmable target rotation for custom drills
  • Quiet and fast with low-latency responses

Ideal For:

  • Ranges with advanced shooter training modules
  • Competitive ranges offering precision movement scenarios
  • Situations where a variety of target angles is needed

Stryker allows you to present the target at any orientation, creating endless drill possibilities. Whether you’re simulating movement, creating disorientation, or staging competitive head-to-head matches, this system lets you create it. Stryker is especially useful in teaching shooters to adjust to off-angle threats and reinforcing accuracy at various target presentations. It’s advanced but not intimidating to operate.

Command Treadwell: The Lateral Moving Target System with Real Movement

Static targets have their place, but nothing tests real-world shooting skills like moving targets. That’s what makes the Command Treadwell such a game-changer.

Key Features:

  • Moves at walk, jog, run, or random speeds
  • Programmable motion paths and pauses

Ideal For:

  • Tactical and law enforcement training
  • Dynamic shooting scenarios
  • Skill development in tracking, leading, and timing shots

Treadwell simulates a moving suspect or threat. It’s essential for ranges that emphasize accuracy on the move. The ability to change speeds and patterns adds unpredictability and realism. Many facilities use Treadwell to train judgment shooting, engagement under stress, and even de-escalation scenarios. If your range is serious about movement-based skills, this system is a must-have.

Matching the Right Target System to Your Range Type

Here’s a quick overview to help you match systems to your range type:

Indoor Public Range: Command Recon, Command Urban, Command Treadwell
Law Enforcement or Military: Command Fury, Command Treadwell, Command Bridger, Command Recon
Competitive Range: Command Stryker, Command Recon
Beginner Training Facility: Command Urban, Command Bridger, Command Recon
Mobile or Modular Range: Command Recon, Command Urban

Each Spire system can also be used in combination with others to create hybrid solutions that fit your training goals.

Future-Proofing with Spire Ranges

One of the advantages of choosing a Spire Ranges target system is knowing you’re investing in modular, scalable technology. As your training needs grow or shift, Spire’s Command Series makes it easy to upgrade or integrate new systems without rebuilding your entire range.

All of Spire’s systems are engineered to military-grade standards with user experience and maintenance efficiency in mind. From wireless control panels to integration with scoring systems and audio-visual triggers, Spire systems are built to evolve with you.

Final Thoughts: Build a Better Shooting Experience

Target systems are the heartbeat of any shooting range. They dictate the rhythm of training, the thrill of recreation, and the impact of every bullet fired. When you choose a system from the Spire Ranges Command Series, you’re choosing smarter tech, better builds, and a smoother experience for everyone who walks through your door.

Whether you want high-tech scenario training or durable target movement for daily use, Spire has a solution that fits your space, budget, and vision.

Ready to bring your range to life with the right target system? Contact Spire Ranges today to start designing a range experience your shooters won’t forget.

PROJECTS

Residential Basement
NCLETC
Houston County Sheriff
Sliver Eagle Group
Legacy Shooting Center
Command Treadwell
Stryker Law Enforcement Missouri
Fury FBI California
Bridger FBI New York