How Alco Target Makes Paper Shooting Targets —
Behind the Scenes in Duarte, California
Published by Alco Target Company | alcotarget.com | 626-358-4814
Ever wonder how your shooting targets are actually made? At Alco Target Company, we've been
crafting professional-grade paper shooting targets right here in Duarte, California since 1964 — and
we're pulling back the curtain to show you exactly how it's done.
From raw paper stock to finished targets, every sheet that leaves our facility is printed to the same
exacting standards trusted by law enforcement agencies, military units, USPSA and IPSC
competitors, and serious shooters across the country. In this behind-the-scenes look, we walk you
through our entire production process — and show you why Made in the USA still means something
when it comes to shooting targets.
▶ WATCH THE VIDEO: How Alco Target Makes Paper Shooting Targets —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zija6YVyFeQ
A Family Business Built on Quality — Since 1964
Alco Target Company was founded in 1964 by Al Evanson, a Long Beach Police Officer who
understood firsthand what law enforcement agencies needed from a training target. His insight was
simple but powerful: if you're going to train with a target, it needs to perform consistently every
single time.
In 1985, Wayne Semain purchased the company and continued that commitment to quality —
growing Alco Target from a regional supplier into one of the most trusted target manufacturers in
the country. Today, Alco Target carries over 200 target designs in paper, cardboard, and steel
formats, serving law enforcement agencies, military units, competition shooters, and individual
consumers.
"Family owned and operated for over 60 years — Alco Target is the trusted name in
American-made shooting targets."
Our facility in Duarte, California is where every paper target we sell is designed, printed, cut, and
packaged. No overseas manufacturing. No cutting corners. Just the same quality that law
enforcement agencies across Southern California have relied on for decades.
What Makes a Great Paper Shooting Target?
Not all paper targets are created equal. The difference between a quality paper target and a cheap
one shows up the moment a bullet hits it — and it matters more than most shooters realize.
NRA Approved Paper
Alco Target prints on NRA approved paper — a specific paper stock that creates a clean, precise
bullet hole with minimal tearing. This is critically important for accurate scoring in qualification courses, NRA sanctioned matches, and any training where the exact location of a hit needs to be
clearly readable and dispute-free.
Standard paper tears and deforms around bullet holes, making it difficult to score accurately —
especially in high-volume qualification sessions where targets take dozens of rounds. NRA
approved paper holds its structure, giving instructors and shooters a clean, unambiguous scoring
surface every time.
Consistent Ink Coverage
The scoring zones on a target — the rings, the silhouette outline, the center mass area — need to
be printed with consistent, precise ink coverage so they're clearly visible from the firing line. Faded
or inconsistent printing makes scoring harder and reduces the training value of every target.
At Alco Target, we control every step of the printing process in-house, which means we can
maintain the consistent quality standards that law enforcement agencies and serious shooters
demand.
Correct Sizing and Scoring
Official NRA targets, law enforcement qualification targets, and competition targets all have specific
size and scoring zone requirements that must be met exactly. A B-27 silhouette that's slightly offsize isn't a B-27 — it's a non-compliant target that could invalidate a qualification course.
Every target we produce is printed to exact specifications — which is why agencies from across
California and beyond trust Alco Target for their official qualification targets.
Our Paper Target Production Process
Here's a step-by-step look at how we take a paper target from design to delivery:
Step 1 — Target Design
Every target in our catalog starts with a precise design — whether it's a classic NRA bullseye, a law
enforcement qualification silhouette like the B-27, a department-specific custom target, or a
specialty format like our RED DOT Police Training Program targets. Dimensions, scoring zones,
and colors are all specified exactly before any printing begins.
Step 2 — Paper Selection
We select the appropriate paper stock for each target type. NRA qualification targets use NRA
approved paper. TAG (thick paper) targets use a heavier stock that resists tearing under repeated
fire. Lightweight paper targets are used where cost-efficiency matters more than durability. The right
paper for the right application — every time.
Step 3 — Printing
Our printing process is where the magic happens. Targets are printed with consistent, precise ink
coverage that produces clear, readable scoring zones visible from the firing line. Color accuracy is
critical — especially for high-visibility targets like fluorescent orange and green designs, and for the
red and black scoring bands on law enforcement qualification targets.
Step 4 — Cutting and Finishing
After printing, sheets are cut to exact target dimensions. Dimensional accuracy is non-negotiable —
an official qualification target that's even slightly off-size can create compliance issues for the
agencies and programs that depend on them.
Step 5 — Quality Check
Every batch goes through a quality check before it leaves our facility. We're looking for consistent
print quality, accurate sizing, and clean cuts. Anything that doesn't meet our standards doesn't ship.
Step 6 — Packaging and Shipping
Targets are packed carefully to prevent damage during shipping and stored flat to maintain their
condition. Most orders ship same-day or next business day from our Duarte, California facility —
which means law enforcement agencies, ranges, and individual shooters get what they need fast.
▶ WATCH THE VIDEO: How Alco Target Makes Paper Shooting Targets —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zija6YVyFeQ
Our Most Popular Paper Target Formats
Over six decades we've learned exactly which target formats matter most to our customers. Here
are some of the most popular paper targets in our 200+ design catalog:
B-27 — The Standard Law Enforcement Qualification Silhouette
The B-27 is the most widely used law enforcement qualification silhouette in the country — a full
24"x45" NRA sanctioned target printed on licensed paper. Used by departments nationwide for
standard qualification courses, the B-27 is the target that officers train and qualify with throughout
their careers.
NRA Official Paper Targets
We carry a comprehensive lineup of officially licensed NRA paper targets covering pistol and rifle
disciplines — from the B-8P 25-yard timed and rapid fire target to high power rifle formats like the
MR-52 and MR-63. Every NRA target is printed to exact NRA specifications on approved paper.
RED DOT Police Training Program Targets
The RED DOT Police Training Program is one of our most distinctive product lines — a
comprehensive system of law enforcement training targets developed specifically for duty training
and qualification. The BT-5 family alone includes over 40 variants covering black, shaded, reverse
anatomy, orange center, head shot, and department-specific formats for agencies throughout
California and beyond.
USPSA and IPSC Competition Targets
Competitive shooters trust Alco Target for their USPSA and IPSC cardboard targets — printed to
official scoring zone specifications and available in full case quantities for clubs and ranges running
regular matches.
Bullseye and Specialty Training Targets
From NRA slow fire bullseye targets to air rifle formats, international pistol targets, poker targets,
and the OG 1" grid series for scope zeroing — our specialty training target catalog covers virtually
every shooting discipline and training need.
Why Buy American-Made Shooting Targets
There's a reason law enforcement agencies, military training programs, and serious shooters
specifically seek out American-made targets. It comes down to three things:
- Quality control — when targets are manufactured domestically, the entire production
process can be monitored and controlled to consistent standards. There's no shipping delay,
no language barrier, no wondering whether the paper stock changed between batches. - Supporting American manufacturing — Alco Target has been employing people in Duarte,
California for over 60 years. Every target you buy supports American workers and an
American family business. - Fast, reliable shipping — because we manufacture and ship from California, most orders are
out the door within a business day. No waiting weeks for an overseas shipment.
One customer put it simply: "It's a great product. I especially love the fact that they are made here in
the USA."
Shop Alco Target Paper Shooting Targets
Whether you're a law enforcement agency stocking up for qualification season, a competitive
shooter preparing for a match, an instructor building a training program, or a casual shooter
heading to the range — Alco Target has the paper targets you need.
✅ ✅ Over 200 target designs in paper, cardboard, and steel NRA Official Licensed targets
✅ ✅ ✅ Law enforcement qualification targets USPSA and IPSC competition targets RED
DOT Police Training Program targets Bullseye, specialty, and novelty targets Bulk ✅ ✅
and case quantity pricing available Made in the USA — shipped from Duarte, California ✅
Browse our complete paper target catalog at alcotarget.com or call us at 626-358-4814. We're
happy to help you find the right targets for your training program, qualification course, or range day.
▶ WATCH THE VIDEO: How Alco Target Makes Paper Shooting Targets —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zija6YVyFeQ
About Alco Target Company
Alco Target Company is a family-owned shooting target manufacturer based in Duarte, California.
Founded in 1964 by Long Beach Police Officer Al Evanson and purchased in 1985 by Wayne
Semain, Alco Target has been producing professional-grade paper, cardboard, and steel shooting
targets for over 60 years.
Alco Target Company Blog — alcotarget.com
We serve law enforcement agencies, military training programs, USPSA and IPSC competitors,
shooting ranges, gun clubs, and individual shooters across the country. All targets are produced at
our Duarte, California facility.
? 626-358-4814 | ✉ alcotargets@earthlink.net | ? www.alcotarget.com
alcotarget.com · 626-358-4814