Last updated on June 25th, 2026
For all the thermal scope users, I recently came across a company that offer thermal targets. GlowShot is an Australian company based in Melbourne and sell a range of shooting targets, including targets specifically designed for thermal optics.
GlowShot Thermal Target Setup Guide
GlowShot targets are most useful when you need a visible aiming point through a thermal scope without relying on steel heat, hand warmers or improvised markers. They suit thermal zeroing, confirmation groups and simple night-practice drills where contrast matters more than a traditional paper bullseye.
| Use case | Best setup | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal zeroing | Use a clean target face with a stable backer. | Confirm point of impact with a visible reference after firing. |
| Night practice | Keep the target square to the shooter and avoid clutter. | Thermal contrast can change with weather and distance. |
| Load or rifle checks | Use consistent target size and repeatable distance. | Do not judge group quality from a fuzzy image alone. |
The main limitation is that passive thermal targets do not replace good zeroing discipline. Use the same stable rest, known distance and repeatable shooting process you would use with a normal optic. If the thermal image blooms or the aiming mark looks too large, move closer, reduce magnification or use a smaller target reference.
For a hunting rifle or dedicated thermal setup, it is also worth checking the mount, eye relief and reticle behaviour before relying on the zero. A target can make the aiming point easier to see, but the rifle system still needs to track, hold zero and produce repeatable groups.
Quick Take
GlowShot Thermal Targets are most useful when you need a simple passive target that shows clear thermal contrast through a thermal scope without relying on batteries, heated pads or improvised materials.
- Best use case: zeroing and confirming point of impact with a thermal riflescope.
- Check before buying: target size, grid layout, distance, backer material and whether the target suits the thermal conditions you normally shoot in.
- Do not skip the basics: use a safe backstop and confirm the rifle on paper or steel where needed; the target only solves the thermal visibility problem.
The passive thermal targets seen above allow you to sight in and practice with your thermal optic. The targets are made from a unique material that has a natural thermal contrast and does not require any power source. The zeroing targets are adhesive and provide 1cm grid for easy correction of point of impact. The targets are made to work in any weather conditions.
As well as the range of military targets available, GlowShot also offer a variety of reactive splatter targets. These targets work when the bullet passes through the target, it removes the top layer, exposing the coloured layer underneath, creating a coloured halo effect around the impact.
You can find more information on GlowShot targets on their website.
How Passive Thermal Targets Help
Standard paper targets can disappear through a thermal optic because the target face and background often appear too similar. A passive thermal target gives the optic a clearer temperature contrast, making it easier to see the aiming point and check impacts during zeroing or practice. That is the real value of this type of target: it removes one of the awkward parts of shooting with thermal gear.
GlowShot targets are especially relevant for hunters and property shooters who use thermal optics on rifles and want a cleaner way to confirm zero before heading into the field. They are also useful for checking whether a thermal scope, mount and rifle are still holding a practical zero after transport.
Zeroing and Practice Tips
- Start close: confirm the rifle is on target at a short distance before moving to a longer zero distance.
- Use the grid: a visible grid makes point-of-impact correction easier than guessing through the thermal image.
- Control the backer: mount the target on a safe, flat backing surface so the thermal contrast is not confused by background heat.
- Confirm in conditions you actually use: thermal images can look different in sun, shade, rain and at night.
Who Should Consider Them
These targets make the most sense for shooters who already own a thermal optic or are setting up a rifle for pest control, night work or thermal observation. They are less important if you only use a traditional daytime scope, because normal paper, splatter or steel targets already solve that problem.
Related Articles
Related Reading on PrecisionRifle
GlowShot Thermal Target Buyer Notes
GlowShot thermal targets are most useful when the goal is confirming zero, practising holds or checking repeatability through a thermal optic. The key point is that a thermal scope does not see a paper target the same way a daylight scope does. It needs temperature contrast, a visible aiming point and a target setup that stays readable long enough to shoot a clean group.
| Use case | What matters | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal zeroing | Consistent heat contrast | Use a clear aiming mark and allow the target to stabilise before shooting groups. |
| Load testing | Repeatable point of aim | Do not judge group size from a fuzzy thermal image alone; confirm impacts carefully. |
| Night practice | Fast target pickup | Works best when target contrast is obvious against the backer and surrounding ground. |
How to Set Up Thermal Targets
- Use a stable target backer so the aiming point does not move between shots.
- Check the target through the thermal before firing; if the aiming point blooms or washes out, adjust the setup.
- Record distance, magnification and environmental conditions because thermal visibility changes with weather.
- For precision work, pair the thermal target with a normal impact-confirmation method rather than relying only on the display.
Related Gear Guides
If you are building a night-shooting or long-range practice setup, also compare our Steiner H35 thermal scope guide, spotting scope guide and accuracy and precision guide.
FAQ
Do you need special targets for a thermal scope?
You need a target that creates enough thermal contrast for a clean aiming point. Standard paper can be hard to read through thermal, especially when the background temperature is similar.
Are thermal targets good for zeroing?
They can be useful for zeroing, but the target needs a repeatable point of aim. Confirm impacts carefully and avoid chasing a zero from a poor thermal image.
PRECISIONRIFLE