Alpha Armoured Drop-Tree -Centrefire (8MM AR500)

Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500)

Reactive Drop-Tree for Handgun, Light Rifle & Shotgun

The Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500) is a precision-engineered reactive target system designed for dynamic shooting practice, competition drills, and serious training. Unlike traditional duelling trees, where paddles flip side to side, the Drop-Tree system forces shooters to track downward, engaging multiple rapid shots with precision.

Featuring a precision laser-cut track, each successful shot descends the singular target paddle downward while flipping it to the opposite side. This continues through nine target positions, culminating in an ejection on the final shot. This unique design eliminates recoil riding tactics—where shooters attempt to use firearm recoil to gain extra time by engaging paddles from bottom to top—requiring deliberate sight alignment, controlled transitions, and precise follow-through. The result is a more consistent challenge, reinforcing proper shooting mechanics and eliminating shortcuts or poor shooting habits.

Built for enhanced longevity compared to the Cadet Drop-Tree, the Alpha Drop-Tree features an 8mm AR500 armour plate spine for maximum impact resistance. Designed with a forward lean, it safely deflects bullet fragments downward, enhancing safety and durability. The included REACK X-BASE is stable, collapsible, quick to deploy, and specifically balanced for secure target mounting. The system pairs perfectly with semi-auto handguns, particularly those using 10-round magazines, allowing seamless reload transitions.

Why Choose the Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured)?

✔ 8mm AR500 Armour Plate Spine – Maximum durability and high-impact resistance
✔ 9-Position Drop & Flip Mechanism – Forces precise tracking and engagement
✔ Eliminates Recoil Riding Tactics – Requires consistent downward tracking
✔ Includes REACK X-BASE – Stable, collapsible stand for portability & quick deployment
✔ Built-In Forward Lean – Enhances safety by deflecting fragments downward
✔ Compatible with Multiple Paddle Options – Supports 6mm Mild Steel, 6mm AR450 (weight-reduced), 8mm & 10mm AR500 paddles
✔ Black Powder-Coated Finish – Enhanced weather resistance and durability

📌 This listing includes the REACK X-BASE – paddles are sold separately.
📌 Spine & track are black powder-coated – All hardware zinc-plated or stainless steel.

Drop-Tree Paddle Options – Choosing the Right Paddle for Your Setup

✔ 100mm & 150mm Round – 8mm AR500

• Ideal for handgun, light rifle, and shotgun calibres
• Offers excellent durability for frequent high-impact shooting

✔ 100mm & 150mm Round – 10mm AR500

• Extra-heavy paddles for high-volume shooting
• Recommended for extreme durability and ideal for shooters primarily using light rifles
  📌 Note: Lighter centrefire handgun calibres (e.g., 9mm at extended distances, subsonic rounds) may not reliably actuate heavier 10mm paddles due to lower energy impacts. For these applications, use 8mm paddles for optimal performance.

✔ 100mm Round – 6mm AR450 (Weight-Reduced)

• Specifically weight-reduced for reliable actuation with rimfire calibres (.22LR, .22 Magnum, .17 HMR)
• Optimised for longevity and performance

✔ 100mm Round – 6mm Mild Steel (Weight-Reduced)

• Budget-friendly option specifically for .22LR
• Not rated for .22 Magnum or .17 HMR due to increased wear

📌 Important Paddle Selection Notes:

• 6mm paddles (Mild Steel & AR450) are specifically weight-reduced to actuate reliably with rimfire calibres.
• 8mm & 10mm paddles will not actuate properly when used with rimfire calibres (.22LR, .22 Magnum, .17 HMR) due to insufficient energy.
• Using mild steel paddles limits durability to mild steel performance; AR450 paddles provide improved longevity.
• For best performance and longevity with centrefire calibres, use 8mm or 10mm AR500 paddles.

📌 Paddles Sold Separately – Purchase paddles from the Steel Gongs, Paddles & Target Plate Profiles page.

Includes REACK X-BASE – Heavy-Duty Reactive Target Stand

A fully collapsible, quick-deploy stand designed to support reactive target systems, including duelling trees and drop-trees. Featuring reinforced X-shaped legs, this base offers maximum stability, exceptional balance, rapid setup, and secure target attachment, making it the ideal foundation for the Alpha Drop-Tree.

📌 This listing includes the REACK X-BASE – No paddles included.
📌 Quick-Deploy System – Easy setup using quick-release pins
📌 Heavy-Duty Load Capacity – Provides exceptional stability
📌 Lock-In Floor Plate – Ensures correct lean angle for consistent function
📌 Stable & Well-Balanced Platform – Engineered for smooth operation & minimal unintended movement
📌 Multi-System Compatibility – Works seamlessly with:

• DT-Cadet Duelling Tree
• DT-Alpha Duelling Tree
• Cadet Drop-Tree
• Cadet Armoured Drop-Tree
• Alpha Drop-Tree

Recommendation for Centrefire Rifle Users

For shooters primarily using centrefire rifle calibres (.223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout), we strongly recommend upgrading to heavier 10mm AR500 paddles for optimal performance and durability.

•  Standard 8mm paddles will perform reliably but may experience accelerated wear due to higher impact energies, especially at shorter shooting distances.
•  Heavier 10mm paddles reduce aggressive paddle actuation, ensuring smoother operation and minimising unintended spine movement.
• If you experience overly violent paddle actuation with 8mm paddles, either increase your shooting distance or upgrade to heavier 10mm paddles to enhance performance and target system longevity.

Calibre Ratings & Shooting Distances – Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500)

🛑 Handgun Calibres (.22LR to .45 ACP)
✔ Angled Targets (16° to 20°+): 10 metres+
✔ Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 15 metres+

🛑 Light Rifles (.223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout)
✔ Angled Targets: 30 metres+
✔ Vertical Targets: 50 metres+

🛑 Shotgun Calibres (.410, 12 Gauge – Birdshot & Buckshot Only)
✔ Angled Targets (16° to 20°+): 15 metres+
✔ Vertical Targets: 20 metres+

🛑 Velocity & Energy Ratings
✔ Maximum Energy: 1,500 ft-lbs
✔ Maximum Velocity: 2,750 fps at impact
✔ Minimum Velocity: 750 fps at impact

📌 Rounds below 1,100 fps may not reliably activate paddles
📌 Not rated for magnum rifle calibres or high-velocity ammunition
📌 Regularly check for target pitting or deformation when using light rifles
📌 Lighter handgun calibres at extended distances may not reliably actuate heavier 10mm paddles due to insufficient impact force

📌 For full calibre ratings, visit our [Safety, Distance & Calibre Ratings page]

📌 Recommendation for Centrefire Rifle Users:
For shooters primarily using centrefire rifle calibres (.223 Rem, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout), we strongly recommend upgrading to heavier 10mm AR500 paddles for optimal performance and durability. Standard 8mm paddles will perform reliably but may experience accelerated wear due to higher impact energies, especially at shorter shooting distances.

Heavier 10mm paddles reduce aggressive paddle actuation, ensuring smoother operation and minimising unintended spine movement. If you experience overly violent paddle actuation with 8mm paddles, either increase your shooting distance or upgrade to heavier 10mm paddles to enhance performance and target system longevity.

📸 Photo Disclaimer: Images may show additional accessories for reference, but this listing is for the Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500) with REACK X-BASE only. Flip paddles and optional accessories are sold separately.

Maintenance & Track Longevity

While the track is fully shielded by the armoured spine and does not take direct impacts, periodic maintenance ensures smooth and consistent operation:

✔ Lubrication – Apply dry lubricants such as WD-40, INOX, or Goss Lube to reduce friction and prevent debris build-up. Avoid grease-based lubricants as they attract dust and grit.
✔ Inspection & Smoothing – Check reset stop positions periodically and lightly file any small indentations or burrs to maintain paddle movement consistency.
✔ Spine & Track Wear – Over time, repeated impacts may cause minor wear to stop points. If stop positions become excessively rounded, consider replacing the spine assembly for optimal performance.
✔ Powder Coat Chipping – Initial chipping at friction points is normal during break-in and will stabilise with continued use. This does not affect performance.

By following these maintenance steps, your Alpha Drop-Tree will continue to deliver reliable function and longevity, even under high-volume shooting conditions.