Cadet Drop-Tree - 22LR. Reactive Target System (Mild Steel)

$1,057.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

SKU: SPI-DRT-CAD-SYS-KIT-MS6

Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured – Mild Steel) – Reactive Training for .22LR 

with REACK X-BASE and Mild Steel Face Plate

The Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured – Mild Steel) is a budget-friendly reactive target system designed for .22LR shooters looking to improve speed, accuracy, and target transitions. Unlike a duelling tree, which flips paddles side to side, the Drop-Tree uses a tubular track system, allowing a single paddle to descend and flip with each shot, creating an engaging challenge for timed drills, competition, and personal skill development. Each hit drops the paddle lower while flipping to the opposite side, repeating for a total of 9 target positions before ejecting at the final shot.

Unlike a duelling tree, where some shooters attempt to "ride" the firearm's recoil upward to gain extra time by engaging paddles from bottom to top, the Drop-Tree forces the shooter to track the target downward as it descends with each shot. This eliminates any ability to use recoil as an advantage, making the challenge more consistent and ensuring the shooter stays engaged with proper sight tracking and target transitions.

Why Choose the Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured)?

Affordable & Effective – A budget-friendly reactive target system for .22LR shooters
Designed for Training & Competition – Helps shooters develop faster transitions & accuracy
9-Position Drop & Flip MechanismCreates a progressive challenge with each shot
Eliminates Recoil Riding TacticsForces shooters to track downward for realistic engagement
Includes REACK X-BASEStable, collapsible stand included for easy setup
Works With Multiple Paddle OptionsChoose from mild steel or AR450 paddles

The system is ideal for semi-auto handgun training, as it pairs perfectly with a 10-round magazine for seamless reload transitions. The Drop-Tree is mounted to the REACK X-BASE, a stable and collapsible stand designed for quick deployment and portability.

📌 Designed for .22LR Handgun & Rifle Training – Perfect for improving speed & transitions
📌 9-Position Drop-Tree Paddle System – Each shot lowers the paddle & flips it to the other side
📌 Precision Laser-Cut Tubular Track System – Ensures smooth and consistent paddle movement
📌 Forces the Shooter to Follow Target Movement – No advantage gained by riding recoil upward
📌 Budget-Friendly Entry Model – Constructed from premium mild steel
📌 Includes REACK X-BASE – Portable, collapsible stand for easy setup & stability
📌 Spine & Track Are Black Powder-Coated for Durability – All hardware is zinc-plated or stainless steel

This listing includes the REACK X-BASE with Mild Steel Face Plate – (No paddles are included)

The REACK X-BASE is included with the Cadet Drop-Tree, providing a stable and collapsible foundation for quick deployment and portability.

Quick-Deploy System – Fast setup & takedown using quick-release pins
Heavy-Duty Load Capacity – Secure & stable mounting for the Drop-Tree
Lock-In Floor Plate – Ensures proper lean angle for consistent performance
Multi-System Compatibility – Works with the DT-Cadet, DT-Alpha, & Drop-Tree Systems

📌 No additional hardware needed – REACK X-BASE is included (includes mild steel base cover plate)

Calibre Ratings & Shooting Distances – Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured – Mild Steel)

🛑 .22LR ONLY (Air/CO₂ .177, .22 & .22LR Suitable)
🔹 Angled (17° to 20°+) Targets: 25 metres+
🔹 Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 metres+
🔹 Maximum Velocity: 1,200 fps at impact
🔹 Minimum Velocity: 800 fps at impact (not applicable to air guns)

📌 Not rated for centrefire calibres or magnum rimfire rounds
📌 Rounds below 1,100 fps may not reliably activate the moving paddle
📌 Rounds slower than 500 fps may not fragment properly, increasing ricochet risk

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

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

100mm Round Profile – 6mm Mild SteelBudget-friendly option for .22LR shooters. Works in all Drop-Trees but wears faster than AR450 paddles. Ideal for casual shooting and training, but expect more frequent replacements due to mild steel's lower durability.

100mm Round Profile – 6mm AR450Increased durability for high-volume use. Rated for .22LR, .17 HMR, and .22 Magnum, allowing closer target engagement than mild steel. When used with the unarmoured Drop-Tree, the system remains limited to mild steel ratings.

📌 AR450 paddles last significantly longer than mild steel paddles when shooting .22LR. Since the paddle absorbs direct impacts while the spine only gets hit when the shooter misses, an AR450 paddle will increase the lifespan of your setup while keeping the same overall rating.

📌 Both options work with the Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured), but the target system will always be rated to its weakest component—mild steel. If using AR450 paddles for increased durability, the mild steel spine is still the limiting factor. If you plan to shoot higher-rated rimfire calibres regularly, we strongly recommend upgrading to the Cadet Drop-Tree Armoured version for better performance, longevity, and safety.

📌 Paddles Sold Separately – To purchase paddles, visit the [Steel Gongs, Paddles & Target Plate Profiles page].

📸 Photo Disclaimer: Images may show additional components for reference. This listing is for the Cadet Drop-Tree System with REACK X-BASE – Drop-Tree paddles are sold separately.

🇦🇺 Proudly Made in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia


Maintenance & Track Longevity

Although the Drop-Tree track tube is fully protected behind the spine and never takes direct hits, the spine and track system can experience wear over time due to the paddle riding down the track with repeated use. To extend the lifespan and ensure smooth operation:

Lubricate the track periodically using WD-40, Goss Lube, INOX Lube, or a similar dry-type lubricant. Avoid grease-based lubricants that can accumulate dirt, dust, or lead powder, which may cause the paddle to stick or function inconsistently.
Monitor the reset stop position. Over time, a small indentation cavity may form at the reset position where the target lands.
If a noticeable ledge develops, file down the hook-like section that forms at the stop point. This ensures a smooth, rounded surface for proper paddle actuation.
If left unchecked, this ledge can cause the paddle to hang up or fail to rotate properly, getting stuck on a stop/reset point.
After prolonged use, excessive filing may round off the stop point too much, preventing the paddle from stopping correctly. When this occurs, the paddle may automatically advance past the intended stop/reset position and drop to the next position prematurely.
If all stop points become too rounded and the paddle no longer stops at each intended position, the spine assembly will need replacement due to general wear.
As the target wears in, the powder coat on the track may chip away. This is normal and part of the break-in process. During the wear-in period, the paddle may occasionally get stuck due to partially chipped-off powder coating. This is temporary and will reduce as the system wears in over time.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can extend the lifespan of your Drop-Tree and keep it functioning smoothly for years to come.