• Drop-Tree Paddle - 100MM Round Profile (8MM AR500)

Drop-Tree Paddle - 100MM Round Profile (8MM AR500)

$72.00
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100mm Drop-Tree Paddle – 8mm AR500 Armour Steel

Durable Drop Paddle Optimised for Alpha Drop-Tree Systems

The 100mm Drop-Tree Paddle is specifically engineered for optimal performance with the Alpha Drop-Tree target system. Constructed from robust 8mm AR500 armour steel, this paddle delivers superior impact resistance, longevity, and consistent flipping action compared to paddles made from AR450 or mild steel. Suitable for handgun calibres (.22LR to .45 ACP), light rifle calibres (.223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout), and shotgun calibres (.410 and 12 Gauge – birdshot or buckshot), it provides reliable feedback and enhanced durability.

Unlike Duelling Trees, where paddles flip side-to-side, Drop-Tree paddles descend vertically with each shot. This promotes better target tracking, consistent sight alignment, and eliminates reliance on recoil-riding techniques.

💡 Why Choose This Drop Paddle?
The 8mm AR500 paddle precisely matches the Alpha Drop-Tree’s 8mm AR500 armoured spine, providing a consistent armour rating across the system. This ensures reliable flipping performance, durability, and longevity across all compatible calibres.

📌 System Compatibility & Rating Information:

  • When used with the Alpha Drop-Tree (8mm AR500), this paddle aligns the entire system’s rating to AR500, ensuring maximum performance and lifespan.
  • All systems are rated according to their weakest component. If this AR500 paddle is used with the Cadet Drop-Tree (6mm AR450 armour), the entire system rating is downgraded to AR450, the weakest component.

📌 Recommendation for Centrefire Rifle Users:
Shooters regularly using centrefire rifles (.223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout) are advised to upgrade to our 10mm thick paddles. While 8mm AR500 paddles perform reliably, the higher impact energy of centrefire rifle rounds may require periodic replacement. If violent flipping is observed, it is recommended to either upgrade to heavier 10mm paddles or increase your shooting distance to reduce excessive paddle movement. Additionally, choosing our larger 150mm paddle in 8mm AR500 adds extra weight, further assisting in reducing violent actuation and resulting in smoother paddle operation.

Key Features:

✔ Designed Specifically for Alpha Drop-Tree Systems – Ideal compatibility with 8mm AR500 armoured systems.
✔ 8mm AR500 Armour Steel – Exceptional durability for handgun, shotgun, and light rifle calibres.
✔ Round 100mm Target Profile – Ensures consistent impact response and clear feedback.
✔ Optimised Vertical Drop Mechanics – Precision-engineered for smooth, reliable flipping action.
✔ Tool-Free Installation – Easy drop-in fitting for quick setup and replacement.
✔ Sold Individually – Available as single paddles for custom configurations and replacements.

Calibre Ratings & Shooting Distances:

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

🛑 Light Rifles (.223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK)
✔ Angled Targets: 40 metres+
✔ Vertical Targets: 60 metres+

🛑 Shotgun Calibres (.410, 12 Gauge – Birdshot & Buckshot)
✔ Angled (16° to 20°+): 25 metres+
✔ Vertical (Perpendicular): 30 metres+

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

📌 Velocity Considerations for Proper Actuation:

  • Although this paddle easily withstands .22LR and .17HMR impacts, these calibres often lack sufficient velocity and energy to reliably activate the paddle flipping mechanism.
  • Higher-velocity impacts may cause overly violent paddle flipping. If this occurs, increasing the shooting distance will help reduce impact force and allow for proper paddle flipping.
  • Calibres below the minimum velocity threshold may fail to actuate the paddle properly. Ensuring ammunition meets minimum velocity requirements is essential for reliable paddle function.

⚠ Important Notes:

  • 8mm AR500 paddles are NOT rated for magnum rifle calibres or ammunition outside recommended velocity ranges.
  • Subsonic rounds (below 1,100 fps) may fail to reliably activate paddle movement.
  • Regularly inspect paddles for pitting or deformation, especially when using higher-impact rifle calibres.

📌 For detailed safety guidelines, visit our Safety, Distance & Calibre Ratings page.

📌 Drop Paddles Sold Individually – Available only as single units.

📌 Alternative Paddle Size Available:
A larger 150mm round-profile paddle is available for shooters seeking an easier or more forgiving target size.

📌 Product Finish Note:
This paddle is supplied raw and uncoated. Images showing powder-coated finishes are for illustrative purposes only.

🔴 Image Note:
Photo shows a weight-reduced target body for reference only. This listing includes a full solid-body drop paddle with no weight-reduction porting.

🇦🇺 Proudly Made in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia