Cadet Armoured Drop-Tree - Rimfire Reactive Target System (AR450)

Cadet Drop-Tree (Armoured – AR450) – Reactive Training for .22LR, .22 Magnum & .17 HMR

The Cadet Drop-Tree (Armoured – AR450) is an upgraded version of the original mild steel Cadet Drop-Tree, featuring an incorporated 6mm AR450 armour plate spine for enhanced durability, safer splatter control, and the ability to engage targets at closer distances. This system is designed for .22LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR shooters looking to improve speed, accuracy, and target transitions with a reactive target that forces precise tracking and rapid engagement.

Unlike a duelling tree, which flips paddles side to side, the Drop-Tree uses a tubular track system that allows a single paddle to descend and flip with each shot. Each hit drops the paddle lower while flipping it to the opposite side, repeating for a total of 9 target positions before ejecting on 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 (Armoured)?

✔ Fully Armoured AR450 Spine – Integrated 6mm AR450 armour plate for increased durability & impact resistance
✔ Closer Target Engagement – Allows shooting at shorter distances compared to mild steel versions
✔ 9-Position Drop & Flip Mechanism – Creates a progressive challenge with each shot
✔ Eliminates Recoil Riding Tactics – Forces shooters to track downward for proper engagement
✔ Works With Multiple Paddle Options – Best paired with 6mm AR450 paddles for optimal performance
✔ Includes REACK X-BASE – Stable, collapsible stand included for easy setup & portability

📌 For .22LR, .22 Magnum, & .17 HMR – Not rated for centrefire calibres
📌 Spine & Track Are Black Powder-Coated for Durability – All hardware is zinc-plated or stainless steel

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

✔ 100mm Round Profile – 6mm Mild Steel

• Budget-friendly paddle for .22LR shooters
• Works in all Drop-Trees but wears faster than AR450 paddles
• If using .22 Magnum or .17 HMR, we strongly recommend upgrading to AR450 paddles

✔ 100mm Round Profile – 6mm AR450

• Best option for this system!
• Increased durability for high-volume shooting
• Rated for .22LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR, allowing closer target engagement than mild steel paddles

📌 Using 6mm AR450 paddles extends system lifespan significantly while keeping the calibre rating consistent with the armoured spine
📌 If using 6mm mild steel paddles, the system is limited to the weakest component—mild steel
📌 For best results, we recommend pairing the Cadet Drop-Tree (Armoured) with 6mm AR450 paddles
📌 Paddles Sold Separately – To purchase paddles, visit 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 a reinforced X-shaped leg design, this base offers maximum stability, quick setup, and secure target attachment, making it the ideal foundation for the Cadet Drop-Tree (Armoured).

📌 This listing includes the REACK X-BASE – No paddles are included
📌 Quick-Deploy System – Fast setup and 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

Calibre Ratings & Shooting Distances – Cadet Drop-Tree (Armoured – AR450)

🛑 Handgun Calibres (.22LR, .22 Magnum, .17 HMR)
✔ Angled Targets (16° to 20°+): 10 metres+
✔ Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 metres+

🛑 Rifle Calibres (.22LR, .22 Magnum, .17 HMR)
✔ Angled Targets: 25 metres+
✔ Vertical Targets: 50 metres+

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

🛑 Velocity & Energy Ratings
✔ Maximum Energy: 300 ft-lbs.
✔ Maximum Velocity: 2,650 fps at impact
✔ Minimum Velocity: 700 fps at impact

📌 Not rated for higher calibres or high/lower-velocity ammunition
📌 Rounds below 1,100 fps may not reliably activate the moving paddle
📌 Rounds slower than 500 fps may not fragment properly, increasing ricochet risk

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.

📸 Photo Disclaimer: Images may show additional components for reference. This listing is for the Cadet Drop-Tree (Armoured – AR450) with REACK X-BASE – Drop-Tree paddles are sold separately.

🇦🇺 Proudly Made in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia