Alpha Armoured Drop-Tree Spine Kit Only (Centrefire - 8mm AR500)

Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500) Spine Kit

Replacement Spine for Existing REACK X-BASE Systems

The Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500) Spine Kit is a replacement spine for the Alpha Drop-Tree System or an upgrade option for shooters who already own a REACK X-BASE. If you have a duelling tree system or any other target setup that utilises the REACK X-BASE, you can swap out the spine to convert it into a Drop-Tree target system with 8mm AR500 armour protection, ensuring maximum durability and longevity under high-impact shooting conditions.

📌 Spine Only – Does Not Include REACK X-BASE or Target Paddles
📌 Drop-In Compatibility – Works with existing REACK X-BASE systems
📌 Convert Your Existing Target Setup – Swap your duelling tree spine for a Drop-Tree system
📌 9-Position Drop & Flip Mechanism – Ensures smooth and consistent paddle movement
📌 Black Powder-Coated for Durability – All hardware is zinc-plated or stainless steel

What is the Alpha Drop-Tree?

The Alpha Drop-Tree is a reactive target system designed for handgun, light rifle, and shotgun shooters. Unlike a duelling tree, where paddles flip side to side, the Drop-Tree system tracks downward, forcing shooters to engage each target in sequence. Each shot drops and flips a single paddle downward while moving it to the opposite side. This process continues through nine positions, culminating in an ejection on the final shot, creating an engaging and challenging shooting experience.

Unlike a duelling tree, where some shooters attempt to "ride" recoil upward for an advantage, the Drop-Tree forces the shooter to track downward, eliminating any ability to use recoil to manipulate engagement timing. This ensures consistent skill development, reinforcing proper sight tracking and target transitions without shortcuts.

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 maximum durability, ideal for shooters using light rifles
  📌 Lighter centrefire handgun calibres (e.g., 9mm at extended distances, subsonic rounds) may not reliably actuate heavier 10mm paddles. For these applications, use 8mm paddles.

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

• Optimised for rimfire calibres (.22LR, .22 Magnum, .17 HMR)
• Weight-reduced for reliable actuation

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

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

📌 Important Paddle Selection Notes:

• 6mm paddles (Mild Steel & AR450) are weight-reduced for reliable actuation with rimfire calibres.
• 8mm & 10mm paddles will not actuate properly with rimfire calibres due to insufficient energy.
• Using mild steel paddles limits durability to mild steel performance; AR450 paddles offer improved longevity.
• For best performance and durability, use 8mm or 10mm AR500 paddles with centrefire calibres.

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

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

Maintenance & Track Longevity

While the Drop-Tree track system is fully protected behind the armoured spine, 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 buildup. 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 Spine Kit will continue to deliver reliable function and longevity, even under high-volume shooting conditions.

📸 Photo Disclaimer: Images may show additional components for reference. This listing is for the Alpha Drop-Tree (Armoured – 8mm AR500) Spine Kit only – REACK X-BASE and paddles sold separately.

🇦🇺 Proudly Made in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia