Breakdown Target Base

• May 8, 2023
• By Jared Daub

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?

The Breakdown Target Base was a labor of love that took us nearly two years to complete. So you are probably asking: Why did we make the change? The answer is simple, and complex. I’ll explain.

Base history of TA Targets:

Gen 1 bases went into production in 2015. These bases were the start of our company, and we ran with them ever since. They featured a rolled angle with welded cross bars, welded 2X4 tube, and welded paper holders. There is one thing that remains true: That base was nearly indestructible. Our customers have used and abused these bases since 2015. It is a PROVEN design.

But it lacked in a few key areas.

The original 20″ bases were not serviceable. If a low impact occurred, the base could not be rebuilt.

Welding the base together proved to be an extremely durable method of assembly. The downside is serviceability. If you experience a low round impact on your 2X4 tube or paper holders, you can’t really fix it. Now, we did release paper holder maintenance kits for these Gen 1 welded bases, but you probably get my point. Unless you have a grinder and welder and have access to steel, you can’t really fix the Gen 1 and Gen 2 20″ bases.

The only real recourse is to purchase a new 20″ base. At the end of 2022 we launched the Gen 2 20″ bases which were a step in the right direction. This was a stepping stone towards the breakdown base, but still maintaining MOST of the key aspects of the Gen 1. The Gen 2 featured replaceable paper holders, which was a huge step in the right direction. The paper holders were the most prone to being accidentally damaged. Making them serviceable is a huge value to our customers.

Even with these improvements, we knew that there was a better way to do bases. About 2 years ago we began the concept we now call the “breakdown Base”.

The Breakdown Base is a combination of years of actual hard use and a maturing of manufacturing processes.

You might be already asking: why didn’t we do the breakdown base sooner? This answer is a bit complex. When you are creating products, you don’t always have ALL the data right away. You need to take time to gather real data. It takes years for recurring themes to develop. To put it simply: You don’t know what you don’t know. Over the last 7 years we have listened to customers, gathered their feedback, and combined it with our own experiences.

Manufacturing products is also complex. In 2015 we didn’t have the knowledge and processes we have today. Our business has matured! We have learned a TON over the last 7+ years, and we are now able to apply this knowledge into the manufacturing process. While it might seem like the Breakdown Base should have been obvious right at the beginning, it wouldn’t have been possible without the last 7 years of real data.

Key benefits and features of this target stand.

The largest benefit of the Breakdown Target Base is the fact that it is completely user serviceable. EVERY component can be replaced. If our customers make a mistake and shoot their stand, they can log onto our site and order replacement parts fast. The base is also more cost effective to produce, which means our customers are getting more value for their dollar as well. The design is expandable and intuitive. We have a host of accessories for the Breakdown Target Base that enable it to become more than just target stand. This is a foundational piece of gear for every range training day.

Highly refined production processes.

Each component of the BDB is laser cut and CNC formed. This means the first one and the 10,000th one will be the same. They will interface. They are compatible. Future accessories and replaceable parts will work properly. This is the absolute most refined product we have ever offered. We have matured our processes to allow us to offer a legendary product. We also desire for our products to look professional. They need to be appealing to the eye. We take great care to make functional products that our customers are proud to purchase and use on their ranges. No rusted junk metal. Every piece is precision formed and machined and finished with an elegant powder coat finish. Because it matters.

Built to be expanded for years to come, forward thinking.

This new stand is being offered first in a single version. This base is compatible with the following target systems right away:

• Reduced C Zone A-DAP system (3/8″ or 1/2″)
• C Zone A-DAP system (3/8″ or 1/2″)
• Mini Vital Zone System
• Vital Zone System
• Falling Tree

Future components will be released to update ALL systems in our lineup to variations of this base. So rest assured: the stand you purchase today, can be expanded into whatever you need down the road. Did we mention the premise of its design is forward thinking?

Portability was another focus of this design.

We wanted to see our customers taking up LESS space in their vehicles. This stand can be broken down and packed into the most efficient footprint of any of our bases to date. We also created a carry bag (available in limited drops) that can contain a single base, top bracket, Mini A-DAP (reduced C Zone) plate and 2×4 board. All in one simple US made bag. We are confident that all the benefits and features of this stand will make it an obvious choice for everyone. Whether you shoot just cardboard, or you shoot steel targets: the Breakdown Base is built for you.

To learn more about this base, watch the full video below:

You can find this new target base HERE.

Instruction manual can be found HERE.