Description
The Falling Tree VS a Standard Dueling Tree:
Many folks wonder about the difference between our Falling Tree and “normal” Dueling Trees, and it really comes down to how the paddle interacts with the impacts of your bullets. A Typical Dueling Tree will have multiple steel paddles positioned over top of one another, whereas our Falling Tree has a single paddle. This single paddle, when struck with a solid hit, will rotate and drop with each hit. This forces shooters to pay close attention to what their round has done. It also stresses successful recoil management. Poor fundamentals will result in a frustrating experience, which is good! This target system forces shooters to be honest and accountable.
Why Choose this over a Dueling Tree?
The Falling Tree stresses many fundamentals that a Dueling Tree simply cannot. This is especially true when you purchase our Double Falling Tree. It adds a new level of excitement in a system that you won’t find anywhere else. The simple, robust design means it is reliable and durable and can stand even the rigors of competitive use. If you want to train solo, grab a single Falling Tree. For multiple shooters or to race, grab the double version. Read the specs section for all the details on this epic system.
| Base Type |
20″ Round Base |
| Steel Grade |
3/8″ AR550 Paddle |
| Assembly |
Fast, Tool-Less Assembly |
| Adjustable Lean? |
No. Fixed upright position |
| Upright Construction |
CNC Laser Cut track, 1/4″ AR500 Deflector Shields |
| Approximate Height |
72″ |
| Paddle Width |
6″ |
| Uses |
Competition, Training, Transitions, Shooting and Moving |
| Finish |
Painted |
- Pistol Use (9mm, .40, .45) 10 yards minimum
- Rifle Use: (Rifle Falling Tree ONLY): Up to .223/5.56 NATO & .300 Blackout 50 Yards Minimum
- Deflector shield/upright is 1/4″ AR500 and is designed to handle occasional stray rifle rounds
- Approximate weight is 75 pounds assembled
- Ships in multiple boxes
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.) Is the Falling Tree Rifle Rated? Answer: It is light carbine rated. This system was NOT designed for heavy rifle calibers as the impacts from heavy rifle calibers is extremely violent on the system. This system was only meant for light rifles like .223/5.56 NATO, 300 BLK, 5.45×39, and 7.62×39.
2.) Can I shoot 308 at distances further than 100 yards? Answer: Technically, yes. If you shoot a 308 at further distances, it CAN work with this system. However, you would need to walk all the way down range to reset the paddle. This system wasn’t designed with long range shooting in mind. If you want to shoot a reactive tree at distance, consider our Rifle Dueling Tree HERE.
3.) Are there multiple sizes of 3/8″ AR550 paddles? Answer: No. We only offer the 6″ diameter target paddle. We experimented with quite a few variations and they simply were not as reliable as the 6″ diameter paddle.
4.) What sort of maintenance can be expected with this system? Answer: we recommend keeping the system free of rust and touched up with our touch up paint. Other than that simply enjoy it and use it to train with purpose.
5.) How tall is the system? Answer: The Falling Tree stands approximately 72″ tall from base to top.
6.) How many drops total are there? Answer: There are 8 total drops. If you install the paddle INCORRECTLY, the leg will stick above the shield and you will have 9 drops. It will hang up on the first shot if installed incorrectly. We have seen this done a few times so be sure you are installing the paddle correctly. If you have questions, look at our pictures on this page and the manual included with your order.
7.) Where are these products produced? Answer: We produce our products in Lancaster County PA. We oversee every step of the process, QC, production, packaging, and shipping. From start to finish, TA Targets is manufacturing high quality systems for hard use. Our owners own the machinery, facility, equipment, etc. We have invested heavily in newer specialty equipment to further streamline our processes and increase quality even further.
8.) Is the Armor Plating on the targets US material? Answer: No. The “armor” we use for the strike plates (actual target impact plates) is made from a proprietary material that is manufactured in Sweden. this is the best material we have found in the world. We were largely dissatisfied with the QC of American made strike plates and had too many issues with quality control. Eventually we hope a US manufacturer creates a material that is as available and as stringent as our Swedish plate. For now, this is the best material to service our customers. US Manufactured AR500 and AR550 is used in areas that are NOT main strike plates. Some examples of this are the Rifle Dueling Tree Shields, Plate Rack Shields, Arachnid front shield and hostage brackets.
9.) Where does the rest of the steel come from? Answer: Traditionally all other steel used in our systems is US origin. During the “covid pandemic” the supply chain has experienced extreme pressures. Under some circumstances some of our tube steel and angle had to be purchased from Canadian raw materials. We do our absolute best to minimize this, not because of quality concerns, but because we deeply desire to produce our products from US steel. We will not use Chinese steel plate, angles, or tubes. Rest assured.
Andrew –
A MUST HAVE!!!!
The falling tree is a must have for any range. It’s made from the highest quality steel and is durable enough for many thousands of rounds. The motion of the falling plate really demands you manage recoil and stay on your sights. It functions both as a stand alone drill or can easily be incorporated into other drills to work those rapid target transitions. Since the plate spins and falls it will really push your shooting to a higher level. Buy one and you absolutely will not regret it!!!
James –
Premium Quality Product!
“I’ve only had time to shoot the falling tree once so far but the overall quality of the product is excellent. The fit and finish is high quality. This product is produced and assembled with a great attention to detail. Detail that I appreciate.
I’ve already placed my second order for some A-DAP targets!”
David Addorisio –
Fun and Challenging
This is a very fun challenging target. The design is great. I’ve used it to race and also as a set up to include in various drills. It’s nice because it’s always changing direction and height.
Andrew –
Great to change things up
The falling tree works amazing, is tons of fun to shoot and has held up well so far. Paired with a shot timer it makes for a fun change up from the normal drills.
Heather –
Pistol Falling Tree
Great quality target. Purchased as a gift for my boyfriend and he loves it. I also got an additional paddle that makes it even more fun; we added it about half-way down, flipped to the opposite direction and it makes this even more challenging. The design is great and the quality steel and manufacturing is outstanding.
Logan –
Quality and loads of fun!
After much research on dueling trees and falling trees, I decided to give the TA Targets falling tree a try. It did not disappoint. Very well designed and it operates flawlessly. We bought two, so we can compete head to head on the range and everyone loves the competition and the thrill of moving the paddles until they hit the ground. Thanks for making such outstanding products!!
Shawn –
Pistol falling tree target
“Great practice target – great quality. 9mm and 45 acp works well with this target. Delivery was awsome showed up the next day!
Bang – Ding !! Can beat shooting steel.”