Which dueling tree target to get?

[midvalleyshooter]

Hi All,

I want to buy a six paddle dueling tree target. I want a portable one so I can take it to different locations I have access to.

Can anyone who has experience with dueling tree targets chime in and name the maker and speak to the pros and cons? Also the approximate weight would be good to know. As well as the diameter of the target plates.

Thanks in advance,
Keith

[IVC]

"Portable" is a relative term. The issue you'll run into is that the good quality is heavy and there is no way around it. You need thickness and protection of the hinges. Dueling trees by their nature are not very portable since plates must be attached rigidly and hinges must be better than on most similar contraptions in order to allow smooth swinging from side to side.

I like MGM targets and have a few, but not their "hinged" version. If you look at the weights, you get the idea why. Here's their dueling trees page, likely not what you're looking for, but it will give you a good reference point when you compare alternatives.

[IVC]

As for the plate size, I would start with the USPSA standards for distances - 23 feet minimum with 26 feet fault lines, then decide on the plate size based on the anticipated distance. The standard plate size is 6".

MGM suggests minimum 15 yards for their 6" plates, which is not a bad general-public recommendation. But as the distance increases, the plates get smaller quickly. When you move from 23 to 45 feet you practically exactly halve the linear size of the target, giving you one quarter of the area.

You'll have to pick a size that will match the skill of anticipated participants.

[MyOdessa]

There are different targets for centerfire and rimfire. You need to specify up to which caliber you plan to use them.

I use couple Action Target Rimfire Dueling Trees, 1/4" AR500, 6 - 4" paddles set at 15' and 25' for .22 LR only. Bought couple from OpticsPlanet for @$170 shipped.

For centerfire I prefer full size IPSC silhouette, I use ShootingTargets7 3/8" AR500 zinc plated, set at the same 15' and 25' distance. I paint them over then just touch up what has been shot away. I bought a few with cap and base for @$250 with discounts, shipped. These silhouettes also good for rifles, as long as you have distance and calculate energy/velocity at target, so they don't get pitted.

Over the years I bought from ST7 gongs, KYL and some other targets for handguns and rifles, good prices and quality. I really like these targets and had 0 issues over years and thousands of rounds.

P.S. Prices are for each target shipped.

[RTE]

I bought the 6-4" plates and made the rest.
The plates are 3/16" thick
Shipping was outrageous on the long piece of metal so it's better to buy local.
IF you can build one start by ordering the plates you want for the caliber you intend to shoot.
Any type base will work and lean the tower forward about 15 degrees it helps with the target swing and reset.
I included a few pictures, this steel I had laying around from other projects.
What's with the left leaning pictures? I'd figure Calguns to lean more to the right.

[JustDynamicsLLC]

I have had years of use of my Salute targets armored dueling tree. I believe Salute targets went under.

[ar15robert]

If you have any welding skills you can make your own.Years ago i bought the targets and made my own stand used 1/4 inch angle iron and welded the target holders in place.

Forgot the angle you are to have the angle iron leaning foward think 15 degrees as it helps the targets flip around easier and not get stuck half way back.Heavier calibers will definitely show their force when they hit and will find a weakness really fast.

[BrokerB]

Yep, angle iron and a welder. Used my buddies for many years eith 9mm amd 38splc. Dam fun.

$1,100 FOR A dueling tree?? Dam

[L84CABO]

I want to know why somebody doesn't build one that can be mounted vertically (dueling tree) and/or horizontally (plate rack). Because it's the same basic functionality. And it would be awesome to have the option.

[ar15robert]

I want to know why somebody doesn't build one that can be mounted vertically (dueling tree) and/or horizontally (plate rack). Because it's the same basic functionality. And it would be awesome to have the option.

Pretty quick simple answer a vertical dueling tree needs to be leaning foward 7-10 degrees to make plates flip either way when hit to avoid hanging up. Best to just have one of each of you want that option

[Corbin Dallas]

If you have the scratch, this is the best tree I've ever seen because you 100% must be accurate.

https://tatargets.com/product/falling-tree-target/

You'll need two to duel with a friend or you can buy the dual version:

https://tatargets.com/product/double-falling-tree-target/

[Strafer]

I've got the hang fast rimfire and it's great.

https://hangfasttargets.com/steel-targets/dueling-tree-6-plate/

Also have a very heavy duty commercially made 6 paddle tree w AR550 paddles, but I don't recall the maker. I attached a couple pics of a paddle and the mount. IIRC, the three notches on the paddle indicate AR550.

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[S2K ON 2]

I just tried this one this past weekend.



You can take it all down and it fits in a supplied rifle case. Not sure how long that case will last due to the weight, but it does make it convenient to carry.

Shot it enough that all the yellow paint was gone. Plates and rack were all good.

For the price, I'd say it's worth it.

[sumdood]

I have this same one. No tools required to assemble or disassemble

[TrailerparkTrash]

Yep, angle iron and a welder. Used my buddies for many years eith 9mm amd 38splc. Dam fun.

$1,100 FOR A dueling tree?? Dam

Same here. I have my own custom metal shop at home and I made my own steel targets, including a Texas star and a dueling tree and some others.

But $1,100 is about right for the price. Steel ismt cheap any longer and neither is the labor.