6-Target Dueling Tree | AR500 Reactive Steel Target

The 6-Target AR500 Dueling Tree is built for shooters who want fast, reactive feedback and the option to compete. Run solo accuracy drills, work on target transitions or set up a head-to-head match. Hit a paddle and it flips to the other side, giving both the shooter and a competitor instant visual confirmation on every shot. Six targets, no downrange trips, no interruptions.

Each of the six 6" paddles is CNC laser-cut from 3/8" AR500 steel for clean edges and long service life. The 61" front deflector plate is 1/4" AR400 steel, also CNC laser-cut, and keeps splash directed safely away from the shooter and bystanders. At 98 lbs the system is heavy enough to stay planted through high-volume pistol sessions without shifting. Assembly requires nothing more than two 3/4" wrenches and the modular design keeps maintenance and part replacement straightforward. Proudly manufactured in the United States.

Rated for centerfire handguns under 1,500 fps muzzle velocity and 500 ft-lbs impact energy at 10 yards minimum. This is a handgun target. Rifle use is not recommended.

What's Included

• (6) 6" paddle targets, 3/8" AR500, CNC laser-cut
• (1) 61" deflector plate, 1/4" AR400, CNC laser-cut
• (1) 41.5" x 34.5" base
• Weight: 125lbs
• Not included: Paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances and ratings:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Maximum rated muzzle velocity: 1,500 fps
• Maximum rated impact energy: 500 ft-lbs
• Rifle use is not recommended

Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect all paddles, the deflector plate and the base before every session. Replace any component that shows cratering, severe pitting or structural damage. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health.

FAQs

How does a dueling tree work?
A dueling tree presents three paddles on each side of a center post. Each hit flips the struck paddle to the opposite side, transferring it to your opponent's column. In a head-to-head match, the goal is to flip all six paddles to your opponent's side before they do the same to you. Solo shooters use it to practice target transitions and speed drills by working through all six paddles as fast and accurately as possible.

What calibers is this target rated for?
Centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum, with a maximum rated muzzle velocity of 1,500 fps and maximum rated impact energy of 500 ft-lbs. This covers the full range of common pistol cartridges including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum within those energy limits. Rifle use is not recommended.

Why is rifle use not recommended?
The dueling tree is engineered for pistol-velocity impact energy. Rifle rounds deliver significantly higher impact energy and muzzle velocity than the 500 ft-lbs and 1,500 fps ratings of this system. Shooting it with rifle cartridges risks damaging the paddles, hardware and deflector plate and creates unsafe splash conditions.

What does the deflector plate do?
The 61" tall 1/4" AR400 deflector plate runs the full height of the center post and directs bullet splash away from the shooter and anyone standing nearby. On a target system where paddles flip toward the shooter's side, a properly sized deflector is a critical safety component, not an optional accessory.

How is laser-cutting better than plasma cutting?
CNC laser-cutting tightly controls the heat-affected zone at the cut edge, preserving hardness all the way to the perimeter of each paddle. Plasma cutting introduces more heat, which can soften the edge and reduce plate life. The result is a cleaner cut, a truer edge and paddles that hold up longer under high-volume pistol fire.

How difficult is assembly?
Assembly requires only two 3/4" wrenches. The modular component design means individual parts can be replaced quickly without specialized tools or sending the whole system back for service.

Does it ship painted?
No. The targets ship as bare steel so you can apply your preferred color. White and bright orange provide the best downrange visibility.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. Our targets are manufactured in the United States.

Do you warranty your products?
Yes. We stand behind our products.

Personal and Recreational Use

• Target plates: covered against manufacturing and material defects for 90 days from date of delivery
• Welds: covered for 1 year from date of delivery
• Coverage includes weld integrity, materials and workmanship

Commercial and Range Use

• All components: covered against manufacturing and material defects for 90 days from date of purchase
• Coverage includes weld integrity, materials and workmanship
• Normal wear, pitting, cratering and target face degradation from high-volume or high-impact use are not covered

To qualify for warranty coverage, targets must be used and maintained in accordance with ShootSteel safety and distance guidelines, including:

• No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition
• Minimum recommended distances observed at all times
• Targets mounted to ShootSteel specifications

ShootSteel reserves the right to request photos or inspection of any claimed item prior to approval. Misuse and abuse are not covered. Use targets per the safety guidelines on our website and in the included instruction sheet. Need a copy? Email us.

To start a warranty claim, contact customerservice@shootsteel.com with your order number and photos.