The Only True Rifle-Rated Dueling Tree on the Market
You’ve seen “rifle-rated” dueling trees advertised before.
You’ve probably even shot at a few.
But here’s the truth: most of them don’t last more than a few sessions under real rifle fire.
They crater. They stop turning. Some even punch clean holes straight through. Why? Because most “rifle dueling trees” aren’t actually built for rifles. They’re made from mild steel and marketed like it’s a feature — until you hit it with a 5.56 and it tears open. Pistols bend those same uprights like wet spaghetti. That’s not rifle-rated — that’s disposable.
At TA Targets, we got tired of watching shooters waste money on junk. So we built something different. Something that can take real rifle fire. Not just survive it, but thrive under it. The TA Targets Rifle Dueling Tree is the only true medium range rifle-rated dueling tree on the market. Period.
Armored Upright — The Backbone That Sets Us Apart
Every dueling tree lives or dies by its upright.
That’s where the stress happens. That’s where the rounds hit when shooters miss. As a side note, EVERYTHING down range can and will get hit.
Most companies build their dueling trees with mild steel uprights. Mild steel simply can’t handle rifle fire. A single .223 or .308 hit will leave a deep crater or punch a hole clean through it. Even pistol rounds at close range cause that mild steel to warp and twist, throwing off your paddle alignment and eventually killing the flip motion entirely.
That’s why we armored ours.
Our Rifle Dueling Tree Upright is fully armored to handle real rifle calibers. That means no warping, no cratering, no bending. The upright is literally built like armor, not a decorative stand. It’s overkill by design, and that’s exactly the point.
This armored upright makes the TA Targets Rifle Dueling Tree the only true rifle-rated system of its kind available today.
Dueling Tree Paddles — Configured for Every Shooter
Training isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we built three paddle options to match your caliber, your drills, and your environment.
22LR 3/16" Paddles
We offer .22LR paddles for light, cost-effective training. Pair them with a .22 rifle or a pistol for quick drills, movement work, or warmups. They flip easily and allow you to turn the rifle tree into a light pistol dueling tree for low-cost practice.
AR550 3/8" Paddles
These are the standard for most shooters. Perfect for 5.56, 7.62x39, and typical intermediate rifle cartridges. They’re laser-cut from genuine AR550 steel for exceptional surface hardness and longevity. If you want to train regularly with your pistol, carbine or battle rifle, start here.
AR550 1/2" Paddles
When you’re sending heavier rounds like .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, or similar... the 1/2” option gives you a thicker strike plate and even longer lifespan. Both AR550 versions come with a 3-year warranty, because we know what they can take. We’ve shot them thousands of times in testing and they just keep flipping.
No matter which set you choose, all of our dueling tree paddles share the same smooth pivot system and armored upright.
Rifle Dueling Tree Target Base Options — MAX Stability for Any Training
If you’ve spent any time behind a rifle, you already know: stability is everything. A good upright and solid paddles mean nothing if the base can’t stay standing. That’s why we don’t mess around with flimsy bases like you see online. Those things might hold up for a couple of pistol hits, but a real rifle sends them toppling over in seconds. That’s not training... that’s frustration.
So we built bases that actually belong under a rifle-rated dueling tree. Two options. Both overbuilt. Both rock solid.
26" Round Target Base
Simple. Heavy. Reliable.
Our 26" Round Target Base is designed for static range bays, where you want a tree that plants itself and doesn’t move. The wide stance keeps the center of gravity low and stable, so even when you’re hammering the paddles, it doesn’t budge. You won’t find it walking, twisting, or tipping like those thin, sheet-metal knockoffs.
Extended Breakdown Base
For those of you who travel or set up matches, our Extended Breakdown Target Base for you. It breaks down quickly for transport, but when it’s assembled, it’s just as solid as a welded stand. We engineered every joint to lock tight and stay rigid, because a “portable” base is worthless if it flexes under recoil.
Both bases are designed around the same philosophy as the rest of the system: no weak links. The Armored Upright, the AR550 paddles, and these bases all work together as one complete, rifle-rated system. Not a mix of cheap parts pretending to be “good enough.”
Built for Real Use, Not for Marketing Photos
When you stand in front of the TA Targets Rifle Dueling Tree, you’ll immediately feel the difference. The base is heavy, the upright is solid, and the movement of the paddles is tight and consistent.
We compared our Rifle Dueling Tree Target to a Dueling Tree found on Amazon.
U.S. Steel Targets VS China Steel Targets
Every weld on this tree has a purpose.
No cosmetic junk welds, no unnecessary seams. If a weld exists, it’s functional. And because we stand behind our work, we back every weld on the Armored Dueling Tree with a limited life-time warranty.
If a weld breaks during normal use, we’ll replace the part. Yep, it's that simple.
That’s how we define integrity. Build it right, stand behind it, and make sure our customers always have a tool they can rely on.
Why a Rifle Dueling Tree Belongs in Serious Training
Reactive targets like this one teach things that static paper targets never will.
The audible ring and visible flip give you instant feedback. When you’re competing with another shooter, it amplifies stress and stress reveals where your skills break down.
With the Rifle Dueling Tree, you can train:
- Transitions: Rapidly shift from one paddle to the next while maintaining sight discipline.
- Shot calling: Learn to trust your sights.
- Precision at speed: You only flip a paddle with a clean hit (near misses don’t count).
- Pressure management: Run head-to-head against a partner and test your mental pacing.
This is where skills are forged. And because this target is truly rifle-rated, you can train with your real rifle platforms, not just pistols or rimfires.
Durability That Pays for Itself
Some shooters get hung up on price tags. We get it. But when you factor in longevity, the math speaks for itself.
A cheap mild steel dueling tree lasts one season, maybe less. Then you’re replacing the whole thing, again and again.
An action filled Dueling Tree Target from TA Targets is an investment. It’s a piece of range infrastructure that will outlast the throwaway options ten times over. When you’re 5,000 rounds deep into your training year, you’ll know exactly where your money went.
Built for the Serious Shooter
This system was built for shooters who value precision, consistency, and accountability. Shooters who want to push their limits and train on the same level they fight or compete.
If you care about longevity, integrity, and performance, there’s only one dueling tree that checks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts
The difference between “good enough” and “done right” is huge. Most of what’s out there falls into the first category.
At TA Targets, we’re committed to the second.
That’s why we armored the upright. That’s why we use AR550 paddles. That’s why we warranty every weld. Because this isn’t about selling more gear... it’s about inspiring individuals to become capable providers and protectors.
If you want a dueling tree that outlasts everything else the Rifle Dueling Tree from TA Targets is one for you.
Train with it, abuse it, and watch it hold up year after year.
Rifle Dueling Tree with Armored Upright - The Only True Rifle-Rated Steel Target on the Market