Defense The Gravitas Steel Drop Tree from Red Stitch Tactical Brad Walker January 28, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Last week at SHOT Show Red Stitch Tactical showed off their new Gravitas Steel Drop Tree. The idea for this evolved version of a traditional dueling tree was actually brought to Red Stitch by Gravitas Tactical early last year. Gravitas wanted a target application that melded a plate rack and a dueling tree. The result after hours of brainstorming and a good bit of welding was what you see here – the Gravitas Steel Drop Tree. The big difference in this shooting platform versus a traditional dueling tree or plate rack is that the Steel Drop Tree forces the shooter to change his point of aim along two separate axes rather than shooting the same line vertically or horizontally. As the shooter engages the upper steel plate, it drops downward and simultaneously flips to the adjacent side. This dual-axis movement forces the shooter to follow the plate down the tree as it falls from side to side. Red Stitch Tactical favors the Gravitas in shooting competitions because the host can load two or three targets of equal, increasing or decreasing size. By doing so, this introduces a new challenge to the shooter whereby causing him to clear the lower targets before engaging the upper ones. It was primarily designed for pistol, but Red Stitch has found that it works great for rifles as well. (For three gun matches where rifles will be fired, it is highly recommended that an upgraded AR500 shield is purchase to protect the tree.) Additionally, the design of the slots in the back of the platform also prevent the plates from getting stuck. The Gravitas arrives complete with a mild steel shield that protects the framework of the tree, one 7” steel plate and the tree itself weighing in at ~120 lbs total. – Available to be purchased with an 8 slot configuration for $499 or as a 6 slot configuration for $425 – Ships with one 7” round target plate – additional plates can be purchased for $45 no matter the size and are available down to 3” – 4” Angle Iron deflector shield standard – AR500 shield available for $150 For more information, check out Red Stitch Tactical’s full line of steel targets at www.redstitchtactical.com. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
