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 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. Explore RECOILweb:Pro Silencer Legislation: the Hearing Protection ActTinck Arms Perun X16: New Modular Rifle From Slovenia [REVIEW]Slap Happy: Teufelshund Tactical Advanced MP5 Operator’s CourseTake a look: a Bulletproof Hat? 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.