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Shooting was one of the nine events at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, in 1896. Early competitions included some events now regarded as unusual, such as live pigeon shooting in 1900; dueling in 1906 and 1908; and numerous events restricted to military weapons. After the 1900 games, the pigeons were replaced with clay targets.
Your shotgun can easily withstand these long series of clays (it’s designed to do so), but can you do the same? Clay pigeon shooting is tiring, very tiring. That’s why competing shooters, as well as practicing at the firing range, also pay particular attention to staying fit, with personalized training programs and diets. Buy & Sell shotguns & rifles, gun trader and shooting supplies at Shootmart. Find clay pigeon shooting, simulated game, walked up grouse & pheasant shooting.
A clay pigeon thrower is an indispensable tool for practicing and improving gun shooting.
In particular, if you don’t want to join a gun club because of excessive cost, strict rules or noisy crowd, you can carry a skeet/trap thrower, then go to a wide meadow and have a fun clay pigeon shooting competition with friends.
Next, do you know how to choose an excellent clay target thrower? To make it clear for you, I have reviewed 10 impressive brands, each with its own features and highlights.
Top Pick: Champion Traps and Targets Champion Wheelybird 2.0 Automatic Trap
Pedal Cord: 25 FT; Target Capacity: 50; Max Launch Distance: 70 yards; Cycle Time: 1.75 seconds
Similar but unique, Champion Traps and Targets Champion Wheelybird 2.0 Automatic Trap has been upgraded. Overall superior performance. In short, this auto clay trap thrower is more suitable as professional practice equipment for shooting.
First, it has a better starting distance, suitable cycle interval, and adjustable angle (45 degrees). In addition, the added wireless remote control feature allows you to release a clay with one button.
Apart from launching clays more efficiently (every 1.75 seconds), the portability of this device is unparalleled because of its solid handles and rubber tires.
Features:
1. Ultra-fast cycle interval
2. Wireless remote control and foot pedal control
3. Easy to move
#2. Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap
Pedal Cord: 25 FT; Target Capacity: 50; Max Launch Distance: 70 yards; Cycle Time: 2 seconds
The second on the list is Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap – a great clay pigeon launcher. It’s quite popular for years because it not only has an adjustable angle of up to 30 degrees but also has 50 clays and 25-foot long release pedal cord.
In general, when it is fully charged, it can throw more than 3,000 times. In other words, a single charge can make it last for a couple of days. Hence, you don’t have to charge the trap thrower all the time.
Besides, it’s automatic and electric. So, you know it that would be efficient and easy to use. After training with this champion clay pitcher, you can show off your talents while hunting with friends.
Features:
1. Lightweight and easy to carry
2. The magazine is detachable
3. You can customize the distance and height of the thrown clay
#3. Gunpowder Gear Blue Chukar Auto Skeet Thrower Trap
Pedal Cord: 9 FT; Target Capacity: 10; Max Launch Distance: 50 yards; Cycle Time: 25 seconds
If you are a gun or hunting newbie, Gunpowder Gear Blue Chukar Auto Skeet Thrower Trap is your best choice. Because it’s budget-friendly, although its features are not that fine. For example, a 25-second clay release interval, up to 10 clay capacities, and more.
One more thing to know, this electric skeet thrower is only 27 pounds and 8.7 x 22.2 x 11 inches, which means it is easy to carry. It, indeed, is worth trying.
Features:
1. Has a strong steel frame as a shell
2. 12V deep cycle marine battery
3. Cost-effective
#4. Atlas Trap Company AT 250 Clay Target Thrower
Pedal Cord: 75 FT; Target Capacity: 250; Max Launch Distance: 85 yards; Cycle Time: 1.2 seconds
Suppose that you like to compete for clay shooting with multiple folks, you need a large auto device. The Atlas Trap Company AT 250 Clay Target Thrower surprises you with its target capacity – 250.
Moreover, its cycle time and throwing distance are also excellent as well. The best clay pigeon thrower has a transmission interval of only 1.2 seconds, which will make the race fierce. In addition, it can throw up to 85 yards away.
Further, it is made of stainless steel and aluminum, thus ensuring durability. However, it is unavoidable that it cost more than its peers.
Features:
1. Made in America
2. Throw range from 45 to 85 yards
3. The shortest launch interval in this list
#5. Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower Automatic Trap Machine Skeet
Pedal Cord: not mentioned; Target Capacity: 50; Launch Distance: 70 yards
The next one on the list is a small skeet shooting machine – Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower Automatic Trap Machine Skeet. Whether it’s wireless remote control or pedal control, this device with a 12 VDC battery can deliver up to 22 hours of throwing.
Even, 1200 targets can be launched. and each clay can reach up to 70 yards. Of course, you can also adjust the high from 10 to 30 degrees to set an angle that is right for practice.
Features:
1. 65-pound small machine
2. One-year parts warranty
3. Adjustable launch angle
#6. Do-All Outdoors White Wing Automatic Trap
Pedal Cord: 25 FT; Target Capacity: 25; Cycle Time: 2 seconds
In case you are looking for an automatic clay target thrower with a decent out looking and comprehensive features, and you will appreciate the Do-All Outdoors White Wing Automatic Trap.
Also, it has a throwing speed that simulates the flight of birds. Thus, with it, you will absolutely improve your hunting skills.
Bonus tip: When you want to increase the difficulty of shooting, raise the length of the pedal cable. This will help.
In addition to automatic clay throwers, I also review some manual skeet throwing machines.
#7 Trius 10201 One Step Trap
Perhaps, you can’t control this machine perfectly unless your knees and hips are powerful. However, that is to say, this machine not only improves your shooting skills but also the strength of the lower body.
Granted that you want to get a clay thrower at a lower price, then go for Turius 10201 One Step Trap. Even if the price is lower, the quality is guaranteed.
By the way, it is launched by the throwing circle, so the pigeons have faster spinning, longer distances, and less defect.
But perhaps, you can’t master this machine perfectly unless your knees and hips are pretty strong. In other words, this machine can not only improve your shooting, but also the muscle of your lower limbs.
#8 Champion Traps and Targets 40901
With a truly tight budget? Take a look at this Champion Traps and Targets 40901 Champion High FlyString Release Manual Trap.
It’s less perfect and its main structure is relatively simple, but the throwing arm provides a very fast clay speed and a throwing distance of up to 100 yards.
But there is a small flaw. In order to prevent the skeet thrower from bounce, you need to press the device with your foot when the pigeon is released, because the throwing arm will swing with great power.
Finally, we will introduce two hand-held clay pigeon throwers.
#9 WingOne W1-L Hand-Held Clay Pigeon Thrower
WingOne W1-L Hand-Held Clay Pigeon Thrower is remarkable as a semi-automatic clay bird thrower. Although this gadget looks very simple it allows you to easily load the clay and effortlessly throw it away.
Most importantly, its track is unpredictable and unique, just as a bird’s flight. Therefore, this trap thrower is a perfect auxiliary for shooting birds. But, unfortunately, it does not allow you to do shooting exercises alone.
#10 MTM Case-Gard EZ-3 Clay Bird Thrower
Possibly, you are thinking: Why not throw the clay by hand? Nope. Because the track of the clay thrown by the arm is regular. To ensure that the clay can reach anywhere (i.e. irregular trajectories), you need the MTM Case-Gard EZ-3 Clay Bird Thrower.
It can throw left or right as the swivel arm serves as a lever. Additionally, it has a comfortable finger groove design that allows your companions to easily throw clay for you.
Clay Pigeon Throwers Comparison
We have divided the best 10 clay throwers into 3 categories. But do you know what are the characteristics of each of these 3 types? Which satisfies you?
Automatic/electric Feed Trap: Firstly, they can launch multiple targets without adding clay stack. And you can remotely control it. Noteworthy, the details vary, including throw cycle interval, shooting distance, and launch angle, etc.
Skeet Trap Throwers: You may need to load clay stack multiple times. But the price is much lower, and it spins faster and goes longer. With it, you don’t need others’ help in skeet shooting.
Hand-Held Clay Pigeon Thrower: It will be easier to launch and load clays. Plus, you need to do it manually. Thereby, the price of these gadgets is low, with no more than $30. But it has a fatal flaw, you need a partner to help you throw the clay stack.
Features You Need to Check on A Skeet Thrower
Next, we will explain the factors we considered when reviewing these sporting clay throwers.
Target Capacity:
The more standard clay the cartridge holds, the easier it will be to help you practice clay shooting. In this way, you don’t need to install ammunition from time to time but just focus on training.
Throw Cycle Interval:
Typically, a clay trap thrower with a 2 second cycle time provides a great gun shooting practice. What’s more, some manufacturers can provide 1.75 seconds and 1.2 seconds to increase the appeal of the product.
Launch Distance:
The 50 to 70 yards launch distance is the most common. But there are better breakthroughs, for example, 84 yards. The longer launch distance indicates that the clay pigeon thrower has a powerful launch capability, helping to improve further.
Ease of carrying:
It should be small and lightweight so that you can carry it outdoors. In this case, the manual thrower with a compact appearance won the victory.
Budget:
Auto clay throwers are more expensive but, at the same time, more convenient than manual throwers.
The Bottom Line
Want to update the list of listings? /spiderman-howard-pigeon-dies-in-game.html. Or, would you like to know more? Then leave your thoughts in the comment area.
Want to update the list? Or do you want to know more? Then leave your thoughts in the comment section.
It’s hard enough hitting clay pigeon targets as it is, so it’s crucial that you’re using the best possible shotgun for pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re new to clay pigeon shooting or you shoot competitively, choosing the right shotgun can be a tough task. However, we’ve tried to make it simple.
To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best shotguns for clay pigeon shooting.
From the well-priced Browning B525 Sporter to the more expensive Krieghoff K-80, there’s something in here to suit every individual need and budget.
*The stated prices are the cheapest we’ve found, but will be influenced by a number of factors*
1. Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 Sporter
£1,600
Beretta makes some of the most popular competition guns in the world and has sold at least 30% of the UK’s over and under shotguns in the last 30 years. Part of Beretta’s extensive range is the Silver Pigeon 1 Sporter, which incorporates exceptional engineering and design features compared to others with a similar price tag.
This entry-level gun is ideal for rookies and the occasional shooter. Among its key features is the Optima-bore system with flush-fitting chokes, a feature previously only used on the higher grade models. Other features include different barrels, a tapered rib that helps the gun point accurately and a stock with two choices of drop at comb that suits most shooters’ needs. With natural pointability and excellent trigger-pulls, it’s a delight to handle and you’ll feel confident of hitting the target.
That said, there are a couple of potential sticking points to highlight. Although it handles beautifully, the wood has a relatively plain matt oil finish and the engravings don’t ooze beauty and charm (albeit the Beratta trident program logo is etched on both sides). But you have to remember, it’s only £1,600 – so it’s worth weighing up if either of these points are dealbreakers?
Overall, this is a strong and reliable shotgun. It’s well put together, great to handle and won’t break the bank. It gets a thumbs up from us. For another opinion, why not check out some more reviews on YouTube? Take a look at the below review from the gun shop…
2. Beretta 692
£3,000
Built exclusively for clay pigeon shooters, the Beretta 692 is well-designed and functional. Through its unique features, it can adapt and grow into an extension of your body. These features include an adjustable single selective trigger, adjustable ejection-extraction, adjustable balance and optional adjustable comb.
Sporting a wider and heavier construction than the 680 series, the Beretta 692 provides better stability and easier handling. If you want to improve the balance even more, you can add weight of up to 100 grams to the buttstock. The barrels also come with extended choke tubes, meaning you can tune the gun to your particular needs.
The Beretta 692 is unique for a sporting gun because it has an over moulded rubber part on the top lever. This helps to give you more positive feedback if it’s cold or wet outside. As well as being functional, this shotgun looks the part – fine checkering is engraved on both sides of the grip and it boasts a shiny-polished finish, so it’s certainly easy on the eye.
Although it’s slightly on the pricier side at £3,000, this high-quality, robust gun is worth the extra investment.
3. Perazzi MX8
£4,500
First introduced in 1968, the Perazzi MX8 has become the standout competition gun ever since handing Elio Matarelli a gold medal at that year’s Olympics. Perazzi guns have won 53 Olympic medals since – the most in the history of clay shooting. If any more proof was needed, in the 2008 Olympics, 15 of the 16 placed Trap shooters used a Perazzi.
The Perazzi MX8 provides some of the finest handling in the world. A detachable single trigger and V springs provides quality trigger pulls and a fast lock time. The internal and external barrel quality is superb, as it’s made of high-quality steel and chrome lined chambers. What’s more, you have an array of distinct barrel lengths at your disposal, including fixed and multichokes.
One limitation of the Perazzi MX8 is the basic woodwork. If you think it’s a tad ordinary, you have the option to order a wood upgrade.
Having said that, this is generally a brilliant gun and worth a gold medal for build quality and handling. It might be the second most expensive shotgun in our article, but it’s got the credentials to back up its price tag. There are plenty of new and secondhand Perazzi shotguns available on Guntrader if you want to take a look.
4. Browning B525 Sporter
£1,300
Browning is one of the most recognisable shotgun brands on the globe – and with good reason. The Browning B525 Sporter gun ticks all the boxes if you want to hit some clays, which is why it’s one of the bestselling guns in the UK. If you’re looking for a gateway gun into shooting sports, this is the shotgun for you.
The B525 handles effortlessly; it comes to the shoulder well and is a snug fit. Despite being lighter than other sporting guns, it feels very secure and is enjoyable to shoot. The reduced barrel weight makes the gun handling responsive and intuitive without being jumpy.
Combined with a longer forcing cone, it’s lively but just the right amount. The reduced felt recoil makes controlling the shot much easier. With a good grip, back-bored barrels and a simple but good, ventilated sighting rib, it functions well.
In terms of its aesthetics, the B525 looks traditional but has a delicately polished design. The elegant floral scroll pattern and fantastic metal to wood finish make it attractive, yet modest.
There’s no denying the supreme quality of this gun. It’s incredibly strong, built to last and offers outstanding reliability. Quite simply, it’s the perfect gateway gun.
5. Browning B725 Pro Sport
£3,000
The Browning B725 gives the more expensive, high-end competition guns a run for their money – and at a more affordable price. In fact, it’s arguably the finest clay gun Browning have ever made. It comes with a full set of eight chokes, 2 recoil reducing pads, 3 triggers and many more features to suit you.
Places To Shoot Clay Pigeons
The B725 Pro Sport shoots like a dream. It’s a good weight and has a massive grip, which makes it easy to handle. The palm swell is in a good position to allow your hands to place nicely and the relatively slim neck lets you bring your hand up if you need to.
The appearance of the gun is quite plain, but the checkering around the grip is exquisite and the stand-out gold lettering catches your eye. Make sure you opt for the matte black finish if you want less glare on the barrel when the suns out – and it looks incredible.
Overall, the B725 Pro Sport provides the perfect gun fit, which makes it very satisfying to shoot. Priced at around £3,000, it’s a high-end gun with a competitive price tag. For more information about the B725 sport models, take a look here.
6. Miroku MK38 Sporter Grade 5
£2,600
Miroku, alongside Browning and Beretta, is a popular brand for new clay pigeon shooters. In fact, Miroku is built alongside Browning, although it has recently scaled down and the options for these guns are now slim.
The MK38 Teague Sporter Grade 5 is perfect for shooters of all abilities and is the gun of choice for experienced shooters who don’t want to spend an absolute fortune. The action is almost identical to the aforementioned Browning 525 Sporter action, but it’s a lot more noisy than other guns. However, it handles much like guns that are double or even triple the price. On top of this, it balances well and the trigger pulls are spot on.
One thing to point out is that the Teague Sporter Grade 5 doesn’t suit smaller hands very well – it’s very deep and has a large grip. Nevertheless, this contributes to its big selling point – its reliability. It’s virtually bulletproof.
And at a price of £2,600, you won’t get a better-looking gun. It has a classic, beautiful design with deep cut scrolling. Plus, the fact it’s hand checkered gives it a personal feel.
A good quality, reliable gun that performs what you ask of it. If you’re looking for stylish aesthetics, it’s worth spending the extra money on the Teague Sporter Grade 5.
7. Guerini Summit Impact
£2,400
The Guerini Summit Impact is unique in that you can build it however you like. You can customise the weight, trigger system, stock fit, recoil, balance and point of impact (which can be adjusted from shooting flat to up to 300% high).
It provides you with an upright shooting stance, which reduces the impact of recoil and puts less strain on your neck and shoulders. This way, it’s more comfortable for you to hold and you’re more likely to hit the target. It also has most of its predecessor’s features, such as eight chokes as standard and a gloss wood finish.
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It’s a well thought-out, effective gun and it can do the lot. But you have to wonder, is it too much? After all, it’s not uncommon to have different guns for different purposes. It could be too fiddly, but this is clearly a matter of personal preference.
8. Blaser F16 Sporter
£2,500
Blaser is a German manufacturer and the Blaser F16 is essentially their budget gun, although it will still set you back £2,500. The Blaser F16 is constructed to a high standard and is available in a 12-bore and with multi-chokes.
The trigger is adjustable and very well engineered, as you’d expect from Blaser. The ejector system is powerful and the balance is easily adjusted, which is especially useful for competitive shooting.
Bear in mind that the handling is very different to other guns and will split people on opinions. However, it still has a light feel and the unique handling doesn’t prevent it from shooting well, so don’t be put off.
Design-wise, the F16 doesn’t have the same flair or slick feel as the Italian guns that are highly desired in the UK. The uninspiring wood might not be to your taste, but you can always upgrade to something more exciting. Despite the obscure lines and angles, and pristine laser-cut checking, it wouldn’t win in a beauty contest.
This is a relatively plain looking shotgun with great engineering, unique handling and that shoots beautifully. For a second opinion, check out some YouTube review videos like this one.
9. Breda 930i
£1,250
Breda is an Italian company dedicated to making clay semi-automatics, so it had to be included on our list. The 930i is a fully competition ready shotgun and one of Breda’s most popular and photogenic. What’s more, it’s incredibly well-engineered and handles comfortably. It boasts 29-inch barrels, extended multichokes and adjustable trigger, among other features. What’s more, like the Guerini Summit Impact, you can choose to customise it.
As an inertia driven semi-auto, you won’t get the internal workings of the gun dirty and it’s easy to maintain. One of the 930i’s most fascinating features is its removable top, which sets it apart from most semi-autos. This means you can get into the guts of the gun and give it a thorough clean.
Breda shotguns also look very different to other makes, which is one of their big selling points. They have a more modern and sportier look; the 930i has standout colour coded features and is the Porsche of the shotgun world. With beautiful and varied checkering, a unique sandpaper effect on the bottom and quality walnut wood, it still maintains elements of a classic shotgun style.
If there is a drawback, it’s a relatively long gun due to the length of the action. Also, it’s pretty expensive for a semi-auto shotgun.
However, on the whole, the Breda 930i is a piece of top-quality engineering and manufacturing. The finishing touches show the attention to detail that’s gone into the gun, it fits well and shoots great. What more can you ask for?
10. Krieghoff K-80
£11,500
Krieghoff shotguns are best described as strong, heavy trap guns that suit the more wallet-busting budgets. The Krieghoff K-80 is another piece of precise German engineering and best known for its robustness and reliability. It’s unique compared to other makes of shotgun because it shoots very mechanically, as opposed to an easy Perazzi feel.
Having said that, the K80 balances comfortably between the hands, so it still feels relatively lively. The gun fit is great, thanks to the class-leading adjustable stock that’s incredibly adaptable and easy to use. Along with the adjustable high rib design that helps improve target acquisition and shooting stance, the Krieghoff K-80 really is top of the range. To ensure it’s to your taste, you can choose the wood, engraving, choke types and trigger types. Essentially, you’re buying your own bespoke gun. With prices starting at a whopping £11,500, it’s a big investment, but then we have explained why.
Put frankly, the Krieghoff K-80 is a gun that most people aspire to own – but make sure you get your money’s worth. Want to know more about how it shoots? Check out a field test of the K80 here.
Once you have chosen the shotgun you wanted, it's well worth checking out the best hotels with clay pigeon shooting. Then you can combine your hobby with a well earned, relaxing break.
Specialist shootinginsurance from Ripe Shooting
Choosing which clay pigeon shotgun you need can be a difficult decision, but choosing the right insurance shouldn’t be.
Ripe Shooting provide specialist shooting insurance, which includes up to £10 million of Personal Liability cover and up to £50,000 Equipment cover.
Find out more about our clay pigeon shooting insurance here and make sure your new shotgun is protected so you can continue shooting clays.
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