Looking for the best clay pigeon thrower? Read on to discover the best Automatic, Handheld, Foot-operated, and more.
Clay pigeon shooting for fun or to improve your shooting skills demands precision, skill, and the right equipment. At the heart of this thrilling sport lies the clay pigeon thrower, an essential tool that can make or break your shooting experience.
The best should be innovative, reliable, and accurate. Join us as we explore the top-tier clay pigeon throwers that define excellence in the realm of shooting sports.
Here is a quick summary of the Best Clay Pigeon Throwers
| Product | Image | Price |
| Champion WHEELYBIRD Electronic Trap Thrower |  |
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| Trius 10201 One Step Trap |  |
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| Champion Workhorse Electronic Trap |  |
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| SureThrow Clay Target Thrower |  |
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| Allen Company Handheld Clay Target Thrower |  |
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| Do-All Outdoors – Sit-Down Full Cock Trap, Black, One Size (ST200) |  |
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| Champion EasyBird Auto-Feed Trap |  |
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| Trius Original Trap |  |
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| Birchwood Casey WingOne Ultimate Handheld Clay Target Thrower |  |
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Best Clay Pigeon Throwers
1) Champion Traps and Targets Champion Wheelybird 2.0 Automatic Trap
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This Champion Traps and Targets Champion Wheelybird 2.0 Automatic Trap comes equipped with wireless remote control, making for much simpler and more effective launch times allowing you to release a clay with one button. Its solid handles and rubber tires improve its portability. It has a better starting distance, suitable cycle interval, and an adjustable angle (45 degrees). It also has an upgraded stack holder for clays. Pair it with a quicker cycle time of 1.75s and you will be shooting faster than before. This clay pigeon thrower also has a programmable delay up to 15s and can trigger reap from a challenging distance. Features
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2) Champion Wheelybird Auto-Feed Trap
This Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap is an automatic and electric pigeon thrower that has an adjustable angle of up to 30 degrees and also has 50 clays and a 25-foot-long release pedal cord. When fully charged, it can throw for more than 3000 times and a single charge can make it last for days. You can also customize the distance and height of the thrown clay. This product is lightweight and therefore simple to carry around and it has a magazine that is detachable. Its large capacity of 50 clays at a time gives you more time to shoot and less time reloading. The 25-foot release pedal cord accommodates various shooting positions, creating a versatile time at the range. Despite its small size, this thrower packs a powerful punch, wielding a maximum launch distance of 55 yards. It is also made of the highest quality materials. Features
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3) Trius 10201 One Step Trap
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This Clay Pigeon Thrower enhances your shooting skills as well as strengthens your lower body. You can’t control this thrower unless your hips and knees are strong. It is quite cheap compared with other throwers but its quality is guaranteed. It is launched by the throwing circle, therefore the pigeons have faster spinning, lengthy distances, and less breakage. Its robust steel construction guarantees structural strength and durability for years. The unique foot pedal launching system allows for one user to shoot and launch clays simultaneously. You step on the pedal to put tension on the arm and release clay targets in one motion. The aluminum arm and the oil-impregnated bushings offer years of trouble-free shooting. Features
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4) Gunpowder Gear Blue Chukar Auto Skeet Thrower Trap
The Gunpowder Gear Blue Chukar Auto Skeet Thrower Trap is the best thrower for a gun or hunting beginner. It is budget-friendly although some of its features aren’t that fine. For instance, the 25-second clay release interval, up to 10 clay capacities, and more. This electric skeet thrower is very lightweight weighing only 27 pounds. It is therefore easy to carry and transport. It has a strong steel frame that enhances its durability and a 12v deep cycle marine battery that runs for hours on a single charge. Features
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5) Atlas Trap Company AT 250 Clay Target Thrower
The Atlas Trap Company AT 250 Clay Target Thrower is made of stainless steel and aluminum which enhance its durability. Its cycle time and throwing distance are great and its target capacity is 250. It is one of the best clay pigeon throwers with a transmission interval of 1.2 seconds. Additionally, this thrower can throw up to 85yards away. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to present a variety of targets. It also comes with a 75’ push-button release cord, a control panel integrated into the rear panel of the trap, and a 5-year limited warranty. Features
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6) Champions Trap and Target 40901
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The structure of this clay pigeon thrower is relatively simple, however, the throwing arm provides a very fast clay speed and a throwing distance of up to 100 yards. This strap’s balanced design delivers all regulation clay targets to challenging distances. The target is shown with a simple pull of a string and features a target clip for safe placement and a uniform regular path. It is made of the highest quality materials to enhance its durability. Features
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7) Champion Traps and Targets, Easybird Wobbler
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This Clay Pigeon Thrower is made to increase the challenge and fun for the everyday trap enthusiast. This thrower is best for back-forty shooting, it’s also great for long practice sessions. This clay pigeon thrower features vertical oscillation for a variety of flight paths. It’s flawless and one of the best. Features
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Low Priced Clay Pigeon Throwers
SureThrow Clay Target Thrower
This SureThrow Clay Target Thrower has a very unique patented design that allows one to throw one or two targets at the same time. It’s very easy to load the thrower and targets slide smoothly into position.
With this thrower, you get unrivaled Speed and direction control. This SureThrow is made out of laminated wood.
BIRCHWOOD CASEY WingOne Pigeon Thrower
The Birchwood Casey Wing One Handheld Target Thrower is one of the best throwers on the market, this product has an auto-cocking action and is easy on the arm for easy throwing.
Features
- Breakage is eliminated by drop-in loading of clay birds
- Auto-cocking action makes it easy on the arm
- Throws a wide variety of clay types: Midi, Standard, and battue
- Easy to control many flight patterns
- Has replicating game bird actions
- Rugged construction
- Throwing Hand: Right
Read Also: 3 Best Automatic Clay Pigeon Throwers
Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting
This is a well-known, special, and fun-filled outdoor team-building activity for all ages and group sizes because of its versatility and speed. Each participant uses a modified short gun to fire an infrared beam at reusable modified clays.
The clays are detected using laser technology and no ear protection is required. This makes it an ideal outdoor shooting activity where noise levels need to be controlled.
Laser clay pigeon shooting activity is ideal for all people, age ranges, and levels of fitness. This makes it the ideal choice of outdoor activity for corporate team buildings, staff away days as well as hen and stag parties.
Terminology for Clay Target Shooting
Bead. A small, round, white object situated at the end of the barrel on top of the rib is used as a subconscious ‘sight’ for the shooter. At times there is another bead in the middle of the rib that helps you line up the front bead and your eye.
Cartridge. The ammunition was used to break the clay. It contains a primer that ignites the shot powder which propels the lead shot out of the gun.
Clay target. A round-shaped dish target is built of pitch and lime. Its sizes vary from 60-110mm and its colors can either be black, orange, pink, or white.
DTL (down the line) Trap. A variation on ATA Trap. 3 points scored for a kill, 2 points for a second barrel kill, and none for lost. The angles of the targets are slightly different from ATA Trap.
Gun Fit. All shooters must have their guns fitted to them as it ensures that the right picture the shooter sees is perfectly straight and that the gun doesn’t kick when fired.
Kill/Lost. When the target is hit, it is said to have been killed but when a target is fired but missed, it is referred to as lost or zero.
Lead/forward allowance. The amount of space you shoot in front/ below/ on top of the clay to break it.
No-Target/ No-Bird. This is when a target comes out of the trap broken or when the shooter commits an offense.
Rocket. A unique type of thick, heavy target used in all forms of sporting clay disciplines.
Pull/ Ready/Hup! – The command the shooter issues when he is ready for the clay to be released.
Handheld Clay Pigeon Throwers
Hand-held throwers are affordable and very effective in the generation of different trajectories, speeds, and distances. These Clay pigeon throwers create unpredictability of live quarry shooting. Unlike any other clay pigeon thrower, a handheld clay pigeon thrower doesn’t put a strain on the arm or wrist.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Clay Pigeon Thrower
- Portability
Not all of us can afford to dwell on an expansive property where we can go clay shooting whenever we feel like it. Many of us most probably have to travel to our shooting destination, which translates to us carrying our clay throwers along for the ride.
This is where manual clay pigeon throwers have an advantage over automatic ones. They are small-sized, lightweight, and easy to carry which makes them convenient to carry around even if you have to hike with them. Although some automatic throwers are solid and light in weight, they tend to have durability issues.
- Durability
You will be using your pigeon thrower outdoors, and you never predict what the weather will be like. What could kick off as a sunny day, can abruptly change to a cool and wet afternoon? If you are caught out there but still decide to rough it out and keep going, you will need to ensure that your thrower can also keep going.
You will want to ensure that it is made of good, durable material. Traveling a lot with your thrower means it might get bumped along the way. A durable thrower will be able to withstand all these.
- Effectiveness
The most crucial thing that you want from your clay thrower is the ability to shoot out the pigeons in the distance and direction you would want them to. This is easier to achieve while using automatic throwers which have extra pints for their accuracy.
However, a skilled and experienced manual thrower can also perform better at a much lower cost. An automatic thrower will be as accurate and effective as its power source permits, while a manual one will rely on the skills of the user.
- Ease of use
When outdoors clay shooting, you intend to spend some time relaxing and having fun. The last thing you would want is to be frustrated by a clay thrower that isn’t working as it’s supposed to or one that gets stuck in the middle of use.
When it comes to ease of use between the manual and automatic throwers both have their advantages and disadvantages. Automatic throwers come with timers that release the clay pigeon once you are ready.
This is superb since you don’t have to rely on anyone. Automatic throwers, however, have many issues that can end up ruining your shooting activity. With a manual thrower, you don’t have to worry about such as you just rely on the other person.
- Value
Are you getting value for your money? This is the main question looked at when rating the value of every item. Manual throwers are cheaper, but you still want them to work right.
Go for a clay pigeon thrower that is made of high-quality material and from good brands that have a good reputation for producing quality products. It is also a good thing to read reviews on trusted sites to see what other customers have to say about a certain product.
- Angle
Being able to adjust the angle increases the chances of bettering your shooting game greatly. There are many throwers with a myriad of angle adjustments, so go for one that is best suited for you.
About angles, we are referring to the automatic clay pigeon throwers. Angles do not apply to manual throwers as they don’t have a set angle but rather rely on the angle of the thrower.
With an automatic clay pigeon thrower, you may want to practice all various angles until you come across one that is comfortable and beneficial to you.
- Additional items
It is always pleasing to know that a product you are buying comes with a few additional items. Some additional items that come with pigeon clay throwers that prove to be useful include battery cables, nuts, and bolts clay guide rods among others.
If there is a warranty involved, the better as you won’t spend a single penny to replace your thrower in case of damage as long as the warranty is valid.
Clay Pigeon Thrower FAQs
- What is clay pigeon shooting?
Clay pigeon shooting also known as clay target shooting or inanimate bird shooting is the art of shooting a firearm at a special flying target which is normally made of clay. These clay targets are referred to as clay pigeons and are ejected out of throwers to be shot down.
- Why are they called clay pigeons?
Clay pigeon throwers are called clay pigeons because they are designed to imitate the old sport of live pigeon shooting.
- What is the best sort size for clay pigeons?
The most common sizes are the 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge. The 12 gauge has the biggest diameter bore. The bigger the diameter bore the higher the capacity for a shot. Its only disadvantage is the high recoil which can make shooting less comfortable.
- What is a clay pigeon made of?
Recent manufacturers have changed the ingredients and composition of clay pigeons to make them more environmentally friendly. Recent pigeon designs are made from non-toxic ingredients which include calcium bicarbonate, plaster, fly ash, and heavy spar. These ingredients aren’t bio-degradable, however, they are less toxic.
- Is clay pigeon shooting dangerous?
There are several potential dangers when one is participating in the clay pigeon shooting. The apparent danger involving firearms exists, however, because of the gun control legislation and self-imposed safety principles used by shooting grounds, the danger is small. Other apparent risks might be falling broken clays, recoil, and noise.
- Are clay pigeons toxic?
Clay pigeons used by shotgunners hurt wild pigs. Clay pigeons contain coal tar derivatives, which include cresols and phenols, which are protoplasmic poisons. If any wild or domestic animal consumes it, it will be affected.
- Other than a thrower, what else is needed for someone to start clay shooting?
First and foremost, you should have protection. Clay shooting is noisy, therefore wearing earplugs or headphones is mandatory. Protective goggles are also important.
- Are auto throwers better than hand throwers?
It is all about portability that is why the hand thrower will always win all the time. Convenience also plays a role, as not everyone can carry a large unit with them. However, for pure power, range, and accuracy, the auto thrower wins.
- At what age can I start clay pigeon shooting?
Children are allowed to start clay pigeon shooting from the age of 6 or above.
- When it comes to clay pigeon shooting, what types of guns are used?
Most clay pigeon shooting enthusiasts use double-barreled shotguns to shoot. They frequently use a shotgun with a barrel diameter of about 18.5mm, which is known as a 12-bore or 12-gauge shotgun.
Clay Pigeon Thrower Advantages
- Convenient
Most clay pigeon throwers are lightweight and portable plus there is no maintenance required.
- Performance
Numerous clay pigeon throwers are ideal for both right and left-hand throwing. They are also able to throw up to ideal distances.
- Ease of use
Clay pigeon throwers require minimal effort in throwing. With just a little practice, you can throw pretty much any type of shot you want. They are also easy to put together. Instructions given are easy to follow as you assemble the trap. They are also easy to load.
- Suitable for team building activity
Clay pigeon shooting is an effective team-building activity that fosters team spirit and boosts camaraderie among colleagues. It is an activity that suits any number of participants and businesses large or small.
- Clay pigeon shooting is a team activity
Throughout the day you will be working on communication, trust, procedures, goal setting, and targets. Your team will be aiming towards a greater sense of cooperation to succeed under the guise of fun competition in the great outdoors.
Clay Pigeon Thrower Disadvantages
- Reloading can be tiresome
This is always the problem with handheld throwers. You always have to reload them. Constant reloading may get tiresome over time.
- Requires two people
Manual throwers often require two people to either shoot or throw. Although, you can do both throwing and shooting, having a second person is normally more effective as you will be able to concentrate on one task at a time.
- Strains the arm
Manual throwers can make your arm weak as you keep swinging. You may experience some bit of pain on your arm if you are not used to doing it.
- Lack of stability
Some throwers lack stability. As you step on the pedal and release the clay, the trap shakes a bit.
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Conclusion
Finding the perfect clay pigeon thrower can be a challenging task, but from this review, we hope that you will be able to select the clay thrower that fits you best.
From our list above, you can select according to your preference as well as your budget. After all, nobody wants to spend their money on a product that isn’t worth it.