A few hundred years ago, shooters would release pigeons into the sky where they would aim and shoot at them. The sport was known as pigeon shooting. And were made popular during the 1800s in the U.K. Although the sport was made illegal in 1921, keen competitors continues the tradition by replacing pigeons with clay targets.
The target is made from clay and is still referred to as a ‘bird’. Special throwers were designed to flung these targets into the air, at which shooters would aim and shoot. When the target was hit, it would still be referred to as the ‘kill’, when missed it is called ‘bird away’.
A ‘trap’ is also the name for the thrower, which originally trapped pigeons inside, but now it only holds clay targets that is flung on demand. Although its original objective was seen as barbaric, today, people all over the world bring out the shotguns and safely aim at a target without harming any living beings.
Click here to learn more about the sport’s history.
This is a sport that many farm owners can set up in an open field and enjoy a recreational or competitive clay pigeon shooting activity over weekends. If you are looking into setting up your own recreational area of this sport, then there are a few factors you have to consider before purchasing a clay pigeon thrower.
Firstly, you have to understand that these devices have a lot of different names:
- Skeet thrower
- Clay Pigeon Thrower
- Trap
Depending on where you are in the world, the words may differ. When you own your own, you can call it whatever you’d like.
Here are a few things to consider before purchasing your own.
1. Portability and Weight
You won’t be able to leave the device outside in the weather. Most probably, you’ll have to transport it around from area to area. Therefore, it’s important to consider how portable the device is.
Most machines weigh between 20-40 kilograms (48-98 pounds). This makes them just heavy enough for someone strong to move them around. Or to be transported on a small trailer or even in the boot of an SUV.
Also check whether the machine comes with wheels on the stand. This makes it easier to pull and push it into a suitable area. Keep in mind, that once the machine is in a standing position that it should be completely secure. It shouldn’t be rolling around with every throw. Double-check whether the wheels have breaks.
2. Distance of Throw
How far and how high the device throws the skeet, is obviously its main function. It’s important that the clay pigeon is thrown into the sky in a straight and consistent line. This will assist shooters in aiming and practicing their target shooting skills.
Most high-quality throwers, can throw a distance of between 50-70 yards. Whereas some can even reach distances of between 80-90 yards.
3. Automatic or Manual
There are two main types of models. An automatic and a manual machine. The automatic manual comes with time settings of which the targets are thrown 2-3 seconds apart. This is convenient, because no one has to operate the device throughout the competition. But for amateur shooters, the fast feed might be too quick.
Watch this video of a shooter reaching high speeds and extreme accuracy using a manual thrower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9UMCY1z5Ls
A manual thrower allows an operator to release the target by the pull of a lever. This gives you much more control over the machine, giving the shooter the option of when the target should be thrown into the sky.
Automatic machines are much stronger than manual ones. As they have batter-driven motors, whereas a manual machine needs an operator to propel the target into the air.
You’ll also be able to adjust the different shooting angles. Ranging from easy to a bit more advanced. Another setting is available where shooters can toggle between one or two targets being flung in the air.
4. Stack Volume
On top of the device is a clay stack. Some have the capacity of holding 25-50 targets at a time. Giving shooters the freedom to shoot at 50 targets in one round. Some traps have the immense capacity of 90 clay pigeons.
The stack is typically situated on top of the machine to allow for an easy feed through the thrower.
5. Durability and Strength
The machine will have to endure all kinds of terrains and weathers. The fact that skeet shooting is an activity that is performed outside, makes it important for the device to have the necessary durable assembly.
The frame should be extremely sturdy, made from Stainless steel. Some models are manufactured from aluminum, which is also a good material.
When a model is standing in extreme sunlight, rain, or snow, it shouldn’t rust or break easily. Choose a model that will be able to endure the weather you’ll be in.
This also includes whether the machine has a few built-in safety measures. You wouldn’t want clay targets thrown at your head.
Read this to discover 10 strongest materials on earth.
A high-quality clay pigeon thrower gives you a choice between different angles and releasing single or double targets. Therefore, creating a fun and exciting shooting competition.
As long as you consider all the above-mentioned factors, you’ll be able to choose the perfect machine for your next skeet shooting activity.
