Clay pigeon shooting

A sailor takes aim as a clay pigeon is launched from the forecastle of the USS Mason (DDG-87).

Clay pigeon shooting, also known as clay target shooting, and formally known as Inanimate Bird Shooting, is the art of shooting at special flying targets, known as clay pigeons or clay targets, with a shotgun or any type of firearm.

The terminology commonly used by clay shooters often relates to times past, when live-pigeon competitions were held. Although such competitions were made illegal in the UK in 1921, a target is still called a 'target' or 'bird', a hit is referred to as a 'hit' or 'kill', a missed target might be described as a 'bird away' and the machine which projects the targets is known as a 'trap'.

Disciplines

Clay pigeon shooting has at least 20 different forms of regulated competition called disciplines, although most can be grouped under the main headings of trap, skeet, and sporting:

Sporting Clays

The English Sporting discipline has the sport's biggest following. While the other disciplines only use standard targets, in Sporting almost anything goes. Targets are thrown in a great variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations and distances and the discipline was originally devised to simulate live quarry shooting, hence some of the names commonly used on sporting stands: springing teal, driven pheasant, bolting rabbit, crossing pigeon, dropping duck, etc. Disciplines in this group include English sporting, international (FITASC) sporting, super sporting sportrap, and Compak sporting.

This discipline can have an infinite variety of 'stands'. English sporting is the most popular form of clay shooting in the UK, and a course or competition will feature a given number of stands each of which has a predetermined number of targets, all traveling along the same path and speed, either as singles or doubles.

Each stand will feature a different type of target; e.g., crosser, driven, quartering, etc. International (FITASC) sporting gives a much greater variety of targets in terms of trajectory and speed, and is shot by squads of six competitors in rounds of 25 targets at a time. Super Sporting is a hybrid of the two preceding varieties. There are also other formats such as Compak sporting and sportap in which five cages are surrounded by a number of traps, and shooters fire a specific combinations or singles from each stand according to a program displayed in front of the cage.

Trap shooting

Targets are thrown either as singles or doubles from one or more traps situated some 15 m in front of the shooter, and are generally going away from the firing point at varying speeds, angles and elevations. The most common disciplines in this group are:

• Down-The-Line (DTL) Single Barrel
• Double Rise
• Automatic Ball Trap (ABT)
• Olympic Trap
• Double Trap
• Universal Trench
• Helice (or ZZ)

Down-The-Line

Also known as DTL, this is a popular trap shooting discipline. Targets are thrown to a distance of 45 to 50 metres at a fixed height of approximately 2.75 m and with a horizontal spread of up to 22 degrees either side of the centre line. Each competitor shoots at a single target in turn, but without moving from the stand until all have shot five targets. Then they all move one place to the right, and continue to do so until they have all completed a standard round of 25 birds. Scoring of each target is 3 points for a first barrel kill, 2 points for a second barrel kill and 0 for a miss (maximum 75 points per round). Variations of this discipline are single barrel, double rise, and handicap-by-distance.

Olympic trap

As its name indicates, this is one of the disciplines which forms part of the shooting programme at the Olympic Games. A trench in front of the shooting stands conceals 15 traps arranged in 5 groups of 3. Shooters take turns to shoot at a target each, before moving in a clockwise direction to the next stand in the line. Targets for each shooter are thrown immediately upon his call and are selected by a shooting scheme(Program)that ensures all competitors receive exactly the same target selection, but in a unpredictable randomised order to the extent that there will be one straightaway, 2 left and 2 right targets for each stand,guessing which one is next is impossible unless you are on your last 5 targets, from any one of the three traps directly in front of him/her. Olympic trap targets are set to travel 76 metres give or take 1m at the top of trench level marker peg, unless the terrain is dead flat at varying elevations and with a maximum horizontal angle of 45 degrees either side of the centre line( being where the target exists the trench). Scoring is done of the basis of 1 point per target killed, regardless of whether this is achieved with the first or with the second barrel unless it is a final where the top 6 scores shoot off as a single barrel event regardless of local club grades if any. A simpler and cheaper to install variation of this discipline is known as automatic ball trap (ABT) where only one trap is used and target variation is obtained by the continuous oscillation of the trap in both horizontal and vertical directions in order to give the same spread of targets as in Olympic trap. Similarly, the targets are also thrown to a maximum of 76 metres.

Universal trench

A variation on the theme of trap shooting, sometimes known as five trap. Five traps are installed in a trench in front of the shooting stands, all set at different angles, elevations and speeds, and upon the call of "Pull!" by the shooter any one of the five machines, selected at random, will be released.

Horizontal angles can vary from 0 degrees to 45 degrees either side of the centre line and target distance is between 60 and 70 metres. Elevations can vary, as in other trap disciplines (except DTL), between 1.5 and 3.5 metres above ground level.

There are 10 different schemes available, the current rules can be found here. http://www.fitasc.com/upload/reglements/FosseUniverselle090409_UK.pdf

There is a video available showing UT being shot here. http://www.a6ctc.co.uk/universal-trench-.html

Skeet shooting

Skeet is a word of Scandinavian origin, though the discipline originated in America. Targets are thrown in singles and doubles from 2 trap houses situated some 40 metres apart, at opposite ends of a semicircular arc on which there are seven shooting positions. The targets are thrown at set trajectories and speeds. The main disciplines in this group are English skeet, Olympic skeet and American (NSSA) skeet.

In NSSA discipline, targets are released in a combination of singles and doubles, adding up to a total of 25 targets per round, from the High and Low trap houses on a fixed trajectory speed. Variety is achieved by shooting round the seven stations in a semicircle. Scoring is on the basis of 1 point per target killed, up to a maximum of 25.

In English skeet (by far the most popular of the skeet disciplines), the gun position is optional (i.e., pre-mounted or out-of-shoulder when the target is called) and the targets are released immediately upon the shooter's call.

In Olympic skeet, the targets travel at a considerably faster speed, the release of the target can be delayed up to 3 seconds after calling and the gun-down position is compulsory. There is also an eighth shooting station, midway between the two houses.

Electrocibles or helice shooting

Originated in Belgium during 1960s, helice shooting is similar to trap shooting, but the clays are equipped with a helice that will give the clay an erratic and unpredictable flight. The helice is composed of two winged plastic propellers with a white clay in the centre.

Plastic propellers holding a detachable centre piece are rotated at high speed and released randomly from one of five traps. They fly out with in an unpredictable way; so-said buzzing through the air. It is designed specifically to simulate as closely as possible the old sport of live pigeon shooting. Its original name of ZZ comes from the inventor who made them out of zinc, and had previously shot a specific breed of pigeon called a zurito; hence the term the zinc zurito. It is great fun to shoot, but can also be a very competitive sport with World and European Championships being held on the continent every year.

Maze clays shooting

This is a new shotgun game that offers sporting clays and FITASC target presentations on a skeet/trap or open field. This is possible by using a movable support system that carries the release buttons (wired or wireless setup) from 6 to 9 traps and the dual safety screen in any place on the field. As a result the shooter can shoot in safe conditions upon target presentations in varying range (10 to 60 yards) and varying angles (sharp to wide).

Targets

The targets used for the sport are usually in the shape of an inverted saucer, made from a mixture of pitch and pulverized limestone rock designed to withstand being thrown from traps at very high speeds, but at the same time being easily broken when hit by just a very few lead or steel pellets shot from a shotgun.

The targets are usually fluorescent orange or black, but other colours such as white, or yellow are frequently used in order that they can be clearly seen against varying backgrounds and/or light conditions.

Targets are made to very exacting specifications with regard to their weight and dimensions and must conform to set international standards.

There are several types of targets that are used for the various disciplines, with a standard 108 mm size being the most common used in American Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays while International disciplines of these same games use a slightly larger 110 mm diameter size. Only the standard 108/110 mm target is used in all of the trap and skeet disciplines. Sporting shoots feature the full range of targets (except ZZ) to provide the variety that is a hallmark of the discipline.

All three sports use a shotgun, and in the sporting disciplines are sub-classified by the type of game the clay target represents (pigeon, rabbit, etc.). The two primary methods of projecting clay targets are airborne and ground (rolling).

Naturally, the simplest method of throwing a clay target is by hand, either into the air or along the ground. This method is the simplest, and many "trick shot" shooters throw their own targets (some able to throw as many as ten birds up and hit each individually before any land). However, a multitude of devices have been developed to throw the birds more easily and with more consistency. A plastic sling-like device is the simplest, though modern shooting ranges will usually have machines that throw the clay targets in consistent arcs at the push of a button.

Standard

The most commonly used target of all, must weigh 105 g and be of 110 mm overall diameter and 25–26 mm in height for International competitions and for American competitions they must weigh approximately 100 g (3.5 oz) and be of 108 mm (4.3 in) overall diameter and 28.0–29.0 mm (1.10–1.14 in) in height.

Midi

Same saucer shape as the standard but with a diameter of only 90 mm; these targets are faster than the mini and standard types.

Mini

This target is sometimes likened to a flying bumblebee at only 60 mm in diameter and 20 mm in height.

Battue

A very thin target measuring about 108–110 mm in diameter, it flies very fast and falls off very suddenly simulating a duck landing. They are generally more expensive than other targets.

Rabbit

A thicker, but standard 108–110 mm diameter flat target in the shape of a wheel designed to run along the ground.

ZZ

This is a plastic, standard sized target attached to the center of a two-blade propeller of different color designed to zigzag in flight in a totally unpredictable manner.

Throws

These are names for different types of clay targets thrown and rules used at Twin Creek Shooting Club Shetland Ontario, Canada. You may only load your gun with 2 shots at any time for either a single or a pair.

Bird

Any type of target that flies. Includes Standard, Midi, Mini and Battue targets, when called generally means a single bird unless used in combination with other words or types of targets.

Rabbit

A rabbit, a target that rolls and usually bounces across the ground, it can sometimes go into the air and when it does it becomes known as a flying rabbit.

Flying rabbit

A rabbit target that flies into the air.

Squirrel

Slang for a rabbit that does not bounce but only rolls.

Turkey

Slang for a rabbit target that sometimes comes out in the air and sometimes rolls and/or bounces along the ground.

Single

One target is thrown, you may take two shots at it, when called alone refers to birds. If an odd amount of targets are thrown, the first target is generally a single (rarely is it thrown not as the first target because this confuses the shooters), new shooters will sometimes play games in which the trapper will only throw singles, rarely will more advanced shooter play with more singles than needed(only stations with odd amounts of targets thrown).

Single rabbit

A subset of Single, one rabbit is thrown, you may take 2 shots at it

Single bird

A subset of Single, one bird is thrown, although if all birds are used it is generally just called a single. You may take 2 shots at it.

Pair

Two targets are thrown, you may take 2 shots in combination. Also can be called double almost anywhere the word pair is used(may change grammar slightly), when called generally refers to bird targets.

True pair

a subset of Pair, two bird targets are thrown together, you may take 2 shots in combination, they are generally called a "Pair", this ambiguous name makes it confusing when if you are unfamiliar with the way things are called.

Pair of rabbits

a subset of pair, this is called when two rabbits are thrown together, you may take 2 shots in combination

Bird-rabbit pair/rabbit-bird pair

When a bird and rabbit are released at the same time, rarely if ever used, very difficult targets (requires a quick shot and good eyes to find the next target)

Nested pair

a subset of pair, two targets are thrown, a mini is put under a regular and when released simulate a bird and a young, most people find that shooting the small one first and than the larger one is easiest if attempting to hit both, however new shooters often shoot at the big one first to have a higher probability of hitting at least one of the two targets

Following pair

a subset of pair, a target is released and then another target is released soon after (generally as fast as the machine or trapper can reload another single, however not always). When called generally refers to birds.

Rabbit following pair

a subset of following pair, a rabbit is thrown and another rabbit is thrown (generally as fast as the machine or trapper can reload another single, however not always).

Bird following pair

a subset of following pair, is when a following pair of birds are going to be thrown, almost only called that when rabbits are being thrown at that station.

Bird-rabbit following pair

a subset of following pair, a bird is thrown and than a rabbit with a timed delay as the targets are loaded in separate parts on 2 machines(with 2 trappers for manual machines, or 2 buttons for automatic machines) or on one combination machine(almost always manual by 1 trapper), rarely if ever thrown

Rabbit-bird following pair

a subset of following pair, same as bird-Rabbit following pair but rabbit is thrown first, rarely ever thrown, even more rare as bird-rabbit following pair and generally will confuse shooter.

Report pair

is a subset of pair, a single target is thrown and as soon as the shooter shoots, another target is thrown, usually refers to bird targets.

Bird-rabbit

subset of report pair, when a bird is thrown and than a rabbit is released after the gamer takes a shot.

Traps

Clay pigeons in an automatic thrower

Traps are purpose-made, spring-loaded, flywheel or rotational devices especially designed to launch the different types of targets in singles or pairs at distances of up to 100 metres.

These machines vary from the very simple hand-cocked, hand-loaded and hand-released types to the highly sophisticated fully automatic variety, which can hold up to 600 targets in their own magazine and are electrically or pneumatically operated. Target release is by remote control, either by pressing a button or by an acoustic system activated by the shooter's voice.

Target speeds and trajectories can be easily modified and varied to suit the discipline or type of shooting required.

Guns

Clay pigeon shooting is performed with a shotgun. The type of shotgun used is often a matter of taste and affected by local laws as well as the governing body of the sport in competitive cases.

All types of shotguns are suitable for clay pigeon shooting, however the ability to fire multiple shots in quick succession is generally considered important. Some skilled shooters will use a single shot firearm in order to add to the challenge. Traditionally Over and Under and Side by Side shotguns have been popular, however semi-automatic and to a lesser extent pump-action have been making gains, particularly as the cost of reliable, accurate semi-automatics have come down over the last decade.

Over And Under

(sometimes shortened to OAU or O/U) As its name indicates this gun has two barrels aligned horizontally and stacked vertically. There is usually one trigger however some models have two. Within this type there are three sub-groups of specification: trap, skeet and sporting. Trap guns are generally heavier and longer barrelled (normally 30 in/0.76 m or 32 in/0.81 m) with tight choking and designed to shoot slightly above the point of aim. Skeet guns are usually lighter and faster handling with barrel length from 26 to 28 in (0.66 to 0.71 m) and with fairly open chokes. Sporting models most often come with an interchangeable choke facility and barrel lengths of 28 in (0.71 m), 30 in, and 32 in according to preference.

Semi-auto

This is a single barrelled gun that chambers a new shell from a magazine automatically after each shot, but which requires the shooter to press the trigger for each shot. This design is popular because it combines reduced recoil and low weight with quick follow up shots. However many traditionalists hold it in lower regard.

Side-by-side

(sometimes shortened to SS or SXS) Like the over and under, there are two barrels, however instead of being arranged in a vertical stack they are next to each other on a horizontal plane. Side-by-sides are generally light weight and have two triggers. Due to higher cost and marginal handling few avid clay shooters use them as their primary gun.

Pump-action

This is a single barrelled gun that reloads from a tubular magazine when the user slides a grip towards and then away from themselves. Pump-actions are popular with casual shooters who want a shotgun suitable for clay pigeon shooting, as well as hunting. The pump-action is inherently slower than all but the single barrel break action and thus follow up shots are more difficult. However the low price and versatility continues to ensure their presence on the range.

Single-shot

Virtually all single shot shotguns are break actions, they operate similarly to the over and under and the side-by-side except they have only one barrel and can hold one only shot. They are very inexpensive, and not popular for clay pigeon shooting. Also their low weight and solid actions result in excessive recoil which further diminishes their appeal for high volume clay shooting.

Cartridges

Shotgun cartridges are readily available in gun shops and at shooting grounds, and within limitations as to the shot size and the weight of the shot load are suitable for clay shooting at CPSA affiliated grounds and for use in events coming under CPSA rules. Though home loaded cartridges allow the user to customize the ballistic characteristics of their shells, they are generally not allowed at clay pigeon shooting events unless specified otherwise.

Care should be taken that cartridges to be used are compatible with the shotgun that is going to fire them. The instructions and specifications are printed on the boxes. For clay competition, shot size must not exceed 2.6 mm/English No. 6.^[1] The shot load must be a maximum 28 g (0.99 oz) for all domestic disciplines; or 24 g (0.85 oz) for Olympic trap, Olympic skeet, and double trap; up to 28 g for FITASC sporting (from 2005); and 36 g (1.3 oz) for helice.^{[citation needed]}

Lasers

Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, also known as Laser Clay Shooting or even Laser Shooting, is a variation on the traditional sport of Clay Pigeon Shooting where the shotguns are disabled and fitted with laser equipment that can detect hits on specially modified reflective clays. Laser clay pigeon shooting offers a safe alternative for beginners.

The rules and disciplines are normally the same as the traditional sport using live weapons.

The activity can be done indoors. In most equipment the register of hits and misses is recorded electronically, and the sounds of the shotgun firing and the clay being hit can be played from simulated sounds. It is intended as a fun sport and can be played by children.

References

1. ^ Cartridges, Clay Pigeon Shooting Association rules.

External links