If you love to go skeet shooting, an automatic clay thrower can take your sessions to the next level. These machines launch clay targets high into the air so you can practice your shooting technique for extended periods of time.
The biggest advantage of these machines?
They allow you to go shooting on your own — no need to bring along a friend to throw the clay targets for you. What’s more, the throwers can usually achieve a higher and faster throw than a person can, creating a bigger challenge.
Since a clay thrower is a relatively large investment, it’s important to pick a model that suits your budget and your unique situation. To start, look for a thrower that is easy to use, especially if you’re new to the sport. You want easier operation so you can get up to speed quickly on the device and stay safe in the field.
It’s also a good idea to look for a thrower that has enough power and speed to challenge you. A low-powered machine won’t achieve the same speed and height.
Choosing the right clay thrower can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. To help, we’ve researched the available models and selected our five favorite options.
Best 5: Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers Review
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The Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower is a portable machine that allows you to shoot clay pigeons from virtually any location. The thrower is designed with a sturdy metal body and durable wheels so you can roll it across a variety of terrains to get to a safe area. On the back end, a rubberized handle makes it easy to push or pull the unit into position.
With a capacity of 50 clay targets, this thrower allows you to shoot for a long period of time before stopping to restock. To release a target, simply step on the foot pedal. This mechanism keeps your hands free for shooting and also provides a safer shooting experience. If you want to shoot from a distance away from the thrower, you can buy the optional wireless remote system for more flexibility.
This Promatic model throws targets up to 70 yards away, giving you plenty of room to practice your target shooting. It angles the targets between 10 and 30 degrees; you can adjust the angle to create an easier or more difficult shot.
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Whether you’re new to skeet shooting or you’re working on improving your skills, the Do-All Outdoors Clay Pigeon Shooter can help you reach your goal. It’s a great intermediate shooter because it can launch clay targets to a distance of 55 yards or more, giving you a bigger challenge than larger models.
One of the best features of the Do-All Outdoors shooter is that it handles biodegradable targets, 108 mm targets, and 110 mm targets. You can test out a variety of options until you find your favorite.
This clay shooter holds up to 25 targets. After you release a clay pigeon, the shooter takes just 2.5 seconds to get ready for the next release. The smooth feeder tray transfers the target effortlessly from the feeder to the throwing arm, so you don’t need to worry about jams or uneven releases. Use this machine to shoot at angles ranging from five to 35 degrees.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this clay target shooter is durable yet lightweight. It comes with ground spikes, so you can anchor it into the earth to prevent unwanted vibrations while you’re releasing targets. With the included safety ring, it’s easy to see where the throwing arm is going, even in dimmed lighting.
When it comes to safety, this unit has you covered. It comes with a safety pin that prevents the throwing arm from releasing accidentally, keeping you and your companions safe in the field. You can release the targets manually, or pair the shooter with a wireless remote for more flexibility. Simply install a 12V deep cycle marine battery to get started right away.
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Enjoy shooting on your own with the Trius 10201. This shooter is designed for one-person use, so you can head out to target practice without assistance. The Trius' one-step shooting mechanism takes the hassle out of shooting. With one motion from you, the auto shooter cocks and throws the clay target. The entire process is smooth and easy so you can stay focused on your aim.
This Trius shooter is designed to shoot in two modes. With the regulation singles option, you can shoot one target at a time. When the shooter switches to piggyback doubles mode, it releases two targets, one after another. This gives you an extra challenge.
When this model arrives, it’s partially assembled — that means that you can put it together quickly and get out into the field faster.
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Durable and flexible, the Do-All Outdoors Raven Shooter is a great option for shooters of all skill levels. It comes with an integrated handle and wheels, so you can move it on your own. The wheels are rugged and durable, so you can haul it over rough ground without getting stuck.
When it comes to shooting, this unit is designed for one-person use. Simply connect the included foot pedal; when you step on the pedal, the shooter releases a clay target. With the included 25-foot cord, you can enjoy a flexible shooting position. Need more distance?
The shooter is compatible with wireless remotes. To power the shooter, simply connect a 12V deep cycle marine battery. These durable batteries allow you to shoot in a wide range of weather conditions.
The Raven offers a variety of shooting options, so you can customize it to suit your needs. Choose an angle between five and 35 degrees to fit your skill level. The throwing arm releases targets to a distance of 50 to 80 yards. Plus, you can use it with bio clays, 108 mm clays, or 110 mm targets. No matter which option you choose, the 50-target capacity will have you shooting for longer time periods before you need to refill.
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#5. YONGCUN Clay Target Thrower Automatic Trap
Take your target practice to the next level with this YONGCUN Target Thrower, which holds a maximum of 50 targets at a time. It’s compatible with both 108 mm and 110 mm targets, giving you the flexibility to choose your favorite model.
When you go to shoot, you can adjust the throwing arm to any angle up to 30 degrees; this easy adjustment allows you to change the difficulty to fit your skill. With the included release cord, you can activate the shooter using a convenient foot pedal. With a light tap of your foot, the thrower releases the clay pigeon. That means that you can release and shoot at the same time.
Concerned about safety? The thrower comes with a safety ring, so you and others can always see and avoid the throwing path. There’s also a safety switch, so you can secure the arm between uses and unlock it safely.
Weighing in at 48 pounds, this thrower is easy to maneuver by yourself. It features two thick, durable wheels that roll smoothly into position. A sturdy handle enables you to move and roll the shooter.
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best automatic skeet clay thrower
Each of these clay skeet shooters can help you shoot on your own. Our top recommendation is the Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower. We love its convenient setup and powerful adjustment options, especially for solo shooters. Check out the Promatic Pigeon Clay Target Thrower today to take your target practice to the next level.
Buying Guide
When you buy a clay skeet shooter, you’re going to part with a significant amount of money, which is why it is well worth your time to do some research in advance. You want to make sure you’re getting the thrower that best suits your abilities, goals, and needs. Here are some things to consider when you’re looking at different thrower models.
Capacity
When you’re working on your target-shooting abilities, you go through a lot of clay targets. That’s why it’s helpful to consider the capacity of the target thrower. Models with higher capacities allow you to shoot for a longer period of time. This allows you time to find a rhythm. Keep in mind that higher-capacity models are usually heavier than lower-capacity shooters. If you’re shooting alone, or if you have a smaller frame, it might be tougher to haul the extra weight into the field.
Throwing Distance
Throwing distance is the distance that the clay target travels before it falls to the ground. Machines with a shorter throwing distance present a greater challenge — after all, you have less time to hit the target before it hits the ground. The farther the distance, the more time you have. For a beginning shooter, that extra distance can be useful.
Release Mechanism
Many shooters buy clay target throwers because they like the freedom to go shooting anywhere they want without needing to wait for another person. Therefore its important to find a release mechanism that fits your situation. The release mechanism governs whether or not you have a comfortable one-person shooting experience.
Some models feature mechanisms that are integrated into the thrower itself. Often, these require more pressure and strength, which can be challenging if you’re a smaller person. A better option is a foot pedal, which requires gentle pressure and allows you to maintain a great shooting position. It’s also a good idea to check out the included cable. Longer cables allow you to move farther from the thrower for safety and convenience.
Launching Angle
Most clay target throwers feature an adjustable throwing arm so you can change the angle of the target. Why does this matter? Shooting at different angles helps you work on your flexibility and adaptability — two abilities you need if you plan to go hunting or shoot in competition. As you’re comparing different models, look at two things: the minimum angle and the maximum angle. This tells you how much range you have when you’re adjusting the throwing arm.
Commonly Asked Questions
How does an Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers work?
Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers typically come with a control system that allows for users to release the clays into the air. Some brands provide remote controls with buttons that can be pressed, while other brands offer timers for releasing the clays. The products that do come with a wireless remote are typically extremely high-quality and reliable. They can also be used for several hundreds of yards in terms of distance. These types of product specifications are certainly important to look at before finalizing a purchase.
There are also some rarer brands that offer double wireless remote control systems that will actually fire multiple clays simultaneously. This type of feature is ideal for casual shooting contests and target practice.
It is also worth noting that many of the brands that create Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers will also integrate a feature that allows for the trajectory to be changed. You can also adjust the plane of the device to ensure that you get the appropriate angles that you are looking for. We highly recommend that you review your device's owners manual before operating the Automatic Skeet Clay Thrower.
How expensive is a high-quality Automatic Skeet Clay Thrower?
The highest-quality Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers can cost up to a thousand dollars, but many of them can be purchased for significantly cheaper than that. The cheapest options can be found for as little as 100 dollars. It all comes down to the level of quality and durability that you are looking for. Some of the most popular Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers cost around 300 or 400 dollars, but there are also some cheaper options that might be ideal for customers that are on a budget.
You will probably have to expect to sacrifice some features when looking at some of the cost-effective choices that are currently available on the market. Some of the more advanced features can significantly increase the value and cost of these types of products.
It can be extremely challenging to balance the quality and value of an Automatic Skeet Clay Thrower, but you will ultimately have to make this decision before finalizing your purchase. There are several fantastic cost-effective products available from top-tier brands on the market, but you will still likely have a tough time finalizing your decision as you compare prices, features, and overall quality.
Why are Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers unique when compared to Manual Clay Throwers?
The differences between these types of products are relatively straightforward. An Automatic Skeet Clay Thrower don't need to manually be commanded by the user in order to release and launch a clay into the air. Manual Clay Shooters will typically need to be controlled or commanded by the user, which can be extremely inconvenient and frustrating.
Everyone has a slightly different purpose, so determining which one is right for you can sometimes be a little bit challenging. Most people like the automated features that come integrated on traditional Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers, but there are certainly a few individuals out there that like the old-school manual shooters as well.
At the end of the day, it is quite easy to say that Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers are significantly more popular for customers. Unfortunately, the automated features are part of the reason that they are also a little bit more expensive as well. This is one of the primary features that raises the price for Automatic Skeet Clay Throwers, but most people are willing to pay the extra money for the automated features to be included.
What should newcomers know about Clay Skeet Shooting?
Well the most important thing to know when starting out with clay skeet shooting is that precision is everything. Precision can be adjusted by selecting certain accurate guns, but most importantly, the shooter has the ability to adjust their aim to ensure that they make contact with the clay pigeon on its trajectory.
Patience is certainly one of the most important characteristics that need to be developed. Waiting for the right moment to engage in a clay target is extremely important. The Automatic Skeet Clay Thrower will launch the target into the air, but it will be the shooter's responsibility to ensure that the target is impacted at the right time. This is a skill that newcomers and beginners often struggle with. It simply takes a little bit of time, patience, and practice to achieve the accuracy that is necessary to become a skillful clay pigeon shooter.
As you continue to participate in this activity, you will likely grow in confidence and improve in accuracy. After a few weeks of consistent practice, you will probably start to notice some of the positive effects that you have developed with your clay shooting skills.
Final Verdict
A clay target thrower can transform your target practice sessions, giving you freedom and flexibility. By choosing the model that fits your goals and budget, you can get a thrower that will last for years.
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