Caldwell Claycopter Target Thrower: Full Review

Innovative is a word that loses power if used too much, but it is the best descriptor for Caldwell’s Claycopter launcher. The Claycopter is a hand-­held target thrower with endless potential to reinvigorate the shotgun shooting sports. It could prove to be the best system for tuning up one’s skills ahead of a bird hunt, too. 

Reminiscent of the pigeon shoots of old, the Claycopter launches proprietary target discs from 20 to 100 yards in a flight pattern that’s similar to a pigeon or dove. They can dip, dive and weave through the air, making for realistic sporting fun. If you have used manual sporting clay throwers, what may be the most important feature of the Claycopter is the fun that’s shared by the thrower as well as the shooter.

The Launcher 

It should be noted that Caldwell was not the first to invent propeller-­style aerial targets. Comparable designs were already on the market when the Claycopter was announced at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show. However, the suggested retail price of those systems is usually more than $800 with targets to match. The Claycopter has a suggested retail price of $220 with affordably matching targets. More importantly, though, Caldwell’s target discs are available at major retailers from the start, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Scheels and Walmart. It’s a classic free-­market story. Caldwell saw a good idea and knew that it could make it more affordable and support the product through nationwide retailers.

In addition to being more affordable, the Claycopter Launcher is superior, both mechanically and operationally. Mechanically, it operates like a kid’s disc-­throwing toy, though the launcher produces speeds of 15,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to launch the Claycopter discs. The pilot is a simple mechanism that secures the clay targets in place until the user is ready to throw them, and it is highly consistent in how the Claycopter releases the discs.

Single targets or true pairs can be launched, and the targets are made ready for release by holding down the forward safety button and pulling the trigger simultaneously. On the left side of the launcher is a master power switch, as well as a yellow dial to adjust the speed and range to launch targets. You’ll also note a magazine-style release to detach the rechargeable battery pack.

The battery pack is somewhat shaped like an AR-­15 magazine, yet reminiscent of a power tool battery. The design added improved aesthetics and ergonomics to the grip areas and control layout. 

The battery is good for around 300 throws, and additional battery packs will be made available for those who have lots of shells and targets shoot.

The Targets

The Claycopter targets are quite fascinating. A standard 108mm clay target hasn’t changed much since its invention in 1880. The 110mm Claycopter target is only slightly larger, making for a comparable target to standard clays. They are made of an eco-­friendly, biodegradable, plastic-­like material instead of pitch. In fact, the Claycopter targets break down faster than standard clay targets, according to Caldwell. These were designed to deteriorate under ultraviolet (UV) light, so don’t leave your targets exposed to the sun. Also available are 90mm Claycopter targets, which are the same size as the Midi targets used in many sporting clays matches.

Claycopter targets break well when shot, leaving no doubts of a hit or miss, yet they are stronger than a standard clay target for transportation. They come in 50-­unit packages in what looks like an oversized Pringles can. The durability of these targets were tested during a trip to film Guns & Ammo TV segments. One was stowed in a checked bag. Despite the famously gentle handling of airport baggage handlers, not one target was broken upon arrival. If a few targets escape your shot, we can report that they even hold up to a grass landing for another go. 

At the Range

It’s the propeller fan design that make Claycopter targets so much fun to shoot. After launch, they generally fly straight, following the thrower’s point of aim. However, they will also float, plunge, duck, dive or perform other movements that mimic a real bird. 

Editor Eric Poole and I tested the Claycopter and quickly made a game of it after a few warm-­up shots. My favorite drill was to have the shooter facing away from the thrower, and waiting for the call of “Birds!” before turning to shoot. I had no idea if one target would appear or two, high or low, or in which direction. It’s a great challenge. 

The Claycopter is easy to take anywhere a shotgun can be safely shot. Besides a single-­target hand thrower, the Claycopter is the most compact, portable target thrower on the market. You have to experience the fun for yourself to truly appreciate the Claycopter in action. Ammunition manufacturers should start ramping up shotshell production to keep up with the demand that this launcher will undoubtedly bring. I also suspect this is just the start of a new line for Caldwell, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

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