Build Your Own Backyard Clays Course with Caldwell

Shooting clay targets in the backyard offers hours of affordable fun, but the problem has always been that there weren’t great options when it came to clay target throwers. Battery-operated throwers can toss a lot of targets in a short amount of time, but they’re bulky and expensive and require you to tote a heavy battery to the target range. Cheaper options include spring-operated throwers, but they can be awkward to operate and even dangerous in some instances. The most affordable option has always been the hand thrower, a polymer device with a handle that requires human power and more than a little finesse. As someone who has taken a hand-thrown clay to the ribs, I can also attest that this is not the most reliable method.

The options were limited for those who wanted to shoot clays in their backyard until Caldwell began offering their innovative line of throwers that were designed to be affordable, lightweight, and reliable. Perhaps most importantly they are also safe, and because they are so simple to operate you can even shoot clays when you’re alone.

Now you no longer have to buy an expensive battery-operated thrower or deal with affordable but poorly-designed alternatives if you want to break clays in your backyard. Caldwell’s line of clay throwers offers something for every shooter, whether you want to have fun in the backyard or are training to shoot for competitions. It’s never been easier to build your own backyard clay range thanks to Caldwell, so let’s take a look at three of their most innovative and affordable target throwers.

Caldwell Claymore

Caldwell Claymore ($329.99): I’ve spent a year shooting targets with the Claymore and must say it’s my favorite of all throwers on the market. It combines the speed of an automatic thrower with the simplicity of a manual thrower, and it borrows the best elements from each design. The hopper holds 50 108mm clay targets which helps eliminate the downtime associated with single-loading clays. At the rear of the machine are a pair of pedals. The right pedal cocks the machine while the left one launches the target, and that means it’s easy to practice shooting by yourself. If you’d like to speed up the action switch to flurry mode for a continuous step-and-throw sequence.

The Claymore can be easily adjusted for a variety of launch angles, and this allows you to adjust shot presentations to the shooter’s skill level or specific needs. This way you can launch high-flying rainbows for new shooters who are just getting a feel for the game or switch to angled shots that require more lead and emphasize follow-through. The powerful spring-operated design allows you to toss clays to a maximum distance between 55 and 70 yards, which is reaching the outer limits of practical shotgun range. This is a great choice for the avid shooter, and because it offers a 50-round hopper and adjustable throwing angles you can mimic most of the shots you’ll see on a trap, skeet, and sporting clays course. There are safety pins that allow you to deactivate the thrower for safe transport, too. Speaking of transport, this thrower folds up and weighs just 35 pounds unloaded which makes it easy to transport in the bed of a truck or even in the back of an SUV or car. It’s ideal for backyard shooting ranges or shooting sports teams who don’t have the money for a full-sized automatic thrower, and it’s the perfect addition to every backyard range.

Caldwell Claymore Solo

Caldwell Claymore Solo ($179.99): The Claymore Solo is a better alternative to the traditional manual-operated single-target thrower. Since it uses a foot pedal like the Claymore to both cock the spring and throw the bird it keeps your hands well away from the machine, which is a major benefit. My co-instructor at a shooting sports club once spent six weeks in a cast after having a bad accident with a hand-loaded thrower, an experience I promise you’d prefer to avoid. But that’s not a concern with the Solo since you simply place the clay on the throwing arms and then step down on the pedal to throw. Stepping on the pedal cocks the arm and throws in one motion, so there’s no need to place your hands anywhere near the throwing arm. It’s a simpler and safer design than traditional throwers, and as the name indicates you can shoot targets without the assistance of another person. Simply load the clay, stomp on the pedal, and shoot the target.

The legs fold out and lock for super stability even on hard, uneven ground, and the Solo is extremely easy to transport. It also offers a variety of target presentations. The design allows the Solo to throw singles, minis, and midis and the toolless adjustment allows for a wide range of shot presentations. In a matter of minutes, you can set this thrower up and start tossing targets, and it’s a great way to keep your skills sharp and practice at home. This is also a great tool to have at your home, ranch, or cabin for an afternoon of clay-crushing fun, and it’s the ideal and affordable way to introduce new shooters to the sport.

Caldwell PullPup

Caldwell PullPup ($69.99): The PullPup is a lightweight thrower that’s easy to transport so you can shoot anywhere, and it is a far better system than the traditional hand launchers of years past. First, you can easily change the target angle for a variety of shot presentations simply by rotating the unit left or right. Speed and distance are outstanding for a handheld thrower, and you can launch targets up to 55 yards. The targets fit neatly into the tray when the arm is cocked and there’s a shield over the top of the unit to prevent debris from flying out. If you do run into a batch of soft clays that break inside the thrower you can simply dump the contents through the open front and grab another target. The compact PullPup weighs just a few pounds and you can easily slide it behind the seat in a car or pickup for quick, easy transport to the range.

Safety is a key consideration for any target thrower, and Caldwell developed a clever safety system that ensures you’ll keep your hands clear when tossing clays. Once the clay is loaded, both hold the target by the front and rear pistol grips on the bottom of the thrower. The front grip has a safety that must be depressed before firing, and with the safety depressed you simply pull the trigger to throw. It’s a simple and safe design.

I had a great time with all three throwers, but the PullPup allows the person throwing targets to get in on the action. You’ll want to try and toss clays on angles or high and low to frustrate the shooter, and there’s never been a reliable thrower that offered so much freedom for a variety of shot presentations. You simply can’t help but have fun with this thrower, and I was surprised by how accurately targets could be thrown. After a few practice throws I was able to toss a clay between two small trees thirty yards away, a shot presentation that even experienced shooters struggled with.

For more information on Caldwell’s full line of target throwers visit their website at caldwellshooting.com/claymore/.

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