Clay shooting has come a long way, and we’ve rounded up some facts about the history of shooting clays.
From local 'straw bale' shoots to grand-scale events like regional and national championships (and even the prestigious Olympic Games), sportspeople of all levels find themselves captivated by the challenge of clay target shooting.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, we’ve got facts and stories you’ll be glad to know. This is the first entry in Castellani’s blog series all about clay shooting. Read on for a quick introduction to its history and its place in the shooting world today.
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Pigeons for the Eating
Clay shooting's origins harken back to a time when small wild birds, often pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, made top notch dinners. Shooting birds for the eating inspired healthy competition and elements of fun, with skill testing and contests a natural step forward.
In the early days, shooting live pigeons (mostly Blue Rocks) for sport often involved gambling, earning it a not-so-respectable reputation. As reported by Shooting UK Magazine, pigeon shoots were usually held behind pubs, with the birds kept in collapsible cages (“traps”) that would release them at the pull of a string (“pull!”).
Shooters without cages would simply use hats. A top hat tied to a string could conceal a pigeon until the string was ‘pulled,’ toppling the hat and freeing the bird. That’s why the first official pigeon shooting club was called ‘The Old Hats,’ founded in London in the early 19th century.
From there, advancements in technology led to new targets like glass balls filled with feathers, gradually paving the way for the sophisticated clays in auto-loading machines we see today.
The Evolution of the Clays
By the 1920s, live targets had fallen out of fashion. But how did we land on clay as the best target material? We’ve got American inventor George Ligowski to thank. As reported by Northumberland Sporting Clays, Ligowski modelled baked clay discs on the sort of clam shells he would skim across water.
The original clay pigeon was a domed saucer made from heavy terra cotta, with a tab attached for throwing. Now most clays are easier to break, made of a mixture of pitch and lime (with biodegradable alternatives rising in popularity).
These clays are used competitively in three distinct disciplines of clay pigeon shooting. The three primary categories – Skeet, Trap, and Sporting – each offer a unique challenge to sport shooters.
- Trap Shooting positions shooters behind a trap-house, facing going-away targets.
- Skeet Shooting uses a semi-circular layout, presenting a diverse range of crossing targets.
- Sport Shooting, less rigid in structure, simulates live quarry scenarios with stands set up for challenges like 'driven pheasant,' 'dropping crow,' and 'bolting rabbit.'
A competitors’ dream, clays challenge shooters from each discipline with an array of flight paths that add an element of surprise to every shot.
Clay Shooting Today
Clay shooting popularity is now sky high. It can even be done indoors with the use of laser gun options. Perhaps the best development is the inclusivity of the sport.
The clay shooting community is a testament to the sport's welcoming spirit. Newcomers are greeted with warmth, encouragement, and plenty of helpful advice. At a clay shooting event, you might just find yourself sharing a line with a world champion. People from all walks of life can take part, take aim, and take home prizes (or just shoot for the fun of it).
If you’re stepping into the world of clay shooting, Castellani can equip you with everything you need to succeed. View our product range for industry-leading equipment, take a look at our blog for more free tips and resources, or get the full Beginner’s Guide to Clay Shooting at the link below.
