First Look: Caldwell ClayCopter

by
posted on January 29, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
LEDE Claycopter On White

Caldwell has introduced shotgun shooters to a new spin on "shooting clays", providing an alternative target to traditional clays. The ClayCopter target system includes a powerful, lightweight, motorized handheld launcher that shoots one or two biodegradable discs—called ClayCopters—to distances of up to 100 yards.

Launching a claycopter

For nearly 150 years, traditional clay targets have been the most practical option for shotgun-sports enthusiasts eager to hone their wing shooting skills.  Traditional clay targets typically require heavy throwers that are bulky and cumbersome to store and transport. Clays are notoriously fragile, fly in predictable patterns, and come in heavy containers that often make transportation a real challenge. With the ClayCopter system, taking a thrower and targets to the range couldn't be easier. Designed entirely in-house, the portable launcher is lightweight at only three pounds, and packs the same power of a traditional electric thrower into a handheld motorized design small enough to fit in a range bag or backpack. The ClayCopter target discs are 70-percent lighter than traditional clays without sacrificing distance; are designed to break only when shot; and have a unique flight pattern that mimics real game flight, veering in different directions based on weather conditions and settings controlled by the user operating the launcher. Additionally, ClayCopter targets have obtained the Green Leaf Mark certification from Intertek, as they are constructed from eco-friendly materials that biodegrade faster than traditional clays.

Claycopters in flight

The ClayCopter launcher has an integral high-speed motor capable of spinning the target discs up to 15,000 RPM, launching them in singles or pairs to distances up to 100 yards.  The handheld launcher is designed to feel comfortable and secure when operating, reducing fatigue and freeing the user to fully maneuver the device to easily alter target distance, angle, and direction.  Additionally, the ClayCopter launcher is packed with features, including a speed adjustment knob near the trigger, a removable "mag style" rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of 300 launches on a single charge, and a status indicator that displays launch power, status and battery health. 

Claycopter adjustment

ClayCopter targets come in packs of 50, are sold in lightweight, hard-sided cylinder-shaped containers that resemble tennis ball tubes, and can be shipped and transported safely, unlike traditional clays. Targets are available in two sizes—90mm and 110mm diameter—each offering slightly different flight characteristics depending on the shooter's preference. Both sizes can be thrown alone or in pairs, and are designed to accelerate away from the user like a real flushing bird.

For more information, visit caldwellshooting.comMSRP: $219.99; 200/ct 90mm Discs: $39.96; 200/ct. 110mm Discs: $51.96 (Smaller amounts of discs also available)

Latest

LEDE Rifles And Revolvers
LEDE Rifles And Revolvers

The .44 (4) You—An Exploration of .44 Magnum Platforms

Andi Bogard takes a tour through .44 land—from handhelds to levers and beyond—to find the flavor that fits your focus.

First Look: Remington's 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife

Remington is proud to announce the availability of its 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife: King of the Mountain. This collector-focused release continues Remington's long-running Bullet Knife tradition and is now shipping to dealers nationwide.

New for 2026: Woox High Grade American Walnut Stocks

Woox, manufacturers of Italian-American made gunstocks, axes and knives, has introduced a new "High Grade" line of stocks.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms Model 110 Rimfire

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're checking out the brand new Model 110 Rimfire, from Savage Arms. Based off the classic 110 action, long-loved by American hunters nationwide, the Model 110 RF takes advantage of this venerable footprint to make the gun compatible with stocks and accessories designed for the Model 110 short-action. Follow along in this exclusive video, as NRA Media's Jay Grazio takes an exclusive early look at a 110 RF prototype, and goes in-depth on the features of this new 110 lineup.

NPS Looking for Help From a Few Good Hunters

The NPS is asking for help from American hunters, in an effort to support the “protection of wetlands, native wildlife, cultural resources and sensitive habitats that are affected by invasive species such as nutria and feral hogs.”

Coyote Hunting Tips: Are You Overlooking These Details?

Don't overlook the small details on your coyote hunts. It could sink your hunt and leave you with a sinking feeling of failure. The following represent areas where overlooked details, big and small, could send your hunt to the bottom of the ocean faster than the Titanic.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.