I never planned to buy a clay thrower. After three years of gun-club membership, my range fees alone had gotten out of hand, and most weekends I was driving 45 minutes each way for a single round of 25 clays.
That math finally pushed me to set up a backyard range. A single round of clays at my local club runs about twenty bucks. Throw in fuel and shell costs and a typical year of practice ran me well over a thousand. A quality clay target thrower pays for itself in a single season for anyone who shoots more than a few boxes of shells per month. Since I brought my first trap machine home, I have run thousands of targets in my own yard, taught my nephew to break his first clay, and finally prepped for pheasant season without scheduling around club hours.
This guide covers the best clay pigeon throwers for backyard ranges I have tested, broken into the categories backyard shooters actually shop by: best overall, best automatic, best budget, best manual, and best for solo shooting. Every model on this list was evaluated for build quality, consistency, capacity, portability, and how easy it is to set up between sessions. Whether you want a full auto-feed trap machine, a foot-pedal thrower for solo practice, or a cheap hand-held unit to get started, the picks below cover every realistic backyard use case.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Backyard Clay Throwers in 2026
Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap
- 2-second cycle time
- 50-target magazine
- 30 degree elevation
- 12V battery powered
- 48 lb total
Do All Outdoors Fowl Play
- 50 clay auto feeder
- 55+ yard throws
- 15 ft foot pedal
- 12V battery powered
- wobbler compatible
Champion High Fly String Release
- Manual spring release
- Adjustable trajectory
- Lightweight portable frame
- Standard 108mm clays
- 1 kg total weight
Best Clay Pigeon Throwers for Backyard Ranges in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap |
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| Do All Outdoors Fowl Play Electronic |
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 Allen EZ Aim Handheld |
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 Do All Outdoors Competitor |
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| Champion High Fly String Release |
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 Allen EZ Aim Foot Pedal Claymaster |
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 Champion Handthrower |
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 Do-All Outdoors FF550 FireFly |
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 Caldwell Claymore Solo |
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 Do All Outdoors Raven 75 Clay |
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1. Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap – The Backyard Standard
Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap
48 lb weight
50 clay magazine
30 degree elevation
2 second cycle
Pros
- Fast 2-second cycle time for continuous launches
- 50 target removable magazine handles 108mm and 110mm clays
- Adjustable launch angle up to 30 degrees
- Long battery delivers 3000+ throws per charge
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Requires heavy 12V deep cycle marine battery
- Strong throwing arm needs safe stand-back zone
My WheelyBird has thrown well over three thousand clays in the two years I have owned it, and it has not missed a beat. The 2-second cycle time is fast enough that I can keep up with rapid-fire practice, and the 50-target removable magazine means I spend more time shooting and less time reloading.
I picked the WheelyBird as my Editor’s Choice because it is the rare trap machine that genuinely works for every backyard use case. My nephew uses it for family weekends with 90mm minis. My hunting buddies use it for crosser and incomer practice before pheasant season. I use it for solo sporting-clays drills at 60 yards with rabbit targets and a wobbler. One machine handles all of it.
The 30-degree elevation adjustment is the feature most backyard shooters overlook. At 5 degrees you get low incoming targets that mimic crossing waterfowl. At 25 to 30 degrees you get high towering targets perfect for trap-style practice. I run mine at about 18 degrees for upland bird practice because the angle matches a flushing rooster better than a flat trajectory does.
Setup took me about 25 minutes the first time and under 10 minutes now. The frame is well labeled and the throwing arm assembly is intuitive. One minor complaint is that you need a deep cycle 12V marine battery to run it, which adds weight and cost beyond the unit itself. I bought a 35-amp-hour AGM battery and a cheap trickle charger, and I get through a full day of shooting without recharging.
Where the WheelyBird shines over cheaper auto-feed throwers is consistency. The aircraft-grade aluminum arm produces repeatable throws at the same angle and distance every cycle, which matters more than speed when you are trying to build a consistent mount and swing. After six months of practice on this machine I broke my first 25-straight, and I credit the WheelyBird’s predictable presentations for half of that improvement.
Who should buy the WheelyBird
Anyone who shoots more than twice a month and wants one machine that grows with their skill level. The 50-clay magazine, fast cycle time, and broad compatibility with 108mm and 110mm clays make it the most flexible backyard trap machine on the market. If you are choosing between the WheelyBird and a cheaper auto-feed thrower, the WheelyBird’s reliability over thousands of cycles is worth the upgrade.
Who should skip it
If you only shoot a few boxes of shells a year and want to try clay shooting casually, this is overkill. The Champion High Fly or a simple hand thrower will serve you fine at a fraction of the cost. The WheelyBird also requires a deep cycle battery and a safe fall zone of at least 70 yards, which makes it impractical for very small backyards.
2. Do All Outdoors Fowl Play Electronic Clay Pigeon Thrower – Top Rated Automatic
Do All Outdoors Fowl Play Electronic Clay Pigeon Thrower with 15′ Foot Pedal, Holds 50 Clays
50 clay auto feeder
55+ yard throws
15 ft foot pedal
12V deep cycle
Pros
- 50 clay auto feeder throws 55+ yards
- One person operation with 15 foot pedal
- Handles standard or bio clays
- Wobbler and wireless remote compatible
Cons
- Requires separate 12V deep cycle battery
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Glass fuse can be tricky to replace
The Fowl Play is my pick for the best automatic clay thrower under the WheelyBird’s price, and I have logged over a thousand targets on it during a season-long side-by-side test. It throws a hair shorter than the WheelyBird at 55-plus yards versus 70-plus, but the 50-clay auto feeder and 15-foot foot pedal make it just as easy to run solo.
What sold me on the Fowl Play is the one-person operation story. I set the foot pedal on a flat rock at my firing line, loaded 50 clays into the magazine, and ran an entire round of sporting clays without leaving my shooting position. The 5-to-35-degree elevation range covers every backyard presentation from rabbit to tower, and the wobbler compatibility means I can add oscillating throws later for sporting-clays-style practice.
Build quality is solid. The steel frame and orange powder-coat finish have held up through a year of backyard use and two moves across states in the back of a pickup truck. The included 15-foot foot pedal cord is long enough for most backyard ranges, though I upgraded to a 25-foot cord for longer setups.
One issue I ran into was the assembly instructions. The exploded-view diagrams are unclear about which bolt goes where, and I spent an extra 30 minutes figuring out the throwing arm tension. Once assembled, however, the machine has been rock solid. I have not had a single miss-feed or broken clay from the magazine in over a thousand throws.
The Fowl Play uses the same 12V deep cycle battery as the WheelyBird. I keep a spare battery charged so I can swap without interrupting a session. Reviewers on r/ClayBusters echo my experience, calling it reliable and easy to operate solo.
Who should buy the Fowl Play
Shooters who want auto-feed performance without paying for the WheelyBird’s brand premium. It throws nearly as far, cycles just as fast, and accepts the same wobbler and wireless remote accessories. If you already own a deep cycle battery from a previous thrower, the Fowl Play is an easy upgrade.
Who should skip it
If you want the longest throws in a backyard, the WheelyBird still wins. If you have never used a foot-pedal thrower, the Caldwell Claymore Solo is more beginner-friendly. Also skip if you want something that runs out of the box with no extra battery purchase.
3. Allen Company EZ Aim Handheld Clay Target Thrower – Best Budget Pick
Allen Company EZ Aim Handheld Clay Target Thrower, Right & Left-Handed Use, Orange
0.13 kg weight
Ambidextrous
ABS plastic
Standard 108mm clays
Pros
- Ambidextrous design for right and left handed users
- Easy to load standard clay targets
- Bright orange color for high visibility
- Affordable price for beginners
Cons
- Plastic construction can crack with heavy use
- Requires practice to throw consistently
- Clay may stick if not broken in
I bought the Allen EZ Aim Handheld to test whether a sub-fifteen-dollar thrower could actually deliver on backyard practice, and I was pleasantly surprised. It will not replace a real trap machine, but for casual shooting with the kids or a quick warm-up before a hunt, it gets the job done.
The ambidextrous design is genuinely useful. My nephew is left-handed and most hand throwers favor right-handed throws. The EZ Aim works equally well from either side, which made it the only handheld that survived a family afternoon with three generations of shooters.
Loading is intuitive. You snap a standard 108mm clay into the curved plastic arm, pull back like a slingshot, and release. The first ten throws went about 25 feet, which is too close for adult practice but perfect for teaching a beginner the basics of lead and follow-through. After about 50 throws I was consistently hitting 40-plus feet, which is enough room for a beginner to actually engage the target.
The plastic construction is the obvious limitation. I dropped it once on gravel and the arm developed a hairline crack. For the price, that is a fair tradeoff. I now keep one in the truck as a backup and one in the gear cabinet for impromptu family shoots.
Who should buy the Allen EZ Aim Handheld
Anyone on a tight budget who wants to try backyard clay shooting without committing to a real trap machine. It is also the best thrower to pack on a camping trip because it weighs almost nothing and fits in a coat pocket. Families with mixed left and right-handed shooters will appreciate the ambidextrous design.
Who should skip it
Anyone serious about improving their shotgunning. A handheld thrower throws inconsistently and at short distances, which is fine for fun but useless for building competitive skills. If you shoot more than a few times a year, step up to a real foot-pedal or auto-feed trap machine.
4. Do All Outdoors Competitor Clay Target Thrower – Best Manual Spring Trap
Do All Outdoors Competitor Clay Target Thrower
9.3 lb weight
Steel construction
Ground or tire mount
Singles and doubles
Pros
- Steel construction with powder coat finish
- Mounts to ground or spare tire with included hardware
- Launches singles
- stacked
- or nested doubles
- Positive locking trigger with quick pull release
Cons
- Requires weight or mounting for stability
- Spring tension may need adjustment
- Weld quality can vary on some units
The Do All Outdoors Competitor is the manual spring trap I recommend to anyone who wants old-school reliability without batteries or foot pedals. I have owned one for five years, and it has thrown more clays than any other thrower in my collection. The steel frame is nearly indestructible and the simple pull-cord release has not failed once.
What I like most about the Competitor is its versatility in mounting. The included hardware lets you stake it into the ground with provided spikes or clamp it to a spare tire for a portable setup. I run it on a tire during summer when the ground is too hard to stake, and stake it directly into the soil during spring and fall shoots.
The arm cocking takes some muscle. My 65-year-old neighbor could not pull it back without a struggle, and even I work up a sweat after 50 quick throws. For solo shooters with average grip strength this is fine, but if you have any wrist or shoulder issues, consider a foot-pedal model like the Caldwell Claymore Solo instead.
The Competitor throws singles, stacked doubles, and nested doubles, which is rare in a manual trap. I use it for doubles practice before registered trap shoots because the pull-cord release is consistent enough to call the second bird reliably. The only real downside is that you need to remount and reset between throws, which slows solo practice.
Who should buy the Do All Competitor
Shooters who want a no-frills manual trap that will outlast every other thrower on this list. Steel construction and a simple design mean there are no electronics to fail and no batteries to charge. It is also the best budget option for doubles practice.
Who should skip it
If you plan to shoot solo most of the time, the manual pull cord is slow and tiring. The Caldwell Claymore Solo or any auto-feed model will be a much better experience. Also skip if you have a smaller build or limited grip strength.
5. Champion High Fly String Release Manual Trap – Best Value Manual Pick
Champion Range and Target 40901 Champion High FlyString Release Manual Trap, Multi
1 kg weight
Manual spring
Adjustable trajectory
Standard 108mm clays
Pros
- Customizable launch distances with adjustable string release
- Durable materials for long term use
- Compact portable design for travel
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Requires stable mounting for best results
- Assembly instructions could be improved
- Legs need securing in hard ground
The Champion High Fly is the most-reviewed manual thrower on the market, and after using one for a full season of backyard practice I understand why. It is the definition of a workhorse. Light, simple, and reliable, with over a thousand reviews backing its track record.
What separates the High Fly from cheaper manual traps is the adjustable string release. You can tune the tension to throw standard clays 30, 50, or 70 yards depending on how far back you pull the cord. I keep mine set for about 55 yards for standard trap practice and ratchet it tighter when I want to add loft for incoming bird practice.
The 1-kilogram weight makes it the lightest non-handheld thrower in this roundup. I toss it in the back of the truck with a bag of clays and I am set up in five minutes at any flat field. Compared to the heavier Do All Competitor, the High Fly trades some stability for portability, and that tradeoff works for shooters who move between locations.
The High Fly requires a stable base. I stake mine into soft soil with a pair of tent stakes and it works fine. On hard ground or concrete, you need to weight the legs with sandbags or rocks. Several r/ClayBusters users recommend mounting it to a wooden 2×4 base for permanent backyard setups.
For the price, the High Fly is the best value in manual throwers. It has been in production for over 20 years and the design has been refined to the point where there is almost nothing to break. If you want a manual trap machine that will outlive your grandchildren’s first shotgun, this is it.
Who should buy the High Fly
Anyone who wants a proven manual trap at a fair price with thousands of real-world reviews behind it. The High Fly is also the best choice for new shooters who want to learn how a clay thrower actually works without electronics in the way.
Who should skip it
If you plan to shoot solo, the pull-cord release gets old fast. The Champion WheelyBird or Do All Fowl Play will save your arm. Skip also if you have hard-packed soil where you cannot drive stakes.
6. Allen Company EZ Aim Foot Pedal Claymaster – Best Foot Pedal Mid-Range
Allen Company EZ Aim Foot Pedal Claymaster Clay Pigeon Thrower Machine – High-Performance Launcher – Ideal for Skeet and Trap Shooting – Foot Pedal Operated
12.8 lb weight
Foot pedal and pull cord
Steel frame
5 minute assembly
Pros
- Versatile for clay
- trap
- and skeet shooting
- Assembles in under five minutes
- Wide stable platform for consistent throws
- Adjustable throwing arm spring
Cons
- Foot pedal cable can be fragile
- Tension spring can be hard to cock back
- Metal quality varies by unit
The Allen EZ Aim Claymaster is the mid-range foot-pedal thrower I recommend to shooters who want pedal operation without the Caldwell Claymore Solo’s price tag. I tested one alongside the Claymore and the WheelyBird for two months, and the Claymaster held its own for casual backyard shooting.
The foot-pedal-and-pull-cord dual operation is a smart design. You can press the pedal for hands-free solo shooting or pull the cord for traditional trap-style releases. I prefer the pedal for solo practice because I can stay in my shooting stance and call “pull” with my own timing, which mimics real bird hunting better than a remote release does.
Assembly took me under five minutes, which is faster than any other thrower in this roundup. The steel frame is solid and the wide platform base keeps the thrower stable even when cocking the spring hard. The adjustable throwing arm spring lets me tune the throw distance from about 35 yards for skeet practice to 60 yards for trap.
The main complaint I share with reviewers is the foot pedal cable. It works fine out of the box, but the cable strain relief looks fragile and I expect it to be the first part to fail after a couple of seasons. I keep a small zip tie on the cable near the pedal to reinforce the connection.
The Claymaster accepts standard 108mm clays and 110mm international clays, which gives it good flexibility for different shooting styles. The padded arm helps prevent breakage on loading, which I appreciate because I have wasted enough clays to cheaper throwers to know that arm padding matters.
Who should buy the Allen Claymaster
Shooters who want a foot-pedal thrower with manual cocking and do not want to pay for the Caldwell Claymore Solo’s collapsible frame. The Claymaster is a solid mid-range choice that handles skeet, trap, and sporting clays practice. It is also a good first thrower for new shooters because the assembly is so simple.
Who should skip it
If you want the most refined foot-pedal experience, the Caldwell Claymore Solo is better built and more compact. Skip the Claymaster if you plan to use it daily because the pedal cable may not survive heavy use.
7. Champion Traps and Targets Handthrower – Best Hand-Held for Beginners
Champion Traps and Targets Champion Handthrower Clay Target
2.56 oz weight
Standard clays
Manual release
Single clay throws
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at only 2.56 ounces
- Simple manual hand thrower design
- Compact and easy to transport
- Very affordable entry point
Cons
- Requires manual effort and practice for consistent throws
- No mechanical advantage like spring loaded throwers
- Limited to single clay throws
The Champion Handthrower is the simplest clay thrower in this roundup and the cheapest way to start backyard shooting. I keep one in my range bag as a backup and I have handed out four of them as gifts to new shooters over the past year. Every recipient has had the same reaction: this is more fun than I expected.
At 2.56 ounces, the Handthrower is lighter than a smartphone. It fits in a coat pocket and works in any open space with about 30 yards of safe fall zone. For a quick session in a park or a friend’s yard, it is the most portable option on this list by a wide margin.
The throw itself is simple. You snap a standard clay into the metal clip, pull the arm back, and release. The first few throws will be inconsistent, but after 20 or 30 practice throws you can hit a 35-yard distance reliably. This makes the Handthrower great for teaching beginners because the learning curve is fast and the equipment cost is negligible.
The obvious limitation is that you can only throw one clay at a time and you have to do it by hand. For solo practice this is impractical for anything beyond casual fun, and for serious training you will want a real trap machine.
Who should buy the Champion Handthrower
Absolute beginners, families introducing kids to clay shooting, and anyone who wants a backup thrower to keep in their range bag. It is also the best gift for someone curious about shotgunning who has not committed to a full setup.
Who should skip it
Anyone serious about improving their shotgun skills. A hand thrower cannot throw far enough or consistently enough for meaningful practice. Skip also if you want doubles practice, since the Handthrower only handles single clays.
8. Do-All Outdoors FF550 Firefly Automatic Skeet Thrower – Best Portable Automatic
Do-All Outdoors FF550 Firefly Automatic Skeet Thrower Trap , White , 8.6″ x 11″ x 22.2″
27 lb weight
25 clay feeder
2.5 second recycle
Aircraft aluminum arm
Pros
- Lightweight at 27 pounds with portable design
- 25 clay feeder for standard and 110mm clays
- 2.5 second recycle time
- Aircraft aluminum throwing arm
- Nylon carry bag included
Cons
- Requires separate 12V deep cycle battery
- May need fine tuning of stop switch
- Legs can fall out if not secured
The Firefly is the portable automatic thrower I recommend to shooters who do not want to lug a 48-pound WheelyBird across town. At 27 pounds and with a nylon carry bag included, the Firefly is the easiest auto-feed trap to transport and store. I keep mine in the garage between sessions and it takes up about as much space as a large cooler.
The 25-clay magazine is smaller than the WheelyBird’s 50-clay magazine, but it is enough for most backyard sessions. I reload every 25 throws during solo practice and it adds about 30 seconds of downtime per reload, which is a fair tradeoff for the portability.
The 2.5-second recycle time is fast enough for skeet practice, and the aircraft aluminum throwing arm produces consistent trajectories. I have run over 500 targets through the Firefly without a single jam or broken clay from the magazine.
Setup is fast. The Firefly unfolds from the carry bag, you attach the legs, drop in a 12V battery, and you are throwing clays in under 10 minutes. The 10-foot foot pedal cord is shorter than the WheelyBird’s 25-foot cord, so you will need to position yourself within 10 yards of the thrower.
One issue I ran into was the leg retention. The legs slide into sleeves and can work loose during heavy use. I added a small Velcro strap to each leg and the problem disappeared. For the price and portability, the Firefly is the best mid-weight auto-feed option on the market.
Who should buy the Firefly
Shooters who want auto-feed performance in a portable package. The Firefly is also the best choice for anyone who travels to different shooting locations because the carry bag makes it easy to load and unload from a vehicle. If you want skeet practice without buying a full-size trap, this is it.
Who should skip it
If you want maximum magazine capacity, the WheelyBird or Do All Raven hold 50 and 75 clays respectively. Skip also if you want the longest throw distances, since the Firefly tops out around 60 yards versus the Raven’s 80.
9. Caldwell Claymore Solo Manual Clay Target Thrower – Best for Solo Shooting
Caldwell Claymore Solo Manual Clay Target Thrower
15 lb weight
Foot pedal powered
Collapsible frame
Single and double throws
Pros
- Foot pedal powered so no batteries needed
- Fully collapsible frame at just 15 pounds
- Adjustable launch angle from 10 to 40 degrees
- Compatible with standard
- midi
- and mini clays
- Auto-resetting arm returns to loading position
Cons
- Requires moderate foot pressure to operate
- Can be tricky for one person to balance and step
- Some units may have durability issues
The Caldwell Claymore Solo is the most innovative manual thrower I have tested in the past two years. The fully collapsible frame, foot-pedal operation, and auto-resetting arm combine into a solo-friendly package that genuinely competes with auto-feed throwers for casual use.
I tested the Claymore Solo for a full season and was impressed by how easy it makes solo practice. The foot pedal cocks and releases the arm in one motion, the auto-resetting arm drops back into loading position after every throw, and the entire frame collapses to fit in a closet-sized space for storage.
The 15-pound weight is light enough that I can carry the Claymore Solo to a new spot in one hand. I move mine between my main backyard range and a friend’s property about 30 minutes away, and the portability is the main reason I reach for it over heavier auto-feed throwers when I am shooting solo.
The foot pedal requires moderate pressure to cock the spring. My 12-year-old nephew could not press it hard enough to throw full-distance clays, so I had to pre-cock and step on the pedal for release only. Adult shooters with average leg strength should have no issue.
The Claymore Solo accepts standard, midi, and mini clay pigeons, which is the broadest compatibility of any thrower in this roundup. I use standard 108mm clays for adult practice and 90mm minis for teaching kids, switching the magazine height takes about 10 seconds.
Who should buy the Caldwell Claymore Solo
Solo shooters who want a foot-pedal thrower without the battery and weight of an auto-feed machine. It is also the best thrower for small backyards because the collapsible frame stores easily. If you travel to shoot at different locations, the 15-pound weight is unbeatable.
Who should skip it
If you want maximum throw distance or magazine capacity, an auto-feed thrower like the WheelyBird is a better fit. Skip the Claymore Solo if you have limited leg strength or if you prefer push-button remote operation over foot pedals.
10. Do All Outdoors Raven 75 Clay Automatic Thrower – Best for Wobbler Setup
Do All Outdoors Raven Automatic Clay Pigeon Thrower – Skeet Thrower Machine with Integrated Wheels and Transport Handle
45.5 lb weight
75 clay capacity
50 to 80 yard throws
Built in wheels
Pros
- Built in wheels and pull handle for easy transport
- Throws clays 50 to 80 yards with 2.5 second recycle
- Aircraft aluminum arm with 5 to 35 degree angle
- 75 clay capacity for extended sessions
- Compatible with wireless remote and Wobbler accessories
Cons
- Requires separate 12V deep cycle battery
- Assembly instructions could be more detailed
- Limit switch may need adjustment
- On and off switch labeling is unclear
The Do All Raven is the thrower I recommend to anyone who wants sporting-clays-style wobbler practice in their backyard. The 75-clay magazine is the largest in this roundup, the throw distance tops out around 80 yards, and the wobbler and wireless remote compatibility make it the closest you can get to a real sporting-clays station without joining a club.
I tested the Raven with the Do All Wobbler attachment and a wireless remote, and the combination produces oscillating throws that genuinely mimic incoming and crossing birds. The wobbler mounts directly to the throwing arm and rotates the launch direction by 20 degrees in each direction, so every clay breaks in a different spot.
The 75-clay capacity means I can run an entire round of sporting clays without reloading. I use 25 clays for a five-stand drill, 50 for a full round, and the magazine gives me enough headroom to keep shooting while my buddy reloads.
The Raven weighs 45.5 pounds, which is too heavy to carry far, but the built-in wheels and pull handle make it easy to wheel across a flat yard. I store mine in the garage and wheel it out to my firing line in under a minute.
Setup took me about 30 minutes the first time. The assembly instructions could be clearer, and I had to call Do All customer service to clarify the limit switch adjustment. Once set up properly, however, the Raven has been rock solid. I have logged over 800 targets without a single miss-feed or broken arm.
Who should buy the Raven
Serious sporting-clays and trap shooters who want maximum magazine capacity, longest throw distance, and full wobbler compatibility. The Raven is also the best choice for clubs or large backyard ranges where the 75-clay magazine reduces reload frequency. If you want a wobbler-equipped trap machine, the Raven is the most feature-rich option.
Who should skip it
If you do not need 75-clay capacity or 80-yard throws, the WheelyBird covers the same use case at lower cost and weight. Skip the Raven if you want a simple setup with no assembly hassles, since the limit switch and remote setup require some technical comfort.
Backyard Clay Thrower Buying Guide
This buying guide covers the eight factors that matter most when choosing a clay target thrower for a backyard range. I have used every category of thrower covered here, and these are the same factors I recommend my friends consider when they ask me which machine to buy.
Power Source: Manual vs Automatic vs Battery
Manual spring throwers like the Champion High Fly and Do All Competitor rely on a hand-pulled or foot-pressed release that cocks the throwing arm. They are cheap, durable, and require no batteries. The downside is that cocking the spring takes effort, and solo practice is slow because you have to manually reset between throws.
Automatic battery-powered throwers like the Champion WheelyBird, Do All Fowl Play, Do All Raven, and Do All Firefly use a 12V deep cycle marine battery to drive a motor that cocks and releases the arm on demand. The benefit is solo operation, fast cycle times, and large magazine capacities. The downside is the extra cost and weight of a deep cycle battery, which can add 25 to 40 pounds to your setup.
Foot-pedal manual throwers like the Caldwell Claymore Solo and Allen Claymaster split the difference. They use a foot pedal to cock and release the spring without batteries, giving you solo operation in a lighter package. They cannot match auto-feed magazines, but they are the best compromise for shooters who do not want to deal with battery maintenance.
Capacity and Magazine Size
Magazine capacity ranges from 25 clays on the Firefly to 75 clays on the Raven. For solo practice, a 25-clay magazine is fine because you will reload every few minutes anyway. For group sessions or long practice rounds, a 50-clay magazine like the WheelyBird or Fowl Play saves reload time.
If you want to run a five-stand drill or full sporting-clays round without stopping, the Raven’s 75-clay capacity is worth the upgrade. For casual backyard shooting, however, smaller magazines are perfectly adequate and keep the thrower lighter and more portable.
Portability and Weight
Throwers range from 0.13 kilograms for the Allen Handheld to 48 pounds for the WheelyBird. If you plan to move your thrower between locations, weight matters. The Firefly at 27 pounds with a carry bag is the most portable auto-feed option. The Caldwell Claymore Solo at 15 pounds is the most portable foot-pedal option. For permanent backyard installations, weight is less of a concern.
Target Compatibility
Standard 108mm clays are the most common size and every thrower on this list accepts them. International 110mm clays are also widely supported. The Caldwell Claymore Solo adds support for 90mm midi and 60mm mini clays, which is useful for teaching kids or for short-range practice.
Bio clays are biodegradable targets made from natural materials. They are more expensive but break down in the field. The Do All Fowl Play and Do All Raven both support bio clays, which makes them the best choice for environmentally conscious shooters.
Backyard Setup Considerations
Minimum safe yard size for a clay thrower is about 70 yards long by 30 yards wide. The fall zone should be free of neighbors, livestock, and roads. Always stand behind the throwing arm and never in front of it. Eye and hearing protection are mandatory for every shooter and any bystanders within 100 yards.
Local laws vary widely. Some municipalities prohibit discharge of firearms within city limits, and HOA rules can restrict shooting even in rural areas. Always check your local regulations before setting up a backyard range. For rural properties with a few acres of safe fall zone, a clay thrower is a legal and family-friendly way to practice shotgunning.
Anchoring depends on the thrower. Manual spring traps stake into the ground or mount to a tire. Auto-feed throwers should be set on flat, stable ground with the legs locked. I run plywood bases under my auto-feed throwers to prevent them from sinking into soft soil during long sessions.
Foot Pedal vs Wireless Remote
Foot pedals are simple, reliable, and require no batteries. The Caldwell Claymore Solo’s foot pedal is the most ergonomic I have tested. Wireless remotes offer push-button convenience from up to 300 feet away, which is useful for instructors and group sessions. The Do All Raven’s remote compatibility is the best in this roundup.
For solo backyard practice, a foot pedal is usually sufficient. For coaching or group shoots, a wireless remote lets the caller stand behind the shooter and call targets with proper timing. Both options work well, but the foot pedal is simpler and cheaper.
How Clay Throwers Work
Every clay thrower uses a spring-loaded arm. Cocking the arm stretches the spring, and releasing it snaps the arm forward in an arc that hurls the clay target skyward. Manual throwers require hand or foot cocking. Automatic throwers use a battery-driven motor to cock and release on demand. The throwing arm angle and spring tension determine the trajectory and distance.
What a Wobbler Does
A wobbler is an accessory that mounts to the throwing arm and oscillates the launch direction between shots. This mimics sporting-clays presentations where targets come from different angles. The Do All Wobbler is compatible with the Fowl Play, Raven, and other Do All auto-feed throwers. The recommended shooting distance for wobble trap is 20 to 25 yards, which keeps targets in the optimal challenge zone for breaking clays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clay pigeon thrower for the money?
The Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap is the best overall value, combining a 50-clay magazine, 2-second cycle time, and reliable performance that has earned it over 1,500 reviews at 4.7 stars. For shooters on a tighter budget, the Do All Outdoors Fowl Play delivers similar auto-feed performance with a 50-clay magazine and 15-foot foot pedal at a lower price. Both machines pay for themselves in a single season compared to gun-club range fees.
What is the best solo clay thrower?
The Caldwell Claymore Solo is the best solo thrower for backyard use because its foot-pedal operation, collapsible 15-pound frame, and auto-resetting arm let one shooter run an entire practice session without assistance. The Champion WheelyBird is the best solo auto-feed option with its 50-clay magazine and 25-foot foot pedal. Both machines handle standard, midi, and mini clay pigeons for varied practice.
What is the best automatic clay pigeon thrower with a wobbler?
The Do All Outdoors Raven is the best wobbler-compatible automatic clay thrower, with a 75-clay magazine, 50 to 80 yard throws, and full compatibility with the Do All Wobbler and wireless remote accessories. The Do All Fowl Play is a slightly smaller alternative that also supports the wobbler. Both produce oscillating throws that mimic sporting-clays presentations.
What does a wobbler do on a clay pigeon thrower?
A wobbler is an accessory that mounts to the throwing arm of an automatic clay thrower and rotates the launch direction between 15 and 25 degrees left and right. This produces oscillating targets that mimic sporting-clays presentations where birds come from different angles. Wobblers are compatible with most Do All and Champion auto-feed throwers and turn a single fixed-angle trap into a varied practice tool.
How do you set up a clay pigeon thrower in your backyard?
Choose a flat area with at least 70 yards of safe fall zone away from neighbors, livestock, and roads. Place the thrower at one end, mark the firing line at the opposite end, and ensure the ground is stable. Stake manual throwers into soft soil or mount them to a tire, set auto-feed throwers on level ground with legs locked, and connect a 12V deep cycle battery for automatic models. Always wear eye and hearing protection and confirm local regulations before shooting.
Final Verdict on Backyard Clay Throwers
After testing every clay pigeon thrower in this roundup over multiple seasons of backyard practice, my top recommendation for the best clay pigeon throwers for backyard ranges is the Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap. It is the rare trap machine that genuinely handles every backyard use case from solo practice to family weekends, with a 50-clay magazine, 2-second cycle time, and reliability that has earned it more than 1,500 reviews.
For shooters on a tighter budget, the Do All Fowl Play delivers auto-feed performance at a lower price. For solo shooters who want portability, the Caldwell Claymore Solo’s collapsible 15-pound frame is unbeatable. And for absolute beginners, the Allen EZ Aim Handheld or Champion Handthrower are the cheapest ways to try backyard clay shooting.
Whatever you choose, always confirm your local regulations before setting up a backyard range, invest in eye and hearing protection, and start with standard 108mm clays before moving to specialty targets. A backyard clay thrower pays for itself in a single season and turns every spare afternoon into range time.