Clay pigeon shooting is the sport of using a shotgun to shoot a clay disk thrown from a trap. It began as a way to practice bird hunting in England but has developed into a sport in its own right. The sport is enjoyed by people of many different ages, from children as young as 10 years old to senior citizens.
The clay pigeon is an upside-down saucer-shaped disk that comes in several sizes, shapes, and colors. It is thrown from a trap, a machine that propels the disk in the air, mimicking a bird in flight.
Most shooters use double barrel shotguns for clay pigeon shooting, with over/under shotguns more popular than side-by-side shotguns. The gunshot ammunition spreads out over a wider area than that of a single bullet.
The choke on the shotgun determines the size of the shotgun pattern. A close target is easier to hit with an open choke because the larger pattern is more likely to hit the disk. A tighter choke has a greater chance of reaching a target farther away.
Safety is important in clay pigeon shooting. Shooters must wear ear protection to guard their hearing. Because the gun recoil could injure the shooter's shoulder, correct positioning is crucial. Shooters must also take care not to be injured by pieces of falling clay; a hat can provide some protection.
The three main forms of clay pigeon shooting are trap shooting, Skeet shooting, and sporting clays. Several clay pigeon shooting games such as Olympic Trap and Double Trap are Olympic sports.
