Shooting targets

Shooting as a discipline dates back centuries, beginning with simple wooden or straw targets used for archery and early firearms training. Over time, paper shooting targets gained popularity for precision shooting. With their affordability and scoring capabilities, shooting targets paper styles like bullseyes and silhouettes became staples in civilian and military training environments.

Modern ranges now offer diverse formats, from printable shooting targets for casual practice to rimfire targets tailored for low-caliber firearms. Steel targets for shooting, typically crafted from AR500 steel, dominate competitive and tactical spaces due to their durability and real-time feedback.

Yet despite this variety, none of these offer the dynamic realism and rich tradition of clay targets.

Before the invention of clay pigeons, live bird shooting was common. In the late 19th century, clay targets emerged as a humane, consistent, and more accessible alternative.

Originally made from a mix of pitch and limestone, clay pigeons mimicked the size and flight of birds. The name "clay pigeon" stuck, even as materials evolved. Today, most clay targets are made from more eco-conscious ingredients and at Nordic Clays, we go one step further with our biodegradable clay pigeons, designed to minimize environmental impact without compromising on performance.

These disc-shaped shooting targets revolutionized the sport by introducing motion, unpredictability, and realism to target practice. For disciplines like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, clay pigeons remain the undisputed standard.

Clay Targets: Still the preferred choice for shotgun sports

Clay pigeons simulate the real-world movement of game birds, making them invaluable for hunters and sport shooters alike. Unlike steel or paper targets, clay pigeons fly through the air, break on impact, and present ever-changing angles, essential for building fast reflexes and instinctive shooting skills.

Whether you're learning how to hold a shotgun for trap shooting or working on timing and tracking in a sporting clays setup, clay targets push shooters to refine their technique in a way that stationary targets cannot.

If you're seeking shooting range targets that challenge and reward you with every shot, clay pigeons are an unbeatable choice.

At Nordic Clays, we’re proud to offer biodegradable clay pigeons that dissolve naturally over time, reducing environmental waste on shooting grounds. Our targets are engineered to deliver optimal flight characteristics while breaking cleanly on impact, making them ideal for competitive settings and casual shooting alike.

We believe that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. That’s why our clay pigeons are not only kind to the environment but also trusted by shooters across the world for their consistency and reliability.

Explore our full range of biodegradable clay targets and elevate your next session with targets that match your values and your aim.

Other shooting target options

While clay targets dominate shotgun sports, other formats still play important roles across different shooting disciplines:

• Steel shooting targets are perfect for centerfire rifles and pistols. The loud “ping” when hit provides immediate feedback, ideal for drills and competitions.
  
  
• Rimfire steel targets are designed for lower-caliber rounds and are commonly used in backyard ranges or indoor training setups.
  
  
• Paper and printable shooting targets remain the top choice for sighting in optics and improving grouping accuracy.
  
  
• Metal targets for shooting include a variety of designs such as knockdowns, spinners, and resetting targets, especially popular in cowboy action or IPSC-style events.
  
  

But while these all have their place, when it comes to moving targets and shotgun shooting, clay pigeons still lead the field.

Targets with tradition and purpose

In a world of reactive steel targets and downloadable printable shooting targets, the humble clay pigeon continues to hold its place at the heart of the shooting sports tradition. It's more than just a target, it's a moving challenge that tests accuracy, timing, and technique.

From historical beginnings to high-tech biodegradable options, clay targets have evolved without losing what makes them special. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, train for a tournament, or simply enjoy a satisfying break in the air, clay pigeons remain the preferred targets for shooting with a shotgun.

Choose Nordic Clays for eco-friendly, biodegradable, and high-performance clay targets and keep your aim sharp while shooting sustainably.