Definition
American Trap is a popular clay shooting discipline originating in the United States. It involves shooting clay targets launched from a single trap house, moving away from the shooter at varying angles. Typically, it’s shot with a shotgun over five shooting stations arranged in an arc behind the trap house.
Further Explanations
American Trap is widely regarded as an entry point into competitive clay shooting. The game uses a standard setup where:
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Trap House: Positioned 16 yards in front of shooters, housing a trap machine that oscillates horizontally to launch targets.
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Targets: Clay pigeons are thrown at speeds between 40-50 mph (64-80 km/h).
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Shooting Format: Five stations, with each shooter taking turns firing at five targets per station for a total of 25 per round.
The discipline has three main variations:
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Singles – Standard format with one target per shot.
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Doubles – Two targets released simultaneously.
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Handicap – Shooters stand further back (up to 27 yards) for added difficulty.
American Trap emphasizes quick reaction time, precision, and consistency. Its structured format makes it one of the most practiced shooting sports in the U.S.
While American Trap traditionally uses a fixed trap machine, Nordic Clays provides portable, battery-powered clay pigeon throwers like the TrapMaster, designed for flexibility and eco-friendly shooting experiences.
Pair it with our biodegradable clay pigeons for sustainable practice, whether you’re preparing for trap competitions or enjoying recreational shooting.