Definition

A shotgun is a type of firearm designed to fire a cluster of small pellets, called shot, contained within a cartridge. Unlike rifles or pistols, which fire single projectiles, shotguns spread multiple pellets over a wider area, making them ideal for hitting fast-moving targets such as clay pigeons.

Further Explanations

Shotguns are the standard firearm in all clay shooting disciplines, including trap, skeet, and sporting clays. They vary in size, design, and performance, but the most common for clay shooting is the 12 gauge, known for its balance of power, recoil, and shot capacity.

Popular shotgun types for clay shooting:

• Over-and-under: Two barrels stacked vertically, offering reliability and precision

• Side-by-side: Two barrels positioned horizontally, traditional in style

• Semi-automatic: Uses gas or recoil action to chamber the next round, offering quicker follow-up shots

• Pump-action: Manual cycling of rounds, less common in clay sports but still functional

Other factors such as barrel length, choke choice, and stock fit greatly affect performance and comfort.

Nordic Clays’ clay pigeon throwers and biodegradable clay pigeons are designed to work seamlessly with shotguns of all types. Whether you use a classic over-and-under or a modern semi-automatic, our gear ensures consistent target flights and clean breaks—perfect for practice or competition.