How Fast Do Clay Pigeons Travel?

Most clay pigeons leave the trap at between 40 and 70 miles per hour, depending on the shooting discipline and how the trap has been set. Combined with changing angles, heights and distances, that gives shooters only a brief moment to judge the target's flight, mount the gun and take the shot.

The speed of clay pigeons is only part of what makes the sport so enjoyable. A crossing target often appears much faster than one travelling directly away from the shooter, while climbing, dropping and curling targets all require slightly different techniques. At Weston Lodge Shooting Ground, qualified instructors teach beginners how to read a target's flight rather than relying on quick reactions, helping new shooters build confidence and improve their accuracy from the very first session.