Caldwell’s ClayCopter had everyone talking at SHOT Show, but that isn’t all that’s new! I met with senior marketing manager Jarrod Grove to see Caldwell’s latest products.
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Lead Sleds
The Caldwell brand has been synonymous with their Lead Sled for decades.
This year they have four new models to accommodate lever actions, long magazines, and to answer consumer requests!
Lead Sled Solo 2
From Caldwell:
The Caldwell Solo 2 gives the shooter everything they need to sight in without taking the kick. The pivoting frame design features an elevation adjustment that gets on target fast, with an offset design to work with detachable magazines, pistol grips, or lever action firearms. The weight tray holds up to 50 lbs. of lead shot or the Caldwell Lead Sled Solo Weight Reservoir to tame heavy recoil. The shock-eliminating rear support protects the shooter’s shoulder as well as the firearm and scope from recoil. Take the pain out of sighting in get the Lead Sled Solo 2 and Eliminate The Variables That Make You Miss®.
Features:
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- Reduces up to 85% felt recoil
- Weight tray fits the Lead Sled Solo Weight Reservoir or lead shot to eliminate recoil
- Center pivot for rapid elevation adjustment
- All-weather front rest with coarse elevation adjustment
- Rear support featuring shock eliminating pad reduces felt recoil and protects stocks from damage
- Offset frame design works with detachable magazines and lever action firearms
Lead Sled DFT 3
From Caldwell:
One of the most popular shooting rests in the Caldwell Lead Sled® family, the Lead Sled DFT features sturdy dual frame construction that can handle the biggest magnum rifles. The new improved frame design retains the original dual tubes but relocates them under the weight tray for improved clearance for detachable magazines, pistol grips, or lever actions. The frame includes a sliding design with 6” of length adjustment for a perfect fit on nearly any stock length. The benchrest style front rest features a smooth ball-bearing elevation adjustment and precise backlash-free windage adjustment. An all-weather skeletonized rubber front rest bag and rear support with a shock-eliminating recoil pad protect the firearm and scope from damage. The adjustable weight tray holds a variety of weight materials including Lead Sled Weight Reservoir Bags, lead shot, or 35 lb. barbell weights. Sight in with bench rest accuracy without the kick and Eliminate The Variables That Make You Miss® with the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 3.
Features:
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- Reduces up to 95% felt recoil
- Adjustable weight tray fits lead sled weight reservoirs, barbell weight plates, or lead shot to eliminate recoil
- Adjustable sliding frame tubes accommodate firearms of any length
- Improved frame design compatible with detachable magazines and lever action rifles
- Benchrest quality front elevation and backlash-free windage adjustments
- All-weather front bag design that securely holds firearms without causing damage
- Rear support featuring a shock-eliminating pad and vibration dampener reduces felt recoil and protects stocks from damage
Lead Sled 4
From Caldwell:
The Caldwell Lead Sled® revolutionized shooting rests over 20 years ago. These sturdy rests hold the rifle steady while using added weights to eliminate almost all felt recoil. This means you get sighted in faster and more precisely without developing bad flinching due to recoil. The Lead Sled 4 is the latest version of this classic shooting rest, starting with a new frame design that relocates the tube below the weight tray for improved clearance for detachable magazines and lever-action firearms. The adjustable weight tray holds a variety of weight materials including Lead Sled Weight Reservoir Bags, lead shot, or 35 lb. barbell weights. The front rest features windage and elevation adjustments with an all-weather rubber front bag that securely holds the firearm without damaging the stock. The rear support features the Caldwell Shock Eliminating recoil pad for added recoil reduction and firearm and scope protection from heavy recoil. Save your shoulder from the kick and Eliminate The Variables That Make You Miss® with the Caldwell Lead Sled 4.
Features:
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- Reduces up to 95% felt recoil
- Adjustable weight tray fits Lead Sled weight reservoirs, barbell weight plates, or lead shot to eliminate recoil
- Improved frame design compatible with detachable magazines and lever action rifles
- Front elevation and windage adjustments with rear fine elevation adjustment
- All-weather front bag design that securely holds firearms without causing damage.
- Rear support featuring shock eliminating pad and vibration dampener reduces felt recoil and protects stocks from damage
Lead Sled MAX
From Caldwell:
The most versatile Lead Sled in the Caldwell Lead Sled® Family, the Max brings maximum recoil reduction, maximum versatility, and maximum accuracy. The Lead Sled Max modular design transforms into 3 rests in seconds. A removable weight reservoir holds water, sand, gravel, or other materials for absorbing the recoil from magnum rifles and shotguns. The sliding frame is length adjustable and folds up for compact storage and easy transportation. The front rest features a clamping style head that securely holds the firearm and an enlarged elevation wheel with positive detent adjustment and a backlash-free fine windage and elevation adjustment at the rear. Maximize your shooting with the Lead Sled Max and Eliminate The Variables That Make You Miss®
Features:
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- Reduces up to 95% felt recoil
- Detachable 2-gallon weight reservoir holds water, sand, and other weight media
- Clamping front rest securely holds firearms without damage
- Benchrest quality front elevation and backlash-free windage adjustments
- Adaptable design can convert from recoil reducing to full-length to front rest
- Adjustable sliding frame tubes accommodate firearms of any length
These will be available approximately May 2025.
Flash Bang Pro
Caldwell’s Flash Bang target indicators played a starring role in the Rock Chuck Olympics and these same indicators have continued to provide long distance feedback on the Ultimate Reloader Ranch.
This is quite impressive as they were some of the first prototype samples Caldwell had and we haven’t had to change the batteries! The Flash Bang Pro was designed with competitive shooters in mind, featuring a one second flash in addition to the standard six second flash.
From Caldwell:
Few things are more satisfying than hearing the ring of a successful hit on a steel target, but at longer ranges or with multiple shooters knowing you hit the target can be nearly impossible. Get instant feedback and reassuring hit confirmation with the Flash Bang Pro. Featuring 10 ultra-bright LED lights that flash each time the target is impacted sending a visual hit confirmation back to the shooter at distances over 1 mile away. The Flash Bang Pro version features a multi position switch, allowing the user to select a 1 second flash for competition where shooters may be engaging a target multiple times, or a 6 second flash for longer-range uses where the long strobe is more desirable. Includes 3 AA batteries, lasting over 30,000 impacts, and hook and loop material to attach the Flash Bang Pro to the back of almost any AR500 target 5” and larger. See what you have been hitting with the Caldwell Flash Bang Pro hit indicator.
Features:
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- 10 ultra-bright LED lights visible at over 1 mile notify shooters of impacts
- Adjustable flash time 1 sec. or 6 sec. for rapid-fire or long-range use
- Low-impact energy detection works with rimfire and extreme ranges
- Powered by 3 AA batteries (included), lasting over 30,000 impacts
- Versatile hook and loop attachment fits most AR500 targets 5” and larger
Steel Targets
Caldwell’s 2025 steel targets are designed for shooters who want to make their home range more professional. All AR500 steel comes with Caldwell’s lifetime guarantee!
AR500 Dueling Tree
From Caldwell:
The Caldwell AR500 Dueling Tree is a great way to compete against friends or hone your skills by yourself on almost any range. With each impact, the six reactive targets pivot from left to right of the center post. The 6” diameter targets and center post are all constructed from AR500 steel for use with handguns and centerfire rifles. An adjustable base allows reliable use on uneven ground and tunes the target angle for different impact energies. A unique AR500 steel 2-piece center post and plate hangers withstand bullet impacts for a lifetime of trouble-free use. Get the Caldwell AR500 Dueling Tree and head to the range to Eliminate the Variables That Make You Miss.
Features:
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- Six – 6” diameter targets
- 3/8” rifle rated AR500 steel targets and center post
- 54” tall with 24” x 24” base
- Adjustable angle base for reliable use on uneven ground
- Rated for Handgun at 10 yards, .223 Rem at 100 yards and .308 Win at 200 yards
AR500 plate Rack Kit
Usually plate racks have to arrive on a pallet. This kit uses readily-available 2” x 4” lumber.
From Caldwell:
The Caldwell AR500 Plate Rack Kit brings competition-style targets to your home range. Each kit includes Three – 8” diameter targets with hanging brackets and 2 steel 2×4 frame hubs. The targets and target brackets are constructed of rifle-rated 3/8” AR500 steel for use with handguns and centerfire rifles. The steel frame hub brackets use standard 2×4 lumber (not included) to construct a customizable frame size that is easily expanded with the target expansion kit (sold separately). Dual functioning plates can be shot as falling plates or they can be suspended and shot as static/swinging plates. Have a blast setting them up and knocking them down with the Caldwell AR500 Plate Rack Kit.
Features:
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- Three – 8” diameter plates
- 3/8” AR500 rifle-rated steel targets
- Adjustable target brackets for falling or swinging plates
- Steel frame hubs use standard 2×4 lumber (not included) for customizable frame
- Optional expansion kit sold separately to add additional targets
AR500 Long Range Gong Kit w/Flash Bang
Just like the plate rack, the long range gong kit just requires standard lumber.
From Caldwell:
Shooting long distances often requires specialized targets and equipment to get the job done. The Caldwell Long-Range Gong Kit is an all-in-one kit that has everything you need to start making and spotting hits at longer ranges. Featuring a centerfire rifle rated 18”x24” 3/8” thick AR500 gong with nylon reinforced rubber straps that will last a lifetime of shooting. The steel 2×4 frame hubs use standard 2×4 lumber (not included) to make a custom size/height frame to match your range needs. Last but certainly not least the kit includes a Caldwell Flash Bang hit indicator that features flashing green LED lights that strobe every time a bullet impacts the target, making spotting shots at over 1 mile an easy task. Test the limits of your shooting and take that long shot with the Caldwell AR500 Long Range Gong Kit.
Features:
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- 18”X24” rifle rated 3/8” AR500 steel target
- Steel frame hubs use standard 2×4 lumber (not included) for customizable frame
- Flash Bang hit indicator included for easy hit identification
- Nylon-reinforced rubber hang straps included
ClayCopter and Claymore Connect
Saving the best for last, Jarrod took the time to explain the ClayCopter, a new shotgun target Caldwell is bringing to market. He said this has been one of his favorite projects to work on across his career and is something extremely unique.
The prop-design discs come in two designs/sizes: 90mm and 110mm. A hand-held thrower powered by a rechargeable li-ion battery throws single or double targets.
These targets are bio-degradable and mimic live birds’ flight path up to 100 yards (with no wind).
From Caldwell:
The clay pigeon was invented in 1880 as a replacement target option for glass ball targets and live birds. In the last 150 years, nothing major has changed in aerial shotgun targets. The Caldwell ClayCopter is the change we have all been waiting for. The ClayCopter is a handheld target launcher that uses an electric motor to spin target discs up to 15,000 RPM and releases them as single or double targets. The lightweight bio-degradable targets fly in unique patterns that mimic live birds’ flight up to 100 yards. The ClayCopter features a removable rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack that launches up to 300 targets on a single charge. The handheld design makes changing target angles and directions fast and easy for a variety of challenging shots. Hone your wing shooting skills with the Caldwell ClayCopter target launcher.
Features:
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- Handheld thrower launches Caldwell ClayCopter disc targets up to 100 yards.
- Throws single or double targets
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery launches up to 300 targets
- Spare battery packs sold separately for extended-range sessions.
- Variable speed for control of target speed and distance
- Two size targets available 110mm and 90mm
- ClayCopter discs are lighter and resist breakage in transit compared to traditional clay targets
- ClayCopter discs are biodegradable and break down faster than traditional clay targets
If you prefer a more traditional clay thrower, the electric Claymore Connect uses the same detachable lithium ion battery that the ClayCopter hand-held does.
This USB-C rechargeable battery will last for 750 throws! The Claymore Connect also comes with a wireless remote and is compatible with an app that allows you to control up to seven throwers at once!
This allows shooters to set up their own sporting clays course and use voice activation to shoot on their own.
Get the Gear
See all of Caldwell’s new products here!
ClayCopter Hand-held Thrower – Available in April!
AR500 Long Range Gong Kit w/Flash Bang
AR500 Rimfire KYL Ring Challenge Target
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear