Abstract: A target pigeon for use in an autoloading target-pigeon launcher has a generally flat and circular ring centered on a ring axis and having a continuous and uninterrupted circular inner periphery defining a circular open space, a substantially circular outer periphery, and a pair of opposite axial faces. Two diametrically opposite formations are provided on one of the face of the ring and are each formed with a radially inwardly open notch spaced from the inner periphery. Furthermore an axially projecting circular and continuous ridge is formed on the one face of the ring spaced between and from the inner periphery and the formations and formed away from the one face with the chamfer and at the formations with radially outwardly open cutouts. A pair of diametrically opposite vanes is provided on the rings at the holding formations, tipped propeller-fashion relative to each other.

Abstract: A launcher for a target pigeon having a central coreless ring and a pair of propeller-type vanes projecting therefrom has a launch head whose tip can be rotated about a head axis for spinning a target pigeon held on the tip by a pair of retractable holding fingers. This head can be swiveled about a horizontal axis from an upwardly directed launch position into a downwardly directed load position in which it is aligned with a stack of such pigeons carried on a vertically displaceable platform, while in the launch position the entire head is also oscillated about a vertical axis. The launch tip has a radially displaceable beak which is urged centrifugally outwardly to deflect a target pigeon that is released from the launch tip by retraction of the holding fingers by a solenoid, and which also is urged radially inwardly by a spring so that when the tip is not rotating during loading the beak is out of the way.

Abstract: A two-piece target pigeon composed of (a) a ring with propeller wings extending radially and which are tilted in propeller fashion so that when spun about the centerline axis of the ring by a launching apparatus, the ring will displace itself axially through the air; and (b) a detachable target piece which is carried by the propellered ring in flight. Structure on the target pieces mutually intercooperate to hold the ring and target piece together in flight and to release the target when hit in flight by pellets. The structure includes legs with footed distal ends which disengage from the ring upon impact, so that the target will fall to earth simulating a "dead bird" while the propellered hub will continue in flight.