Sixteen Clays, Sixteen Shots: Raniero Testa Sets a New Mark

Raniero Testa has once again taken exhibition shooting to the edge of what seems humanly possible, breaking 16 clay targets that he launched into the air by hand before any of them touched the ground.

“I’ll try it with 16 clays,” the professional shooter announced moments before the attempt. For most shooters, even imagining the sequence would be difficult. Seconds later, Testa had recorded a feat that may remain unmatched for years.

The Italian shooter already holds several records for hitting targets at extreme speed and under extraordinary conditions. His precision, timing and control have helped him build a reputation as one of the most spectacular exhibition shooters in the world.

Until recently, one of his best-known achievements was breaking 15 clays in just 1.6 seconds after throwing them into the air himself.

A 16-clay attempt during Game Fair 2026

Testa explained how the new display came about: “After a one-hour performance in Sweden, I managed to break 16 clay targets with 16 cartridges. It was a feat I had never attempted during a show. The low temperature and favourable wind certainly helped me, but it remains an unprecedented performance in the world.”

The achievement took place during Game Fair 2026, with Testa using a Winchester shotgun fitted with a high-capacity magazine. All 16 clays were struck by shot before reaching the ground.

What makes the performance even more remarkable is that it was not carried out after a dedicated preparation session. Testa was in the middle of a live show, which adds to the difficulty and brings the feat close to his 17-clay record, achieved in 2017 under similar conditions.

Other extraordinary Testa feats

Testa’s record list includes another remarkable shotgun display: hitting four clay targets launched simultaneously by hand without looking down the line of sight. For that attempt he used a Benelli 828 U Sport over-and-under shotgun and four Baschieri & Pellagri F2 Flash Olimpic Edition cartridges.

In that performance, two cartridges were loaded in the shotgun and two more were inserted into the muzzle after reopening the gun, adding another layer of technical difficulty to the sequence.

In 2022, Testa also managed to hit 20 clay targets launched from 10 metres while shooting a Benelli Endurance Be.ST semiautomatic rifle chambered in .308 WIN.