Five Stand Doubles
All pairs format in compact sporting clays
What is Five Stand Doubles?
Five Stand Doubles is the pairs variation of Five Stand, where all targets are shot as simultaneous pairs (doubles). Like standard Five Stand, shooters rotate through five stations arranged in a line, facing targets thrown from up to eight different trap machines at varying angles, distances, and trajectories.
Each station presents a unique "menu" of target combinations, but all are presented as simultaneous pairs. Shooters might face a pair of high incoming birds, followed by a pair of fast crossing targets, then a pair of quartering shots - all from one station. The course designer programs specific pair sequences to simulate various hunting scenarios and challenge different shooting skills.
A standard round consists of 25 pairs (50 targets), with five pairs shot from each of the five stations. All pairs are simultaneous doubles - both targets released at the same time. This format tests speed, smooth transitions, and the ability to break both targets efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
History
Five Stand was developed in the 1980s as a response to the growing popularity of sporting clays. While full sporting clays courses offered incredible variety, they required substantial land and time to shoot. Five Stand provided a solution - delivering similar target diversity in a compact, efficient format.
The National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) standardized Five Stand rules in the early 1990s, establishing it as an official discipline. The format quickly gained popularity at gun clubs across America because it required minimal space compared to full sporting clays courses, yet still provided engaging, challenging shooting.
Today, Five Stand is offered at hundreds of clubs nationwide and has become a favorite for leagues, competitions, and casual shooting. Its efficiency makes it ideal for weeknight shoots, corporate events, and introducing new shooters to the variety of clay target sports without the time commitment of a full sporting clays course.
Key Characteristics
Compact Format
All 5 stations in one location - no walking between stands
Multiple Traps
6-8 trap machines provide variety from each station
Menu System
Each station has preset target sequences (menus)
Time Efficient
Complete round in 20-30 minutes
All Pairs Format
All targets presented as simultaneous doubles - requires fast engagement and smooth transitions
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Five Stand uses five shooting stations arranged in a straight line, similar to trap or skeet. Behind and around these stations are 6-8 trap machines positioned at various locations to throw targets from different angles and distances.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
Left center
Center position
Right center
Rightmost position
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 5 shooters starts at Station 1
- • Each shooter fires 5 pairs (10 targets) from Station 1
- • Squad moves to Station 2, each fires 5 pairs
- • Continues through all 5 stations
- • Total: 25 pairs (50 targets) per round
- • All pairs are simultaneous doubles
Trap Configuration
- • 6-8 trap machines positioned around stations
- • Traps at various heights and distances
- • Each station has preset "menu" of target pairs
- • All targets presented as simultaneous doubles
- • Variety: incoming, crossing, outgoing, quartering pairs
Menu System
Each station has a preset "menu" of target pair combinations. The menu is displayed at the station, showing which traps will fire simultaneously and in what sequence. Menus can be changed by the course operator to provide variety.
Example menu: Station 1 might show: (1) Pair of high incoming from Traps A and B, (2) Pair of crossing targets from Traps C and D, (3) Pair of quartering shots from Traps E and F, (4) Pair of outgoing from Traps G and H, (5) Pair of incoming/outgoing from Traps A and H.
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect round is 50 points (50x50 or "straight" - all 25 pairs with both targets broken).
Two Shots Per Pair
Two shots allowed per pair - one for each target. If missed, target is lost
Target Must Break
Target must visibly break to score. "Dust" without visible pieces is a lost target
No Bird
If target is irregular or broken, shooter calls "No Bird" and receives a replacement target
Pair Scoring
Each target in a pair scored independently - both targets must be broken for full pair score
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 1-1/8 oz shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Two Shots Per Pair
Two shots allowed per pair - one for each target
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 4-5/16" diameter clay targets
Speed
Varies by presentation - typically 30-50 mph
Distance
Targets can be presented at any distance
Variety
Incoming, crossing, outgoing, quartering, rabbits, teal
Common Violations
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells per pair
Shooting out of turn
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Stepping outside shooting platform
Shotgun Selection
Five Stand Doubles requires versatility to handle varied pair presentations. Over/under shotguns are preferred for doubles, as the two-barrel design allows immediate access to the second barrel without cycling action. Semi-automatic shotguns are also popular. Interchangeable chokes are essential.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 28-30 inches
- • Choke: Interchangeable - typically Improved Cylinder to Modified
- • Weight: 7-8.5 lbs for 12 gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb preferred for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 1-1/8 oz or 1 oz
- • Shot Size: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Dram Equivalent: 2-3/4 or 3 dram
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 7/8 oz, #7.5 or #8
- • 28 Gauge: 3/4 oz, #8.5 or #9
- • .410 Bore: 1/2 oz, #9
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
Shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular for target visibility)
Hearing Protection
Electronic earmuffs allow conversation while protecting hearing
Shell Pouch/Vest
Holds shells and empties conveniently
Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes with good traction
Popular Shotgun Models
Beretta 686/687
Over/under - Classic choice, reliable, interchangeable chokes
Browning Citori
Over/under - Well-balanced, smooth action
Remington 1100
Semi-auto - Soft recoil, affordable
Benelli Super Black Eagle
Semi-auto - Reliable, popular for sporting
Organizations
National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA)
The governing body for Five Stand in the United States. Founded in 1989, NSCA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit NSCA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: Master (98%+), AA (96-97.99%), A (93-95.99%), B (90-92.99%), C (87-89.99%), D (84-86.99%), E (below 84%)
Major Tournaments
NSCA National Championships
Annual - National level competition
Regional Championships
Annual - Regional competitions
League Competitions
Year-round - Local and regional leagues
Club Shoots
Regular - Club-level competitions
Getting Started in Competition
Join NSCA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Practice on Different Menus
Experience variety - menus change regularly
Enter Local Tournaments
Start with club-level registered shoots
Build Your Average
Classification based on your scoring average
Competition Format
Registered tournaments typically consist of:
Five Stand Event
100 targets (4 rounds of 25) or 50 targets (2 rounds)
Five Stand Doubles
100 targets (50 pairs) - all simultaneous doubles
Combined Events
Five Stand combined with Sporting Clays for all-around
Fundamentals
Read the Menu
Before shooting, read the menu at each station. Understand which trap will fire and in what sequence. Watch other shooters in your squad to see the target presentations.
Gun Mount
Mount gun smoothly and consistently. Gun should fit your body perfectly - cheek weld on comb, butt in shoulder pocket. Practice mounting to the same position every time.
Stance
Weight slightly forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Point lead foot toward expected target break point. Upper body should rotate freely to follow targets.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target, not the barrel. Your brain will automatically align gun to target if mount is consistent. Watch the target from trap exit to break point.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Target-Specific Tips
Incoming Targets
Shoot underneath - let target drop into pattern. Maintain smooth upward swing
Crossing Targets
Lead the target - swing through and maintain lead. Faster targets need more lead
Outgoing Targets
Shoot in front - lead horizontally. Maintain smooth swing
Rabbits
Shoot in front - lead horizontally. Watch for bounces
Doubles Strategy
Engage first target quickly, then transition smoothly to second. Usually easier target first, maintain gun movement throughout
Fast Engagement
Break first target on first barrel, then immediately transition to second target without stopping gun movement
Common Mistakes
Not Reading Menu
Failing to check menu before shooting - always read first
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Wrong Choke Selection
Using too tight choke for close targets, too open for long targets
Slow Transition
Don't delay transitioning to second target - speed is critical for doubles
Stopping After First Target
Keep gun moving after breaking first target - don't stop to admire the break
Practice Tips
Shoot Different Menus
Menus change regularly - experience variety to build skills
Focus on Consistency
Same mount, same stance, same routine for every target
Get Coaching
Even one lesson can correct fundamental issues
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately. Read each menu carefully
Choke Management
Learn when to change chokes - different stations may require different patterns
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