Down The Line Double Rise
Two targets simultaneously with 3-point scoring
What is Down The Line Double Rise?
Down The Line (DTL) Double Rise is the doubles variation of Britain's most popular trap shooting discipline. Like DTL Single Rise, shooters stand at one of five stations arranged in a straight line behind a trap house, but two targets are launched simultaneously, creating a fast-paced and challenging shooting experience.
DTL Double Rise uses the same unique three-point scoring system as Single Rise, applied to each target. Breaking a target on the first barrel earns three points, while a second-barrel kill earns two points. With two targets in the air simultaneously, shooters must quickly engage the first target, transition smoothly, and break the second target - all while maximizing first-barrel kills for the highest score.
Each round consists of 25 pairs (50 targets) shot from five stations, with five pairs from each position. The maximum score is 150 points (25 pairs × 6 points if both targets broken on first barrel). This discipline tests speed, accuracy, and the ability to break both targets efficiently while maintaining first-barrel accuracy.
History
Down The Line evolved from early British trap shooting traditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While American trap developed with single-point scoring, British shooters adopted a system that rewarded first-barrel accuracy, reflecting the premium placed on clean kills in driven game shooting.
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) standardized DTL rules in the mid-20th century, establishing it as Britain's premier trap discipline. The sport became deeply embedded in British shooting culture, with DTL leagues and competitions held at hundreds of clubs across the UK.
Today, DTL remains the foundation of trap shooting in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The discipline's emphasis on precise shooting and its accessible yet challenging nature have made it a beloved introduction to clay target sports for generations of British shooters.
Key Characteristics
Three-Point Scoring
First barrel kill = 3 points, second barrel kill = 2 points
Two Shots Allowed
Two shots per target - strategic decision on first vs second barrel
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Maximum Score
Perfect round is 150 points (25 pairs × 6 points if both broken on first barrel)
Simultaneous Targets
Two targets launched at once - requires fast engagement and smooth transition
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Down The Line Double Rise uses the same field layout as DTL Single Rise - five shooting positions arranged in a straight line, 15 meters (16 yards) behind a trap house. However, the trap house launches two targets simultaneously, creating pairs that must be broken with two shots.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
Left center
Center position
Right center
Rightmost position
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 5 shooters starts at Position 1
- • Each shooter fires 5 pairs (10 targets) from Position 1
- • Squad moves to Position 2, each fires 5 pairs
- • Continues through all 5 positions
- • Total: 25 pairs (50 targets) per round
- • Maximum score: 150 points
Target Angles
- • Trap oscillates automatically
- • Targets thrown at random angles
- • Up to 22.5° left or right of center
- • Height: 2.4-3.0 meters at 10 meters
- • Speed: 41-43 mph (66-69 km/h) at trap exit
Scoring System
DTL Double Rise uses the same three-point scoring system as Single Rise, applied to each target. The maximum score per round is 150 points (25 pairs × 6 points if both targets broken on first barrel).
First Barrel Kill
3 points per target - Target broken with first shot
Second Barrel Kill
2 points per target - Target broken with second shot
Miss Both Barrels
0 points - Target not broken
Perfect Pair
6 points - Both targets broken on first barrel (3+3)
Perfect Round
150 points - All 50 targets broken on first barrel
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge is standard. Also: 20, 28, .410 bore (different classes)
Ammunition
Max 28g (1 oz) shot for 12 gauge. #7.5, #8, or #9 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling "Pull"
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 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
41-43 mph (66-69 km/h) at trap exit
Distance
50-55 yards (46-50 meters) when broken
Angle
Random left/right up to 22.5° from center
Height
2.4-3.0 meters at 10 meters from trap
Common Violations
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 2 shells per pair
Shooting at broken or irregular target without calling "No Bird"
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
DTL Double Rise shooters typically use over/under shotguns, as the two-barrel design is ideal for breaking pairs. Since pre-mounting is allowed, gun fit and consistency are key. Over/under shotguns allow immediate access to the second barrel without cycling action.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Gauge: 12 gauge most popular, 20/28/.410 for smaller classes
- • Barrel Length: 30-32 inches (76-81cm)
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified
- • Weight: 3.5-4.0 kg (7.7-8.8 lbs) for 12 gauge
- • Stock: Adjustable comb and butt plate for proper fit
Ammunition
12 Gauge (Most Common)
- • Load: 28g (1 oz) maximum
- • Shot Size: #7.5, #8, or #9
- • Velocity: 1200-1250 fps typical
- • Case Length: 70mm typical
Other Gauges
- • 20 Gauge: 24g (7/8 oz), #7.5 or #8
- • 28 Gauge: 21g (3/4 oz), #8 or #8.5
- • .410 Bore: 14g (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
Browning Citori
Over/under - Well-balanced, smooth action
Miroku MK38
Over/under - Popular in UK, excellent value
Remington 1100
Semi-auto - Soft recoil, affordable
Organizations
Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA)
The governing body for DTL in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1928, CPSA sanctions tournaments nationwide and maintains shooter classifications.
Visit CPSA Website →Classification System
Shooters are classified by average: AA (98%+), A (96-97.99%), B (93-95.99%), C (90-92.99%), D (87-89.99%), E (84-86.99%), F (below 84%)
Major Tournaments
CPSA British Open
Annual - UK's premier DTL competition
CPSA National Championships
Annual - National level competition
Regional Championships
Annual - Regional competitions across UK
League Competitions
Year-round - Local and regional leagues
Getting Started in Competition
Join CPSA
Membership required for registered tournaments
Shoot Practice Rounds
Build consistency and establish your average
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 multiple events:
DTL Singles Event
100 or 200 targets from 15 meters
DTL Handicap Event
100 targets from varying distances
DTL Double Rise
100 targets (50 pairs) with 3-point scoring per target
All-Around
Combined score from Singles, Handicap, and Doubles
Fundamentals
Gun Mount
Since pre-mounting is allowed, mount gun consistently before calling "Pull". 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.
Doubles Strategy
Engage First Target Quickly
Break the first target on first barrel (3 points), then immediately transition to second target
Smooth Transition
After breaking first target, smoothly swing to second target without stopping gun movement
Second Target Priority
Aim for first-barrel kill on second target (3 points), but use second barrel if needed (2 points)
Perfect Pair Goal
Strive for 6-point pairs (both on first barrel), but 5 points (3+2) is still excellent
Common Mistakes
Lifting Head
Keep cheek on stock throughout shot and follow-through
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Inconsistent Mount
Gun mount must be identical for every shot
Looking at Barrel
Eyes should be focused on target, not gun barrel or bead
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
Dry Fire Practice
Mount, swing, and trigger pull at home (use snap caps)
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 pair at a time. Forget misses immediately. With top scores at 145-150, every point matters
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