Down The Line Single Barrel
One shot only - ultimate precision challenge
What is Down The Line Single Barrel?
Down The Line (DTL) Single Barrel is a challenging variation of DTL where shooters are allowed only one shot per target - no second barrel is permitted. Like standard DTL, shooters stand at one of five stations arranged in a straight line behind a trap house that launches clay targets away from them.
The single-barrel restriction eliminates the safety net of a second shot, making this discipline the ultimate test of precision and first-barrel accuracy. Every shot must count - there's no opportunity to recover from a miss. This format rewards shooters who can consistently break targets on their first attempt.
Each round consists of 25 targets shot from five stations, with five targets from each position. Each target broken scores 1 point, making the maximum score 25 points (25x25 or "straight"). The single-barrel format demands perfect gun mounting, precise timing, and unwavering consistency - making it one of the most challenging trap disciplines.
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
One Shot Only
Only one shot allowed per target - no second barrel permitted
Single-Point Scoring
Each target broken scores 1 point - maximum 25 points per round
Gun Position
Gun may be pre-mounted to shoulder before calling for target
Maximum Score
Perfect round is 25 points (25x25 or "straight")
Ultimate Precision
No second chance - demands perfect first-barrel accuracy
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Down The Line Single Barrel 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 that launches clay targets away from them. The key difference is the single-barrel restriction - only one shot per target.
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 targets from Position 1
- • Squad moves to Position 2, each fires 5 targets
- • Continues through all 5 positions
- • Total: 25 targets per round
- • Maximum score: 25 points
- • One shot only per target
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 Single Barrel uses a simple single-point scoring system. Each target broken scores 1 point. The maximum score per round is 25 points (25x25 or "straight").
Target Broken
1 point - Target broken with single shot
Target Missed
0 points - Target not broken (no second shot allowed)
Perfect Round
25 points - All 25 targets broken (25x25 or "straight")
No Second Shot
Only one shot allowed per target - no second barrel permitted
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"
One Shot Only
Only one shot allowed per target - no second barrel permitted
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 1 shell per target
Shooting at broken or irregular target without calling "No Bird"
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
DTL Single Barrel shooters typically use over/under or semi-automatic shotguns. Since pre-mounting is allowed and only one shot is permitted, gun fit, consistency, and precision are absolutely critical. There's no second chance, so the gun must be perfectly fitted and reliable.
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 Single Barrel
100 targets - one shot only per target
DTL Double Rise
100 targets (50 pairs) with 3-point scoring
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.
Single Barrel Strategy
Perfect First Shot
Every shot must be perfect - there's no second chance. Focus on consistent, accurate first-barrel breaks
Consistency is Key
With no second shot, consistency becomes even more critical. Same mount, same timing, same routine every time
Patience and Precision
Don't rush - wait for the perfect moment. Better to take a moment and break it than rush and miss
Mental Discipline
Accept that misses happen - don't let one miss affect the next target. Stay focused and present
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
Rushing Shots
Don't rush - take time to ensure perfect shot placement. One shot only means it must count
Dwelling on Misses
Don't let a miss affect the next target - stay focused and present
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 target at a time. Forget misses immediately. With only one shot per target, mental discipline is absolutely critical
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