Universal Trench
European trap with 5 machines in trench
What is Universal Trench?
Universal Trench is a European trap shooting discipline governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Similar to Olympic Trap, Universal Trench uses multiple trap machines arranged in a trench, but with a different configuration - five machines instead of fifteen, creating a unique challenge that combines unpredictability with a more compact setup.
Shooters stand at one of five stations arranged in a straight line, 15 meters behind the trench. The five trap machines are arranged in the trench, and targets launch instantly when shooters call "Pull," testing pure reflexes and instinctive shooting. With targets reaching distances of 70-75 meters and varying angles, Universal Trench demands exceptional gun handling, lightning-fast reactions, and unwavering mental discipline.
A qualification round consists of 125 targets shot over five rounds of 25 targets each. Shooters move through five stations, taking one shot at each target. The top six competitors advance to a 25-target final where elimination rounds determine medal winners. The five-machine configuration provides a different challenge profile compared to Olympic Trap's 15 machines.
History
Universal Trench was developed in Europe as an alternative to Olympic Trap's 15-machine configuration. The discipline uses five trap machines arranged in a trench, providing a different challenge profile while maintaining the unpredictability and difficulty that makes international trap shooting so demanding.
The discipline became popular in European countries, particularly in Italy, France, and Spain, where it was used as both a competitive discipline and a training tool. Universal Trench was standardized by the ISSF and became recognized as an official international discipline, though it has not been included in the Olympic program.
Today, Universal Trench is shot at clubs and competitions throughout Europe and in international ISSF events. The five-machine configuration offers a unique challenge that appeals to shooters who want the unpredictability of multiple machines but with a more compact setup than Olympic Trap.
Key Characteristics
5 Trap Machines
Trench contains 5 different traps for unpredictable angles
Instant Release
Target launches immediately on "Pull" - no delay or warning
Low Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until target appears
Extreme Angles
Targets can launch up to 45° left or right at speeds up to 110 km/h (68 mph)
Station Layout
Field Configuration
Universal Trench is shot from five shooting positions arranged in a straight line, 15 meters behind a trench containing 5 trap machines. The trench configuration is more compact than Olympic Trap's 15-machine setup, with the five machines arranged to provide unpredictable target angles.
Position Layout
Leftmost position
15m from trench
Left center
15m from trench
Center position
15m from trench
Right center
15m from trench
Rightmost position
15m from trench
Shooting Sequence
- • Squad of up to 6 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
- • Qualification: 125 targets (5 rounds)
Trap Configuration
- • 5 trap machines in trench
- • Compact trench configuration
- • Machines arranged for varied angles
- • Random selection of which trap fires
- • Targets launch instantly on "Pull"
- • Angles up to 45° left or right
Finals Sequence
The top 6 shooters from qualification advance to the final. The final consists of 25 targets shot in elimination format:
- • All 6 shooters start together
- • After each 5 targets, lowest scorer is eliminated
- • After 20 targets, 2 shooters remain
- • Final 5 targets determine gold and silver medalists
- • Bronze medal determined by qualification score
Scoring
Each target hit and broken scores 1 point. A perfect qualification round is 125 points. In finals, shooters are eliminated based on cumulative score.
One Shot Per Target
Only one shot allowed per 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
Finals Scoring
Elimination format - lowest scorer eliminated after each 5 targets
Gun Rules
Gauge
12 gauge only (maximum 24.5mm bore diameter)
Ammunition
Max 24.5g (7/8 oz) shot. #7.5 or #8 shot size typical
Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until target appears - "low gun" position
Safety
Open and empty when moving between stations. Muzzle control at all times
Target Specifications
Size
Standard 110mm diameter clay targets
Speed
Up to 110 km/h (68 mph) at trap exit
Distance
70-75 meters when broken
Angle
Random left/right up to 45° from center
Height
1.5-3.5 meters at 10 meters from trench
Common Violations
Gun above shoulder level before target appears
Shooting before target is visible
Gun loaded with more than 1 shell
Failure to maintain muzzle control
Shooting out of turn
Shotgun Selection
Olympic Trap requires specialized shotguns designed for fast mounting and consistent performance. Over/under shotguns are standard, with adjustable stocks and premium barrels.
Recommended Specifications:
- • Type: Over/under (required for ISSF competition)
- • Gauge: 12 gauge only
- • Barrel Length: 76cm (30 inches) typical
- • Choke: Full or Improved Modified
- • Weight: 3.5-4.0 kg (7.7-8.8 lbs)
- • Stock: Fully adjustable comb, butt plate, and length
Ammunition
ISSF Regulations
- • Shot Weight: Maximum 24.5g (7/8 oz)
- • Shot Size: #7.5 or #8 typical
- • Velocity: 390-400 m/s typical
- • Case Length: 70mm maximum
- • Shot Material: Lead or approved alternatives
Performance
- • Fast-burning powders for consistent velocity
- • Premium wads for pattern consistency
- • Consistent crimp for reliable ignition
Essential Gear
Eye Protection
ISSF-approved shooting glasses (yellow/vermillion tint popular)
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
Perazzi MX8/MX12
Over/under - Olympic standard, highly customizable
Krieghoff K-80
Over/under - Premium choice, tournament favorite
Beretta DT11
Over/under - Reliable, popular with international shooters
Blaser F3
Over/under - German engineering, excellent balance
Organizations
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)
The governing body for Universal Trench worldwide. Founded in 1907, ISSF sets rules, sanctions competitions, and organizes international events. Universal Trench is recognized as an official ISSF discipline.
Visit ISSF Website →National Federations
Each country has a national shooting federation (e.g., USA Shooting, British Shooting) that organizes domestic competitions and selects Olympic teams.
Major Tournaments
ISSF World Championships
Annual - World's top shooters compete in Universal Trench
European Championships
Annual - European Universal Trench competition
ISSF World Cup
Multiple events annually - International competition
National Championships
Annual - Country-level competitions
Club Competitions
Regular - Local and regional Universal Trench events
Getting Started in Competition
Join National Federation
Membership required for ISSF-sanctioned competitions
Get Proper Equipment
ISSF-compliant over/under shotgun and ammunition
Find Universal Trench Facility
Not all ranges have Universal Trench - specialized facilities with 5-machine trench required
Enter Local Competitions
Start with club-level ISSF events
Competition Format
Olympic Trap competitions follow ISSF format:
Qualification Round
125 targets (5 rounds of 25) - top 6 advance
Final Round
25 targets with elimination after each 5 targets
Medal Determination
Gold/Silver from final, Bronze from qualification score
Fundamentals
Low Gun Position
Gun must be held below shoulder level until target appears. Practice holding gun in low position comfortably. Mount must be fast and smooth when target appears.
Fast Mount
With instant target release, mount speed is critical. Practice mounting thousands of times to build muscle memory. Gun should come to shoulder smoothly and consistently.
Eye Focus
Focus on the target immediately when it appears. Don't try to predict which of the five traps will fire. React to what you see.
Swing & Follow-Through
Smooth, accelerating swing. Don't stop gun movement when you pull trigger - follow through the target. Continue swinging after the shot.
Position-Specific Tips
Positions 1 & 2
Left positions - expect more right-angle targets. Establish lead early for crossing targets
Position 3
Center position - most balanced. Targets can go either direction equally
Positions 4 & 5
Right positions - expect more left-angle targets. Maintain smooth swing for crossing shots
Common Mistakes
Gun Above Shoulder
Gun must be below shoulder level until target appears
Slow Mount
With instant release, slow mount means missed targets
Stopping Swing
Gun must be moving when trigger is pulled and continue after
Inconsistent Mount
Gun mount must be identical for every shot
Trying to Predict
Don't try to guess which of the five traps will fire - react to what you see
Practice Tips
Dry Fire Practice
Practice low gun position and fast mount at home (use snap caps)
Focus on Mount Speed
Fast, consistent mount is the foundation of Olympic Trap success
Get Professional Coaching
Universal Trench technique requires adapting to five-machine configuration - expert instruction helps develop this skill
Mental Game
Stay present, one target at a time. Forget misses immediately. Finals require extreme mental toughness
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