Stock & fit
OLYMPIC TRAPPre-mounted
Repeatable shoulder and cheek contact.
OLYMPIC SKEETLow-gun ready
Stock shape and vest clearance matter during the mount.
Shotgun PathwayOpen interactive pathway →OLYMPIC TRAP & SKEET / GEAR & AMMOShotguns &
Shotguns &
cartridges
Olympic / ISSF only. American Trap and American Skeet each use their own competition rules.
Four key shotgun differences
Olympic Trap and Skeet equipment profiles.
Ready positions
Trap: pre-mounted. Skeet: low-gun ready.
View full sizeBarrel set & balance
OLYMPIC TRAPOften longer / forward-balanced
Stability is a common design priority.
OLYMPIC SKEETOften shorter / more central balance
Mobility is a common design priority.
Rib & stock geometry
OLYMPIC TRAPOften a higher sighting setup
Rib and comb configurations vary together.
OLYMPIC SKEETOften a lower sighting setup
Stock profile supports low-gun mount.
Chokes
OLYMPIC TRAPTypically tighter
Trap configurations commonly use more constriction.
OLYMPIC SKEETTypically more open
Cylinder or Skeet configurations are common.
Common design tendencies. Barrel length, barrel-set mass and total mass describe different properties. Match dimensions and balance to the athlete with a qualified fitter.
12 gauge or smaller; smoothbore. Semi-automatic and pump actions are excluded by ISSF rules. Over-and-under is a common permitted design. ISSF equipment rules · 9.4.2
Pellet size & shot mass
Larger pellets
No. 7½Factory cartridge example.
Smaller pellets
No. 9½Factory cartridge example. Skeet cartridges also use No. 9.
Typical shot sizes. Check pellet diameter in millimeters; numbering varies by country and product.
Gauge: bore sizeGauge describes bore size. Grams describe the total pellet mass.
Cartridge specificationsPellet diameter, material and the finished cartridge specification can differ.
Check the exact cartridgeConfirm firearm compatibility and eligibility against the factory label, current rules and event bulletin.
ISSF pellets: spherical, ≤2.6 mm. The +0.5 g tolerance applies to inspection measurements. Ammunition rule · 9.4.3.1
Check the whole kit
Vest, glasses, hearing protection and headwear—checked together.
View full sizeEquipment checklist
Meet a qualified coach. Check the kit. Plan the next step.
View full sizeCOMPETITION REFERENCE
Checked September 3, 2026Rules, questions & sources
Competition rules2026 ISSF · equipment & ammunition
ISSF Rule Book 2026, Edition 2025, second print 07/2026, effective July 1, 2026. Selected checks only; the full rules, event bulletin and officials control eligibility.
Eligible equipment
Smoothbore, 12 gauge or smaller; semi-automatic and pump actions excluded. Over-and-under is a common permitted design.
ISSF 9.4.2.1Skeet ready position
Stock toe on or below the official marker until target appearance. Use a non-stretch vest with fixed fit.
ISSF 9.9.4 / 9.9.4.4Skeet stock height
Maximum 170 mm: highest cheek-rest point to lowest buttplate-toe point. Use the official inspection diagram.
ISSF 9.4.2.9–10Cartridge eligibility
Shot mass: 24.0 g limit, +0.5 g inspection tolerance; sampled average ≤24.5 g. Spherical pellets ≤2.6 mm; transparent/translucent wads. Standard cartridge construction required.
ISSF 9.4.3.1Eye and ear protection
Adequate hearing protection near the firing line; shatterproof eye protection for athletes, referees and officials.
ISSF 9.2.7Blinders
Plastic side blinders: depth ≤60 mm, front edge ≤30 mm ahead of forehead center. Front blinder: width ≤30 mm.
ISSF 9.12.4Shot charge is the total pellet mass. Inspection tolerance applies to measurement checks. Use compliant factory ammunition.
Before you buySix questions for a qualified coach or fitter
- Which discipline? Check the rulebook for your exact discipline.
- Does it fit this athlete? Discuss reach, comfort, handedness, clothing and youth growth.
- Where is the weight? Review barrel length, component mass and balance together.
- Which exact model? Verify the year, market, factory specification and competition eligibility.
- What is the full cost? Include instruction, protection, range access, service and travel.
- What should be recorded? Keep professional reviews, service history and athlete measurements in private records.
Ask about supervised introductory or loan equipment before a major commitment. Fitting and safety checks belong with qualified professionals.
Clothing & protectionComfort, clearance and visibility
- Vest: check layers, pocket loading and clearance. Officials should verify Skeet clothing and marker compliance.
- Glasses + hearing protection: assess comfort and compatibility together. Tint should suit actual light, background and personal vision.
- Headwear: check brim clearance, wind stability and interference with protection.
Choose lens tint for the athlete’s vision, light and background.