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Shooting sports are exploding in popularity among young people. Here’s why

Megan Thompson Megan Thompson

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Every year, millions of Americans use guns recreationally, not only for hunting, but also for target sports like skeet and trapshooting. A growing number of young people are participating in shooting sports, a trend that is raising concerns for some. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports.

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Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.

For decades, using and owning guns has sparked debate in America. But every year, millions of Americans use guns recreationally. Not just for hunting, but also for target sports like skeet and trapshooting.

Special correspondent Megan Thompson tells us that a growing number of young people are jumping into shooting sports. We should warn you that this story includes the sound of gunfire.

Megan Thompson:

It's 08:00 on a June morning in western Minnesota. After paying respects to the American flag, hundreds of high school athletes head out for one of their last competitions of the season. They're facing off in Minnesota's Trapshooting Championship. Over the course of nine days, more than 8,000 teenagers will compete. Across the country, youth shooting sports have exploded in popularity over the last decade.

Got a TriStar TT15 right here.

Organizers claim it's now one of the fastest growing high school sports and that this is the world's largest shooting sport event.

Randal Baker, Coach, Wayzata Clay Target Team:

Do the best you can. Have a good time. All right.

Randal Baker and Michelle Jacklitch coach the 28 member team from Wayzata High School, one of the best in the state.

Michelle Jacklitch, Coach, Wayzata Clay Target Team:

The conditions are good today. Almost no wind. And Baker says the team's off to a good start.

Randal Baker:

Yeah, good enough to be on top. At the end of the day.

Wayzata High School serves a well to do suburban area west of Minneapolis. Many of the team's families hunt or already have guns at home. We attended the team's last practice before the big competition.

Before you call for the target, that gun should be on your face for a half a second.

There are three main shooting sports that involve a shotgun and a clay target. Today, the team is practicing trap. A squad of five shooters stands at stations on the trap field. A voice activated thrower placed 16 yards away flings the bright orange clay discs into the air.

Right when the person before me fires, I take a deep breath, put it up, exhale partly, then I'll call pull.

Today, and during competition, they'll get 100 shots.

Xena Heimbercher, Member, Wayzata Clay Target Team:

I love trap shooting. I can't even express it. It's a totally different feeling getting up on that line.

Rising senior Xena Heimbercher has been on the team since 7th grade. Unlike most school sports, girls and boys shoot together, although they're scored separately. And on this team, some of the strongest shooters are the girls.

Xena Heimbercher:

It allows me to do something that most people don't expect. Most people don't even know what it is.

It's not about whether you're a female or male. You can be tall, you can be short. Makes no difference. That's one of the beautiful things about this sport.

Allison Plymate, Member, Wayzata Clay Target Team:

I'm more like the nerdy gamer kind of person.

Rising senior Allison Plymate is another one of the team's talented shooters. She says the sports helped teach her to be mentally strong.

Allison Plymate:

A big part of it is just keeping in the right headspace and staying focused. I used to be a sore loser, and now I've learned you could just brush it off and keep going, which is exactly what happened today.

After missing four shots in her third round, she shook it off and shot a perfect fourth round.

John Nelson, President, USA Clay Target League:

Our goal is to get as many kids as possible outdoors.

John Nelson is the president of the USA Clay Target League, which organizes the competitions. In the early two, previous president, Jim Sable, noticed the average age at his local gun club was over 55. So he started teams at three local high schools, including Wayzata. Soon, there were dozens of teams across Minnesota.

The high school league started in 2012, and then with funding from Cabela's, the outdoor recreation retailer, John Nelson and Sable began launching Clay Target teams in other states.

John Nelson:

In our early days, there was a lot of pushback simply in saying, thank you, no thanks, and we'll close the door real quick after you leave.

Well, I think the perception of kids, guns in schools, that is a negative perception. It's also we're talking to an audience that doesn't know much about shooting sports.

But over the last ten years, Nelson has navigated that pushback. The high school league now operates in 35 states. This past spring, there were more than 1,500 teams and 34,000 athletes. Hundreds more compete in college and homeschool programs.

We've had more than a quarter of a million student athletes through this program, and we have never had a reported injury.

That's because, Nelson says safety is taken extremely seriously. No one can participate until they've completed a gun safety certification program. On each field at Wayzata practice, a parent volunteer watches to make sure the students are following the rules.

Madi Schultz, Wayzata top shooter: Unloaded. Uncased. Pointing down is important.

Recent graduate Madi Schultz is Wayzata top shooter.

Madi Schultz:

This is your action.

When the action is open, the gun is unable to fire.

The only time we close it is when it's our turn to shoot.

Schultz says athletes must carry the gun straight up or straight down, never pointed at a person. They must wear ear protection, safety glasses, and closed toe shoes. Guns are prohibited on school grounds, and all practices are held at off campus gun ranges.

Safety is the first priority today.

Safety protocols were on full display at the big competition, but evidence of America's political battle over gun rights was not. Nelson says the league makes a point of staying out of politics, but one of the event's 20 sponsors was the National Rifle Association, which made donations worth more than $2.7 million to youth and college programs across the country in 2021.

The NRA's political arm is known for aggressive lobbying against virtually all gun control, and its involvement here doesn't sit well with Chris Brown, the president of Brady, one of the nation's oldest gun control advocacy groups.

Kris Brown, President, Brady:

For an organization like the NRA that is curbed to more guns in all hands, regardless of the consequences, attempting simply to arm more young people with firearms? Or are we actually allowing young people to be informed about the true risks and benefits of firearms?

Brown says she's not opposed to youth shooting sports, but she points to CDC data showing that firearms are now the leading cause of death for young people, accounting for about 20 percent of childhood deaths in 2000 and 2021.

Kris Brown:

The reality is a gun in the home, including something that you take home from this kind of sporting event, is much more likely to harm you or someone in your household than to be able to be used in self-defense. And the NRA does not well communicate that risk.

In an email to PBS News Weekend, an NRA spokesman called safety the bedrock of its mission, adding that its goal is to support the future of the shooting, sports, and traditions.

By promoting this sport and having more kids taking guns home, how is that not making the situation more dangerous?

Our goal is to try to get those kids to understand how dangerous a firearm can be if they are in an environment where a firearm comes to. I can assure you that one of the kids in our league will make sure that firearm is unloaded.

I can understand the controversy, absolutely.

Xena Heimbercher says she's gotten some strong reactions when she tells people she's on a shooting team.

And I think a lot of that's a lack of understanding. There's so much more to it than the gun aspect of it. It's the team, it's the mental, it's the physical. It's the resilience of shooting and coming back and showing up.

And that's exactly what Heimbercher and her teammates did at the big competition. As the long day finally wound down, they anxiously waited for the final results to come in.

All right, conference two first place female high average goes to Madi Schultz from Wayzata High School. Congratulations.

Schultz was the only female to shoot a perfect 100, a feat that earned her three medals. Xena Heimbercher earned a medal. Allison Plymate, too. And the team as a whole won two first place trophies. Finish the day exhausted but full of pride. For PBS News Weekend, I'm Megan Thompson in Alexandria, Minnesota.

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Megan Thompson shoots, produces and reports on-camera for PBS NewsHour Weekend. Her report "Costly Generics" earned an Emmy nomination and won Gracie and National Headliner Awards. She was also recently awarded a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship to report on the issue of mental health. Previously, Thompson worked for the PBS shows and series Need to Know, Treasures of New York, WorldFocus and NOW on PBS. Prior to her career in journalism she worked in research and communications on Capitol Hill. She originally hails from the great state of Minnesota and holds a BA from Wellesley College and a MA in Journalism from New York University.

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Gun shooting has been a sport in Europe long before it became a sport in other world places. Currently, gun shooting is part of the shooting sports available in the Olympics, with 15 events for men, women, and mixed teams.

Overall, shooting is considered a sport because athletes need to master speed and accuracy using various guns. There are indoor and outdoor competitions that test the skills of athletes in different environments. This article explores all you need to know about gun shooting sports and other sports under the shooting category.

History of Shooting

Competition disciplines, pistol shooting sports, shotgun shooting sports, rifle shooting sports, general and other shooting sports, international competitions.

Shooting is the discipline of aiming and firing at a specific target using firearms or other equipment like bows and darts. Gun shooting sports have three disciplines that measure the skill of using a rifle, pistol, and shotgun. There are 15 events measuring an athlete's prowess under different targets, circumstances, and equipment.

The first governing body for the shooting was The National Rifle Association of United Kingdom (NRA) in 1860, and it regulated poaching among gun owners. In the United States, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by General Gorge Wingate and Colonel William C. Church.

The U.S. Congress created the National Board for Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) in 1903 to be an advisory body and coordinate National Matches. The board was later renamed as Civilian Marksmanship Program. The NRA is the official governing body in the United States, and it is responsible for participation in the Olympic Games.

Overall, shooting sports are regulated by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), coordinating with national federations to ensure countries participate in international games. Also, the body enforces the international shooting sports standards to ensure that athletes meet them.

Target shooting was a sport for the British elites back in the 1800s, and they had a rifle association in 1860 to monitor game poaching. It grew as the rifle association would encourage Volunteer Rifle Corps to join target shooting, which leads to an increase in the adoption of rifle-shooting across Great Britain.

New England Puritans and Scotch Irish settlers in the U.S. are responsible for spreading target shooting and training to America in the 1800s. Most individuals then used muskets and rifles for target shooting, with the target being a tethered turkey. Contests included shooting a tethered turkey, and individuals had to pay an entry fee to participate.

In the 1720s, a Pennsylvania factory began producing rifles that could shoot with accuracy up to 200 yards. By 1820, rifles had percussion caps to ignite the gun powder, but the system didn't increase their precision. The first sportsmanship competition was held in the U.S. in 1831 by a Cincinnati club, and it involved shooting quail and pigeons.

In 1860, loading guns were available in the U.S., and trap shooting was a popular pastime. In 1871, the NRA was founded, and the shooting range was established at Long Island, the Creed Farm, in 1872. In 1903, NRA established rifle clubs in major military academies, universities, and colleges. By 1906, the USA has a healthy number of youth programs with more than 200 boys participating in National Matches' shooting competitions.

1896 is the year shooting was part of the Olympic Games, with only five events. Since then, the number of shooting sports events has varied depending on technology and social climates. In the 2004 Olympic Games, there were three shooting disciplines and 17 events.

The last Olympic Games in Rio, 2016, had nine shooting disciplines. Six of them were in bullseye completion, and three were for skeet and trap competitions. The next Olympics Games in Tokyo will have six shooting disciplines. Gun shooting competitions have three disciplines, namely rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. Here is a breakdown of the events for the three gun shooting disciplines.

50m rifle three positions- both men and women

50m rifle prone — men

10m air rifle — both men and women

50m pistol — men

25m rapid fire pistol — men

25m pistol — women

10m air pistol — both men and women.

Trap — both men and women

Double trap — men

Skeet — both men and women

A pistol is a small handheld firearm, and you can shoot one off-hand. Most of the guns people carry using a canceled gun license are pistols. They have a short shooting range, and they are not precise like rifles.

Pistols are categorized as pistols or revolvers, depending on the loading mechanisms of the equipment. In general, pistols are what people call guns nowadays. Pistol shooting sports include shooting with semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. The competitions are open to both men and women in different shooting ranges.

A shotgun is a long gun with a barrel, but it uses bigger caliber bullets than a rifle. A shotgun uses a slug, which is a big caliber projectile. Alternatively, a shotgun can be loaded with shots, a shell containing sub-projectiles that scatter when the gun is shot.

Short gun sports involve shooting a target with either semi-automatic shotguns or break-action shotguns. It takes a lot of practice for athletes to handle the recoil that comes from shooting a shotgun. Shotguns offer accuracy but not much precision like rifles do.

Rifle sports measure the precision and accuracy of shooters up to 50m in the Olympic Games. The long barrel guns require the user to use both guns to stabilize them while shooting. A shoulder stock helps the shooter to stabilize the rifle when shooting from an upright position. Rifle shooting competitions measure marksmanship using bolt action or semi-automatic rifles.

Other shooting sports are not part of the Olympic Games but thrive and hold competitions internationally. They include long-range shooting, bench rest shooting, metallic silhouette, Paralympic shooting, and many more. There are Airsoft shooting sports use Airguns instead of regular guns. Airsoft shooting sport is available in countries where owning a gun is illegal, like in Japan and Taiwan.

There are several international shooting competitions, including the Olympic Games shooting competitions. Most of the international competitions happen annually, unlike the Olympic Games that happen every four years. International games give shooters a way to measure their skill against other skilled athletes.

The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) is renowned for holding 3-Gun matches that require the competitor to use a shotgun, rifle, and pistol in different stages to hit targets. You can find upcoming matches on their website and register to join the competitions.

The Steel Challenge is a championship competition that measures the speed shooting skills of contestants. It is organized by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), and it involves shooting steel targets.

Paralympic Games are international shooting sports for individuals with disabilities. The International Paralympic Committee organizes the competitions, and competitions are listed on their website.  

Home > Sports > List > Shooting

Shooting Sports

Shooting as a sport demonstrates the accuracy, control, and speed of the shooter in aiming at targets using guns like pistols and rifles. Shooting sports started more than 500 years ago in European countries. It became popular in the US during the 1950s when a national association for this sport was created. Now, this sport is well known and enjoyed worldwide.

There are different categories depending on the guns used and the format of the competitions. There are three major guns that are widely used in competition: rifles, pistols, and shotguns.

Rifles are shoulder firearms with long barrels and rifled bores. They are commonly long and require two-hand hold. Popular shooting games using this type of gun are four position small bore, gallery riffle shooting, benchrest shooting, high power rifle (aka Across the Course), biathlon (combination of shooting and cross-country skiing), fullbore target shooting (shooting ranges are at 300- 1200 meters), field target (more popular in UK) and many more.

Pistols (or handguns) are smaller guns, used in shorter ranges and have lesser accuracy compared to rifles. Intended for one hand use only. Popular shooting games include modern pentathlon wherein it involves timed shooting with an air pistol. Then the silhouette shooting. The goal is to hit all metallic targets placed at different distances. It is scored on how many targets are hit.

Shotguns are firearms that are doubled barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon. They are very similar to rifles. More often, they are for pump-action or single-shot-and-reload actions. Cowboy shooting and practical shooting generally uses shotgun. They are more popular in countries where handguns are banned.

Action shooting involves measuring the speed of how long a shooter can take to hot one or more targets. Targets can either be moving or stationary. Scoring can be based on accuracy of the hot or falling targets.

Rifle Shooting Sports

• Benchrest Shooting — a shooting sport where the participant shoots with a rifle at the bench.
• Fullbore Target Rifle Shooting — using rifles, shooters hit paper targets in a prone position.
• High Power Rifle — shooting competition using rifles such as the service rifle.
• Popinjay — a shooting sport with either bows or rifles, in which the bird-like target is suspended from a pole.

Shotgun Shooting Sports

• Skeet Shooting — targets are thrown in singles and doubles from two traps situated 40m apart.
• Trap Shooting — 1 or 2 targets are thrown away from traps situated 15m in front of the shooter.
• Sporting Clays — shooters move about a course, attempting to hit varying targets projected at different angles, speed, elevation, and distances.

Pistol Shooting Sports

• Practical Shooting — a dynamic shooting sport using handguns and moving and shooting over obstacles.
• Metallic Silhouette Shooting — players compete to test their skills by shooting at silhouette metal targets.
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting — involves shooting at targets while riding a horse, using old western style single-action revolvers.

General and other Shooting Sports

• Target Shooting — guns of any type used for aiming at a target.
• Field Target — an outdoor air gun discipline.
• Hunting — an activity that involves tracking and killing animals with various weapons (not a sport?).
• Cowboy Action Shooting — involves shooting targets with a variety of guns that were typical of the late 19th century.
• Airsoft — a skirmish sport in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting them with spherical non-metallic pellets from replica firearms.
• Laser Tag — a skirmish sport in which players attempt to score points by tagging targets, typically with a hand-held infrared-emitting targeting device.
• Paintball — a skirmish sport in which players compete to eliminate opponents by tagging them with capsules containing water-soluble dye propelled from paintball guns.

Sports Involving Shooting

• Biathlon — a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
• Summer Biathlon — a combined sport of roller skiing (or trail running) and rifle shooting.
• Target Sprint — a combination of sprint running and air rifle shooting.
• Biathlon Orienteering — a combination of the navigation sport of orienteering with rifle shooting.
• Modern Pentathlon — an event in the Olympics that comprises five events: fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping, and a combined event of pistol shooting and 3200m cross country run.
• Military Pentathlon — a competition involving a shooting phase, obstacle run, obstacle swimming, grenade throwing, and cross-country running.
• Triathle — a shortened version of the Modern Pentathlon, athletes compete in shooting, swimming and running events as a part of a single race.
• Underwater Target Shooting — competitors free dive in a swimming pool, using spearguns to fire at targets.
• Archery — competitive archery involves shooting arrows at a target for accuracy from a set distance or distances. The main forms of archery are Target Archery and Field Archery , and others include Clout Archery , 3D archery , Crossbow Archery , Flight Archery , and Ski Archery .

Related Pages

• Shooting at the Olympics
• Complete list of sports

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24 Shooting Sports List (sorted by Popularity)

September 27, 2023

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Greetings, shooting sports aficionados!

Ready to take aim and set your sights on a thrilling adventure?

Load up on our shooting sports list, ranked by popularity.

From sharp-eyed veterans to trigger-happy rookies, there’s target practice for everyone!

Shooting Sports List

• Skeet Shooting
• Trap Shooting
• Sporting Clays
• High Power Rifle
• Smallbore Rifle
• Rapid Fire Pistol
• Rifle Three Positions
• Benchrest Shooting

Table of Contents

#1 Skeet Shooting

#2 trap shooting, #3 sporting clays, #4 air rifle, #5 air pistol, #6 high power rifle, #7 smallbore rifle, #8 rapid fire pistol, #9 rifle three positions, #10 benchrest shooting, more shooting sports, what are the most popular shooting sports, how many different shooting sports are there.

Skeet shooting, a form of clay pigeon shooting, was invented by Charles Davis, an American sports shooter, in 1920. The sport originated in Massachusetts, USA, as an alternative to live bird shooting.

In skeet shooting, participants aim at clay targets launched from two different stations, called the high house and the low house.

Currently popular in the USA and Europe, the sport is governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) . It became an Olympic event in the 1968 Mexico City Games.

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Trap shooting is another form of clay pigeon shooting with origins dating back to the late 18th century in England. In this sport, participants aim at clay targets that are launched away from the shooter at different angles and speeds.

Trap shooting gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th century and has spread across Europe and other regions. Governed by the ISSF, it was included in the Olympic program in the 1900 Paris Games.

Sporting clays, often referred to as “golf with a shotgun,” originated in England in the early 1900s as a way to practice live bird shooting. In this sport, participants move through a course, aiming at varying clay targets designed to simulate different hunting scenarios.

Sporting clays are popular in the United States, the UK, Australia, and other countries with strong hunting traditions. While it’s not an Olympic sport, major competitions like the World English Sporting Championships are organized by the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) .

Air rifle shooting emerged in the late 19th century and became popular in the 20th century. It involves using compressed air or gas rifles to shoot at paper targets with precision.

The sport is prevalent in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Governed by the ISSF, air rifle shooting made its Olympic debut in the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Major competitions include the ISSF World Cup and the European Championships.

Air pistol shooting is similar to air rifle shooting but uses precision air pistols to aim at paper targets. It emerged in parallel with air rifle shooting as a competitive sport in the 20th century.

The ISSF governs the sport, and it became part of the Olympic program in the 1988 Seoul Games. Air pistol shooting enjoys popularity in countries like Germany, Russia, and China, with the ISSF World Cup and national championships being popular events.

High power rifle shooting is a long-range shooting discipline that involves using high-caliber rifles to hit targets at distances up to 1,000 yards. The sport originated in the late 19th century in the United States, particularly during the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

Governed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other national organizations, it is popular in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Major competitions include the NRA National High Power Rifle Championships and regional championships.

Smallbore rifle shooting focuses on shooting small caliber rifles, such as the .22 caliber, with utmost precision at targets. The sport originated in the early 20th century, with shooting clubs in England and the United States.

Smallbore rifle shooting is popular in North America and Europe, primarily in countries with strong marksmanship traditions. Governed by the ISSF, it is part of the Olympic program with events like the 50-meter prone and the 3-position event.

National and regional championships provide additional competition platforms.

Rapid fire pistol shooting is a dynamic shooting sport where participants compete in shooting multiple targets in a short time frame. The sport has its origins in the early 20th century, with modern variations focusing on speed and accuracy.

It is popular in countries with strong shooting traditions such as Germany, Russia, and the United States. Rapid fire pistol is governed by the ISSF and has been part of the Olympic program since the 1948 London Games.

Rifle three positions is a precision shooting sport that involves shooting targets from three different positions: standing, kneeling, and prone. The sport has roots dating back to the early 1900s when national competitions began incorporating these positions.

Governed by the ISSF, it is popular in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Rifle three positions made its Olympic debut in the 1952 Helsinki Games, with the men’s competition, and in the 1984 Los Angeles Games for women.

Benchrest shooting is a shooting discipline focused on achieving extreme precision and accuracy by shooting targets from a gun mounted on a specially designed bench. The sport originated in the United States during the 1900s and has gained popularity in North America, Europe, and Australia.

While it’s not an Olympic sport, the World Benchrest Shooting Federation (WBSF) and other national organizations govern benchrest shooting competitions, such as the WBSF World Championships.

• Cowboy Action Shooting: Originating in the United States in the 1980s, this sport involves competitors using period-authentic firearms and costumes to engage in timed shooting scenarios. Popular in the USA and internationally, the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) governs the sport and organizes events such as the SASS World Championships.
• 3-Gun Competition: This dynamic shooting sport, which emerged in the United States in the 1980s, involves participants using pistols, rifles, and shotguns in multi-stage, timed courses. Popular in North America and Europe, the sport is organized by groups like the 3-Gun Nation and United Multi-gun League.
• Field Target: Field Target is an airgun sport that originated in England in the 1980s and simulates hunting in the field. Participants shoot at metal silhouette targets with various shaped holes, from positions determined by competition rules. It has gained popularity in Europe, North America, and South America, and is governed by the World Field Target Federation (WFTF).
• F-Class Shooting: F-Class is a long-range, precision rifle shooting discipline that originated in Canada in the 1990s. With competitions held at ranges up to 1,200 meters, F-Class is popular in North America, Europe, and Australia. The sport is governed by the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA).
• Precision Pistol: This sport, also known as Bullseye or Conventional Pistol, focuses on slow, timed, and rapid fire stages to achieve precision shooting with pistols. It originated in the United States in the 1900s and remains most popular there. The NRA oversees the sport, with the National Matches and other regional events as popular tournaments.
• IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation): IPSC, a dynamic shooting sport that emphasizes accuracy, power, and speed, was founded in 1976 in the United States and is now practiced in over 100 countries. Governed by the IPSC, major events include the IPSC Handgun World Shoot and regional championships.
• IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association): Founded in 1996 in the United States, IDPA focuses on practical use of firearms for self-defense scenarios. It is practiced primarily in North America and has begun to expand globally, governed by the IDPA with events such as the IDPA World Championship.
• USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association): Founded in 1984 in the United States, USPSA is the American region affiliate of IPSC and emphasizes dynamic, practical shooting. It primarily focuses on North America, with the USPSA Nationals being a popular event.
• Metallic Silhouette: This precision shooting sport, which originated in the 1900s in Mexico, involves shooting at metal silhouette targets at varying distances. It is popular in North America, Europe, and Australia, and is organized by associations such as the International Metallic Silhouette Shooting Union (IMSSU).
• Muzzleloading: Muzzleloading is a shooting sport using historical black powder firearms, originating from historical reenactments in the United States. The sport is practiced globally, with the Muzzle Loaders Associations International Committee (MLAIC) governing the sport and organizing events such as the Long Range World Championships.
• Airsoft: Airsoft is a team-based shooting sport originating from Japan in the 1970s. It emphasizes realistic scenarios and uses replica firearms that fire plastic pellets. The sport has become popular worldwide, with different organizations overseeing events and competitions.
• Paintball: Originating in the United States in the 1980s, paintball is a team sport that involves using air-powered guns to shoot paint-filled pellets at opponents. It has gained international popularity, governed by organizations such as the National Xball League (NXL) and the Millennium Series.
• Crossbow Shooting: Dating back to ancient China and Europe, crossbow shooting is a precision sport that involves aiming at targets with a crossbow. It has a strong following in Europe and Asia, with the International Crossbow Shooting Union (IAU) and the World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) organizing events and competitions.
• Archery Tag: Archery Tag, a team-based shooting sport that originated in the United States in 2011, employs foam-tipped arrows and bows to engage opponents in a dodgeball-like game. The sport has gained popularity in North America, Europe, and Asia, with organizations like the Global Archery Association governing competitions and events.

The most popular shooting sports include skeet shooting, trap shooting, sporting clays, air rifle, air pistol, high power rifle, smallbore rifle, rapid fire pistol, rifle three positions, and benchrest shooting.

Our shooting sports list includes 24 unique shooting sports.

Max is a sports enthusiast who loves all kinds of ball and water sports. He founded & runs stand-up-paddling.org (#1 German Paddleboarding Blog), played competitive Badminton and Mini Golf (competed on national level in Germany), started learning ‘real’ Golf and dabbled in dozens of other sports & activities.

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Shooting Sports as a Hobby: Finding Community and Recreation

Shooting sports, often associated with intense competition or a professional vocation, have evolved into an expansive hobby landscape. Today, thousands of enthusiasts gravitate towards these sports not just for the thrill of accuracy but for the camaraderie they find and the sheer joy of spending time outdoors.

For many, outdoor shooting transcends from a mere pastime to a passionate hobby where skill development and social interaction go hand in hand. As we dive deeper, we’ll explore the essence of recreational shooting, its myriad benefits, and what the future holds for this intriguing pursuit.

What Is Recreational Shooting?

At its core, recreational shooting revolves around using firearms for fun and leisure rather than for hunting or professional competitions. There are a lot of safe online communities such as Arms Directory dedicated to providing a protected platform for gun enthusiasts to share experience and knowledge about such events and opportunities to learn and up skill.

Whether it’s target shooting with handguns, skeet shooting with shotguns, or trying out long-range shots with rifles, the emphasis is on enjoyment and skill enhancement. It’s a chance for individuals to engage with a sport that celebrates precision, discipline, and patience, all in a controlled and safe environment.

Benefits of Outdoor Shooting Sports

Outdoor shooting sports go beyond mere target practice, offering a diverse array of benefits. From physical fitness to community bonding, this activity serves as both a sport and a holistic experience.

Physical and Mental Exercise

Just like archery, shooting sports require physical strength and mental concentration. Holding a firearm steady, aligning sights, and maintaining a consistent posture requires muscle control. Meanwhile, you need to approach every shot with immense focus, making shooting a meditative practice of sorts.

Learning Safety and Responsibility

One of the foundational elements of any shooting sport is safety. Enthusiasts are rigorously trained to handle firearms responsibly. This imparts a heightened sense of responsibility, ensuring that the participant is always conscious of their surroundings and actions.

Building Community and Social Bonds

Shooting ranges and clubs often organize events, competitions, and social gatherings. These settings are ripe for building friendships. Many shooting sports enthusiasts find a second family there, bonding over shared experiences, tips, and tricks of the trade.

Stress Relief

Shooting sports can be therapeutic. The act of focusing on a target and the rhythmic routine of loading, aiming, and firing can help individuals release pent-up stress, channeling it into each shot.

Skill Development and Achievement

Progress in shooting sports is tangible. As participants hone their skills, they see clear improvements in their accuracy and consistency. This continuous learning and achievement can boost self-esteem and instill a sense of pride.

Connecting with Nature

Outdoor shooting ranges are often set in scenic locales. The combination of fresh air, natural surroundings, and the sport can be rejuvenating. Whether it’s the mountains, forests, or plains, shooting sports provide a unique way to connect with nature.

Adaptability for All Ages

One of the great things about shooting sports is their adaptability. Whether you’re a teenager or in your 60s, there’s a type of shooting sport suited for you. With proper guidance and safety measures, it’s a hobby that can be picked up at any stage of life.

Boosts Discipline and Patience

Shooting sports are not just about pulling the trigger. They teach individuals the virtues of patience. Waiting for the right moment, understanding the environment, and multiple practice rounds to perfect a shot instills discipline and perseverance.

What Is The Future Of Shooting Sports?

The future of shooting sports looks promising. With advancements in technology, we can expect more sophisticated and safer firearms, innovative training tools, and simulation environments. The rise of virtual reality might even introduce virtual shooting ranges, blending the lines between digital gaming and traditional shooting sports.

Furthermore, as more people recognize the recreational and community benefits , we can anticipate broader acceptance and reduced stigma around the sport. There’s also a push towards promoting shooting sports among younger generations and making them more inclusive for all genders and backgrounds, ensuring the hobby’s continued growth and evolution.

Final Thoughts

Shooting sports, as a recreational pursuit, offer a unique blend of physical activity, mental relaxation, and community bonding. Beyond the thrill of hitting the bullseye, it’s about the friendships forged, skills acquired, and the serene moments amidst nature. As technology and society evolve, shooting sports will likely adapt and flourish, continuing to offer enthusiasts a fulfilling and enriching experience. If approached with an open mind and respect for safety, it’s a hobby that promises countless rewards.

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An Introduction to Competitive Shooting Sports: Everything You Need to Know

• Posted: February 15, 2023
• / By: Chris Linville
• / In: xenon

Shooting sports are gaining popularity worldwide, attracting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Competitive shooting sports, in particular, are a thrilling and challenging way to test your skills and enjoy the sport with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re interested in pistols, rifles, or shotguns, there is a competitive shooting sport for you.

In this article, we’ll provide you with an in-depth introduction to competitive shooting sports. We’ll cover the most popular shooting sports, the equipment needed, the rules and regulations, and the training required to compete. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of competitive shooting sports and what it takes to succeed in them.

Popular Competitive Shooting Sports

There are numerous competitive shooting sports to choose from, but here are the most popular ones:

• Trap Shooting: In trap shooting, participants use a shotgun to shoot clay targets that are launched into the air from a trap. The shooter stands 16 yards behind the trap and shoots at the clay targets as they are launched. The shooter aims to hit the target as it flies through the air.
• Skeet Shooting: Skeet shooting is similar to trap shooting, but the clay targets are launched from two different locations. Participants must shoot at the targets as they are launched into the air. Skeet shooting is considered more challenging than trap shooting because of the variation in target direction and speed.
• Pistol Shooting: Pistol shooting is a sport that involves shooting at a target using a handgun. Participants must shoot at the target from a specific distance, typically 10, 25, or 50 meters. There are different types of pistol shooting, including Olympic-style shooting, which involves shooting at a stationary target, and action shooting, which involves shooting at multiple targets in a simulated scenario.
• Rifle Shooting: Rifle shooting involves shooting at a target using a rifle. Participants must shoot at the target from a specific distance, typically 50, 100, or 200 meters. There are different types of rifle shooting, including smallbore rifle shooting, which involves shooting at a small target from a distance, and high power rifle shooting, which involves shooting at a larger target from a longer distance.

Equipment Required

To participate in competitive shooting sports, you need specific equipment. Here are the most common types of equipment required:

• Firearms: The most crucial piece of equipment for competitive shooting sports is the firearm. The type of firearm you need will depend on the shooting sport you choose. Shotguns are required for trap and skeet shooting, handguns for pistol shooting, and rifles for rifle shooting.
• Ammunition: Ammunition is required for all shooting sports. It is essential to use the correct ammunition for your firearm to ensure safety and accuracy. The type of ammunition you need will depend on the firearm you’re using and the shooting sport you’re participating in.
• Eye and Ear Protection: Eye and ear protection is essential for safety during shooting sports. The sound of gunfire can be damaging to your hearing, and the debris from the bullet can be dangerous to your eyes. It is crucial to wear protective eyewear and earplugs or earmuffs to prevent injury.
• Targets: Targets are used in all shooting sports to provide a specific point of aim. The type of target you use will depend on the shooting sport you’re participating in. For example, clay targets are used in trap and skeet shooting, while paper targets are used in pistol and rifle shooting.
• Shooting Gear: Shooting gear includes items such as shooting vests, shooting gloves, and shooting mats. These items are not required for all shooting sports, but they can provide added comfort and support for the shooter, making it easier to concentrate and perform well.
• Range Equipment: The range equipment includes items such as range bags, shooting rests, and spotting scopes. These items are necessary for setting up your shooting station, storing your equipment, and observing your targets. Some shooting ranges provide range equipment for their shooters, but it is always a good idea to have your own equipment.

Rules and Regulations

Competitive shooting sports have strict rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of all participants. Here are some of the most important rules and regulations:

• Safety Rules: Safety is the number one priority in competitive shooting sports. All participants must follow strict safety rules, such as keeping their firearms unloaded until they are on the shooting line, pointing their firearms in a safe direction at all times, and keeping their finger off the trigger until they are ready to shoot.
• Time Limits: Most shooting sports have time limits for shooting at each target or series of targets. The time limit varies depending on the shooting sport and the type of target. Participants must shoot within the allotted time, and any shots fired after the time limit will not count.
• Scoring: Shooting sports have a scoring system that determines the winner. The scoring system varies depending on the shooting sport, but the basic concept is to hit the target as close to the center as possible. In most shooting sports, a higher score is awarded for a shot closer to the center of the target.
• Equipment Regulations: Competitive shooting sports have strict equipment regulations that must be followed. The regulations vary depending on the shooting sport and the level of competition. Participants must ensure that their firearms and equipment meet the regulations before participating in a competition.

Training for Competitive Shooting

Sports Competitive shooting sports require training to improve your accuracy and consistency. Here are some tips for training for competitive shooting sports:

• Practice Consistently: The more you practice, the better you will become. Consistent practice is essential to develop your shooting skills and maintain consistency.
• Get Professional Coaching: Professional coaching can help you identify your weaknesses and improve your technique. A coach can provide valuable feedback on your shooting form, stance, and grip.
• Learn From Others: Watching other shooters can provide valuable insights into different techniques and strategies. Attend competitions or watch videos of other shooters to learn from their techniques.
• Develop a Routine: Developing a routine before shooting can help you stay focused and prepared. Your routine should include things like preparing your equipment, setting up your shooting station, and taking a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.

Competitive shooting sports are an exciting and challenging way to enjoy the sport and test your skills. With a variety of shooting sports to choose from and strict safety regulations, there is a shooting sport for everyone. The right equipment, adherence to rules and regulations, and consistent training are key to success in competitive shooting sports. Start exploring the world of competitive shooting sports today and discover a new way to enjoy the sport.

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