Shooting: Terms to Know

Airgun

A rifle or pistol that uses compressed air or carbon dioxide to discharge metallic pellets.

Bore

The interior diameter of a gun barrel.

Bull

The central blackened portion of a target that appears as a dot to the shooter taking aim.

Bunker

In trap shooting, the underground "dugout" in front of the firing line from which machines throw clay targets.

Caliber

The interior diameter of a rifle or pistol barrel.

Cartridge

The complete unit of ammunition, including the projectile, case, powder and primer.

Chamber

The rear portion of the gun barrel into which a cartridge is inserted for firing.

Crossfire

A shot accidentally fired on a target assigned to another competitor.

Double trap

Competition in which two clay targets are launched simultaneously in front of the shooter.

Firing line

The line from which competitors position themselves to shoot their targets (pictured).

Free pistol

A .22-caliber pistol relatively "free" of restrictions.

Malfunction

A gun or ammunition's failure to perform; not firing when the trigger is released.

Metallic sight

Non-magnifying devices on the front and rear ends of a firearm used to assist aim.

Offhand

Another term for the standard shooting position.

Pits

In .22-caliber shooting, the area downrange where targets are placed for use.

Sighters

Practice shots fired at the beginning of a match to check sight adjustments; sighters do not count in the match score.

Stock

The wooden, metal, plastic or fiberglass portion of a rifle or shotgun to which the barrel, action, trigger action, etc., are attached.

String

A series of shots, normally five or 10.

Ten-ring

The innermost ring of the black section of the target.

Three positions

Rifle events in which competitors shoot in standing, kneeling and prone positions.

Trap

The device used for launching clay targets into the air.