Glossary
Rifle shooting, like other sports, has its own language - technical terms, slang, and idioms. Many of the words and expressions used in these Official Regulations are defined as a part of the rules. The following explanations are given for the benefit of beginners to help them understand the regulations.
Bullseye
An aiming point printed on a target card. The aiming point for shooting is usually circular and contains concentric numbered rings for scoring purposes.
Classification
The grouping of individuals by averaging a number of match scores. Classifications are designed to have individuals compete for awards against others of similar competitive skill levels.
Entry
The act of declaring intent to shoot in a match and the paying of the required fee to the proper official in accordance with the program for each match.
Framing (Mounting) Targets
A term used to describe the act of placing targets on the mounting ready for firing.
Match
A complete event as indicated in the program for the issuance of certain specific awards. A match may consist of one or of several stages. It may, in the case of aggregate matches, include the scores fired in several subsidiary matches.
Members of the National Rifle Association
Any NRA individual member and junior members (persons 15 years of age or under during the calendar year in which the tournament occurs), of an NRA affiliated Junior Club or Association.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. Citizens who are also non-Residents, who are not members of the National Rifle Association of America, but who are members in good standing of their own National Association, and have adequate proof of such membership in hand, may compete in any NRA Sanctioned Tournament, unless further restrictions are imposed by conditions stated in the program.
Post Entry
An entry made after the regular entry closing time. Because of the extra work placed on the Statistical Office as a result of late entries, an additional fee is charged (the 'Post Entry Fee'). Sometimes no post entries are accepted. 'Post Entries' have no connection with 'Postal Matches.'
Score
The total value of all required shots fired by a competitor in any one match.
Sighting Shots
Shots fired at a target provided for that purpose and used to obtain desired information relative to adjustment of sights for the match which immediately follows.
String
A series of shots (usually 5 or 10 shots) forming a part of a 'stage.'
Stage
In a match fired in more than one position or on more than one target per position, then each position or targets is referred to as a 'stage' of the match.
Target
A surface, usually paper or tagboard, containing one or more aiming points which is frequently called a target card.