The Main Disciplines of Sport Shooting

Sport shooting is an activity that requires precision, discipline, and self-control. It includes many disciplines that vary depending on the type of firearm, shooting distance, shooter's position, and the specific rules of each federation. Whether shooting with a rifle, pistol, or shotgun, whether static or in motion, each specialty presents its own challenges.
Let’s explore the main disciplines of sport shooting.

Firearm Shooting

This category includes shooting with modern firearms, whether air-powered or powder-based (small and large caliber).

➤ Rifle

• 10 m Rifle : air-powered (4.5 mm pellets), standing position.
• 50 m Rifle : .22 LR caliber, prone or 3-position (standing, prone, kneeling).
• 300 m Rifle : higher-caliber (non-Olympic), long-distance shooting.

➤ Pistol

• 10 m Pistol : air-powered, one-handed standing shooting.
• 25 m Pistol : several variants (standard, sport, rapid fire), small caliber (.22 LR).
• 50 m Pistol : classic precision discipline (free pistol).
• Olympic Rapid Fire Pistol : rapid-fire shooting event on timed targets.

Clay Shooting (Ball-Trap)

A prestigious Olympic discipline, Clay Shooting (Ball-Trap) includes various events such as trap, skeet, sporting and double trap.

The goal is to break clay targets launched along unpredictable trajectories. Balltrap requires specialized sporting and trap shotguns with advanced technical features. These over-under shotguns , usually in 12 or 20 gauge, are often fully adjustable to the shooter’s body with customizable stocks (cast and height). They are also distinguished by the type of sighting rib they are equipped with (High, Mid-High, Ascent, and Flat).

Though aesthetically similar to hunting shotguns, trap guns are optimized for sport shooting, and its different disciplines (shouldered or unshouldered clay target shooting). Their balance and mass distribution allow for natural swings and stable, quick, and accurate target acquisition.

Running Target Shooting

This discipline involves shooting at a moving target, that crosses a defined space at a set speed.

• 10 m Running Target (air rifle)
• 50 m Running Target (.22 rifle)

A fun and engaging discipline that requires reactivity, reflexes, and precision.

Practical Shooting (IPSC)

Born from American IPSC, Practical Shooting is a dynamic discipline requiring speed, power, and precision.

The objective is to shoot targets within a course in the shortest time possible while maintaining maximum accuracy. This discipline demands great discipline due to the rapid shooting pace and shooter movement, along with excellent coordination for fast drawing and reloading.

There are three types of stages (short, medium, and long) with both static and moving shooting positions.

Main federations:

• IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) : dynamic shooting with pistol, rifle, or shotgun.
• IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) : more self-defense-oriented.
• 3-Gun : competitions combining pistol, shotgun, and rifle.

Long-Range Precision Shooting (LRPS)

The LRPS is a non-Olympic discipline focused on hitting a target at distances between 300 and over 1,000 meters.

• Uses large-caliber rifles (.308, 6.5 Creedmoor, etc.)
• Practiced outdoors, accounting for wind, gravity, and mirage

LRPS has gained prestige in the military world, notably with a record lethal shot at 3,540 m made by a Canadian soldier using a McMillan TAC-50

It’s a discipline requiring self-control, deep knowledge of one’s weapon, and perfect trigger control for a clean release.

Crossbow Shooting

A hybrid discipline between archery and modern weaponry.

There are two main types of crossbow shooting: Match and Field. Match Crossbow is closest to the original crossbow style, with distances from 10 to 30 meters, in standing or kneeling positions.

Field Crossbow is more similar to archery, using strings and arrows, with distances from 10 to 35 meters.

Black Powder Shooting

the Black powder or antique firearm shooting honors historical firearms (flintlock or percussion) in both technical and historical competitions.

Authentic or faithfully reproduced, black powder weapons represent an important chapter of modern history—from the Napoleonic wars to the American frontier and the Civil War.

Shooting with antique firearms follows a specific ritual: loading from the muzzle with measured powder, wadding, patch, and ball. The most dedicated enthusiasts even cast their own lead bullets.