Shooting has been segregated into three disciplines in Olympics. Rifle and pistol are used by athletes for shooting at stationary targets in range and shotgun involve hitting moving targets. It is a sport that requires both physical and mental preparation. Success requires a steady hand and steely nerves as shooters strive for technical excellence. Olympic shooters often put in many years of practice and training to achieve the high standards required for competitive shooting.
History of Shooting Games
The modern Olympic Games began in 1896, thanks to the efforts of the French Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who devoted his life to reviving the Olympic dream, which had begun several centuries before the common arena in ancient Greece. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece with nine games, and Pierre de Coubertin, a former French pistol champion, advocated the addition of two large-bore rifles and three pistol events to the Olympic Games.
The program of events has evolved with each sport, taking into account the traditions and conventions of firearms, as well as the advancement of firearms. By 1924, the shooting schedule had several shows that were eventually scrapped, a total of 31. 17 of the 31 events were shown on the show only once, while nine others were featured twice. It shows the instability of the program at that time. After a "break" in 1924, shooting was reinstated at the Olympics in 31, but with only two events: pistol and rifle. After World War II the program became more uniform.
The 300-meter rifle, which was one of three shooting events on the schedule from 1896 and was included on the schedule 12 times until 1972, is worth highlighting among the events that were discontinued. Individual and team events were shot until 1948, when the ISSF (International Shooting Sports Federation), formerly UIT (International Shooting Federation), abolished team competitions.
In 1968, women were allowed to participate in Olympic shootingss for the first time. Mexico, Peru and Poland sent one female participant each that year.
Some rules for shooting
This is the safest game. All players aim in a line and no one is allowed to go beyond the shooting point in the range. Players cannot even pack their guns without permission. After the event, the coaches check that no bullet is stuck in the gun. Shooters pack their guns in the kit only after getting permission from them. Although its bullets can kill, it is necessary to take extra care.
1. All firearms must be cased and unloaded when entering the store or range, excluding law enforcement.
2. Concealed carry firearms must remain concealed at all times while in the store. Only when on the range and in a shooting stall may the concealed firearm be unloaded if they are to be fired.
3. All persons using the firing ranges must successfully view the range safety video/briefing once per year.
4. All persons using the firing ranges must sign a waiver and read the range safety rules.
5. No one under the age of 18 is allowed on the ranges without a parent or guardian.
6. Children must be at least 10 years old to shoot firearms.
7. Children under the age of 14 must be assisted at all times by a parent or Range Safety Officer.
8. A valid Illinois FOID card or out-of-state government picture ID is required to rent firearms and to use the firing ranges.
9. Firearms may only be rented to patrons having brought in their own firearms or are with another person.
10. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. No pregnant women are allowed in the shooting ranges.
Types of Shooting Sports Guns
Shooting Rifle
Standing shots are fired in the 10m air rifle event, available for both men and women. Each participant shoots 60 shots in the qualifying round, with the top eight total scores advancing to the final. The elimination method of the final round is used, in which the lowest scoring contestants are eliminated as the tournament proceeds. This means that only two contestants in the final shot will compete for the gold medal.
Pistol
The pistol used in the 10m Air Pistol event is a single-loaded pistol in 4.5-millimeter caliber, whereas the one used in the 25m events is a Rapid Fire Pistol in 5.6 caliber with a five-shot magazine.
Machine Gun
Trap and Skeet are two shotgun activities available and are open to both men and women. Shotgun events are unique in that they take place outside, where the weather can have an effect on the competition. A moving clay disc is also used as a target, which is launched into the air.
In trap events, the contestants have no idea what the direction or angle of the target is. Athletes are only allowed two shots per goal. The men have five rounds of qualifying, while the women have three rounds of 25 goals each. Six of the top scores advance to the final round of 25 discs.
Both men and women can compete in trap and skeet shotgun competitions. Shotgun competitions are unique in that they take place outside, where the weather can have an impact on the outcome. Moving clay discs that are launched into the air are also used as targets.
List of Events in Shooting Sports
Disciplines |
Events for Men |
MQS |
Events for Women |
MQS |
Rifle |
50m Rifle 3 Positions |
1135 |
50m Rifle 3 Positions |
1115 |
Pistol |
25m Rapid Fire Pistol |
560 |
25m Pistol |
555 |
Shotgun |
Trap |
112 |
Trap |
92 |
Shooting Range Rules
1. Only approved calibers and loads may be used on the range in accordance with the NSW Police Shooting Range Approval. Any queries regarding approved calibers and loads should be referred to Range Officers.
2. Only approved matches and appropriate targets may be used in accordance with the NSW Police Shooting Range Approval.
3. No firearm may be loaded until the Shooter is in place at the firing line and directed to do so by a Range Officer.
4. At all times, while loaded, the firearm shall point downrange. At all times, while loaded, the firearm shall be under the control of the user.
5. When not at the firing line, the firearm must be unloaded at all times. At the completion of shooting, the firearm must be immediately unloaded.
6. No person may touch a firearm belonging to another person without that person’s express permission and being appropriately licenced.
7. No person on the firing line shall touch a firearm (or any part of a firearm) whilst any other person is forward of the firing line.
8. All personal belongings must be stored away from the firing line. All malfunctions must be reported immediately to the Range Officer. Dropped and misfired rounds are to be disposed of in the yellow marked hazard bins.
9. Hearing protection must be worn while shooting is in progress on all ranges. Eye protection must be worn when shooting handguns with the exception of air pistols.
10. Covered footwear must be worn on the Range whilst shooting.
Shooting Tournaments in India
NRAI is affiliated with Indian Olympic Association and all International Shooting Federations/Confederations. NRAI also holds five national-level competitions annually with a view to promoting and popularize the Sports of shooting in India-
1. National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC)
2. All India G.V. Mavlankar Shooting Championship (AIGVMSC)
3. Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters Shooting Championship
4. Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship
5. All India Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Inter-School Shooting Championship