Marksmanship
Related Terms
Spot and Stalk
A hunting technique where you locate game at a distance (spot) and then move quietly to get withi...
View Term: Spot and Stalk
Shot Placement
Where the projectile impacts an animal’s vital zone, key to ethical, quick kills and minimal woun...
View Term: Shot Placement
Pressure Point
Any area where unintended contact (e.g., a sling swivel, hand placement) can alter a firearm’s or...
View Term: Pressure Point
Heart-Lung Shot
An ideal shot placement hitting both the heart and lungs for a quick, humane harvest of big game ...
View Term: Heart-Lung Shot
.22 LR
A popular rimfire cartridge with low recoil, commonly used for small game and target shooting; va...
View Term: .22 LR
Rifle Scope
An optic with magnification mounted on a rifle, offering a clearer view of distant targets for ac...
View Term: Rifle Scope
Impact Point
The actual spot where a bullet or arrow strikes the target; differs from point of aim if the sigh...
View Term: Impact Point
4-H Shooting Sports
A youth program teaching firearm and archery basics, emphasizing safety and responsible marksmans...
View Term: 4-H Shooting Sports
Zeroing a Rifle
Aligning a rifle’s sights or scope so bullets land at the point of aim at a specific distance, cr...
View Term: Zeroing a Rifle
Trigger Pull
The amount of force needed to fire a shot; heavier or inconsistent triggers can reduce accuracy.
View Term: Trigger Pull
Wing Shooting
The art of shooting birds in flight, requiring quick reflexes and proper lead estimation.
View Term: Wing Shooting
Scout Rifle
A lightweight rifle typically with a forward-mounted scope, designed for versatility in varied hu...
View Term: Scout Rifle
Open Sight
Iron sights without an aperture, often featuring a front post and rear notch; commonly seen on ba...
View Term: Open Sight
Ear Protection
Gear like earplugs or earmuffs that safeguard hearing from gunshot noise.
View Term: Ear Protection
Drift
Sideways movement of a projectile due to wind or other factors; shooters often compensate by adju...
View Term: Drift
Air Rifle
A gun powered by compressed air or CO₂, often used for small game or target practice.
View Term: Air Rifle
Spotting Scope
A high-powered, compact telescope used to observe distant animals or targets for range estimation...
View Term: Spotting Scope
Follow-Through
Maintaining proper stance and alignment after releasing an arrow or pulling a trigger, ensuring c...
View Term: Follow-Through
Sighting-In
Adjusting firearm sights or a scope so that the bullet hits the intended point of aim at a chosen...
View Term: Sighting-In
Peep Sight
A small aperture in the rear sight of a bow or rifle that provides a precise aiming point.
View Term: Peep Sight
Angled Shot
Firing at an upward or downward angle, requiring compensation for gravity and trajectory differen...
View Term: Angled Shot
Range Estimation
The method of determining distance to a target, vital for proper shot placement in archery and fi...
View Term: Range Estimation
Prairie Dog Hunting
A form of varmint or pest control used for marksmanship practice; subject to varying regulations.
View Term: Prairie Dog Hunting
3-Gun Competition
A timed shooting sport where participants use a rifle, shotgun, and pistol in various stages, hon...
View Term: 3-Gun Competition
Trigger Creep
The slight movement or slack in a trigger before it releases, potentially affecting accuracy and ...
View Term: Trigger Creep
Prone Position
A shooting stance where the hunter lies flat on the stomach for maximum stability, often used in ...
View Term: Prone Position
Offhand Shooting
Firing a rifle or shotgun without external support (standing or kneeling); emphasizes stance and ...
View Term: Offhand Shooting
Point of Aim
The precise spot on a target where a shooter aligns sights or a scope reticle before firing.
View Term: Point of Aim
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