Marksmanship


The skill of accurate shooting, encompassing proper stance, breathing, trigger control, and follow-through.

Related Terms

Spot and Stalk


A hunting technique where you locate game at a distance (spot) and then move quietly to get withi...


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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...


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Heart-Lung Shot


An ideal shot placement hitting both the heart and lungs for a quick, humane harvest of big game ...


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.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...


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Impact Point


The actual spot where a bullet or arrow strikes the target; differs from point of aim if the sigh...


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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...


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Trigger Pull


The amount of force needed to fire a shot; heavier or inconsistent triggers can reduce accuracy.


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Wing Shooting


The art of shooting birds in flight, requiring quick reflexes and proper lead estimation.


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Scout Rifle


A lightweight rifle typically with a forward-mounted scope, designed for versatility in varied hu...


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Open Sight


Iron sights without an aperture, often featuring a front post and rear notch; commonly seen on ba...


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Ear Protection


Gear like earplugs or earmuffs that safeguard hearing from gunshot noise.


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Drift


Sideways movement of a projectile due to wind or other factors; shooters often compensate by adju...


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Air Rifle


A gun powered by compressed air or CO₂, often used for small game or target practice.


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Spotting Scope


A high-powered, compact telescope used to observe distant animals or targets for range estimation...


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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.


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Angled Shot


Firing at an upward or downward angle, requiring compensation for gravity and trajectory differen...


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Range Estimation


The method of determining distance to a target, vital for proper shot placement in archery and fi...


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Prairie Dog Hunting


A form of varmint or pest control used for marksmanship practice; subject to varying regulations.


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3-Gun Competition


A timed shooting sport where participants use a rifle, shotgun, and pistol in various stages, hon...


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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 ...


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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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