The terms often refer to the restrictions on permitted equipment and modifications rather than the type of match format.

The names Service Rifle and Service Pistol stem from that the equipment permitted for these types of competitions traditionally were based on standard issue firearms used by one or several armed forces and civilian versions of these, while the terms production, factory and stock[4] often are applied to more modern disciplines with similar restrictions on equipment classes.

Equipment classes for factory or service firearms are usually restrictive in nature in that most modifications generally are prohibited, and upgrade and replacement parts usually must have been produced by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

In comparison, other more open equipment classes usually are permissive in nature, permitting most equipment and modifications as long as the firearm still functions safely, while also satisfying some minimum requirements like for instance a weight limit, size restriction or a type of sights (i.e. any iron sights, red dot or scope sight).

[citation needed] Today's format created in 1947 allows for custom firearms, and as such is no longer a service rifle competition.