Shooting

Shooting is the act or process of discharging a projectile from a ranged weapon (such as a gun, bow, crossbow, slingshot, or blowpipe).

When using a firearm, the act of shooting is often called firing as it involves initiating a combustion (deflagration) of chemical propellants.

A skilled, accurate shooter is a marksman or sharpshooter, and a person's level of shooting proficiency is referred to as their marksmanship.

[4] The term "weapon" does not necessarily mean it is used as a combat tool, but as a piece of equipment to help the user best achieve the hit on their intended targets.

Shooting without a target has applications such as celebratory gunfire, 21-gun salute, or firing starting pistols, incapable of releasing bullets.

In many countries, there are restrictions on what kind of firearm can be bought and by whom, leading to debate about how effective such measures are and the extent to which they should be applied.

[7] The National Rifle Association of America defines four basic "competition" or "field" shooting positions.

In order of steadiness/stability (the closer you get to the ground, the steadier you are), they are prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing (also called "offhand").

It was known in the latter half of the 18th century, and later revived by a small number of shooters in the 1860s with the introduction of competitive long range shooting at the NRA[which?]

The position was really developed during the 1870s as a consequence of great interest in long range shooting associated with the international matches.

Back position provided the most stable platform for the rifle in those competitions where no artificial support, including slings, was permitted.

[13] Proper use of the sling locks the rifle into the body and enhances that solid foundation so critical to delivering an accurate shot.