Måltavla

A måltavla is a target used in aiming sports such as archery and firearms. In Swedish and Norwegian usage, the term denotes a surface designed to be hit by projectiles and to provide a scoring reference. A måltavla typically consists of a backing board and a target face marked with scoring zones, centered on a bullseye. The distance to the target and the number of shots are defined by the discipline and competition rules.

Designs vary by sport. Archery targets are usually circular faces with concentric scoring rings; the center is the bullseye. Firearm targets may be paper sheets or metal plates with visible rings or reactive indicators. Target faces are mounted on stands, walls, or backstops and can be portable or fixed. Some systems use multiple faces on a single backing to allow rapid scoring during practice or competition.

Materials range from paper or laminated cardboard to foam, wood, or metal, chosen for durability and the ability to hold point markings. Target sizes vary by discipline and setting: indoor targets are typically smaller than outdoor ones, and different sports specify standard formats and ring arrangements. Scoring methods emphasize a higher score toward the center, with the bullseye or central zone awarding the most points. In many federations, targets are accompanied by a scoring sheet or electronic scoreboard to record results.

Etymology and usage: The word måltavla comes from Scandinavian languages, combining elements meaning target and board. Today, måltavla remains the common term in Swedish and Norwegian contexts for the devices used to practice aiming and to judge accuracy in both recreational and competitive settings.