shooting

Shooting is the act of discharging a projectile from a firearm or airgun. The term also appears in non-military contexts, such as photography and cinematography, where it refers to capturing images or footage. In sport shooting, competitors aim to hit targets or achieve high precision under standardized rules.

Safety is central to shooting activities. Common guidelines include treating every firearm as loaded, never pointing at anything you do not intend to shoot, keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and knowing the target and what lies beyond it. Proper storage, training, and range etiquette are also emphasized.

Sport shooting comprises disciplines such as rifle, pistol, and shotgun events. Olympic shooting includes rifle and pistol events at various distances and shotgun disciplines like trap and skeet. International governance is provided by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF); in some countries national bodies and clubs administer training, licensing, and competition (for example, USA Shooting, NRA, or national equivalents). Equipment ranges from pistols and rifles to shotguns and airguns, with ammunition types and safety standards varying by discipline.

Regulation and licensing vary by country. Many jurisdictions require training, background checks, safe storage, and ongoing safety education for those who own, handle, or use firearms in sport, hunting, or law enforcement.