sportsvåpen

Sportsvåpen, or sporting firearms, are firearms intended for sport shooting and competition rather than hunting or military use. The term is common in Norwegian and other Nordic languages and often reflects how regulations separate sporting firearms from other types. Ownership and use are typically governed by national firearms laws, which usually require a license, background checks, safety training, and secure storage. Some jurisdictions also limit magazine capacity or require periodic renewal of permits and verification of ongoing participation in sport shooting.

Types commonly used in sport shooting include pistols, rifles, and shotguns, as well as air guns. Pistols encompass rimfire and centerfire competition pistols and air pistols used in events such as 10 metre and 25/50 metre disciplines. Rifles include bolt‑action and semi‑automatic models used in precision shooting at 50 and 300 metres, as well as air rifles for youth and beginner classes. Shotguns are used in disciplines such as trap, skeet and sporting clays. In some countries, sporting firearms are designed for specific events and standardized to ensure fairness and safety.

Governing bodies include the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) for Olympic-style rifle, pistol and shotgun events, as well as national federations that issue licenses and organize competitions. The term and its legal treatment vary by country, but the underlying principles emphasize safety, responsible ownership, and sport participation rather than self‑defense or combat capabilities.