Swiss Shooting Sports Encyclopaedia
Swiss Shooting Sports Glossary: Technical Terms from A to Z
This glossary explains key terms relating to Swiss shooting sports: firearms, service weapons, ammunition, equipment, the shooting procedure, range operations, competitions, safety, the law and club jargon. The explanations are deliberately written in a practical style and are aimed at beginners, club members, young shooters and interested readers.
How to use the glossary
Use the A–Z navigation to jump straight to the terms. Each term is presented as a separate card, so that the explanation is easy to grasp. Many terms are used within the club, at the shooting range or in regulations. Where legal matters are concerned, the current official guidelines from the federal government, the canton and the association always apply.
Glossary
reticle
A mark in an optical sighting aid, such as a crosshair or a dot. In traditional 300-metre military shooting, however, mechanical sights comprising a front sight and rear sight are usually the main focus.
Deduction
The mechanism used to fire the shot. In practical terms, it is important to apply trigger pressure smoothly and evenly, without moving the gun sideways.
Trigger control
Deliberate control of the trigger pull. The finger moves smoothly backwards without pushing, jerking or moving the gun sideways.
Trigger pull
The force required to pull the trigger. Depending on the discipline and the firearm, there are minimum requirements which may be checked during competitions.
Replacement
A group of shooters who are shooting at the range at the same time. The term is often used at shooting festivals, club events and during clearly scheduled shooting sessions.
Sending
A traditional awards ceremony or closing ceremony following a shooting competition or the end of the club’s annual season. During the event, results, wreaths, awards and special achievements are announced.
A5 pane
A 300-metre target with a 5-point scoring system, which is used, amongst other things, in the compulsory programme. It is frequently used for single-shot series.
Stop
Shooting posture, for example, lying down, kneeling or standing. A good shooting stance is stable, consistent and as relaxed as possible.
Breathing
Controlled breathing stabilises the body and the target image. In precision shooting, the shot is often fired during a brief, natural pause in breathing.
outlier
A shot that deviates significantly from the rest of the group. This may be caused by a trigger error, incorrect breathing, poor stance, wind, nervousness or a technical fault.
Run-off
A tie-breaker round in the event of a tie or to determine the top scorers. The term is used in club and festival contexts in a similar way to ‘final’.
Evaluation
Determining the result based on the hits. These days, the evaluation is often carried out electronically, but depending on the circumstances, it may also be carried out manually or by supervisory bodies.
B4 windscreen
A target type used, amongst other things, in the compulsory 300-metre programme. In the sequence, it follows the A5 target and is also used for rapid-fire series.
Aperture
Light or visual protection that reduces distracting brightness or lateral distractions. Visors can play a role on the sighting system, on the goggles or in the standing area.
Visual guidance
Conscious control of your line of sight before, during and after firing. This helps you to clearly distinguish between the target image, the front sight, the rear sight and observing the point of impact.
National exercise
A collective term for official shooting events organised by the non-service shooting association, in particular compulsory shooting and field shooting.
Diabolo
A projectile for air rifles and air pistols, usually in 4.5 mm calibre. Diabolos are fired without a powder charge, using compressed air or CO₂.
Dioptre
Rear, finely adjustable aperture sight on the rifle. Together with the front sight, the diopter forms a precise mechanical sighting system.
Spin
A spiral groove in the barrel that sets the bullet spinning. This spin stabilises the flight and improves accuracy.
Air Force
An air rifle or air pistol that fires pellets without a powder charge. Typical disciplines include 10-metre air rifle and 10-metre air pistol.
pressure point
A distinct point in the trigger pull just before the trigger is released. Handling the trigger point correctly helps you fire the shot in a controlled manner without jerking.
Duel shooting
A term used in pistol competitions to describe timed rapid-fire or duel series. The key factors are rhythm, stance, target acquisition and precise trigger control under time pressure.
Sighting-in
Careful checking of the point of impact, sighting and shot pattern before a competition or training session. Not to be confused with the scoring programme.
Single fire
A shooting sequence in which each shot is prepared and fired individually. It requires particularly precise repetition of the shooting stance, breathing, sight picture and trigger control.
Individual shooting competition
Competitive format with individual scoring. In Swiss club sport, the abbreviation ‘EWS’ is often used for this.
Unloading
Safe removal of ammunition from the firearm and magazine. Unloading is one of the most important safety procedures and must always be carried out in accordance with clear instructions.
EWS
Abbreviation for individual shooting competition. The term frequently appears in programmes, rankings and club documents.
Symptoms
A recurring pattern in the group of shots that may indicate a technical fault. Examples include lateral outliers, high or low shots, or groups off-centre.
Field disc
A type of target used for field programmes and field shooting. Depending on the programme, the design differs from that of traditional ring targets.
Field shooting
A voluntary Swiss shooting event steeped in tradition. The Swiss Federal Field Shooting Competition is open to a wide range of participants and is organised by recognised shooting clubs.
Firework
A valid shot within a programme. Unlike a practice shot, it counts towards the result.
Final
Decisive round following a qualifying round. Depending on the rules, the best shooters compete again in a separate round.
teleprompter
A strap over the barrel that can reduce the distracting heat haze in the crosshairs. This becomes particularly relevant during longer bursts of fire and when the barrel has heated up.
FS
A common abbreviation for field shooting. The term is often used in its abbreviated form in programmes, calendars and rankings.
Hearing protection
Mandatory or standard equipment at the shooting range. Ear defenders or earplugs protect against the high sound pressure levels generated by a gunshot.
floor
The part of the cartridge that leaves the barrel and flies towards the target. Colloquially, the term ‘bullet’ is often used, but technically ‘projectile’ is more precise.
Rifle sling
Straps for carrying the rifle and, depending on the discipline, for stabilising the shooting position. In the 300m shooting event, the correct positioning of the straps can have a significant impact on the stability of the rifle.
handle
Contact between the hand and the gun. A firm grip prevents the gun from twisting sideways and helps ensure a smooth trigger pull.
GP11
Swiss service ammunition in 7.5 × 55 mm calibre. It is historically and in sporting contexts associated with the Karabiner 31 and the Sturmgewehr 57.
GP90
Swiss service ammunition in 5.6 mm calibre for the Sturmgewehr 90. In 300-metre shooting, it is closely associated with the Stgw 90.
Stop
The point at which the shooter aligns the sight picture. A stable aiming point helps to ensure consistent shots.
Storage space
A range within which the target image fluctuates slightly and naturally whilst being held steady. The aim is not complete stillness, but controlled triggering within a stable holding range.
List of resources
Official list of authorised accessories for service weapons. For national exercises and competitions, the current list of authorised items is decisive.
sleeve
The metal part of the cartridge that holds the powder and the primer. After the shot is fired, the cartridge case is ejected or removed manually, depending on the weapon.
Cartridge ejection
Ejection of the empty cartridge case after firing. The direction and behaviour of the cartridge case ejection can provide indications of whether the weapon is functioning correctly or whether there are any faults.
Iris diaphragm
An adjustable aperture on dioptre or shooting glasses to regulate the amount of light entering the lenses. It can make the image of the target appear sharper and less blurred.
ISSF
International Shooting Sport Federation. This international federation sets many of the rules for Olympic and international shooting sports.
young marksman
Young shooters in an age-based category or on a young shooters’ course. Young shooters are trained in the safe handling of service firearms and in competitive shooting.
JSK
Abbreviation for the Young Shooters’ Course. The course covers weapon handling, safety, shooting technique and the basics of Swiss shooting.
Calibre
Nominal calibre of a bullet, barrel or cartridge. Examples from Swiss shooting sports include 4.5 mm Diabolo, .22 lr, 9 × 19 mm, 5.6 mm GP90 and 7.5 × 55 mm GP11.
Carabiner 31
Swiss service carbine in 7.5 × 55 mm GP11 calibre. The K31 is of historical significance and remains well known in service shooting.
Rear sight
The rear part of an open sight. Together with the front sight, it forms a simple mechanical sighting system.
Kneeling
A shooting position in which the shooter stabilises themselves on one knee. It is technically demanding and requires perfect balance.
Knee roll
A roll or cushion used under the ankle when kneeling. It promotes stability and relieves pressure on the body.
Grain
Front part of the sight. When aiming, the front sight is aligned precisely with the rear sight or diopter and the target.
Ring of grain
A ring-shaped shot pattern, used particularly in match and sporting rifles. The shooter centres the target’s centre mark within the ring.
wreath
An award for a specific achievement. Wreaths and wreath badges have a long tradition in Swiss shooting.
Wreath card
A voucher or credit note that may be awarded as a prize at certain shooting events. Details depend on the event.
Wreath limit
The points threshold required to qualify for a wreath or an award. The threshold depends on the event, category, distance and weapon.
Bullet trap
A safety zone behind the glass that safely contains projectiles. Modern bullet-trapping systems are important for both safety and the environment.
Short fire
A limited-time series comprising several shots. The term is used particularly in field shooting and pistol events.
Jamming
Fault or safety mechanism during the loading process. During stationary operation, the site supervisor is immediately called upon in the event of any irregularity.
Shop
Loading ammunition or a magazine into the firearm. At the shooting range, loading may only take place on command or with express authorisation.
Run
The barrel of the weapon through which the projectile is fired. The rifling and smooth sections of the barrel cause the projectile to spin and stabilise its flight.
Lying down
A very stable shooting position, which is particularly important in 300-metre shooting. The aim is to adopt a natural stance without unnecessary muscle tension.
Prone position
Practical execution of the prone position. The key factors are natural sight alignment, shoulder contact, head position, grip and consistency.
Licence
A shooting licence required to take part in competitions for which a licence is required. It is administered by the association and the club.
Lupi
A colloquial short form for ‘air pistol’. The term is frequently used in clubs and rankings.
Magazine
A firearm’s cartridge magazine. Magazines are components with safety and legal implications and must only be used at the shooting range in accordance with instructions.
Magazine change
Removing and inserting a magazine. In sporting and military contexts, the following applies: remain calm, act safely and always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
match rifle
A rifle optimised for sporting use in precision shooting disciplines. Unlike service rifles, it is designed with a greater focus on competition, ergonomics and fine adjustment.
Weapon subject to registration
A weapon whose acquisition must be reported. The specific legal classification depends on the type of weapon, its condition, the manner of acquisition and current legislation.
Ammunition
Cartridges or pellets fired from a firearm. In Switzerland, the storage, transport and acquisition of such items are regulated depending on the type of ammunition and the context.
mouth
The front end of the barrel. At the shooting range, the muzzle must always be pointed in a safe direction.
Muzzle control
Consciously controlling the direction of the barrel. A firearm must never be pointed at people or unsecured areas, even if it is considered to be unloaded.
Shellfish
A colloquial term for the inner tenth of the target. Anyone who hits „in der Musche“ has hit the very centre.
After-doubles
An additional attempt or further programme to improve results, where the event allows for this. Often subject to a separate fee.
Follow up
Consciously holding the target image in your mind after firing. Following through prevents you from lifting the gun too early and makes it easier to spot errors in the trigger pull or aiming position.
zero
A shot without a countable hit. In the compulsory programme, the number of zeros is relevant as well as the minimum score.
Zero point
The natural alignment of the body and the weapon with the target. A good zero point prevents the shooter from having to use muscle force to press the weapon towards the target.
Obli
Colloquial short form for compulsory shooting. It applies to members of the armed forces who are required to undertake shooting training and is carried out at recognised shooting clubs.
Compulsory shooting
Official compulsory training programme for members of the armed forces required to undertake marksmanship training. It comprises defined firing sequences, minimum requirements and scoring criteria.
service pistol
A pistol adopted by the military, which is also used in certain Swiss shooting programmes. Examples include the P210, P75 and more recent service pistol models.
service weapon
A service weapon adopted by the armed forces, which is also used in Swiss shooting sports. Examples include the Stgw 90, Stgw 57, Karabiner 31 and service pistols.
Pass
A series of shots within a programme. Depending on the event, a competition consists of several rounds.
Cartridge
A complete round of ammunition consisting of a cartridge case, primer, propellant charge and bullet. In the case of air guns, however, the term ‘diabolo’ is usually used.
Pistol 75
Swiss service pistol SIG P220. In a service and military context, it is designated the P75.
Test shot
A test shot before the official programme to check the shooting stance, target and sighting. Test shots do not count towards the competition result.
Programme
A set sequence of shots for an event. A programme specifies the distance, target, number of shots, time and scoring.
Peripheral fire
A type of ammunition in which ignition takes place at the rim of the cartridge base. A typical example is the .22 LR used in small-bore shooting.
Rangeur
A time slot or schedule within which a shooter completes their programme. The term is commonly used at shooting festivals and in shooting range timetables.
Rankings
An official or club-internal analysis of the results. It shows the ranking, points, category and, often, the results for the wreaths.
Rules and Regulations
A binding set of rules governing discipline, safety, equipment, scoring and organisation. At official events, the relevant association and national regulations apply.
Ring
Scoring zone on the target. The closer the hit is to the centre, the higher the ring value.
Shaft
The part of the rifle that connects the stock, the shoulder, the grip and the rest. A clean stock contact improves consistency and stability.
Disc image
A target featuring a mirror, rings or scoring areas. The target layout and scoring system vary considerably depending on the discipline.
Shooting goggles
Specialised glasses for sport shooting. They can accommodate corrective lenses, an iris diaphragm, a cover or a filter, and enhance the sight picture.
Shooting glove
A sturdy glove for the supporting hand. It reduces pressure points and helps maintain a steady grip on the rifle.
Shooting jacket
A sturdy jacket designed to support posture and shooting form. It is mainly used in competitive rifle disciplines.
Firing line
A line along which the shooters take up their positions. It separates the shooting area from the rest of the shooting range.
Shooting number
The identification number of a participant or programme. It makes it easier to record results and compile rankings.
Shooting range
Approved location for shooting activities. A shooting range comprises a shooting platform, a target system, safety zones and a bullet trap.
Firing pin
A component which strikes the primer when fired, thereby initiating the shot. The firing pin forms part of the breech or trigger mechanism.
Rapid fire
A time-limited sequence of shots. The key factors are a smooth sequence of movements, rhythm and controlled trigger control under time pressure.
Firing fee
The moment of firing. A good shot is taken calmly and in a controlled manner, and results from a stable shooting position, a clear sight picture and a smooth trigger pull.
Shooting pattern
Distribution of multiple hits on the target. The shot pattern reveals whether errors occur systematically, for example due to the trigger, breathing, grip or aiming.
Sequence of shots
The prescribed sequence of shots within a programme. It defines, for example, single shots, short bursts, rapid fire or bursts.
Bullet hole tester
A tool for the precise assessment of bullet holes in paper targets. It can be used when ring scores are close or when evaluation is carried out manually.
Shooting Festival
A major shooting event with both sporting and social elements. Shooting festivals are an important part of the Swiss shooting tradition.
Master marksman
The person responsible for safety and the smooth running of the shooting range. The range master’s instructions must be followed.
Series
A consecutive series of shots within a programme. Series can be defined by the number of shots, time or target type.
Fuse
A mechanism designed to prevent accidental discharge. Despite the safety catch, the basic rules of firearm handling must be observed at all times.
Safety zone
An area which, for safety reasons, must not be entered or may only be used under certain conditions. The site regulations govern these zones.
Mirror
A black or contrasting-colour target area on a target. When aiming, the reticle is aligned with the front sight, front sight ring or sighting device, depending on the discipline.
SSV
Abbreviation for the Swiss Shooting Sports Federation. The federation plays a central role in many of the sporting rules, competitions and structures within Swiss shooting sports.
Standard rifle
A regulated sporting rifle for precision shooting disciplines. It is not the same as a service weapon and is subject to its own technical specifications.
Stand supervision
The person or department responsible for monitoring safe operations. In the event of malfunctions, uncertainty or queries, the site supervisor must be contacted immediately.
Standing
Free shooting position without any additional support for the body. It requires balance, body tension, steady breathing and precise trigger control.
Stgw 57
Swiss Assault Rifle 57 in 7.5 × 55 mm GP11 calibre. It is a classic service rifle used in 300-metre shooting.
Stgw 90
The Swiss 5.6 mm GP90 assault rifle. It is the Swiss Army’s current standard issue weapon and plays a central role in the 300-metre military marksmanship test.
Position of the shot
Position of the group of hits on the target. A consistent pattern of hits off-centre often indicates an issue with sighting, zeroing or trigger control.
Dry training
Training without live fire. It is designed to improve your shooting stance, sight picture, trigger control, follow-through and overall technique. Safety rules still apply in full.
Club shooting
An internal or regional competition between club members or clubs. As well as the result, the focus is often on camaraderie.
Closure
A mechanical assembly that seals the chamber and barrel at the rear. The bolt is essential for the safety, operation and locking mechanism of the firearm.
Visor
Aiming devices. These include open sights, diopter sights, front sights and, depending on the discipline, optical aiming aids.
Visor shield
A hood fitted to or near the sight to reduce stray light and glare. It can make the image of the target appear steadier and with greater contrast.
Sight adjustment
Adjust the height or windage on the sight to correct the point of impact. It is important to check the group of shots first and not to start frantically adjusting the sight after every single shot.
Weapon
A general term for equipment used to fire ammunition in shooting sports. Within the club, a distinction is made between service weapons, sporting weapons, pistols, rifles and air guns.
Firearms licence
Official authorisation to acquire certain weapons. The cantonal authorities are responsible for this; the current Swiss firearms legislation always applies.
Weapons Act
Swiss legal framework governing the acquisition, possession, transfer, storage and handling of firearms. For further details, please refer to official government sources.
Gun control
Inspection of firearms and equipment before or during a competition. Checks may include, for example, trigger pull, accessories and compliance with the regulations.
Gun maintenance
Cleaning, inspecting and maintaining the firearm after shooting. Regular maintenance ensures that the firearm remains in good working order, is safe to use and retains its accuracy.
WES
Abbreviation for ‘firearms acquisition licence’. The term is frequently used in legal and administrative contexts.
Competition
Organised shooting in accordance with a set set of rules. A competition defines the programme, scoring, categories, time, targets and permitted equipment.
Central ignition
A type of ammunition in which the primer is located centrally in the base of the cartridge case. Examples include 9 × 19 mm, 5.6 mm GP90 and 7.5 × 55 mm GP11.
Vision
Visual impression when aiming: the target, front sight, rear sight or sighting system are aligned in a specific way. A consistent sight picture is crucial for consistent hits.
Target
A target with scoring zones or target areas. Different target layouts and scoring systems are used depending on the discipline.
Telescopic sight
Optical aiming aid with magnification. It is not permitted in all disciplines of Swiss military and recreational sport.
ZF
Abbreviation for rifle scope. In regulations and lists of permitted equipment, it is essential to check carefully whether a rifle scope is permitted in the relevant discipline.
ignition cap
A component in the base of the cartridge which is activated by the firing pin and ignites the propellant charge.
A comparison of key calibres in Swiss shooting sports
The following overview classifies common calibres according to their typical use. Values may vary depending on the weapon, barrel, ammunition and regulations.
| Calibre | Typical uses | Type of ammunition |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5 mm Diabolo | 10-metre air rifle and air pistol | Compressed-air ammunition |
| 5.6 mm / .22 LR | Small-bore 50 m, Sport pistol 25 m | Peripheral fire |
| 9 × 19 mm | Service and sports pistols | Central ignition |
| 5.6 mm GP90 | Assault rifle 90, 300 m | Centre-fire / Service ammunition |
| 7.5 × 55 mm GP11 | Karabiner 31, Stgw 57, 300 m | Centre-fire / Service ammunition |
An overview of typical disciplines and terms
| Discipline | Distance | Typical weapon | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air rifle / Air pistol | 10 m | 4.5 mm compressed-air gun | A precision discipline with a very fine target image |
| Small-bore | 50 m | .22 lr | Lying down, kneeling or standing, depending on the programme |
| Pistol | 25 m / 50 m | Sports or service pistol | Precision, duel or rapid-fire, depending on the programme |
| service rifle | 300 m | Stgw 90, Stgw 57, K31 | Central to the Swiss club and national training system |
| Field shooting | 300 m / 25 m | Service weapons | A mass-participation sporting event with a strong Swiss tradition |
Term missing?
Swiss shooting is a wide-ranging sport that is constantly evolving. If a term is missing or needs clarifying, please do let the club know. This will help keep the glossary up to date and useful.
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