Glossary

• Aiming Mark
  
  The innermost circular mark in the center of a target containing scoring rings. Also know as the "Bullseye".
  
  
• Aperture sight
  
  A sighting system, also known as “metallic” or “peep” sights, that uses alignment of concentric circles (front and rear sight apertures) to encircle the target “bullseye” for aiming.
  
  
• ATA
  
  The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) serves as the governing body for the sport of American style trapshooting. The ATA's mission is to promote and govern the sport throughout the world.
  
  
• Bolt Action firearm
  
  A bolt action firearm is a gun that requires the bolt to be operated manually by the opening and closing of the breech with a small handle (bolt) to ready the next round to be fired.
  
  
• Bullseye
  
  The innermost circular aiming mark or the type of target having a black circular aiming mark.
  
  
• Caliber
  
  A measurement in metric (millimeter) or imperial (thousands) units to describe the inside diameter of a barrel or outside diameter of a projectile.
  
  
• Centerfire ammunition
  
  A centerfire cartridge is a cartridge in which the primer is located in the center of the cartridge case head. Unlike rimfire cartridges, the primer is a separate and replaceable component. The advantage of most centerfire cartridges is that they can be reused after replacing the primer, gunpowder and projectile.
  
  
• Clyde Howell NRA Youth Shooting Camp
  
  The Clyde Howell NRA Youth Shooting Camp mission is to provide a youth program promoting the shooting sports and various related activities with emphasis on safety, personal responsibility, exercising good judgment and marksmanship.
  
  
• CMP
  
  The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Established to promote firearms safety training and marksmanship for U.S. citizens with special emphasis on youth.
  
  
• DNR
  
  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) mission is to manage, protect and sustain Illinois' natural and cultural resources; provide resource-compatible recreational opportunities and to promote natural resource-related issues for the public's safety and education.
  
  
• FOID
  
  In 1968, Illinois enacted legislation to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by providing a system of identifying persons who are not qualified to acquire or possess firearms and firearm ammunition within the State of Illinois. The Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Act established a practical and workable system to identify persons prohibited by Section 24-3.1 of the "Criminal Code of 1961" as amended, from acquiring or possessing firearms and firearm ammunition.
  
  All Illinois residents who buy or possess firearms are required by law to have a valid FOID card. FOID applications can be obtained from any firearm's dealer, law enforcement agency, or printed from the Internet. To obtain a FOID card, complete an application and forward it along with a $5.00 fee and a photograph to the Illinois State Police, Firearm Owner's Identification Unit, Post Office Box 19233, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9233.
  
  
• FPS
  
  Feet Per Second. A unit of measurement to express the speed (velocity) of a projectile.
  
  
• IDPA
  
  The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 11,000, including members in 19 foreign countries.
  
  
• IPSC
  
  International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). The promotion of accuracy, power, and speed as three equal elements was the prime objective along with procedures and rules for safe gun handling. In practical shooting, the competitor must try to blend accuracy, power, and speed, into a winning combination.
  
  
• ISRA
  
  Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA). Established in 1903 as Illinois' leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership.
  
  
• ISSF
  
  The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Governing body of sport shooting competition in the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cups, Continental Championships / Games.
  
  
• ISTA
  
  The Illinois State Trapshooters Association (ISTA) serving the needs of Illinois Trapshooters. And promoting trapshooting as a wholesome sport enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Families, youths to seniors, men and women participate in trapshooting. It's an environment that promotes good sportsmanship and conduct.
  
  
• Metallic (Iron) sights
  
  General term for a non-optical sighting system. Sighting system found on most pistols and rifles that uses a front post and a rear notch to align the gun on the target.
  
  
• NRA
  
  National Rifle Association (NRA), offering America's preeminent shooting, training, educational and public service programs that foster the safe, responsible ownership and use of firearms.
  
  
• NRA certified instructor
  
  A person who has satisfactorily completed an NRA Instructor Training Course and received the endorsement of the NRA Training Counselor conducting the course. Graduates train individuals and uphold the quality and integrity of national firearm safety and training standards established by the NRA.
  
  
• Open sights
  
  Type of sighting system, found on pistols and rifles, that uses a front post and a rear notch to align the gun on the target.
  
  
• Optical sights
  
  Sighting system that uses lenses, which may also magnify, to view the target and align the gun - a scope.
  
  
• Pump Action firearm
  
  A pump action rifle or shotgun is one in which the forearm grip is pumped back and forth in order to eject and chamber a round of ammunition.
  
  
• Range officer
  
  The person who is in complete charge of the range facility and is responsible for range safety. Their duties include direct supervision of all activities on the firing line.
  
  
• Rimfire ammunition
  
  A rimfire cartridge is a cartridge in which the primer is located along the outer edge of the cartridge case head.
  
  
• Safety
  
  A device that blocks the firing mechanism of a gun.
  
  
• SASS
  
  The Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) is an international organization created to preserve and promote the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™. SASS endorses regional matches conducted by affiliated clubs.
  
  
• Semi-automatic firearm
  
  A semi-automatic firearm is a gun that requires only a trigger pull for each round that is fired. The recoil force generated by the last fired cartridge combined with spring action in the firearm is used to ready the next round to be fired.
  
  
• Target
  
  Usually a paper card containing a group of scoring rings decreasing in size with an aiming mark in the center. The innermost ring or dot has a value of 10 points, with decreasing values as the circles grow larger.
  
  
• USA Shooting
  
  USA Shooting is the U.S. governing body for the Olympic shooting sports and those governed by the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF). The organization is responsible for training and selecting the shooting teams to represent the United States at World Cups, World Shooting Championships, the Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.
  
  
• USPSA
  
  The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). mission is to promote safe, fair and fun participation in Practical Shooting competition, for members of all ages and skill levels, through effective leadership, education, communication and administration. USPSA is affiliated with the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), which is comprised of approximately 67 nations. USPSA is the American region of IPSC.
  
  
• Velocity
  
  The speed of a projectile, usually expressed in Feet Per Second (FPS).