From darts to archery, there are too many accuracy-based sports to count. But what about shooting?
It shouldn't be any surprise that, yes, shooting is a sport too. Not just one, either; there are many types of shooting sports. We're naturally competitive and will make any excuse to test one person's skill against another's.
Let's dive into the incredible world of shooting sports!
Unfortunately, we don't know when the first shooting competition was held. However, the first recorded competition dates all the way back to 1477. Shooters in Eichstäat, Bavaria, shot at targets at around 220 yards with matchlock firearms. By the early 16th century, competitive shooting was a well-established pastime across all of Europe, with shooters competing in both casual and regulated events.
We've come a long way from matchlock firearms, and with new innovations in firearm design and application come new competitions. Today, shooting is a sport divided into many events. Here are the most well-known:
The oldest competition of accuracy: who can hit a target closest to the center. Shooters stand at a booth, bench, or line and fire at stationary targets. There are several kinds of precision shooting events:
Skeet shooting is a sport based on bird hunting. Targets (typically clay discs) are thrown into the air for shooters to hit with a shotgun. Trap shooting is almost identical; the only difference is that targets are launched in random directions, testing a shooter's ability to pivot to new targets faster and more accurately.
Competitive shooting is engaging and takes skill, but how often are you going to use a bolt-action precision rifle for self-defense? And considering how difficult it is to ethically take down game at long range, why would you try to score a one-hit harvest from 1,000 yards?
That's where practical shooting competitions come in. Practical shooting is a sport that tests both precision and speed. Instead of specialized firearms designed for competition, players have much more freedom with their loadout. These events use conventional firearms designed for self-defense, like AR-15 rifles and semi-auto handguns, which can be modified to improve performance during matches.
There are several types of practical shooting sport events:
While all the types of shooting sports we've talked about so far use modern firearms, there's one that brings you back to the past: cowboy shooting. Since 1981, these competitions have required using classic weapons from the 19th century, such as lever-action rifles and single-action revolvers. Not only that, but most also require period-accurate outfits for added immersion, as well as special aliases that are registered with whatever organization is running the event.
While technically a type of multigun competition, these themed events are so unique that they deserve to be treated as their own event. Plus, unlike other shooting competitions, the community doesn't take these competitions super seriously. Cowboy action shooting is a sport with fun challenges in a fun setting using weapons you'd rarely see anywhere else.
Since 2007, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore has helped thousands of fellow shooters get gear and guns for their next match. Our collection of guns for sale features everything from pump-action shotguns to single-shot pistols. No matter what type of shooting sport you compete in, explore our gun store and find what you need today!
Mike Thompson is an avid outdoorsman and firearms enthusiast. With years of experience in hunting and shooting sports, he offers insights on gear reviews, safety tips, and hunting strategies. When he's not writing, you'll find him exploring new trails or honing his marksmanship.
