Rifle / Pistol Shooting

Shooting is one of the most precise and discipline-demanding sports in the world. This sport includes pistol, rifle, and moving target disciplines and is a permanent part of the Olympic Games program. Although shooting may appear calm and motionless from the outside, it is in fact a complex sport that requires high concentration, psychological endurance, and technical stability. The firearms used in shooting are mainly divided into three calibers: air (4.5 mm), small-bore (5.6 mm), and, in some competitions, large-caliber firearms. Air guns operate with compressed air and are used at a distance of 10 meters. This discipline is included in the Olympic program for both men and women. Small-bore 5.6 mm firearms are primarily used at 25 and 50 meters. Large-caliber firearms are not part of the ISSF Olympic program but may be used in some national and special competitions. In pistol events, athletes shoot with one hand. In the 10-meter air pistol discipline, 60 shots are performed, and results are calculated with an accuracy of 0.1 points using electronic scoring systems. In 25-meter pistol events, both precision and rapid-fire stages are included. Especially in rapid-fire disciplines, the athlete must shoot at multiple targets within a short time, requiring high attention and coordination. Rifle events are conducted at distances of 10 and 50 meters. The 10-meter air rifle event is performed in a standing position, and the center of the target is extremely small—less than a millimeter in diameter. In the 50-meter rifle event, athletes shoot from three different positions: prone, kneeling, and standing. This discipline is considered one of the most challenging in terms of both physical endurance and technical skill. In the moving target discipline, the target moves to the right or left at a certain speed. At 10 meters, an air rifle is used, while at 50 meters, a small-bore rifle is used. This discipline requires fast decision-making and precise timing. Shooting has been included in the Olympic Games since 1896 and is now equally represented by both men and women. Every year, World and European Championships, World Cup stages, and various international tournaments are held. Modern competitions use electronic target systems, ensuring objective and highly accurate scoring. The main characteristic of shooting is that, rather than physical strength, stability of the nervous system, breath control, sustained concentration, and trigger technique are of primary importance. During each shot, the shooter must control their heartbeat, breathing, and even the smallest body movements. For this reason, shooting is considered a sport that requires both physical and mental preparation, built on strict discipline and responsibility.