I would encourage you to visit the Pictures to SEE what the sport is all about. Much of the following
info was taken from the USOC site at http://www.olympic-usa.org
Pistol
Pistol shooters compete without the benefit of special clothing, gloves or boots. Most
athletes wear flat-soled shoes for increased stability, but footwear must not extend above
the shooter's ankle. Competitors frequently wear blinders over their
"non-shooting" eye to prevent squinting. Spotting scopes allow athletes to view
their targets in 25- and 50-meter competition. In all events, special caps designed to
limit the athlete's field of vision are common; ear and eye protection are a given.
Air Pistol
Free Pistol
Rapid Fire Pistol
Sport Pistol
Rifle
All rifle clothing and accessories are governed by strict rules for thickness and
stiffness. Shooters start with sweatshirts or sweaters and tights, then put on jackets and
pants made of leather or canvas. This ensemble improves physical stability and helps
muffle the pulse during these lengthy contests. Flat-soled leather boots aid the rifle
shooter's stability from the standing and kneeling positions. Leather gloves with
rubber-padded palms helps minimize the discomfort of the heavy rifle and sling. The sling
(extending from the triceps to the front of the rifle stock) is used for support when
shooting from the prone or kneeling positions. In the standing portion of the
three-position match, athletes may use palm rests for extra comfort and gun elevation.
Between shots, competitors rest their rifles on a shooting stand. Shooting glasses, ear
and eye protection are other important accessories.
Air Rifle
Free Rifle Prone
Three-Position Rifle
Running Target
Competitors wear leather or canvas jackets that are tighter than those worn by rifle
shooters. The jackets inhibit upper body movement, forcing more lower body movement in
tracking targets. Flat-soled shooting boots are commonly worn for balance and stability.
Running Target
Shotgun
Shotgun shooters typically wear vests with ammunition pouches and extra padding where
the gun is shouldered. Most competitors have vests for cold and warm weather. Glasses are
used for safety and to enhance target-tracking ability. Competitors have various colored
lenses for different weather conditions. For example, a bronze lens is appropriate for
sunny weather, while a yellow or light orange lens would be best for overcast skies. Some
competitors affix blinders to the sides of their shooting glasses to keep wind out of
their eyes and prevent distraction from side motion.
Trap
Skeet
Double Trap
Getting started in ISSF rifle
The Air Pistol Home Page
Running Target Central
is a good starting point for RT.
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