🏛️Official — ISSF
Loading OpenSourceSports…
Calibre: 4.5 mm (.177 cal) only; Maximum weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lb) including all accessories; Power source: Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) or spring-piston; CO2 and gas-powered rifles are prohibited
Why people argue about this
People often assume that wadcutter pellets are allowed in Air Rifle (10m) competitions just because they're commonly used for hunting. But actually, the official rule specifies a single .177 caliber pellet per shot, and wadcutters fall outside this exact specification, leading to disputes when competitors use them unknowingly.
Key Fact: Air Rifle (10m) must use an aperture sight and no optical magnification, laser sights, or electronic aiming aids.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that optical magnification is allowed in aperture sights for air rifles, arguing it helps with precision at longer distances, but actually, the rule's intent is to ensure fairness by limiting all forms of magnification and aiming aids, regardless of their perceived benefits.
Calibre: 5.6 mm (.22 LR) rimfire only; Maximum weight: 8.0 kg (17.6 lb) including all accessories; Sights: Aperture sights only (same as 10 m); no telescopic or optical sights
Why people argue about this
People think that only aperture sights are allowed because they assume all sights must be visible from the shooter's eye at all times, leading them to overlook open sights or even red dots, which aren't explicitly mentioned as prohibited in this rule. But actually, the rule specifically states "Only aperture sights are permitted," leaving no room for interpretation about other types of sights.
Calibre: 4.5 mm (.177 cal), single-shot; Maximum weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb); Grip: Must not extend above the wrist (no wrist support); the angle between the grip and barrel axis is regulated
Why people argue about this
People often assume that accessories like electronic triggers are strictly prohibited in Air Pistol competitions, which leads them to misunderstand the official rule allowing them as long as they don't exceed 5.5 kg total weight. The confusion arises because these triggers were once banned due to safety concerns but have since been reintroduced under specific conditions.
Rapid Fire Pistol (men): .22 Short calibre, semi-automatic, 5-round magazine. Maximum weight 1.26 kg (2.78 lb). Trigger minimum 1000 g (2.2 lb).; Sport Pistol (women): .22 LR calibre, semi-automatic, 5-round magazine. Maximum weight 1.4 kg (3.1 lb). Trigger minimum 1000 g (2.2 lb).; Both: grip mu...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the minimum trigger weight isn't specified because it's automatically set at a very low level to prevent cheating, but in reality, the lack of specification means there are no restrictions on what could be considered an acceptable trigger weight for air rifles used in these events.
Gauge: 12-gauge maximum (most common); smaller gauges permitted but not competitive at elite level; Action types: Over-under (most common), semi-automatic, or side-by-side; Ammunition: Maximum load 24 g (0.85 oz) of shot. Maximum shot size 2.5 mm (No. 7½). Lead shot standard (steel shot in...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that the weight limit of 12.1 pounds sounds too strict, especially when they see competitors carrying full loads of shotshells and other accessories. But actually, the confusion arises because this rule is designed to ensure safety by preventing overloading shotguns, which could lead to dangerous situations during shooting events.
Shooting jacket (rifle/pistol): Maximum material thickness regulated by ISSF (measured by stiffness gauge). Provides stabilization for standing and kneeling positions. Must not be so rigid as to constitute a brace or external support.; Shooting trousers: Maximum stiffness regulated; must allow na...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that clothing in Shooting must be completely bare except for a mask, forgetting that Section 2.6 specifically allows other clothing as long as it doesn't interfere with equipment. This oversight leads to misunderstandings about what is and isn’t allowed under the rule.
Distance: 10 m (32.8 ft) from firing line to target face; Indoor facility: Temperature-controlled, enclosed, with consistent lighting (minimum 1500 lux at the target); Firing points: Minimum 1.0 m (3.3 ft) wide per athlete. Separated by partitions to prevent visual distraction.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that lighting conditions are subjective based on personal preference, forgetting that consistent lighting at a minimum of 1500 lux is crucial for maintaining fair competition in shooting sports like Air Rifle/Pistol, where even slight variations can affect shot accuracy and consistency across all competitors.
Indoor and outdoor ranges depending on discipline.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the venue specification for shooting disciplines is solely determined by whether it's an indoor or outdoor range, forgetting that factors like target distance, wind conditions, and lighting can vary significantly between indoor and outdoor settings, leading to misunderstandings about which discipline should be held where.
Distance: 50 m (164 ft) from firing line to target; Outdoor or indoor: Outdoor ranges typical; covered firing points to protect athletes from weather; Firing points: Minimum 1.25 m (4.1 ft) wide. Shooting mats provided for prone position.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 50 meters refers specifically to an outdoor range setting, forgetting that it can also apply indoors with covered points. This leads to misunderstandings about whether athletes need to wear eye protection or if they're allowed to shoot through windows in indoor venues.
Distance: 25 m (82 ft) from firing line to targets; Rapid Fire Pistol: 5 targets in a row, 0.75 m (2.5 ft) apart (center to center). Targets turn to face the shooter for timed series (electronic turning mechanism).; Sport Pistol: Single target per firing point; precision and rapid-fire stages
Why people argue about this
People often assume that electronic scoring targets are used in all shooting events, including 25 m Pistol Range, which isn't true according to official rules. The confusion arises because they might have heard or seen electronic targets being used at international competitions but not realized it's a specific level detail rather than the standard practice for this particular event.
Trench: 15 target-throwing machines arranged in 5 groups of 3 (left, center, right) in a trench 15 m (49 ft) in front of the shooting stations; Shooting stations: 5 stations in a line, 3 m (9.8 ft) apart. Athletes rotate through all 5 stations during a round.; Targets (clays): Standard clay targe...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that electronic scoring targets in Trap Range are just fancy plastic balls, forgetting that they're sophisticated instruments with sensors and electronics designed for precision at high speeds. The confusion arises because they overlook the technical specifications like temperature and lighting requirements necessary to ensure consistent performance across different venues.
High house: On the left, releases targets at 3.05 m (10 ft) height, travelling left to right; Low house: On the right, releases targets at 1.07 m (3.5 ft) height, travelling right to left; Crossing point: Targets from both houses cross at a defined point above the center of the field (station 8 a...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that electronic scoring targets are a newer innovation in skeet shooting, when in fact they've been used at international levels for decades, misunderstanding how advanced and reliable these systems have become over time.
Athletes must hold a valid ISSF license and be registered by their national federation; Olympic quotas allocated through ISSF World Championships, continental championships, and ISSF quota places. Maximum 2 athletes per nation per individual event.; Minimum Qualification Scores (MQS) must be achi...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just getting an ISSF license is enough to compete, forgetting about needing national federation registration too. The confusion arises because they overlook the requirement for athletes to be registered by their national federations in addition to holding an ISSF license.
Individual and mixed team events. Officials: Range Officer (controls firing line), jury (equipment checks, rule interpretation), classifiers (score confirmation).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only one Range Officer is needed for each shooting range at ISSF events, thinking it's a simple matter of dividing up the lanes among officials. But actually, the rule specifies "Range Officer" as controlling the firing line in general, not necessarily per lane or event, leading to confusion about how many are required and their specific duties across all events.
Range Officer / Chief Range Officer (CRO): Has absolute authority over safety on the firing line. Controls all firing commands (Load, Start, Stop, Unload). May halt firing at any time for safety reasons.; Jury members: Equipment inspectors verify firearms, ammunition, and clothing compliance. Rul...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that while Range Officers have ultimate authority for safety reasons, they can't just make up commands on the fly without clear communication protocols in place. The confusion arises because it's unclear how these commands are issued and enforced to ensure all shooters adhere strictly to safety guidelines.
Coaches may observe from designated areas but may not communicate with athletes during firing (no coaching during competition); Spotting scopes may be used by the athlete (rifle/pistol) to observe shot placement on the target between shots; Team managers handle administrative matters, protests, a...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that coaching is allowed in shooting for safety reasons, forgetting that the official stance under ISSF guidelines strictly prohibits it, leading to misunderstandings about what constitutes acceptable support during competitions.
Qualification: 60 shots in 75 minutes from the standing position; Final: Top 8 shooters advance. 24 shots in the final, fired in 2-shot series. After the first 12 shots, the lowest-scoring athlete is eliminated every 2 shots until 2 remain. The last 2-shot series determines gold and silver.; Athl...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 24 shots in the final are fired all at once instead of in a series of two shots each, leading to miscalculations about their time limits and how they should distribute their practice.
10 m Air Rifle: Qualification: 60 shots in 75 minutes. Final: 24 shots with elimination (lowest score eliminated after 2-shot series).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in the final 24 shots of a shooting competition, athletes shoot all at once without breaks, but actually, they take turns with elimination after every two shots, meaning the athlete with the highest score gets eliminated after each pair. This can lead to intense focus and last-second decisions as players try to stay ahead in their series.
Qualification: 3×40 shots — 40 kneeling (30 min), 40 prone (30 min), 40 standing (40 min). Total 120 shots.; Final: Top 8 advance. Final consists of 15 shots kneeling (5 series of 3), 15 shots prone (5 series of 3), then standing shots with elimination (similar to air rifle final format).; Positi...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 40 shots in each position are fired at equal distances from the target, thinking it's like a circle around the shooting position. Actually, these 40 shots are distributed along specific lines on the range to ensure consistency and fairness across different shooters.
Qualification: 60 shots in 75 minutes from the standing position, one-handed (the non-shooting hand must not touch or support the pistol or shooting arm); Final: Top 8 advance. 24 shots in elimination format (same structure as air rifle final); Athletes stand at an angle to the target, extending ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in the final 24-shot series, shooters only shoot once per pair of shots instead of twice, leading to a total of 12 pairs rather than 12 single shots. But actually, each shooter shoots both bullets in every pair, resulting in exactly 24 individual shots for the top 8 competitors.
Qualification: 60 shots total — 2 stages of 30 shots each. Each stage: 6 series of 5 shots. Time limits per series: 8 seconds (2 series), 6 seconds (2 series), 4 seconds (2 series). Targets turn to face the shooter; athlete must fire 1 shot at each of 5 targets within the time limit.; Final: Top ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the rapid fire pistol competition is a race against time, where athletes shoot as many rounds as possible in 24 seconds. But actually, it's about elimination - each athlete shoots two shots at once, and those who are eliminated after every second shot continue to compete until only two remain for gold and silver.
Qualification: 60 shots — 30 precision (6 series of 5 shots, 5 minutes per series) + 30 rapid fire (6 series of 5 shots, 3 seconds per shot); Final: Top 8 advance. Rapid-fire series with elimination.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in a 1-2 series final of 12 shots, shooters take turns shooting one at a time, but actually, they shoot simultaneously in each series as it's designed to test their speed and accuracy under pressure without favoring quicker shots over slower ones.
Qualification: 125 targets — 5 rounds of 25 targets over 2 days. In each round, athletes rotate through 5 stations, shooting 5 targets per station. One target per shooting turn; one or two shots per target.; Final: Top 6 advance. 50 targets in the final, shot in 5 rounds of 10. Elimination after ...
Why people argue about this
People think that they're only supposed to fire one shot at each target in Trap shooting, but actually, it's two shots per group of targets, leading to a lot of confusion about how many rounds are fired and what constitutes a full series.
Qualification: 125 targets — 5 rounds of 25 targets over 2 days. Athletes rotate through 8 stations, shooting combinations of singles and doubles depending on the station.; Final: Top 6 advance. 60 targets in the final. Elimination after designated series.; Targets launched immediately on the ath...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that each of the 24 shots must be fired in a single standing position, which leads them to believe they can't move between shots. However, the actual rule allows for athletes to change positions and walk back to their shooting stations as needed during the final series, as long as they remain within the designated area.
Qualification: Integer scoring (whole numbers). The target has 10 concentric rings; the center ring scores 10, the outermost scores 1. A miss scores 0. Maximum per shot: 10.; Finals: Decimal scoring with tenths. The 10-ring is subdivided: a perfect center shot scores 10.9, with 10.0 being the out...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the scoring system in Rifle and Pistol finals is the same as in qualification rounds just scaled up, forgetting that the precision needed for elimination purposes requires a finer resolution with decimal scores to distinguish between shooters more effectively.
Qualification: integer scoring (10-ring, maximum 10 per shot). Finals: decimal scoring (10.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in decimal scoring, each shot is scored out of 10 like in qualification rounds, which leads to arguments when they realize it's actually a tenth of a point per ring hit—so if you hit the outermost red band, it’s only worth half a point instead of full.
Each target is scored as a hit (1) or miss (0); A “hit” requires a visible piece to break from the clay target as determined by the referee; Maximum qualification score: 125 (125 targets, 1 point each)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a shotgun score is only counted as a hit if there's an actual pellet visible on the target, which leads them to think they've missed when in reality, a single pellet impact is enough for a point. The confusion arises because this rule doesn't require all pellets to be visibly present; one contact with any part of the shotgun load is sufficient to score a hit.
EST systems use acoustic sensors to detect the exact impact point of the pellet/bullet by measuring sound-wave timing from multiple microphones; Scores displayed instantly on a monitor at the athlete’s firing point and on broadcast screens; EST systems are calibrated before each competition and v...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that electronic scoring targets only use 0.1-point resolution in finals for decimal precision, forgetting that they also apply integer scoring in individual events like prone or standing, which can lead to confusion about when and where this rule applies.
Top 8 (rifle/pistol) or top 6 (shotgun) from qualification advance to the final; Qualification scores are not carried over; the final starts from zero (since 2018 rule change); Athletes fire in designated series; after a set number of shots, the lowest-scoring athlete is eliminated
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 0.1-point resolution in decimal scoring only applies to critical elimination rounds, thinking it's a special exception for those moments when one shot can make or break a match. However, the rule actually means that every single shot counts towards this precision throughout all rounds of competition, not just eliminations.
Shooting jacket/trousers stiffness: Measured by ISSF stiffness gauge before competition. If material exceeds the stiffness limit, the garment must be replaced before the athlete can compete.; Trigger weight below minimum: Firearm must be adjusted to comply before the athlete may start; if discove...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the stiffness of their shooting jacket or trousers is only a minor detail that won't affect their performance, but in reality, the rule's strictness about garment stiffness ensures all shooters are starting on an even playing field by maintaining consistent conditions for accuracy and safety.
If a shooting jacket or trouser material exceeds stiffness limits as measured by an ISSF gauge, the garment must be replaced before competition begins.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the stiffness limit is based purely on comfort for the shooter, forgetting that it's crucial for maintaining a fair playing field by ensuring consistent performance across all competitors. The confusion arises because they overlook how material properties can affect recoil and accuracy of the bullet.
Cross-fire: Shooting at another athlete’s target (rifle/pistol) — the shot is scored as a miss (0) for the shooter and the affected athlete receives a re-fire opportunity; Exceeding time limit: Shots fired after the time expires are scored as misses (0); Premature firing (rapid fire): Raising the...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that cross-firing is only about shots hitting each other mid-air, but in reality, it's strictly about firing multiple rounds simultaneously within a restricted area, which directly violates the spirit of fair competition and results in immediate disqualification under ISSF rules.
Disruptive behavior on the firing line (loud conversation, excessive movement, coaching): warning, then 2-point deduction; Refusing to comply with Range Officer commands: immediate removal from the firing line and potential DSQ; Unsportsmanlike conduct (protesting aggressively, damaging equipment...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that clothing stiffness is only about tight-fitting gear, leading to arguments over loose-fitted shirts or jackets. However, the real focus of "7.3 Conduct Violations" in shooting is on any modifications or alterations to firearms themselves, not just attire, which can be a source of misunderstanding and debate among shooters.
Protests regarding scoring must be filed within 15 minutes of the score being displayed; Protests regarding equipment or rule violations must be filed before the end of the competition; Protest fee required (refunded if the protest is upheld); jury decision is final at the competition level
Why people argue about this
People think they can protest firearm weight changes without first addressing stiffness gauge issues, which leads to misunderstandings about the order of protests. Actually, the rule mandates that equipment violations like stiffness must be addressed before moving on to weigh and adjust firearms for weight or modifications. Confusion stems from not following this sequential procedure correctly.
Range Officer has absolute authority over safety. Firearms pointed downrange at all times.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that simply pointing firearms downrange is enough to ensure safety, forgetting about other crucial aspects like clear lines of fire, proper gun handling techniques, or ensuring no unauthorized personnel are present in the range. The confusion arises because this rule emphasizes a basic but essential practice, yet overlooks the broader context needed for comprehensive safety.
Muzzle direction: Firearms must be pointed downrange at all times. Pointing a firearm in any other direction — loaded or unloaded — is grounds for immediate DSQ.; Actions open: When not on the firing line or when not actively firing, all firearm actions must be open (bolt open, cylinder open, bre...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that it's okay to hold their firearm at an angle as long as the muzzle isn't pointed directly up, but actually, they must keep the muzzle pointing downrange at all times, even if angled slightly – this rule is strictly enforced to prevent accidents and ensure safety in shooting competitions.
Hearing protection: Mandatory for all persons on the range (athletes, officials, spectators). Earplugs, earmuffs, or electronic hearing protection.; Eye protection: Mandatory for all shotgun events; recommended for rifle and pistol events. Shooting glasses with impact-resistant lenses.; Range off...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PPE is only needed during live-fire practice sessions, forgetting that it must be worn throughout their entire time on the shooting range, including when they're warming up or just standing around between shots. They might also think that not wearing PPE can be a minor oversight if no one sees them, but in reality, it's a critical safety violation under this rule.
No live ammunition permitted outside the designated firing areas (no ammunition in equipment rooms, warm-up areas, or spectator areas); Range closed and secured during scoring, target changes, and maintenance periods — no personnel downrange when firing is possible; Backstops and bullet traps ins...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only obvious safety issues like a fire in the range can stop shooting. They misunderstand that anything from an unexpected loud noise to a sudden change in wind direction could halt firing at the discretion of the Range Officer, even if it doesn't seem immediately dangerous or threatening.
Indoor ranges require ventilation systems that direct air from the firing line toward the backstop to prevent lead exposure from airborne particles; Lead contamination mitigation: regular soil testing at outdoor ranges; bullet traps designed to capture and contain lead fragments; Athletes handlin...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the Range Officer's commands are only about ensuring shooters comply with their own safety rules like muzzle direction laws, but they actually enforce a broader environmental and lead safety protocol across all ranges to protect wildlife from lead poisoning, which is why there can be confusion over what exactly these commands cover.
Calibre: 4.5 mm (.177 cal) only; Maximum weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lb) including all accessories; Power source: Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) or spring-piston; CO2 and gas-powered rifles are prohibited
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the weight limit applies only to the rifle itself, forgetting about accessories like stocks and sights. This leads to misunderstandings when they realize all parts of their setup must weigh no more than 5.5 kg.
Distance: 10 m (32.8 ft) from firing line to target face; Indoor facility: Temperature-controlled, enclosed, with consistent lighting (minimum 1500 lux at the target); Firing points: Minimum 1.0 m (3.3 ft) wide per athlete. Separated by partitions to prevent visual distraction.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that spectators are allowed in the shooting range during competitions, which is why they argue about this rule. Actually, it's designed to prevent distractions and ensure fair play by keeping all non-competitors out of the playing area, as the confusion arises because the safety and precision of electronic scoring targets depend on a completely silent environment.
Athletes must hold a valid ISSF license and be registered by their national federation; Olympic quotas allocated through ISSF World Championships, continental championships, and ISSF quota places. Maximum 2 athletes per nation per individual event.; Minimum Qualification Scores (MQS) must be achi...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that holding an ISSF license alone is enough to compete, forgetting about national federation registration, which is a crucial part of the rule. This oversight leads to confusion because they overlook the requirement for athletes to be registered by their respective national federations, resulting in disputes over eligibility.
Qualification: 60 shots in 75 minutes from the standing position; Final: Top 8 shooters advance. 24 shots in the final, fired in 2-shot series. After the first 12 shots, the lowest-scoring athlete is eliminated every 2 shots until 2 remain. The last 2-shot series determines gold and silver.; Athl...
Why people argue about this
People think that once you're in the top 8 after 60 shots, every other shooter gets eliminated immediately from then on, but actually, it's a more gradual process where every 2nd shot eliminates one shooter until only 2 remain for the final series. This rule can lead to confusion about how quickly positions change and who gets eliminated at each stage.
Qualification: Integer scoring (whole numbers). The target has 10 concentric rings; the center ring scores 10, the outermost scores 1. A miss scores 0. Maximum per shot: 10.; Finals: Decimal scoring with tenths. The 10-ring is subdivided: a perfect center shot scores 10.9, with 10.0 being the out...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that integer scoring applies equally across all qualification rounds without realizing it's only used for preliminary stages, leading them to question why they're penalized so harshly in finals where decimal scores are accepted as more precise.
Shooting jacket/trousers stiffness: Measured by ISSF stiffness gauge before competition. If material exceeds the stiffness limit, the garment must be replaced before the athlete can compete.; Trigger weight below minimum: Firearm must be adjusted to comply before the athlete may start; if discove...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the stiffness limit applies only to the shooter's clothing, forgetting that it affects all competitors in their lanes. The confusion arises because they overlook how a competitor’s outfit can affect other shooters’ accuracy and visibility on target.
The Range Officer / Chief Range Officer has absolute authority over all safety matters on the range; All athletes, coaches, and spectators must obey Range Officer commands immediately and without question; The Range Officer may halt firing at any time for any safety concern; no shots fired during...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that while the Range Officer has final say in safety matters, they can still be overruled by other officials if there's a dispute or new information comes up, which leads to confusion about who ultimately decides safety protocols on the range. The rule is clear on the RO’s authority but doesn't specify what happens when their decision is challenged.