GLOSSARY

Rifle shooting, like other sports, has its own "language "- technical terms,
slang, and idioms. Many of the words and expressions used in these Official
Regulations are defined as a part of the Rules. The following "definitions " (or
more properly, "explanations ") are given for the benefit of the tyro to give him
a clear understanding of the Regulations.

Alibi-A term for a refire given for rifle or ammunition malfunction.

Automatic Fire-The discharge of more than one shot by a single actuation
of the trigger because of the intentional design of the firing mechanism.

Category-A grouping of individuals or teams designated by a specific
title in a tournament program to establish a system of competing for awards.
These groupings may be used within a classification or, in certain circum-
stances, instead of classification. (Example: Junior, Senior, Military, Collegiate, etc.).

Classification-The grouping of individuals by averaging a number of
match scores. Classifications are designed to have individuals compete for
awards against others of similar competitive skill levels.

Compensator or Muzzle Brake-A device such as an attachment at the
muzzle, or pods provided near the muzzle, which release powder gases
laterally or rearward in order to reduce muzzle jump or recoil.

Crossfire-Firing a shot on a target not assigned to the competitor who fired it.

Entry-The act of declaring intent to shoot in a match and the paying of the
required fee to the proper official in accordance with the program for such
match.

High Power Rifle-Any center fire rifle.

Leg Match-A match which is sponsored by the Corporation for the
Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearm Safety (CPRPFS), specifically for the
purpose of competing for credit toward the Distinguished Rifleman award.
Such matches are fired only at State, Regional, and National Championships,
under CPRPFS Rules, and with the Service Rifle only. They are not NRA
sanctioned matches.

Match-A complete event as indicated in the program for the award of
certain specific prizes. A match may consist of one or of several stages. 
It may, in the case of aggregate matches, include the scores fired in 
several subsidiary matches.

Pair Firing-A procedure which may be used in slow fire stages of team
matches whereby 2 members of a team are assigned concurrently to the same
target, normally firing alternately.

Parade Position (of sling)-The position of the rifle sling when it is
attached to sling swivels on both the butt stock and the forearm, and drawn
tight. This term is used most generally in referring to Service Rifle slings, but
can also apply to the NRA Match Rifle and others where both sling swivels are
present on the rifle and the sling used is of the military type. Except for the M 14
Rifle: see Rule 5. i 2.

Post Entry-An entry made after the regular entry closing time. Because
of the extra work placed on the Statistical Office as a result of late entries, an
additional fee is charged (the "Post Entry Fee"). Sometimes no post entries are
accepted. "Post Entries" have no connection with "postal matches."

Range Alibi-A refire given to a competitor or to an entire relay of
competitors because of improper range procedure. (See Rule 10.7. 1.)

Score-The total value of all shots credited to a competitor for any one
string, stage, or match.

Sighting Shots-Shots fired at a target provided for that purpose and used
to obtain desired information relative to adjustment of sights for the match
which immediately follows.

Stage-A portion of a match which consists of one or more strings fired in
one position, distance, time allowance (slow or rapid fire, for example), or
target.

String-A group of 10 shots fired and scored as a unit, as, for example, a
rapid fire string, fired within a specified time and scored after the end of that
time, rather than on a shot-by-shot basis.

Target-A surface, usually paper or tag board, containing one or more
aiming points.

Target Butts-Target butts, or, more commonly, "Butts7-Tbat part of the
range where the targets are displayed for firing. The "Butts" can also be the
earthen berm which protects the target pits in which the target carrier operators
work and from which the targets are exposed during firing.

Target Carriers-A movable frame upon which targets are mounted, and
which is capable of enough vertical (or horizontal) movement so that targets
can be exposed for firing, and then can be withdrawn into the target pits for the
purpose of scoring or changing targets .

Target Pits-The area in which movable target carriers are mounted, and
target operators work.

"X" Ring-An inner circle placed inside the bullseye of decimal targets.
This inner circle makes it possible to decide tie scores without changing the
total score. The highest numerical value for a hit on an NRA high power rifle
target is 10. Consequently the inner circle placed in these targets is designated
as "X" (the Roman numeral ten).