Firearms Glossary
Comprehensive dictionary of firearms terminology with 17 terms.
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C
Cheek Weld
Consistent placement of the cheek against the stock for proper sight alignment.
D
DOPE Data On Previous Engagement
Recorded data of elevation and windage adjustments for various distances.
F
Flinch
Involuntary anticipation of recoil causing movement before the shot.
Follow Through
Maintaining sight picture and trigger control after the shot breaks.
G
Group
A cluster of bullet holes on a target from multiple shots.
Grouping
The measure of how close together shots land on target.
H
Hold Over
Aiming above the target to compensate for bullet drop.
Hold Under
Aiming below the target when shooting at closer ranges than zero.
K
Kentucky Windage
Aiming off-target to compensate for wind without adjusting sights.
N
Natural Point of Aim NPA
The direction your body naturally points when in shooting position.
P
Point of Aim POA
Where the sights are aligned on the target.
Point of Impact POI
Where the bullet actually strikes.
S
Sight Alignment
The proper relationship between the front and rear sights.
Sight Picture
The visual alignment of the sights with the target.
Sub-MOA
Accuracy capable of shooting groups under 1 MOA (1.047" at 100 yards).
T
Trigger Control
Proper technique for pressing the trigger without disturbing aim.
Trigger Slap
Jerking or slapping the trigger, causing accuracy issues.