Commonly Misunderstood NRA Competition Terms

by
posted on December 20, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nra_rules-1.jpg (1)

Did you know that the following NRA competitive shooting terms are often interchanged by mistake?

A competitive Class is a skill level distinction by classification such as Master, Expert, etc. For example, in high power rifle competition there are five classifications: (listed here in descending order) High Master, Master, Expert, Sharpshooter and Marksman. Note that not all disciplines have five classifications, e.g. in smallbore rifle shooting there is no High Master class.

Silhouette shooting utilizes distinct terms for its classification system. From highest to lowest the different silhouette classes are: Master, AAA, AA, A and B.

A Category is a group designated in a tournament program for awards purposes such as Women, Juniors, Police, Collegiate, etc. Tournament programs may further sub-divide categories by firearm type such as match rifle or service rifle.

None of these relate to similar terms used in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

For the most up-to-date information and clarification on competitive shooting terms, please check the NRA rules for your discipline of choice. You can view all 2018 NRA rule changes here.


Questions? Learn more about the NRA Classification System.

Latest

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.