Definitions and Jargon

A-Zone (Alpha's or A's)- Highest scoring zone on an IPSC/USPSA target, worth five points.

C-Zone (Charlie's or C's)- Second highest scoring zone on an IPSC/USPSA target.

Surrounds the A-Zone. Worth three points for Minor Scoring and four points for Major Scoring.

D- Zone (Delta's or D's)- The lowest non-penalized scoring zone on an IPSC/USPSA target, Surrounds the C-Zone. Worth one point for Minor Scoring and two points for Major Scoring.

Entries- Refers to the way you enter a "position."

Exits- Refers to the way you exit a "position."

Firearm Safety- Typically defined in four rules:

1. Treat your firearm as if it's always loaded

2. Do not point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot or are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot

4. Be aware of your target and what is beyond it.

Firing Hand- Your dominant hand, used to press the trigger and does not leave the gun while manipulating the firearm. See Support Hand.

Flag- Pointing your firearm at any part of yourself or anyone else. This violates the second rule of firearm safety.

Following Foot- The foot farthest away from your intended direction of travel. See "Lead Foot."

Index- The ability to pick up your firearm and point it at a spot with the sights aligned on said spot.

Lead Foot- The foot closest to your intended direction of travel. See "Following Foot."

Low Ready- Grip established on pistol, pistol held near belt-line, and muzzle pointed generally at the target.

Major Scoring- Any firearm with a Power Factor greater than 165, typically .40 Cal and up.

Minor Scoring- Any firearm with a Power Factor lower than 165, but greater than 125. Pretty much everything else.

Mike's (Misses)- You didn't hit shit and lost 10 points in the process. Don't Miss.

No Shoot's (NS's)- Designated by the white area on a target. Are exactly what they sound like, do no shoot them. Worth -10 points and a Mike (another -10) if you don't make it up.

Partial's (Hard Cover's)- Designated by black area on the target. Hit's into the Partial count as Mike's, but are not penalized.

Par Time- A time limit set for a given task. Example: Be done reading this sentence within two seconds. Did you do it? Yes: You were finished within two seconds and met the par time. No: You were not finished within two seconds and did not meet the par time.

Position- A place you are required to stop or slow down in order to shoot available targets. See "Exits" and "Entries."

Power Factor- IPSC/USPSA math that determines if you receive Major or Minor scoring. Bullet Weight x Velocity (FPS)/1000

Predictive Shooting- Using your grip, vision, and prior experience to determine if you can rip two shots and get the desired result on target. This is the opposite of Reactive Shooting.

Reactive Shooting- Shooting as fast as you can see your sights. This is the opposite of Predictive Shooting.

Speed Inoculation- The practice of shooting or moving at a pace faster than you can comfortably do whatever it is you are doing, in an attempt to develop speed in that specific skill.

Support Hand: Your non-dominant hand, used to support your Firing Hand and manipulate the firearm. See Weapon Handling.

Target Focused- The practice of looking through your sights, not at them. Your target should be clear and sharp in your vision, your sights a blurry object in front of your target.

Weapon Handling- Any manipulation of the firearm that allows you to start or continue shooting. Example: The draw, reloads, loading, unloading, and malfunction clearing.

Workspace- The area where you will do the majority of your weapons handling. Typically within 8-12 inches of your chest.