Standardized paper or cardboard figures, depicting human silhouettes, serve as the aiming points in practical shooting competitions governed by the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). These figures are categorized by type, representing different threat levels, and feature scoring zones that correspond to points awarded for accurate hits. A central A-zone represents the most vital area, followed by surrounding C-zones representing less vital areas, and peripheral D-zones designating non-vital areas. Penalties are incurred for hits outside the designated scoring zones. For example, an A-zone hit might award 5 points, a C-zone hit 3 points, and a D-zone hit 1 point, while a miss or hit on a no-shoot target results in penalties.
These standardized targets ensure fair and consistent evaluation of shooter performance across various competition stages and locations. Their design allows for complex stage design, incorporating movement, multiple targets, and partial or no-shoot targets, challenging competitors’ speed and accuracy under pressure. The history of these targets is closely tied to the development of practical shooting as a sport, evolving from basic silhouettes to the sophisticated scoring systems used today. This standardization plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and global consistency of the sport.
