D.R. Middlebrooks
08-30-2009, 06:43 PM
Glossary of Terms
AD: Accidental Discharge. This is the unintentional or (negligent) discharging or firing of a weapon.
AP: Armor Piercing (referring to ammo).
BACK STOP: The dirt berm you shoot into and/or baffled the impact area of the indoor range that stops the bullet.
BACK STRAP: The lower rear part of the pistol frame used as a gripping surface (opposite the Front Strap).
BEAVERTAIL: The upper curved area on the back strap of an auto-pistol that the web of the hand fits up against.
BUIS: Back Up Iron Sights (as seen on the AR-15 platform as of late).
CHAPMAN STANCE: A variation of the Weaver Stance made famous by IPSC World Champ Ray Chapman in the mid 1970’s where the strong-arm elbow is locked straight as opposed to being bent as in the Weaver stance.
C.O.F: Course of Fire. As in a match or qualifications. Also CoF in most cases.
C.O.M.: Center Of Mass. Usually the largest part of the target that’s available.
DA or Double Action: A pistol that can be fired from both a cocked (hammer back) or un-cocked (hammer down) position (i.e., S&W Revolver or semi-auto variant).
DAO or Double Action Only: A pistol that can only be fired from a (hammer down) position at all times (this included both Revolvers and Semi-Auto’s).
DOUBLE TAPS: Two quick shots fired as fast as possible into the C.O.M.
DRT: Dead Right There.
DUST COVER: The forward part of the grip frame that keeps dust and debris from getting into the recoil spring and guide rod area.
EMERGENCY RELOAD: Shooting the gun to slide lock, ejecting the empty magazine on the ground and replacing it with a new loaded one immediately.
FIRING LINE: The line that is always parallel with the backstop or berm you shoot into on a firing range.
FIST-FIRE: The most comprehensive system of self-defense handgun shooting ever devised. Also referred to as "THE Martial Art of Combat Handgunning" by MMA Experts.
F-F: Abbreviation for Fist-Fire.
FFI’s: FIST-FIRE Instructors
FIST-REFLEX: An involuntary action of “making a fist” under stress than can cause the weapon to discharge accidentally when the trigger finger press the trigger.
FLINCH: The body’s anticipation of recoil, noise and muzzle blast resulting in a ‘flinch’ of the eyes closing when the gun is fired.
FOF: Acronym for “FORCE ON FORCE” (see below).
FORCE On FORCE: Full contact scenarios where weapons retention and hand to hand fighting skills are studied and (dummy) training guns and rubber knives are used. May also include role-playing with SIMS (see SIMS).
FRONT STRAP: The forward gripping surface of the frame on an auto pistol.
GRIP PANELS: The stocks or grips of an auto pistol that are on each side of the frame.
GUARD SHOOTING POSITION: The basic first level of weapons presentation used in the FIST-FIRE System of shooting. Used primarily for Retention Shooting, in this position the gun is held in close to the body with the inside of the forearms pressing against the lower ribs, just off center to the strong side (Also see High Guard; Low Guard & Side Guard)/
IDPA: International Defensive Pistol Association where carry guns and street gear is used in defensive shooting scenarios.
IPSC: International Practical Shooting Association. Matches which originally started out as “Combat Shooting” venues and then devolved into “Run and gun” sports shooting. IDPA is what IPSC used to be.
High Guard: A retention shooting position where the gun is held high up in front of the chest.
ISOSCELES STANCE: A stance that became popular in the 1980’s where both arms are equally pushed out in front of the shooter creating an isosceles triangle.
LOW GUARD: A retention shooting position where the gun is held in front of the stomach.
MAGAZINE: An old term used to describe the place where ammo was stored. Nowadays it refers to the magazine which holds the bullets for an auto pistol.
MAG: The magazine which holds the cartridges for an auto pistol.
MAG BUTTON: The button you press to release the magazine from the grip frame.
MAG WELL: The opening in the bottom of the grip frame on an auto pistol where the magazine or clip is inserted.
MIS: Match Induced Stress
MODERN ISOSCELES STANCE: A variation of the isosceles made famous in the 1990’s in which both arms are bent, and relies more on grip strength for consistent recoil management and shot-to-shot consistency. Also called “Mod Iso” or “Modified Isosceles” by some.
NSP: No Shoot Prick, noun, a D.R.-ism: A term applied to those who hit "NO-SHOOT" or "NON-THREAT" targets by mistake, then talk trash on the Internet about top shooters.
TSA COUNT: The scoring system used in TSA that is designed to accommodate both MAJOR & MONOR Scoring where SPEED & ACCURACY are EQUALS.
For each “Point Down” (a point down is any hit outside of the “Down ZERO” or “Kill Zones” of the target) is a quarter second or half second of time is added to the time it took the shooter to complete the stage.
For a MAJOR LOAD, the Power Factor (P.F.) is a formula based off of the formula for Momentum = Bullet Weight X Velocity. So a 125 grain Bullet traveling at 1,00 Feet Per Second (FPS) = 125,000 P.F. = MINOR caliber load.
A Point Down for a MAJOR Power Factor Loads = + ¼ Second Added to elapsed time for MAJOR Power Factor Loads.
This system rewards Speed & Accuracy equally and does not favor MAJOR or MINOR.
OFF HAND: Non-Dominant Hand (i.e., if you were right-handed, the left hand would be considered the “Off Hand” or “Weak Hand”).
PLATE RACKS: Steel knock down targets on a rack, usually six 8” circles or other geometrical shapes.
POWER FACTOR (P.F.): The formula for momentum (Bullet Weight X Velocity = Power Factor) which is used to test ammo power in competition. Example: 200 grain bullet at 825 feet per second = 165,000 P.F. (Major Power Factor has to be equal to or greater than 165,000 P.F. and Minor Power Factor has to be equal to or greater than 125,000).
REVERSE CHAPMAN STANCE: The third level of weapons presentation used in the FISTFIRE System. Used for Surgical Shooting, in this position the gun is at full extension and the weak arm is higher and straighter than the strong-arm with the weak arm elbow locked.
REVERSE WEAVER STANCE: The second level of weapons presentation used in the FISTFIRE System. Used primarily for Point Shooting, in this position the gun is at partial extension and the weak arm is higher and straighter than the strong-arm.
SIMS: Short for “Simunitions”. Plastic bullets fired from real guns in “Force on Force” training. The bullets really hurt and can kill you if struck in the throat so you must wear eye, face and throat protectors.
SLIDE: The upper part (or top end) of an auto pistol that “slides” back and forth during the cycling of the gun.
SNAKE EYES: Double taps that appear very close together on the target (resembling a snake’s eyes).
SPEED RELOAD: Dropping a spent (or partially spent) magazine on the ground and replacing it with a loaded one. Also called an EMERGENCY RELOAD.
STRONG HAND: Dominant Hand: If you are right-handed, the left hand would be considered your “Weak Hand” as the right hand is usually stronger.
TACTICAL RELOAD: A method of reloading the gun BEFORE it goes dry by bringing a fresh mag up to the gun and exchanging the partially spent mag with a fresh one and THEN retaining the partially spent mag by securely stowing it in a pocket, belt or mag pouch.
TIMER: An electronic device used to start shooters with an audible “beep”. It records the total elapsed time by listening for the sounds (concussions) of the shots fired.
TSA: Tactical Shooting Association. An organization that promotes Combat Shooting sports where Practical - Tactical Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun and Sub-Machine guns are used.
VICKERS COUNT: The scoring system used in IDPA where ½ second is added to your elapsed time for every point down. This system rewards Speed & Accuracy equally but does not recognize major or minor caliber.
WEAVER STANCE: The two-hand hold stance made famous by Officer Jack Weaver in the late 1950’s where the strong-arm, elbow and shoulder is higher than the weak arm with both elbows are bent.
WEAK HAND: If you are right-handed, the left hand would be considered the “Weak Hand” as it usually is for most people.
WHACK: The smacking of the trigger (hard) with the trigger finger which causes the sights to move out of alignment at the instant the gun is fired, thus pulling the shot off the mark (unusually low).
AD: Accidental Discharge. This is the unintentional or (negligent) discharging or firing of a weapon.
AP: Armor Piercing (referring to ammo).
BACK STOP: The dirt berm you shoot into and/or baffled the impact area of the indoor range that stops the bullet.
BACK STRAP: The lower rear part of the pistol frame used as a gripping surface (opposite the Front Strap).
BEAVERTAIL: The upper curved area on the back strap of an auto-pistol that the web of the hand fits up against.
BUIS: Back Up Iron Sights (as seen on the AR-15 platform as of late).
CHAPMAN STANCE: A variation of the Weaver Stance made famous by IPSC World Champ Ray Chapman in the mid 1970’s where the strong-arm elbow is locked straight as opposed to being bent as in the Weaver stance.
C.O.F: Course of Fire. As in a match or qualifications. Also CoF in most cases.
C.O.M.: Center Of Mass. Usually the largest part of the target that’s available.
DA or Double Action: A pistol that can be fired from both a cocked (hammer back) or un-cocked (hammer down) position (i.e., S&W Revolver or semi-auto variant).
DAO or Double Action Only: A pistol that can only be fired from a (hammer down) position at all times (this included both Revolvers and Semi-Auto’s).
DOUBLE TAPS: Two quick shots fired as fast as possible into the C.O.M.
DRT: Dead Right There.
DUST COVER: The forward part of the grip frame that keeps dust and debris from getting into the recoil spring and guide rod area.
EMERGENCY RELOAD: Shooting the gun to slide lock, ejecting the empty magazine on the ground and replacing it with a new loaded one immediately.
FIRING LINE: The line that is always parallel with the backstop or berm you shoot into on a firing range.
FIST-FIRE: The most comprehensive system of self-defense handgun shooting ever devised. Also referred to as "THE Martial Art of Combat Handgunning" by MMA Experts.
F-F: Abbreviation for Fist-Fire.
FFI’s: FIST-FIRE Instructors
FIST-REFLEX: An involuntary action of “making a fist” under stress than can cause the weapon to discharge accidentally when the trigger finger press the trigger.
FLINCH: The body’s anticipation of recoil, noise and muzzle blast resulting in a ‘flinch’ of the eyes closing when the gun is fired.
FOF: Acronym for “FORCE ON FORCE” (see below).
FORCE On FORCE: Full contact scenarios where weapons retention and hand to hand fighting skills are studied and (dummy) training guns and rubber knives are used. May also include role-playing with SIMS (see SIMS).
FRONT STRAP: The forward gripping surface of the frame on an auto pistol.
GRIP PANELS: The stocks or grips of an auto pistol that are on each side of the frame.
GUARD SHOOTING POSITION: The basic first level of weapons presentation used in the FIST-FIRE System of shooting. Used primarily for Retention Shooting, in this position the gun is held in close to the body with the inside of the forearms pressing against the lower ribs, just off center to the strong side (Also see High Guard; Low Guard & Side Guard)/
IDPA: International Defensive Pistol Association where carry guns and street gear is used in defensive shooting scenarios.
IPSC: International Practical Shooting Association. Matches which originally started out as “Combat Shooting” venues and then devolved into “Run and gun” sports shooting. IDPA is what IPSC used to be.
High Guard: A retention shooting position where the gun is held high up in front of the chest.
ISOSCELES STANCE: A stance that became popular in the 1980’s where both arms are equally pushed out in front of the shooter creating an isosceles triangle.
LOW GUARD: A retention shooting position where the gun is held in front of the stomach.
MAGAZINE: An old term used to describe the place where ammo was stored. Nowadays it refers to the magazine which holds the bullets for an auto pistol.
MAG: The magazine which holds the cartridges for an auto pistol.
MAG BUTTON: The button you press to release the magazine from the grip frame.
MAG WELL: The opening in the bottom of the grip frame on an auto pistol where the magazine or clip is inserted.
MIS: Match Induced Stress
MODERN ISOSCELES STANCE: A variation of the isosceles made famous in the 1990’s in which both arms are bent, and relies more on grip strength for consistent recoil management and shot-to-shot consistency. Also called “Mod Iso” or “Modified Isosceles” by some.
NSP: No Shoot Prick, noun, a D.R.-ism: A term applied to those who hit "NO-SHOOT" or "NON-THREAT" targets by mistake, then talk trash on the Internet about top shooters.
TSA COUNT: The scoring system used in TSA that is designed to accommodate both MAJOR & MONOR Scoring where SPEED & ACCURACY are EQUALS.
For each “Point Down” (a point down is any hit outside of the “Down ZERO” or “Kill Zones” of the target) is a quarter second or half second of time is added to the time it took the shooter to complete the stage.
For a MAJOR LOAD, the Power Factor (P.F.) is a formula based off of the formula for Momentum = Bullet Weight X Velocity. So a 125 grain Bullet traveling at 1,00 Feet Per Second (FPS) = 125,000 P.F. = MINOR caliber load.
A Point Down for a MAJOR Power Factor Loads = + ¼ Second Added to elapsed time for MAJOR Power Factor Loads.
This system rewards Speed & Accuracy equally and does not favor MAJOR or MINOR.
OFF HAND: Non-Dominant Hand (i.e., if you were right-handed, the left hand would be considered the “Off Hand” or “Weak Hand”).
PLATE RACKS: Steel knock down targets on a rack, usually six 8” circles or other geometrical shapes.
POWER FACTOR (P.F.): The formula for momentum (Bullet Weight X Velocity = Power Factor) which is used to test ammo power in competition. Example: 200 grain bullet at 825 feet per second = 165,000 P.F. (Major Power Factor has to be equal to or greater than 165,000 P.F. and Minor Power Factor has to be equal to or greater than 125,000).
REVERSE CHAPMAN STANCE: The third level of weapons presentation used in the FISTFIRE System. Used for Surgical Shooting, in this position the gun is at full extension and the weak arm is higher and straighter than the strong-arm with the weak arm elbow locked.
REVERSE WEAVER STANCE: The second level of weapons presentation used in the FISTFIRE System. Used primarily for Point Shooting, in this position the gun is at partial extension and the weak arm is higher and straighter than the strong-arm.
SIMS: Short for “Simunitions”. Plastic bullets fired from real guns in “Force on Force” training. The bullets really hurt and can kill you if struck in the throat so you must wear eye, face and throat protectors.
SLIDE: The upper part (or top end) of an auto pistol that “slides” back and forth during the cycling of the gun.
SNAKE EYES: Double taps that appear very close together on the target (resembling a snake’s eyes).
SPEED RELOAD: Dropping a spent (or partially spent) magazine on the ground and replacing it with a loaded one. Also called an EMERGENCY RELOAD.
STRONG HAND: Dominant Hand: If you are right-handed, the left hand would be considered your “Weak Hand” as the right hand is usually stronger.
TACTICAL RELOAD: A method of reloading the gun BEFORE it goes dry by bringing a fresh mag up to the gun and exchanging the partially spent mag with a fresh one and THEN retaining the partially spent mag by securely stowing it in a pocket, belt or mag pouch.
TIMER: An electronic device used to start shooters with an audible “beep”. It records the total elapsed time by listening for the sounds (concussions) of the shots fired.
TSA: Tactical Shooting Association. An organization that promotes Combat Shooting sports where Practical - Tactical Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun and Sub-Machine guns are used.
VICKERS COUNT: The scoring system used in IDPA where ½ second is added to your elapsed time for every point down. This system rewards Speed & Accuracy equally but does not recognize major or minor caliber.
WEAVER STANCE: The two-hand hold stance made famous by Officer Jack Weaver in the late 1950’s where the strong-arm, elbow and shoulder is higher than the weak arm with both elbows are bent.
WEAK HAND: If you are right-handed, the left hand would be considered the “Weak Hand” as it usually is for most people.
WHACK: The smacking of the trigger (hard) with the trigger finger which causes the sights to move out of alignment at the instant the gun is fired, thus pulling the shot off the mark (unusually low).