Don't know where to ask my question...

[Philblack]

Hi everybody

I need your help...

Do the terms "service shooting meeting" mean anything to you right now, at once, whithout any further explanation ? If yes, what does it exactly mean to you ? (Several possibilities expected).

What I am looking for is an exact meaning for English speaking persons if I use these terms.

Thanks by advance, Phil

 

[ronnie gore]

meeting

i have never heard that term used before.

 

[Philblack]

Thanks Ronnie ! But what do you think it could mean, then ?

What we need is an immediate understanding, you see why I'm asking... And as I really want it to have a real sense, I mean something that any american or english person will get at once, I don't want any approximation, like : "oh yes, it might mean want you want it to..."

 

[Gunhacker]

Sounds like a some sort of Law Enforcement shooting competition like PPC... after all, an organized match could be described as a "meeting" of sorts.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

It doesn't mean anything. Did you get it from one of those computer-driven translators? If so, post the phrase here in the original language and probably someone will translate it for you.

Anyone want to bet on "military match?" (I'm referring to the match itself, not the ammo therefor.)

 

[Philblack]

Yes Model520fan, it's supposed to be a small arms (military light weapons) match, contest, competition... That's where "Service "stands. But I don't agree with the association between service and shooting...

Now that you know, is it correct or does it still mean nothing to you, I mean would you use it yourself ?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Now that you know, is it correct or does it still mean nothing to you, I mean would you use it yourself ?

Absolutely not. It would NOT be immediately understood, even by people who are familiar with such. "Military marksmanship competition" is what we're talking about, apparently. The word "service" has dozens of meanings, most of them not very specific. Good word to avoid. "Shooting" is OK, but "marksmanship" sounds better for some reason. "Competition" is just that, whereas "meeting" does not include an implication of competition. [For some strange reason, "meet" often does, but it doesn't seem to be used much with marksmanship competition. Best to avoid that word, too.]

Among shooters, "military match" is a perfectly acceptable substitute for "military marksmanship competition." In fact, it is preferable. In formal writing, particularly when first bringing up the subject, the latter will always be clear.

Hope this helps.

 

[Philblack]

Yes it does help a great deal ! Great explanation. Thanks !

But one last thing : we intend to use military small arms but we are civils. Does it change anything in your "military match" ? It is supposed to specify that the pistols and rifles are military weapons, not the shooters...

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

But one last thing : we intend to use military small arms but we are civils. Does it change anything in your "military match" ? It is supposed to specify that the pistols and rifles are military weapons, not the shooters...

Colloquially, "military match" would be acceptable, and most people write and speak this way. However, "military-style match" or "military-style marksmanship competition" would be more exact, and would convey your meaning, assuming that the match actually does conform to one or another of the many different military matches. If the match is NOT intended to be conducted in accordance with military rules, but is one of your own design, it would then be more accurate to say "marksmanship competition using military weapons" or, since the context would be clear, "marksmanship competition using service [!] weapons." Obviously, "match" can substitute for "marksmanship competition" wherever folks already know what you are talking about.

 

[Philblack]

Ok thanks But the purpose is to find a name and, colloquially, an acronym. So "marksmanship competition using service weapons" might be a little... well you know what I mean.

So the facts are the following : we wish to create an international or European contest where civilian shooters will use military small arms.

In our (my) mind , "service small arms shooting contest (challenge, match)" suits well. But one of us (an english teacher) proposed this "Service shooting meeting". And I said that, IMHO, it didn't mean anything to an english speaker.

Knowing this, what else would you suggest ?

 

[murphydog]

Phil;

In the USA, what you are probably referencing is a "service rifle/pistol/small arms competition". Service can refer to participants being members on military duty, or it can refer to the equipment being used being military issue or close to it. So, a service rifle match here would usually mean a competition using the AR-15 or M16 platform, but not necessarily that the event is restricted to the military.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Alan said it very well. "Service" or "military" could apply to either, and I doubt that it would be misunderstood. "Meeting" is simply a wrong word - it does not imply competition, although that is what you want to imply, and it would NEVER be used by a native speaker of English where the English teacher is using it.

 

[Philblack]

Phil;

In the USA, what you are probably referencing is a "service rifle/pistol/small arms competition". Service can refer to participants being members on military duty, or it can refer to the equipment being used being military issue or close to it. So, a service rifle match here would usually mean a competition using the AR-15 or M16 platform, but not necessarily that the event is restricted to the military.

This is exactly what I meant ! Now, would ISRPSAC or ISPRSAC (I for International) be a "well sounding" acronym, I don't kow...

 

[Philblack]

Alan said it very well. "Service" or "military" could apply to either, and I doubt that it would be misunderstood. "Meeting" is simply a wrong word - it does not imply competition, although that is what you want to imply, and it would NEVER be used by a native speaker of English where the English teacher is using it.

I didn't think that meeting would be a problem, but thanks for it too.

But you all are categorical : "service shooting" doesn't mean anything and not a single American shooter would use it ?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

This is exactly what I meant ! Now, would ISRPSAC or ISPRSAC (I for International) a "well sounding" acronym, I don't kow...

ISPRSAC obviously rhymes with "whisper sack." No problem there.

 

[Philblack]

what is a whisper sack ?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

But you all are categorical : "service shooting" doesn't mean anything and not a single American shooter would use it ?

Actually, I think that it was "service shooting meeting" that got puzzled responses. "Service shooting," while not very specific, might well be taken to mean shooting done in the service. But I think Alan has already answered your main question. If you put the word "service" right next to "pistol" or "rifle" or whatever, folks will know what you are talking about.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

what is a whisper sack ?

There's no such thing. It is just a way of illustrating how the acronym will probably be pronounced.

 

[Philblack]

Yes, it was in fact "service shooting meeting", but it could have been service shooting competition, challenge, cup, match, event or anything of the kind.

I got from what you said that these words can't ever be used to designate a "Small arms shooting competion" (which seems to be very much more appropriate), where civilian shooters will use military pistols and rifles to shoot on targets. Did I get it right ? (sorry to insist)

 

[Philblack]

There's no such thing. It is just a way of illustrating how the acronym will probably be pronounced.

I was so very far from that ! Thanks to you