While the 1989 and 1998 studies considered all rifles in making their recommendations, these
studies first identified firearm features and subsequently identified those activities believed to
constitute a legitimate “sporting purpose.” However, in reviewing the previous studies, the
working group believes that it is appropriate to first consider the current meaning of “sporting
purpose” as this may impact the “sporting” classification of any shotgun or shotgun features. For
example, military shotguns, or shotguns with common military features that are unsuitable for
traditional shooting sports, may be considered “particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to
sporting purposes” if military shooting competitions are considered a generally recognized
sporting purpose. Therefore, in determining the contemporary meaning of sporting purposes, the
working group examined not only the traditional sports of hunting and organized competitive
target shooting, but also made an effort to consider other shooting activities.
In particular, the working group examined participation in and popularity of practical shooting
events as governed by formal rules, such as those of the United States Practical Shooting
Association (USPSA) and International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), to determine
whether it was appropriate to consider these events a “sporting purpose” under § 925(d)(3).
While the number of members reported for USPSA is similar to the membership for other
shotgun shooting organizations,6 the working group ultimately determined that it was not
appropriate to use this shotgun study to determine whether practical shooting is “sporting” under
§ 925(d)(3). A change in ATF’s position on practical shooting has potential implications for rifle
and handgun classifications as well. Therefore, the working group believes that a more thorough
and complete assessment is necessary before ATF can consider practical shooting as a generally
recognized sporting purpose.
The working group agreed with the previous studies in that the activity known as “plinking” is
“primarily a pastime” and could not be considered a recognized sport for the purposes of importation.7 Because almost any firearm can be used in that activity, such a broad reading of
“sporting purpose” would be contrary to the congressional intent in enacting section 925(d)(3).
For these reasons, the working group recommends that plinking not be considered a sporting
purpose. However, consistent with past court decisions and Congressional intent, the working
group recognized hunting and other more generally recognized or formalized competitive events
similar to the traditional shooting sports of trap, skeet, and clays.
