Shooting at the 1972 Summer Olympics

There were eight events on the 1972 program, the same seven as in 1968 and adding the running target event. Running target had been on the Olympic Program in various forms since 1908, having been held in 1908-1924 and 1952-56. The seven basic events were two pistol events, free and rapid-fire; three rifle events, small-bore prone, small-bore three positions, and free rifle three positions; and two shotgun events, trap and skeet. A free rifle event had been on the Olympic Program in some form since 1896, with the exception of 1932-36, but this would be the last Olympics at which the event would be held. Usually shot over a 300-metre course (and at various times in the past at huge distances up to 800 metres and 1,000 yards), the event was the victim of an effort to shorten the distances of the Olympic shooting events, allowing smaller ranges to be constructed. All the events were conducted at the Hochbrück Shooting Range. As in 1968, women were allowed to compete alongside men, as all events were mixed. Four women competed in 1972.