Shooting originated as a means of survival, as it was practised in order to hunt game for food. In the 19th century, however, as the industrial revolution made hunting for food less necessary for many people, shooting evolved into a sport. The sport was first popular in English-speaking countries, notably England and the United States, as well as Ireland and South Africa. The National Rifle(步枪) Association (USA) was formed in 1871 and provided the impetus(推动力,动力) for the development of shooting as an organised form of sport in the United States.
1896年第1届现代奥林匹克运动会之前,欧洲不少国家已经成立了射击协会等组织,并相继举行过射击比赛。1897年举行了首届世界射击锦标赛。国际射击运动联合会建立于1907年,原名为"国家射击联合会和协会的国际联盟",期间数次更名。1998年7月15日正式命名为"国际射击运动联合会"(International Shooting Sport Federation),简称为"ISSF"。国际射联是国际奥委会正式承认的国际业余射击运动在国际和世界水平比赛中唯一的管理机构。