origin of the term "Hospital Target"

John Ciccone · Post by **John Ciccone** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:31 am

I was at a bullseye match and helped to run the line, etc. There was reference to the term "Hospital Target." While everyone knew the meaning of the term, NO ONE knew its origin other than the fact that it was passed down from rifle shooting.

I did an internet search and came up dry. Does anyone know this term's origin?

Thanks
John Ciccone

sbrmike · Post by **sbrmike** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:01 pm

My bet is that you don't fire on hospitals in a war; so a hospital is not a target to shoot at.

Sparks · Post by **Sparks** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:19 pm

It's the target used in a finals when your own target breaks. I always figured that was the origin of the phrase myself...

sbrmike · Post by **sbrmike** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:31 pm

Sparks, In the USA they put up a "hospital target to level the playing field. It is easier to identify your target if it has a space on either side is the reason they put up a hospital target to fill the gap. It gives everyone an equal chance to crossfire, LOL!

PCU · Post by **PCU** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:54 pm

Don't know origin of the term but "Hospital Target" is where you go when your target gets sick. The other targets on the ends are "Equal Opportunity Targets" (equal opportunity to cross-fire).

orionshooter · Post by **orionshooter** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:34 pm

I have also heard them referred to as "bedsheets"