8+ Best Smith & Wesson 22 Target Pistols & Revolvers


8+ Best Smith & Wesson 22 Target Pistols & Revolvers

This mixture of producer, caliber, and supposed use describes a particular class of firearms famend for accuracy and precision. Usually, these are rimfire handguns chambered for the .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge and designed for aggressive taking pictures or leisure goal apply. They usually function adjustable sights, refined triggers, and ergonomic grips to reinforce efficiency on the vary.

The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge’s low recoil and affordability make these firearms best for introducing new shooters to the game, growing basic marksmanship abilities, and honing superior methods. Their historic significance lies of their widespread adoption for coaching and aggressive goal taking pictures, contributing to the event of recent taking pictures disciplines. Moreover, their accuracy and comparatively low report make them appropriate for pest management in rural environments.

Additional exploration will cowl particular fashions, their options, and the nuances that distinguish them throughout the broader class of rimfire goal pistols. Discussions on correct dealing with, upkeep, and secure storage practices are additionally important matters for accountable possession.

1. Accuracy

Accuracy represents a defining attribute of firearms designed for goal taking pictures, and this holds notably true for these chambered in .22 Lengthy Rifle. The inherent accuracy of those firearms stems from a mixture of things, together with the cartridge, the firearm’s design, and the shooter’s talent. Understanding the interaction of those components is essential for appreciating the efficiency and suitability of those firearms for aggressive and leisure taking pictures.

  • Mechanical Precision

    Mechanical precision encompasses the tight tolerances and meticulous craftsmanship concerned in manufacturing these firearms. Exactly machined barrels, constant chamber dimensions, and thoroughly fitted actions decrease variations in projectile trajectory, contributing considerably to general accuracy. This precision permits for constant shot placement, important for aggressive goal taking pictures.

  • Ammunition Consistency

    The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge, whereas usually reasonably priced, displays variations in high quality and consistency amongst producers and even inside particular product traces. Excessive-quality match-grade ammunition, designed particularly for goal taking pictures, minimizes variations in bullet weight, powder cost, and primer sensitivity, leading to extra predictable trajectories and tighter shot teams. Selecting acceptable ammunition is due to this fact essential for maximizing accuracy potential.

  • Sighting Techniques

    Adjustable sights are an indicator of goal pistols. These enable shooters to fine-tune the purpose of intention to match the purpose of influence at particular distances. The power to regulate for windage and elevation compensates for environmental components and particular person taking pictures kinds, enhancing precision and shot placement consistency. Completely different sight configurations, comparable to Patridge or goal sights, cater to particular preferences and taking pictures disciplines.

  • Ergonomics and Stability

    The ergonomic design of the grip, the stability of the firearm, and the shooter’s skill to take care of a steady platform contribute considerably to accuracy. A cushty grip minimizes undesirable motion throughout firing, whereas a well-balanced firearm promotes pure pointing and reduces fatigue throughout prolonged taking pictures classes. These components mix to reinforce management and consistency, resulting in improved accuracy.

The convergence of those factorsmechanical precision, ammunition consistency, adjustable sights, and ergonomicscontributes to the inherent accuracy of those firearms. Understanding their interaction is crucial for maximizing efficiency and reaching constant leads to goal taking pictures. Deciding on acceptable ammunition and mastering basic taking pictures methods are additional essential steps towards realizing the total accuracy potential of those specialised firearms.

2. Rimfire Cartridge

The rimfire cartridge is integral to the id and performance of .22 goal pistols produced by producers like Smith & Wesson. This particular sort of ammunition influences the design, efficiency traits, and general suitability of those firearms for his or her supposed objective. Understanding the rimfire cartridge’s properties is crucial for appreciating the capabilities and limitations of those goal pistols.

  • Ignition System

    In contrast to centerfire cartridges, the place the primer is a separate, centrally positioned element, the priming compound in a rimfire cartridge is contained throughout the hole rim of the cartridge casing. Upon firing, the firing pin strikes the rim, crushing it and igniting the priming compound, which in flip ignites the propellant. This design simplifies building and reduces manufacturing prices, contributing to the affordability of .22 ammunition. Nevertheless, it additionally presents limitations concerning reloadability and the potential for misfires resulting from variations in rim thickness or hardness.

  • Low Recoil

    The .22 Lengthy Rifle, a typical rimfire cartridge, generates considerably much less recoil than bigger centerfire cartridges. This diminished recoil makes .22 goal pistols comfy to shoot, notably for novices and people delicate to recoil. Moreover, it permits for sooner follow-up photographs and reduces flinching, finally enhancing accuracy. This attribute is especially useful in goal taking pictures disciplines the place exact shot placement is paramount.

  • Affordability

    The comparatively low price of .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition in comparison with centerfire cartridges makes it a cheap alternative for high-volume taking pictures actions like goal apply and plinking. This affordability contributes to the recognition of .22 goal pistols for leisure taking pictures and permits for intensive apply with out important monetary burden. The decrease price additionally encourages new shooters to develop basic abilities earlier than transitioning to dearer centerfire calibers.

  • Versatility

    .22 rimfire cartridges, whereas primarily related to goal taking pictures, discover utility in numerous different areas, together with small sport looking and pest management. This versatility expands the utility of .22 goal pistols past the vary. Nevertheless, it’s essential to pick ammunition acceptable for the precise utility, as bullet sorts and velocities range relying on the supposed use. For instance, high-velocity rounds are usually most well-liked for looking, whereas normal velocity rounds are appropriate for goal taking pictures.

The properties of the rimfire cartridgeits ignition system, low recoil, affordability, and versatilitydirectly affect the design, efficiency, and suitability of Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols for his or her supposed functions. These components collectively contribute to the widespread reputation of those firearms for leisure and aggressive taking pictures disciplines, in addition to their accessibility to a broad vary of shooters.

3. Goal Capturing

Goal taking pictures, a self-discipline demanding precision and management, finds a pure pairing with firearms just like the Smith & Wesson .22 goal fashions. The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge’s traits, mixed with the precision engineering of those firearms, create a synergy notably suited to the calls for of goal taking pictures. This exploration delves into the aspects of goal taking pictures that spotlight this connection.

  • Disciplines and Competitions

    Goal taking pictures encompasses numerous disciplines, together with bullseye, precision pistol, and silhouette taking pictures, every with particular guidelines and gear necessities. Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols, recognized for accuracy and manageable recoil, continuously seem in these competitions. For instance, the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 41 has a long-standing presence in aggressive bullseye taking pictures, demonstrating the suitability of those firearms for demanding precision-oriented disciplines.

  • Talent Improvement

    Goal taking pictures cultivates important abilities relevant past the vary. Focus, breath management, and set off self-discipline, honed by constant apply, translate to improved efficiency in numerous taking pictures actions. The .22 Lengthy Rifle’s minimal recoil and affordability facilitate intensive apply, making Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols best for growing these foundational abilities. This accessibility advantages each novice and skilled shooters searching for refinement.

  • Gear and Equipment

    Specialised gear enhances goal taking pictures efficiency. Adjustable sights, personalized grips, and weighted barrels, generally discovered on Smith & Wesson goal fashions, optimize accuracy and management. Moreover, equipment like taking pictures rests and recognizing scopes assist in exact shot placement and evaluation. The compatibility of those firearms with such enhancements contributes to their prevalence in aggressive and leisure goal taking pictures.

  • Security and Accountability

    Goal taking pictures emphasizes security and accountable firearm dealing with. Adhering to established security protocols, together with correct firearm storage, vary etiquette, and muzzle self-discipline, is paramount. The managed setting of a taking pictures vary, coupled with the manageable recoil of .22 goal pistols, offers an appropriate setting for practising and reinforcing these important security rules. Accountable firearm possession stays a cornerstone of goal taking pictures tradition.

The convergence of those facetsdisciplines, talent growth, gear, and safetyunderscores the robust relationship between goal taking pictures and Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols. These firearms, designed for precision and management, function precious instruments for people pursuing aggressive excellence or leisure enjoyment throughout the context of goal taking pictures, reinforcing the significance of accuracy, self-discipline, and accountable firearm dealing with.

4. Adjustable Sights

Adjustable sights symbolize a vital function distinguishing goal pistols, comparable to these manufactured by Smith & Wesson, from different firearm sorts. Their presence immediately influences accuracy and permits for exact changes tailor-made to particular person shooter wants and environmental circumstances. Understanding their perform and influence on efficiency is crucial for appreciating the position of adjustable sights in goal taking pictures.

  • Windage Adjustment

    Windage adjustment permits for lateral correction of the purpose of influence. This compensates for crosswinds, minor variations in ammunition, and particular person taking pictures tendencies. By adjusting the rear sight horizontally, the shooter can fine-tune the projectile’s trajectory to align with the specified level of influence. This functionality is essential for reaching constant accuracy at longer distances the place even slight wind circumstances can considerably have an effect on bullet trajectory.

  • Elevation Adjustment

    Elevation adjustment controls the vertical level of influence. This compensates for variations in bullet velocity, trajectory drop over distance, and particular person taking pictures kinds. Adjusting the rear sight vertically allows exact alignment of the sights with the goal at totally different ranges. This adaptability is crucial for sustaining accuracy throughout numerous distances and accommodating totally different ammunition sorts, which can exhibit various ballistic traits.

  • Sight Image and Alignment

    Completely different sight configurations, comparable to Patridge, goal, and adjustable iron sights, supply various ranges of precision and visibility. Patridge sights, with their sq. publish and notch, promote clear alignment, whereas goal sights, with their wider notches and finer posts, facilitate exact aiming. Adjustable sights allow shooters to customise their sight image, optimizing alignment and goal acquisition velocity based mostly on particular person preferences and lighting circumstances. This customization contributes considerably to constant accuracy and enhanced taking pictures efficiency.

  • Affect on Sensible Accuracy

    The power to fine-tune level of influence by adjustable sights interprets on to improved sensible accuracy. By compensating for environmental components and particular person variations, adjustable sights empower shooters to constantly place photographs heading in the right direction, notably at longer ranges. This functionality is key for goal taking pictures disciplines the place exact shot placement is paramount and immediately influences aggressive outcomes. The power to refine sight alignment additional enhances accuracy potential, making certain optimum efficiency.

The combination of adjustable sights on Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols underscores their supposed objective precision taking pictures. By providing granular management over level of influence, these sights allow shooters to maximise accuracy and obtain constant efficiency. The power to regulate for windage, elevation, and private preferences differentiates these firearms from these missing adjustable sights, solidifying their place throughout the realm of precision goal taking pictures.

5. Decreased Recoil

Decreased recoil is a defining attribute of .22 Lengthy Rifle firearms, notably these designed for goal taking pictures, like fashions produced by Smith & Wesson. This attribute considerably influences shooter consolation, accuracy, and general taking pictures expertise. Understanding the implications of diminished recoil is crucial for appreciating the suitability of those firearms for numerous taking pictures actions.

  • Enhanced Capturing Consolation

    The minimal recoil impulse of the .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge contributes considerably to taking pictures consolation. This permits for prolonged taking pictures classes with out discomfort or fatigue, notably useful for novice shooters and people delicate to recoil. This enhanced consolation fosters a constructive taking pictures expertise, encouraging continued apply and talent growth.

  • Improved Accuracy Potential

    Decreased recoil minimizes muzzle rise and flinching, two widespread components negatively impacting accuracy. By mitigating these disruptive forces, shooters can keep higher sight alignment and set off management, leading to improved shot placement and tighter shot teams. That is notably advantageous in goal taking pictures disciplines the place precision is paramount.

  • Facilitates Talent Improvement

    The manageable recoil of .22 Lengthy Rifle firearms creates a conducive setting for studying basic taking pictures abilities. Novices can give attention to correct grip, stance, sight alignment, and set off management with out being overwhelmed by heavy recoil. This permits for environment friendly talent growth and builds confidence, paving the best way for development to bigger calibers if desired. Smith & Wesson’s .22 goal pistols, usually chosen for coaching functions, exemplify this profit.

  • Suitability for a Wider Viewers

    The diminished recoil makes .22 goal pistols accessible to a broader vary of shooters, together with youthful people, smaller-framed people, and people with recoil sensitivities. This inclusivity expands the potential consumer base and contributes to the recognition of those firearms for leisure and aggressive taking pictures. The supply of fashions just like the Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact additional demonstrates this adaptability.

The diminished recoil inherent in .22 Lengthy Rifle firearms, notably evident in Smith & Wesson’s goal fashions, considerably enhances their suitability for a spread of taking pictures actions. By selling consolation, enhancing accuracy potential, and facilitating talent growth, diminished recoil contributes to a constructive and productive taking pictures expertise for a wider viewers, solidifying the position of those firearms in each leisure and aggressive taking pictures disciplines.

6. Newbie-friendly

The “beginner-friendly” nature of sure .22 caliber goal pistols, notably these manufactured by Smith & Wesson, stems from a confluence of things that cut back limitations to entry for novice shooters. Low recoil, inherent accuracy, and affordability converge to create a platform conducive to talent growth with out the intimidation usually related to bigger calibers. This accessibility fosters confidence and encourages constant apply, essential components in buying foundational marksmanship abilities.

The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge’s minimal recoil impulse considerably reduces discomfort and flinching, permitting new shooters to give attention to correct type and method. This light introduction to firearms dealing with contrasts sharply with the expertise of higher-caliber firearms, which may induce flinching and discourage continued apply. Moreover, the inherent accuracy of those pistols, usually enhanced by adjustable sights, offers constructive suggestions by constant goal hits, reinforcing correct method and constructing confidence. Fashions just like the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory, designed with novice shooters in thoughts, exemplify this strategy by options like adjustable triggers and ergonomic grips. This permits for personalised customization, additional enhancing the training expertise.

The affordability of each the firearms themselves and the .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition encourages frequent apply with out important monetary pressure. This accessibility removes a typical impediment encountered with bigger caliber firearms, the place ammunition prices can restrict apply alternatives. Consequently, new shooters can dedicate extra time to honing their abilities, progressing at a snug tempo. This sustained apply interprets on to improved proficiency and a deeper understanding of secure firearm dealing with practices. The mixture of those components low recoil, inherent accuracy, and affordability positions sure Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols as best entry factors into the taking pictures sports activities, fostering a constructive and productive studying setting for aspiring marksmen.

7. Aggressive Capturing

Aggressive taking pictures calls for precision, consistency, and specialised gear. Inside this realm, .22 goal pistols, notably these manufactured by Smith & Wesson, maintain a distinguished place resulting from their inherent accuracy, manageable recoil, and adaptableness to numerous aggressive disciplines. This exploration examines the multifaceted relationship between aggressive taking pictures and these specialised firearms.

  • Disciplines and Occasions

    Aggressive taking pictures encompasses a big selection of disciplines, together with bullseye, metallic silhouette, and rapid-fire occasions. Every self-discipline presents distinctive challenges and requires particular abilities. Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols, such because the Mannequin 41, are continuously chosen for these competitions resulting from their adjustable sights, refined triggers, and general precision. As an example, in bullseye taking pictures, the Mannequin 41’s accuracy and low recoil facilitate exact shot placement at numerous distances, contributing to aggressive success.

  • Gear Choice and Customization

    Aggressive shooters usually customise their firearms to optimize efficiency. Adjustable grips, weighted barrels, and specialised sights are widespread modifications tailor-made to particular person preferences and particular disciplines. Smith & Wesson’s goal pistols supply a platform for such customization, permitting rivals to fine-tune their gear to match their taking pictures type and the calls for of the competitors. This adaptability contributes to their reputation in aggressive circles.

  • Ammunition Choice and Efficiency

    Ammunition choice performs a vital position in aggressive taking pictures. Match-grade .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition, designed for consistency and accuracy, is crucial for reaching optimum efficiency. The compatibility of Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols with high-quality ammunition permits rivals to maximise their accuracy potential, gaining a aggressive edge. Moreover, understanding the ballistic traits of various ammunition sorts allows exact changes to sight settings, additional enhancing accuracy.

  • Coaching and Talent Improvement

    Constant apply and devoted coaching are important for fulfillment in aggressive taking pictures. .22 goal pistols, with their low recoil and affordability, present a really perfect platform for growing and refining important abilities comparable to set off management, sight alignment, and breath management. Smith & Wesson’s choices on this class usually function coaching instruments for aggressive shooters, enabling them to hone their abilities with out the fatigue and expense related to higher-caliber firearms.

The connection between aggressive taking pictures and Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols is deeply intertwined. These firearms, designed for precision and adaptableness, present aggressive shooters with the instruments essential to excel in numerous disciplines. From gear customization to ammunition choice and rigorous coaching, these pistols contribute considerably to aggressive success, solidifying their place throughout the world of precision taking pictures sports activities.

8. Plinking

Plinking, the casual leisure taking pictures at non-formal targets, finds a pure companion in .22 goal pistols, notably these produced by Smith & Wesson. The affordability, accuracy, and low recoil of those firearms create a synergy ideally suited to the relaxed, but skill-building, nature of plinking. This exploration examines the aspects of plinking that spotlight this connection.

  • Accessibility and Affordability

    Plinking’s low barrier to entry aligns completely with the affordability of .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition and the comparatively accessible value level of many Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols. This mixture permits for intensive apply with out important monetary burden, making it a gorgeous pastime for leisure shooters. The low price encourages experimentation with totally different ammunition sorts and taking pictures methods, additional enhancing the plinking expertise.

  • Talent Improvement and Apply

    Whereas casual, plinking offers precious alternatives to hone basic marksmanship abilities. Goal acquisition, sight alignment, and set off management are all strengthened by constant plinking apply. The low recoil and inherent accuracy of Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols enable shooters to give attention to these fundamentals with out the distraction of heavy recoil or unpredictable firearm habits. This constant apply interprets to improved accuracy and confidence, benefiting each novice and skilled shooters.

  • Goal Selection and Versatility

    Plinking embraces a big selection of casual targets, from tin cans and bottles to reactive targets and spinners. This versatility provides a component of creativity and problem to the exercise. The accuracy of Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols permits shooters to have interaction smaller or extra distant targets, rising the problem and satisfaction derived from profitable hits. This adaptability enhances the enjoyment and replayability of plinking.

  • Protected and Accountable Recreation

    Whereas casual, plinking ought to at all times be performed with a robust emphasis on security and accountable firearm dealing with. Deciding on a secure backstop and adhering to established security guidelines are essential elements of accountable plinking. The managed setting and manageable recoil of .22 goal pistols, particularly these designed for goal taking pictures, create an appropriate platform for practising and reinforcing secure firearm dealing with habits inside a leisure context. This emphasis on security ensures a constructive and accountable plinking expertise.

The convergence of accessibility, talent growth, goal selection, and accountable recreation solidifies the connection between plinking and Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistols. These firearms, designed for accuracy and ease of use, present a really perfect platform for having fun with the relaxed but rewarding elements of plinking, reinforcing the significance of secure firearm dealing with inside a leisure setting.

Steadily Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning .22 goal pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson, providing concise and informative responses to make clear potential uncertainties and misconceptions.

Query 1: What distinguishes a .22 goal pistol from different .22 handguns?

Goal pistols usually function enhanced sights, refined triggers, ergonomic grips, and longer barrels designed to maximise accuracy and precision for goal taking pictures, not like normal .22 handguns supposed for common use.

Query 2: Are .22 goal pistols appropriate for self-defense?

Whereas a .22 goal pistol can perform as a final resort, its major design prioritizes accuracy for goal taking pictures, not self-defense. Devoted self-defense firearms usually make use of bigger calibers with larger stopping energy.

Query 3: What varieties of ammunition are really useful for .22 goal pistols?

Excessive-quality, match-grade .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition is mostly really useful for goal taking pictures to make sure constant accuracy and optimum efficiency. Particular ammunition decisions could range relying on the firearm and particular person preferences.

Query 4: How usually ought to a .22 goal pistol be cleaned?

Common cleansing is crucial for sustaining firearm reliability and accuracy. Cleansing frequency will depend on utilization, however cleansing after every taking pictures session or each few hundred rounds is mostly really useful.

Query 5: Are modifications really useful for .22 goal pistols?

Whereas some aggressive shooters could customise their firearms, modifications are usually not mandatory for leisure goal taking pictures. Seek the advice of a professional gunsmith for any modifications to make sure security and correct perform.

Query 6: The place can one study extra about secure firearm dealing with and goal taking pictures methods?

Quite a few assets can be found, together with licensed firearm instructors, respected gun golf equipment, and on-line academic supplies from organizations just like the Nationwide Capturing Sports activities Basis (NSSF). Formal coaching is very really useful for all firearm house owners.

Understanding the nuances of .22 goal pistols, their supposed use, and correct upkeep is essential for accountable possession and reaching optimum efficiency. Consulting respected sources and searching for knowledgeable steerage are inspired for additional clarification.

The following part will delve into particular Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistol fashions, highlighting their distinctive options and distinguishing traits.

Suggestions for Efficient Goal Capturing with a .22 Pistol

Goal taking pictures with a .22 pistol, notably fashions crafted for precision, calls for consideration to element and constant apply. The next suggestions present steerage for enhancing accuracy, enhancing firearm management, and selling secure taking pictures practices.

Tip 1: Stance and Grip

A steady stance and constant grip are foundational to correct taking pictures. A balanced stance, with toes shoulder-width aside, distributes weight evenly. A agency, constant grip, with the pistol held excessive within the hand, minimizes motion and maximizes management.

Tip 2: Sight Alignment and Sight Image

Correct sight alignment ensures the entrance and rear sights are appropriately aligned with one another. A transparent sight image locations the aligned sights on the supposed goal. Constant sight alignment and sight image are vital for correct shot placement.

Tip 3: Breath Management

Managed respiration stabilizes the physique and minimizes motion through the shot. A typical method includes taking a breath, exhaling partially, and holding the breath briefly whereas squeezing the set off. Constant breath management enhances stability and shot consistency.

Tip 4: Set off Management

Easy, constant set off management is crucial for accuracy. A gradual squeeze of the set off, straight again with out jerking or pulling, prevents disruption of sight alignment and promotes correct shot placement. Dry firing apply can considerably enhance set off management.

Tip 5: Comply with-By

Sustaining focus and maintain after the shot, referred to as follow-through, reinforces constant method and aids in figuring out errors. Persevering with to intention and maintain the set off briefly after firing helps diagnose points with sight alignment or set off management.

Tip 6: Ammunition Choice

Ammunition high quality and consistency considerably influence accuracy. Excessive-quality, match-grade ammunition, designed for precision, usually delivers superior efficiency in goal taking pictures. Experimenting with totally different ammunition sorts can establish the optimum alternative for a particular firearm.

Tip 7: Common Apply and Upkeep

Constant apply and common firearm upkeep are essential for sustained accuracy and reliability. Frequent apply reinforces correct method, whereas common cleansing and lubrication make sure the firearm features optimally. A well-maintained firearm is crucial for correct and constant efficiency.

Adhering to those suggestions enhances accuracy, improves firearm management, and fosters a secure taking pictures setting. Constant apply, mixed with consideration to element, cultivates the talents mandatory for efficient goal taking pictures.

The concluding part summarizes key takeaways and emphasizes the significance of accountable firearm possession and ongoing talent growth.

Conclusion

Exploration of the “Smith & Wesson .22 goal” designation reveals a class of firearms purpose-built for precision and accuracy. Key attributes, together with adjustable sights, refined triggers, and compatibility with high-quality ammunition, contribute to their suitability for aggressive and leisure goal taking pictures. The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge’s low recoil facilitates talent growth, making these firearms accessible to a broad vary of people, from novice shooters to seasoned rivals. Moreover, their affordability encourages constant apply, important for honing marksmanship abilities and selling accountable firearm dealing with.

The enduring relevance of the Smith & Wesson .22 goal pistol lies in its capability to facilitate precision taking pictures and domesticate accountable firearm possession. Continued exploration of particular fashions, ammunition choice, and superior taking pictures methods additional enhances the pursuit of accuracy and promotes secure firearm practices throughout the taking pictures sports activities neighborhood.