The intended use of any gun purchased by a responsible owner is going to fall under one or more of the following categories:
1) Hunting
2) Protection
3) Target Shooting
Each category can be broken down much farther into subcategories.
Hunting
People hunt a wide variety of animals for a variety of reasons. Many hunters simply enjoy the hunt itself, but the activity can also provide meat, hides,
Recreational shooting and competition can certainly overlap to some extent, in the same way being in a bowling or volleyball league are forms of both recreation and competition. But as you move away from the casual target shooting leagues, recreation shooting includes non-competition activities such plinking cans or shooting and-thrown clay targets in your back pasture. On the other end of the spectrum are the serious competitors whose participation and commitment go beyond "pastime" status.