The fiscal plan is actually a mix of small-bore tax cuts and tax increases.

FORBES: Obama Proposes Tax 'Deform'

More common are small-bore disputes: lawyers whose sniping, in person and on paper, can spiral out of control.

WSJ: Lawyers Behaving Badly Get A Dressing Down From Civility Cops

As the sequester approaches, he has offered a tactical set of small-bore proposals, not a strategic plan that would break the deadlock.

CNN: Last chance to conquer the deficits

But in 1976, American Margaret Thompson Murdock tied for the gold at the Montreal Olympics in the small-bore rifle against teammate Lanny Bassham.

WSJ: Can Female Athletes Compete Against Men? In Shooting, Yes

These innovations may sound small-bore amid the drumbeat of war.

ECONOMIST: Currency wars

Not bad stuff, really, but small-bore and piecemeal.

WSJ: Rich Karlgaard: Apple to the Rescue?

These moves may seem small-bore compared to gun laws in many other countries, but they are a very big deal here, and it is hard to see how the ban on assault rifles will get past Republican (and indeed some Democratic) opposition in Congress.

BBC: President Obama's next campaign - against the gun lobby