NRA SILHOUETTE RIFLE RULES REVISED FEBRUARY 2007 NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL RULES FOR SILHOUETTE RIFLE MATCHES These rules establish uniform standards for NRA sanctioned Silhouette Rifle competition. Where alternatives are shown, the least restrictive conditions apply unless the tournament program sets forth limitations. Official store of the National Rifle Association. Shop our extensive collection of clothes, gear, accessories, tactical items, jewelry, collectibles. NRA Handbook Timetables and Indexes 2020 (Bible Back) Gallery Rifle & Pistol Handbook 2020. Classic and Historic Rulebook. Target Shotgun Training and Reference Manual. Airgun Warriors Forum Airgun Warriors. 1/5 Scale NRA/IHMSA Metallic Silhouette Targets - 20pc Small Bore Rifle Knock-Overs Do-All Outdoors Prairie Popper Steel Auto Resetting Shooting Target Rated for.22 Caliber Quality Targets NRA IHMSA Smallbore Silhouettes Unpainted Set 1/5 Scale 20 Piece Set!
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Rifle silhouette is an arcade-style shooting sport in which steel targets shaped like animals are fired on from four different distances. The silhouette sports all originated in Mexico in the 1940s or so when live animals were used and the prizes were the animals themselves. Eventually, for a number of reasons, the competitions converted to steel targets and the first metallic silhouette championship match was held in 1952 in Mexico City. By the late 1960s, the sport was gaining interest in the Unites States as well and in 1973 the NRA sponsored the first NRA Metallic Silhouette Championships in Tuscon, Arizona.
Modern high power rifle silhouette includes target distances that range from 200 to 500 meters and all shooting is done from an unsupported offhand position using a center fire rifle. Scoring is as simple as hits and misses – if the target falls, it is scored a hit. As you might guess, the sport is challenging but also quite fun and rewarding due to the instant feedback provided when a target is hit. It really is pretty awesome to see a target fall followed by the distinct CLANG! sound that lets you know that you just connected with your target from 500 meters… from the standing position!
Firearms
There are several types of rifles that can be used for high power rifle silhouette but generally they are hunting type rifles most often with optical sights (scopes) attached. NRA silhouette rules specify that rifles must have a bore diameter of at least 6 mm and that magnum or other belted cartridges are not allowed. The idea behind these rules is that projectiles smaller than 6 mm might not have sufficient energy to knock the targets down and magnum or belted rounds could damage or even penetrate them. There is no requirement that optical sights be used but due to the relatively small size of the targets, they generally make the sport more enjoyable since they allow the competitor to clearly see the targets.
Normally, as will be the case for RBGC matches, the 40 shot course of fire outlined previously will be fired twice – once with a lighter rifle called a “hunting rifle” or “hunter gun” and once with a heavier rifle called a “standard rifle” or “heavy gun”. There are a few additional rules for each rifle type but in general, hunting rifles can weigh a maximum of 9 lbs. (including sights) and must have a minimum trigger pull weight of 2 lbs. Standard rifles can be a maximum of 10 lbs. 2 oz. and does not have a minimum trigger pull weight restriction (but it must be SAFE!). A number of competitors, particularly when just getting started in the sport, opt to shoot a rifle that meets the more stringent hunting rifle requirements in both the hunter and standard matches.
Course of Fire
There are several courses of fire that can be used for silhouette but the most common for high power is 10 shots at each of the four animals/distances for a total of 40 shots:
10 chicken targets fired at 200 meters
10 pig targets fired at 300 meters
10 turkey targets fired at 385 meters
10 ram targets fired at 500 meters
The course of fire is subdivided into 5 shot strings, during which the competitors are allowed a 15 second ready period to load and prepare (change sight settings, etc.) for the first shot followed by 2 ½ minutes to fire five shots. The line commands are “READY”, “FIRE” and “CEASE FIRE”. Depending on how many targets are available, this string of fire can be followed immediately (after a 30 second break) by another “READY” command for the second 5 targets or a time in which the range is made safe so targets can be reset.
Competitors familiar with other rifle shooting disciplines may notice that there are no sighting shots included in the course of fire – this is not an inadvertent omission! You must know your zeros for the four distances and make adjustments during the match. Normally ranges that hold silhouette matches have a sighting/practice period prior to the start of record fire. During this time, competitors are allowed to confirm zeros with an unlimited number of rounds but once the match starts, no sighting shots are allowed.
Eligibility
The silhouette matches at River Bend Gun Club are open to all competitors so you are not required to be a club member to participate. Shooters under the age of 18 are welcomed but must complete a waiver (available at match registration) including a parent or guardian’s signature. In addition, the young shooter must be accompanied by the parent while participating.
Equipment
One of the great things about silhouette is that it does not require much in the way of specialty equipment so it is very simple to get started even if you have little experience with competitive shooting. Basically all you need is a rifle, ammunition and the appropriate safety/protective equipment. The list below includes everything you need to get started:
- Rifle (see Firearms section and/or NRA rules for additional details but generally any hunting type rifle that has at least a 6mm bore diameter and is not a magnum will work)
- Empty Chamber Indicator (if you don’t have one, they will be available at the range on match day)
- Eye/ear protection - Spotting scope (not required but makes scoring easier and spotting shots for other competitors possible)
- Ammunition (40 rounds per match or 80 rounds total for record plus extra for pre-match sight-in/practice)
- Food and drinks
For the past several years, we have been holding matches on the first Sundays during the spring and fall months. This year, since attendance has been low and much of the consistent participation is from out of state competitors (that can’t make it to every single match), the number of matches has been reduced in an attempt to ensure enough participation. We would love for the program to grow to the point where matches could be held every month and even include registered matches (in the form of State Championships, etc.) so if you are reading this and are even slightly curious about the sport, come on out and give it a try!
The scheduled match dates can be found on the RBGC calendar as well as in the current match program posted separately on this forum. The program includes additional details but the short version is that practice/sight-in begins at 9 AM, followed by the hunting rifle match at 10 AM and the standard rifle match after completion of the first match (around noon).
Additional Information
Nra Smallbore Rulebook
Like its big brother, High Power Silhouette, the Smallbore Rifle Silhouette program allows smallbore shooters the challenge and pleasure of shooting metallic targets at ranges and sizes appropriate to the 22 caliber rimfire round. All shots are taken offhand, from an unsupported standing position.
Firearms & Ammunition
There are two types of rifles used in smallbore silhouette – the smallbore Hunting Rifle and the Smallbore Silhouette Rifle. The rules for both of these rifles are contained in the NRA Smallbore Silhouette Rulebook which can be found online, and competitors are encouraged to review the rules as they contain restrictions on stock shape, barrel contour and length as well as weight and trigger release. Many competitors use a hunter rifle to shoot in both classes. Due to the size of the targets, optical sights are used by most competitors, however metallic sights are legal.
Ammunition is restricted to restricted to 22 Long Rifle ammunition with no high velocity ammunition allowed. Subsonic ammunition is more accurate than high velocity ammunition , minimizes the possibility of damage to the range equipment and reduces the chance that a ricochet will make it back to the firing line.
While almost any reasonable ammunition will be usable at closer ranges, it is recommended that a mid-level match ammunition be used at the longer ranges to increase the chance of hits at the distant targets.
Course of Fire
While the NRA allows for several different courses of fire, the matches at River Bend will be 10 shots at four animals at different ranges for a total of 40 shots as follows:
10 Chickens at 40 meters
10 Pigs at 60 meters
10 Turkeys at 77 meters
10 Rams at 100 meters
The course of fire is divided into two 5 shot strings. The shooters are directed to the line and when ready they are provided a 15 second “Ready” period before being provided 2 ½ minutes to shoot 5 shots. The animals must be shot in order staring on with the leftmost animal on the lower row. After the time period has expired, competitors are provided a short break followed by another 15 second “Ready” period followed by 2 ½ minutes to shoot the top row of animals in order from left to right. Time for shooting alibis is provided with the Range Officer providing the exact firing sequence.
All competitors will be squadded with another shooter. The non-firing squad mate will spot and score for the shooter. If a shooter wishes to bring his own spotter, that is OK, but the squad mate will be still be required to perform scoring duties.
Notice that there are no sighting shots allowed, so all competitors must know their scope settings and make the necessary adjustments during the match. All competitors are expected to assist in setting up the range equipment after which a practice and sighting period is provided to allow shooters time to prepare.
Eligibility, Cost & Award
The Smallbore Silhouette matches are River Bend Gun Club are open to all competitors so you do not need to be a club member to attend the matches. All shooters are required to sign a match release. All junior competitors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign a youth release.
The current fee schedule is $15.00 for RBGC club members, $20.00 for non-members and $5.00 for Junior competitors.
Awards (medals, plaques or pins) will be presented to match and class winners as outlined in the match program.
Equipment
Equipment requirements for smallbore silhouette competition are reasonably modest. All you need is a legal rifle or rifles, appropriate ammunition, an empty chamber indicator and your personal protection equipment (eye and ear protection).
Silhouette Handbook Free Download
*Rifles – Please see the NRA rules for full details.
*Empty Chamber Indicator – Absolutely required – will be available at the match
*Eye and Ear protection is highly recommended
*Spotting Scope/Binoculars – A spotting scope is not required, but portable optics are very useful in spotting for your squad mate.
*Ammunition – While only 40 rounds are required, it is recommended that 100 rounds be provided to allow for practice, alibi shots and shoot-offs that are used to settle ties.
*Food and Drink
*Chair
Schedule
Matches are currently being held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Gathering and range setup will start at 8:00 AM, practice will start at 9:00 AM and the first match will start at 10:00 AM. Please check the RBGC calendar for match dates.