Introduction

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).

• 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 & 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.


NRA Rifle Silhouette Rules