Silhouette: Metallic Silhouette

What do I need to start in Silhouette?

7/5/2014

Basic equipment.

- Rifle /Caliber-

I concentrate on Smallbore Silhouette so that's .22LR for me. If you are trying for the Small NRA targets it's got to be .22lr .

Most people begin on the larger targets and as they get more confident try the small-bore targets.
The larger targets can be done with a variety of Rifle and Pistol calibers. Here is a great link with information to get you started.
http://www.pioneersportsmen.org/disciplines/metallic-silhouette

-BASIC Equipment: Rifle and Scope-
Do I need a super expensive, Fancy -Shmancy rifle? Hell NO! ( I have proven that.) I started with my trusty Ruger 10/22 and a 3-9 scope I picked up on sale for $40.00.
I have since made the huge jump (sarcasm) to the Ruger American and a higher power scope. (still only spent $109.00 on the scope).
You CAN do this for short money and be quite successful.

-Ammo- This can be the hardest part. you need to try lots of different ammo. It's just that plain and simple. .22lr rifles are picky, no two seem to like the same ammo. Same make and model might like totally different ammo brands or weights.
Test Test Test.... find what works best for your combination of equipment.

(snapshot in time July 2014) .22lr is still very hard to find in this pos-t Obama scare environment. So, shoot what you can find. This Season I have seen even some of the Hard-Core match shooters using "Bulk Box" ammo. Probably because they can actually get it in quantities from the local Mega-lo-Mart and still be able to practice.
-- Remember Dry Fire practice is a GOOD THING! more on that in a future post.--

-Ammo quantity?- Depends on match rules in your area ie: how many targets in each round you will shoot. Typically New England matches are 40 round events. Ten shots of each type of animal. So 40 rounds per match course of fire.
BUT, you will likely want to practice before the match. Get there early before things start. Get used to the current weather conditions and lighting.

- Magazines if your rifle of choice uses them. Your only allowed five rounds loaded. That's right five targets per set and five rounds...... don't miss!
I use two magazines you may want three or four just to keep things rolling along smoothly.

-Eye and Ear protection are required.

- Decent hat or ball cap. Just to keep the hot brass out of your face. (Remember you are standing right next to other competitors.)

- Binoculars or Spotting Scope helps. If you can get someone to spot for you it's a great asset. Start by just having someone tell you where your misses are landing, you can them make slight adjustments.

-Timer. Lots of shooters use a timer. I have tried this but, it does not work for me. I do however use a count down timer when I practice (mostly on dry fire) to get used to how much time I need to get things done. there are time limits (2min. or 2:30 depending on the class you are shooting)
(update: Janurary 2015) I satrted using a timer at the end of last season. After tons of practice "on the clock" before I tryed it at a match. the Timer does help. you can use it to guage how much extra time if any you may be able to use. Use of a timer needs it's own post to get in-depth.

More on the rules here. NRA RULES Book (PDF)

-Tool box or Range Kit/Bag- Something to carry your stuff easily. Pack it up a day before the match so nothing gets left at home. Seems simple. But when the match is 2-3 hours away it sucks to leave one critical item at home on the work bench.

-Rifle rest/ Tray. Not necessary but I like to use it. I don't like placing my rifle/Scope flat on the bench.

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That's a start for this morning. So much more to on the way.

Friday, January 9, 2015

What do I need to start in Silhouette?