Rifle Metallic Silhouette

Metallic Silhouette Rifle Shooting is a very popular International shooting event. It started in Mexico early in this century and has since spread to the U.S.A, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, France, and all states of Australia.

It began as a live animal shoot many years ago, then paper targets were used until finally metal targets were introduced. When it started to gain popularity in America, the targets were standardised, and a formal set of rules drawn up. Australia used these rules for several years and now have rules that are better suited to our conditions.

The International Metallic Silhouette Shooting Union was formed in France in early November 1992 comprising of 13 countries to set a International set of rules and conduct the first Would Championships. This was held in France in July 1994. The Australian team in 1994 took out the World Championships.

The shooting is done from what is called the "Standing unsupported position", standing straight up with the rifle fired from the shoulder, with no rest or support for the shooter or for the rifle. If you can shoot accurately standing up, you can shoot accurately from any position.

All classes of rifles are used; Air Rifle, Rimfire and Centrefire Rifles. Both iron and telescopic sights are permitted, but no slings or palm rests. The aim is a basic hunting style rifle weighing under 4.6kg (10lb 2oz) with either a magazine or single shot. Some competitors go all out with custom built equipment, but most use factory rifles that have been accurised, this means the trigger has been lightened, the action has been bedded and some minor stock work done to make the rifle fit.

Targets are shot in banks of five in a time limit of 2.5 minutes for five shots. A total of ten rounds at each distance. The targets are silhouettes of Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys and finally Rams at the longest distance. Most matches consist of forty rounds. In Air Rifle 10 chickens at 20 yards, 10 pigs at 30 yards, 10 turkeys at 36 yards and 10 rams at 45 yards. Rimfire has slightly larger animals at 40, 60, 77 and 100 meters. Only .22 long rifle ammunition can be used in Rimfire events.

Centrefire targets are a lot larger but further away, at 200, 300, 385 and 500 meters. The rules state the minimum calibre is 6mm-243 but if your rifle is a smaller calibre, you can use that until you make the grand decision that you want to compete and get something more appropriate. There are many calibre's' to choose from. The 308 Winchester is a popular choice, but some shooters go for something more exotic. That will be your decision to make. A good compromise is a rifle you can use in the field as well as on the range. Some calibres are better than others, but you will need enough steam left to topple a heavy Ram at 500 meters.

Ammunition is mostly hand loaded; it is cheaper and more accurate that way. Full metal jacket projectiles are not used as they can damage the targets. If your load does any damage to the target, you will be asked to stop using that particular load or rifle. Each shooter is convinced his or her equipment is best, regardless of what the score sheet says.

The matches are run according to strict safety rules, under the watchful eye of a range officer. The rules will be explained, and an experienced shooter will be assigned to show you the ropes.

The sequence of the shooting is you will be called to the firing line with the muzzle pointing straight up, when you reach the line, place the rifle in the rest provided. You then stand back and wait for the call 'READY'. You can then pick up your rifle load one round, adjust scopes and get into a comfortable shooting position. 15 seconds later the command 'FIRE' is called, and you have two and a half minutes to fire five rounds at your targets. When 'CEASE FIRE' is called you will place the rifle in the stand and the spotter will check the rifle is unloaded and signal the Range Officer. In each detail you will be allowed a spotter/scorer that will tell you where your bullet hit. To score a hit the target must be knocked from its stand. If you hit the target and it doesn't fall from the stand it is counted as a miss. Near enough is not good enough. With Centrefire you will hear the clang as the bullet hits and most targets will fall, some spin and at times they just stand there tormenting you.