Metallic Silhouette
Schedule: Although centrefire pistols can be used at longer ranges, the length of our longest range (Range B of 50 metres) limits the match at St Ives to the use of .22 rimfire pistols.
Shot on alternating Saturday afternoons (see Match Schedule)
The Match:
The course of fire consists of 4 banks of 10 metallic silhouettes of chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams (usually with a swinging sighting target as well).
For this calibre the ranges of the targets are as follows:-
Chickens - 20 metres
Pigs - 30 metres
Turkeys - 40 metres
Rams - 50 metres
A match consists of 40, 80, or 120 rounds fired from the standing, prone or freestyle positions.
Freestyle is the competitor’s choice usually a reclined, leg-braced position. Competitors engage the targets from left to right and are allowed one shot at each target.
Targets shot out of sequence are scored as misses. In order for a target to be scored as a hit it must be knocked over. Targets that are merely struck, or turned on their stands, count as misses.
Scores: When silhouette was first conceived it was considered an impossibility that any shooter would achieve a perfect score of 40 targets in a 40 – target match. Yet, it is now considered common for a dozen or more shooters to do so at major matches. Fortunately, at least for beginners, shooters are classified according to their ability and shoot only against shooters within their grade (see Match Grades)
Equipment
Metallic Silhouette matches are classified according to the type of pistol used. Depending upon the type of pistol used shooters will compete in one of the following categories:
Production Revolver: Any revolver that was a catalogue item as of January 1, 1977 or before (or is a current catalogue item) and was available to the general public. Barrel length not to exceed 10 ¾ inches as manufactured and weight not to exceed 4 pounds unloaded.
Production Single Shot: Any single shot pistol (except bolt action models) that meet the above criteria.
Unlimited: Any pistol with a maximum barrel length and sight radius of 15 inches, maximum weight 4-1/2 pounds and maximum overall length not to exceed 25 inches.
Field Pistol: Production revolvers and pistols as defined by production rules. Weight not to exceed four pounds in the open sight category and 4 ½ pounds in the scoped category, with a barrel length of 10 ¾ inches, or less.
Smallbore pistol: Identical to above but must be chambered for .22 short, long or long rifle cartridge.