Overview
Smallbore Rifle Silhouette is an arcade style shooting sport where the object of the game is to knock over metallic silhouettes of various animals set at different distances. All shots are taken from an unsupported standing position where the goal is not so much of simulating shooting during a hunt but rather “who is the better shot”!
The targets are metallic silhouettes of chickens set at 40 meters, javelina (pigs) set at 60 meters, turkeys set at 77 meters, and sheep (rams) set at 100 meters. Each target is roughly 1/5 of the life size animal. They are set in two banks of five animals each and the shooter takes one shot at each animal, hit or miss. There is a time limit of 2 minutes 30 seconds for each bank of five animals.
This is a very challenging shooting sport. For example, the main body of the sheep (ram) is about 4” long x 3” high, and that is at 100 meters! For our club, the average percentage of hits for standard rifle is 52% and for hunting rifle, it is 40%. Successful competitors will have rifle/ammo combinations that deliver good precision, scopes with good settings for the various target distances, and a good standing shooting position and hold.
Rifles
There are two classes of rifles used in the sport, standard rifle (or match rifle) and hunting rifle, both being chambered for .22 short, long or long rifle rimfire. The sport is recognized by the NRA and is governed by formal rules, but below are basic rules for the different rifles.
Hunting Rifle: Weight limit of 8 ½ lbs. including scope, 2 lb. minimum trigger pull, a hunting style stock. Thumbholes are not permitted. Comb of stock is not above the center line of the bore and the bottom of the scope is no more than 1 ½ inches above the top of the receiver. Tapered barrel no longer than 26 inches. Rifles that don’t meet these requirements will fall into the standard rifle category and subject to the standard rifle rules.
Standard Rifle: Weight limit of 10 lbs. 2 oz. including scope, any safe trigger, traditional style stock, comb of stock is not above the center line of the bore and the bottom of the scope is no more than 2 inches above the top of the receiver. Barrel no longer than 30 inches.
Typically target rifle stocks such as those used for 3 Position or AR/chassis styles are not allowed. The rifles are meant to be like those typically used for hunting.
For hunting rifles, competitors will do well with rifles such as the CZ-452/455/457 American. On the high end is the Anschutz 1712 which is built specifically for silhouette but is very expensive. Other rifles such as the Tikka, Bergara, Ruger or Savage rifles that meet the hunting rifle requirements do well. Also, the Hunting Rifle can be used in the Standard Rifle class if a shooter chooses to compete in both classes.
Scopes
Here is where you want to get the best scope you can afford. Some features to look for: Magnification – most shooters use a scope somewhere between 12X to 24X power. You will find that the better your hold becomes, the higher power scope you will want, and vice versa. Parallax – should be adjustable to at least a minimum of 40 yards. Turrets – adjustable turrets with solid repeatability. Keep in mind that the rifle with scope and a magazine must weigh 8.5 lbs. or less for Hunting Rifle or 10 lbs. 2 oz. for Standard rifle.
Search for a Leupold 6.5 X 20 EFR or a Leupold FX series in 12X, 25X or 30X power. Otherwise, look at the different options currently available that meet the features above and buy the best you can. The Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50 AO or Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO with BKL scope rings are options to consider.
Ammo
Standard velocity .22 long rifle is the choice. No “stingers” or high velocity ammo is allowed as it damages the targets. Rimfire ammo can vary quite a bit in price depending upon brand and grade. The more expensive a box of ammo is doesn’t necessarily translate to better precision. Each rifle barrel is unique and may shoot better with lower priced ammo. You must try different ammo and even different lots within the same brand/grade to determine what your rifle likes best. Do your testing at 100 yards and fire at least 15 shots for group testing. Typically, the more expensive the ammo is, the more consistent it will be, but that may not be the best for your rifle. Sometimes the less expensive ammo shoots the best. CCI Target, CCI Green Tag, SK Rifle Match, SK Standard Plus, Lapua Center-X, RWS Rifle Match, Eley Club, or Eley Team are the typical choices.
Accessories/Other Items
Shooters are allowed to wear a shooting vest. No shooting coats or gloves are allowed. Appropriate attire for the weather is fine and gloves may be worn for warmth during the cooler temperatures. If the vest is made of heavy leather, then it must be worn loosely.
A shooting timer is nice to have to keep track of how much time you have remaining. A small clipboard and pen for your scorecard.
A second magazine is encouraged as that helps with the reload between target banks. And of course, hearing and eye protection are required.