Knock Over Some Steel

DAVIDMAGNUM · Apr 23, 2021

Spring is here and some restrictions due to COVID19 are lifting.
Metallic Silhouette Matches are fun and easy on ammo which is a concern these days and can be challenging.
There are silhouette matches in Maryland and the surrounding states within driving distance. Metallic silhouette can often be shot with off the shelf firearms and without expensive accessories, handgun and rifle.
Here is a list of some clubs that host metallic silhouette matches. Hope to see you there.

https://www.seitzlandrifleclub.org/
https://www.atglensportsmensclub.org/
http://dsarange.com/
https://www.shippensburgfishandgame.com/
https://www.rosedalesportsmen.org/
https://www.ftrpa.org/
https://cavrpc.org/
http://mdrc-inc.com/
https://www.fxrgc.org/
https://sannerslakesportmen39sclub.wildapricot.org/
https://agcrange.org/about/associated-clubs/marriottsville-metallic-silhouette-shooters/

KRC · Apr 26, 2021

Okay - I've watched a bunch of videos on Metallic Silhouette shooting and am a bit confused. Everything from guys laying on their backs shooting high powered single shot pistols at heavy targets at relatively long distances to kids shooting 22LR rifles at easy to knock over animal shapes at shorter yardages.

Could you please give a brief description of firearm type (pistol/rifle - bolt/semi - cartridge/caliber (22LR? or CF?)) typical distances shot in a match and body position (stand/kneel/sit/prone?) and target size? Sounds like it could be fun. A link to a video or two that best show what a MDS area shoot might look like? Also, some videos indicate that a partner/spotter is required - does the MD assign these if you are a "single"? Thanks.

slsc98 · Apr 26, 2021

https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2018/5/24/silhouette-target-shooting/

Over the years, silhouette has morphed into a number of different disciplines: High Power Rifle, Hunter Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, Black Powder Cartridge Rifle, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Hunter’s Pistol and Cowboy Lever Action Rifle are the basic disciplines. Cowboy Lever Action is broken into three sub-categories to include Smallbore Cowboy Rifle, Pistol Cartridge Cowboy Lever Action and regular Cowboy Lever Action. Black Powder Cartridge Rifle also has a ‘Scope’ class. Hunter’s Pistol is broken into four sub-categories. Further, there are different classes for shooters within every discipline. As a result, virtually anyone who wants to shoot silhouette can probably find a level and discipline of competition that suits them just fine.

Despite the differences in powerplants, everyone shoots 10 each of chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams. What changes with the different disciplines is distance to the target and the size of the target. For example, with air pistol silhouette, chickens are shot at just 10 yards and they are only 11⁄8 inch high. At the other end of the spectrum, high power rifle and black powder cartridge rifle are shooting 26 inch x 32 inch rams at 500 meters. Distances, by discipline, are: Air Rifle—20, 30, 36 and 40 yards; Smallbore—40, 60, 77 and 100 meters; and High Power—200, 300, 385 and 500 meters.

Biggfoot44 · Apr 26, 2021

In the very beginning was standing with rifles , but never really cought on in USA since very few ranges had the necessary distances .

IHMSA sanctioned Handguns then became popular . Out to 200 meter/ yard , with hefty steel targets , that requires significant downrange smack down ability . Original classes included Unlimited , Production , and Revolver . Default shooting position was Freestyle , except for the specific Standing Class .

NRA wanted in on the action a few years later , and focused on filling in the gaps - 100yd distances with smaller targets , rimfire and sissy centerfire calibers .

The real specialized ones like Cowboy , etc are primarily seen in conjunction with other matches of that flavor , and not so much a freestanding sport .

But yeah , It's great fun !

Magnumite · Apr 26, 2021

I shot Hunter's Pistol for several years and used basic stuff. A T/C Contender with 22 LR Match and 22 WMR barrels with scopes, a Ruger Redhawk 5.5" revolver and for a spell a vintage 1948 S&W K-22 Masterpiece revolver were my forever use guns. I was shooting AAA in two of three classes and was knocking on that class with the Redhawk, so not much is needed to be competitive. The 22 LR Match barrel is a great squirrel gun as well.

It definitely is not an ammo eater. 40 shots per gun and the real expense is in the practice. Two minutes to fire strings of 5 shots.

DAVIDMAGNUM · Apr 27, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvBf7FD5SO0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84loNIWugCY&lc=UgxprtEfHmDlaiWG_eV4AaABAg

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/slihouette-shooting/

The above links lead to some videos and an article that may help.
There are silhouette matches that can be shot with almost any 22LR or pistol caliber firearm.
The match directors are normally accommodating and friendly. The matches while laid back, like any game you can make it as serious as you wish.
I have always referred to the game as deceptively difficult. Standing on the firing line it looks so easy. For most it is difficult enough to be a challenge but easy enough to have fun and improve upon your scores.

DAVIDMAGNUM · May 19, 2021

2021 Keystone Classic

May 8th and 9th was the Keystone Classic at the Ridgway Rifle Club.
Saturday we shot two 40 round matches. Lever action rifles, iron sights off hand. one half size targets. Chickens 40 meters, pigs 50 meters, turkeys 77 meters and rams 100 meters. First match was 1/4" thick targets with 22lr ammo. Second match was 3/8" targets with pistol caliber ammo.
Sunday was the 60 round centerfire rifle match (30-30/35 Remington...). Full size 1/2" thick targets. Chickens at 50 meters, pigs at 100 meters, turkeys at 150 meters and rams at 200 meters. Again, iron sights and off hand.
The images are from Sunday. It was an interesting day. Apparently spring on the southern eastern shore and spring in north west PA are two different things.
I thought that I brought extra clothes.

Magnumite · May 19, 2021

Hope you had layers to put on. Bet it was fun with the snow falling.

Dors Seitzland still have heavy hitters like they did in the 90’s?

DAVIDMAGNUM · May 19, 2021

Magnumite said:
Hope you had layers to put on. Bet it was fun with the snow falling.

Dors Seitzland still have heavy hitters like they did in the 90’s?

I don't know what you mean by heavy hitters. Metallic silhouette is shot the first Sunday of the month at Seitzland from April to October. Handgun and lever action rifle, out to 100 meters.
There are some master class and national champion shooters that show up if that's what you mean.

Magnumite · May 19, 2021

There are some master class and national champion shooters that show up if that's what you mean.

That was my intent. Thank you for the response.

DAVIDMAGNUM · Jan 8, 2023

It is that time of year again. Most clubs have published their shooting schedule/calendar.
Give metallic silhouette a try. I am willing to bet you will like it.

One "new game" that is being introduced is .22RF Small Bore Open Sights Rifle Silhouette . The idea is to use an off the shelf 22 S/L/LR rifle with stock/factory sights. Basically a game that can not be turned into an equipment race.

Saturday the 21st Delmarva Sportsman Association will have their first match of the year. Targets out to 100 meters maximum for pistol caliber and 22LR handguns and rifles.

Almost any firearm you have will enable you to compete in a silhouette match. Easily on of the friendliest , laid back shooting games.

While Maryland is not a hot spot for Metallic Silhouette there are matches in Virginia and Pennsylvania . The game I shoot, Lever Action Silhouette , has a regional and The National Championship matches at Ridgway Rifle Club in Pennsylvania this year.

Falls Township Rifle & Pistol Association | Proudly serving our members since 1958

www.ftrpa.com

Ridgway Rifle Club Home

See post #1 for some other places to play.

floatingboy · Jan 4, 2024

I am interested in getting into this. What is the latest? Is the Falls Township club the closest thing? Hope not. If so, we REALLY need to get something going in MD.

CrawfishStu · Jan 4, 2024

Eastern Shore Practical Shooters has matches.

DAVIDMAGNUM · Jan 5, 2024

floatingboy
The closest to you (as far as I know) would be Seitzland Rifle Club, Google says that is a one hour drive from Lisbon city center. They shoot the first Sunday of the month starting in April. Pistol caliber and 22 rimfire, lever action rifle and handgun.

CZ_Jockey · Jan 19, 2024

Sounds like fun, thanks for the original post!

floatingboy · Jan 20, 2024

DAVIDMAGNUM said:
floatingboy
The closest to you (as far as I know) would be Seitzland Rifle Club, Google says that is a one hour drive from Lisbon city center. They shoot the first Sunday of the month starting in April. Pistol caliber and 22 rimfire, lever action rifle and handgun.

Thanks!

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