Rifle silhouette is a reactive sport where competitors knock down metal silhouettes of animals while shooting from a standing (offhand) position. Most competitions are 40-shot matches where competitors shoot 10 targets (in 2 banks of 5) each of chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams. Each shooter is given 2 ½ minutes to take 5 shots at each bank of 5 animals. Every animal knocked down counts for 1 point for a possible maximum of 40 points in a match.
There are 5 classifications of shooters, and each competitor only competes with others of the same classification. This allows beginners the opportunity to come out and have fun, while still managing to be competitive.
Silhouette is a great sport for shooters that want to improve their offhand skills and for those that enjoy a challenge. Both shooters and spectators find the reactive nature of silhouette a lot of fun. Our club holds practices and sanctioned competitions in smallbore (SB) silhouette and high power (HP) silhouette. We have hosted BC Provincial and Canadian National rifle silhouette events.
Smallbore Rifle Silhouette
Smallbore silhouette events are held at the Hartman 100 m smallbore range from May into the fall. Rifles are 0.22 LR caliber (no 0.22 magnums). To start, we recommend newcomers try a bolt-action hunting rifle with a 9 or higher power scope. Smallbore targets consist of 1/5 size chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams placed at respective distances of 40, 60, 77 and 100 m.
HIGH POWER RIFLE SILHOUETTE
High Power silhouette events are held at the Blackwater Rifle Range. Similar rules apply as SB silhouette but targets are larger (full size) and are situated at 200, 300, 385 and 500 m for chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams (respectively). Calibers of 6 mm (0.243) or larger are allowed, but no magnums or belted cartridges. Common calibers include 6 mm BR, 0.260 Rem, 6.5 mm x 47, 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 mm x 55 and 7 mm-08.
AIR RIFLE SILHOUETTE
Our club hosts air rifle silhouette in our Hartman Clubhouse over the winter months. Targets are scaled down to accommodate the 55-foot shooting distance. Local competitors use scoped “springers”, pre-charged pneumatics (PCPs) and CO2 powered rifles.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email silhouette@pgrgclub.ca for more information about PGRGC rifle silhouette. See NRA rules for specific requirements of equipment and competitions. The following video provides a good overview of rifle silhouette: