Welcome to Smallbore Rifle Silhouette by Jerry Webster

Click here for a Silverlight Video Introduction Rifle Silhouette

I would like to note that this site is not intended to be about me. The intent of this site is to be a source of good information about the sport of Smallbore Rifle Silhouette. Because it is developed by me, the information regarding the techniques and practice is based solely on my opinion. I am an accomplished shooter having achieved Master Class in both rifles in Smallbore Rifle Silhouette but I do not declare to be the best shooter in the World, USA or even in my own State of Arizona. I have not been formally taught in any aspect of shooting. This is based on my own personal research and experience. Please take it for what it is and enjoy the sport of Smallbore or High Power Rifle Silhouette as I do!

When shooting in a Smallbore Rifle Silhouette match it is not a matter of seeing how close your bullets were to the center of a targets, it is a matter of "if" you hit the targets. The scoring is as simple as you have knocked it down, or you missed. You shoot at 4 different targets which are Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys and Rams, all set at different distances. The arcade aspect of the competition is appealing to most everyone. If you hit where you wanted, you see the target fly off of the stand. There are disappointing moments seeing your misses just off the edge or between the legs of the Ram and the moments where you feel fortunate because you nicked it just enough to make it go down. You can get mentally involved with the pressure to hit that 5th in a row or 10th in a row to win a pin. You already know you have the 4th or 9th consecutive and you know you will need the next one to complete it. That can be a nice feeling to see the last one fall completing 5 or 10 in a row and getting a little bit of a boost in the personal challenge the sport has to offer. It is a tough sport in the beginning but do not be discouraged by your initial results. The average shooter will start with a score of less than 30% of the targets knocked down. There is no telling how well or how fast any individual will progress but, everyone improves their shooting ability with the experience. The skills learned here can be very useful in other sports as well as hunting. It builds coordination with the rifle and skill with the trigger pull helping to keep the shots on target. There is an excellent handicap system. There are 5 different classes based on the amount of targets you can knock down. You will be competing against others with your same skill level. As a your skill level increases you will move up in classification. Personally I started in the Hunter rifle in B Class (lowest) and the Standard Rifle in the A Class (second lowest). Over time with practice and experience I was able to work up to Master Class in both rifles. Only similar practice and experience will determine which level will be your best. NOTE: It does not take expensive equipment to try this sport. In the beginning your ability to hold steady on target and fire correctly will be the biggest factor in determining your score.

Throughout this website I will give an explanation of what Smallbore Rifle Silhouette is all about, including equipment & techniques used in the sport and tips on practice. There is also information about High Power Rifle Silhouette. See the link in the "Additional Information" section.

The Introduction to Smallbore Rifle Silhouette
Information and pictures of each target	Information about the match format, pictures of the range and how the targets are set for the match on the range
Classification & Awards Information on the the handicap system, how scores relate to each classification, awards given in a match and awards for individual achievements	Information on rules for the rifles and some other information regarding rifles and clothing.
Information of the ballistics and how they relate to the scope adjustments required in a match	The basic history of Rifle Silhouette

The Equipment, Techniques and...
Equipment - Rifles, Spotting Scopes & Ammunition	Information on good posture while shooting offhand
General Instructions for Smallbore Rifle Silhouette	Training Techniques for all skill levels
Tips for the more advanced shooter	Cleaning Smallbore Rifles

Additional Information
The Latest Match Schedule	My Scoring History in Smallbore Rifle Silhouette
USA Rifle Silhouette Ranges	Short Silverlight video of a High Power Rifle Silhouette shot hitting a Ram 500 meters away (547 yards). It is easy to tell the distance by the delay of the animal falling over and the longer delay of the sound from the hit. Windows Media Player Version
Email	An Introduction to High Power Rifle Silhouette

The Hassayampa Rod & Gun Club Matches

Be sure to see the Match Schedule for the actual dates and the dates of:
The Hassayampa Memorial Match - The ASRPA Presidents Match
State Championships - National Championships

Smallbore Rifle Silhouette - Typically the Smallbore Rifle Silhouette (Standard and Hunter Rifle competitions) are held on the 4th Sunday of each month. It is a standard NRA format for a 60 shot match. Award Plaques are given for Match Winner, 1st Place for each class (B, A, AA, AAA & Master). Additional place award plaques are given as described in the "Match Awards" section of the Classification and Awards page as well as the "Special Awards". In-A-Row pins are awarded for any 5, 10 or 15 in-a-row achieved. All NRA Grand Slam achievements are recognized and will be validated upon request.

High Power Rifle Silhouette - Typically the High Power Rifle Silhouette (Standard and Hunter Rifle competitions) are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. It is a standard NRA format for a 40 shot match. Award Plaques are given for Match Winner, 1st Place for each class (B, A, AA, AAA & Master). Additional place award plaques are given as described in the "Match Awards" section of the Classification and Awards page as well as the "Special Awards". In-A-Row pins are awarded for any 5, 10 or 15 in-a-row achieved. All NRA Grand Slam achievements are recognized and will be validated upon request.