CLASSIFICATIONS, SCORING & AWARDS

There are 5 different classifications in Rifle Silhouette shooting,. From lowest to highest they are: B, A, AA, AAA & MASTER.  The dividing point is different for the Standard Rifle and the Hunter Rifle.  The division is slightly lower for the hunter rifle because it is a little more difficult.  The Classifications are identical for High Powered Rifle Silhouette and Smallbore Rifle Silhouette.  Each classification is listed differently depending on the number of shots fired in the competition.  Below is a listing showing how each classification is divided depending on the number of animals knocked down in the competition, relative to the number of shots fired in the match.

STANDARD RIFLE: 

HUNTING RIFLE: 

GETTING QUALIFIED

You are considered "Unclassified" at your first match.  You will buy an NRA Rifle Silhouette Classification Score Record Book for $12 (each year).  That book is used to record your scores in all aspects of Rifle Silhouette.  There are two conditions that could apply to an Unclassified shooter in a match.  The first is that the Unclassified shooter will be assumed at the highest level "Master" in his first match in which he establishes his Classification.  The second is how it is done for us, you shoot in an Unclassified category competing against any other Unclassified shooters.  The results of your first match is recorded in your score book, as is every match in which you compete, and it establishes you initial Classification (as indicated in the classifications/score charts above).

MOVING UP IN CLASSIFICATION

If your first score is in the "A" class to "AAA" class,  You will remain there until you have three times shot a score that would fall into any higher classification.  You would then move up to the higher classification.  If you are in the "B" class, you will move up in class on the second score falling into the "A" class.  When you move upward in classification, it is at the NEXT tournament that you will be shooting the higher classification, except as listed below.

The exception is that, if you are competing in an NRA Registered match as in a State Championship or National Championship, and you shoot a score two classifications above your current classification, you will instantly move one classification higher for that current tournament.  If you shoot three classifications higher, you will instantly move two classifications higher for that current tournament.

MOVING DOWN IN CLASSIFICATION

To move downward in Classification you must petition the NRA Silhouette Department.  You cannot petition to move downward unless you have shot twelve consecutive scores below your current classification.  You can only move downward one classification at a time and only once every two years.  If you have been reclassified downward and then shoot a score into a higher classification, you will move upward in class for your NEXT tournament.  You could not petition again until the previous requirements were met, 12 scores less and 2 years minimum.

AWARDS

MATCH AWARDS

Typically the number of places in each class are decided by the total number of people competing in that class.  There is one place for 2 to 5 people in that class, an additional place added for full set of five additional people thereafter (2 places for 6 to 10 people, 3 places for 11 to 15 people, etc.)

There will also be a Match Winner, the person who hit the most of any class.

There is a High Senior, High Woman, High Junior & High Sub-Junior.

The rules vary from place to place but here where I shoot, the Match Winner, High Senior, High Junior nor High Sub-Junior cannot be a "Winner" in the class he or she shot in.  In other words, if the Match Winner was in AAA class, he or she will not place in AAA class.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

There are pins awarded for having no misses in a bank of 5 targets.  Called a "5 in a Row" pin, they are in the shape of the Silhouette Animal and have the number 5 on the center.

If you should go through two banks at the same animal and not miss, there is a "10 in a Row" pin in the shape of the Silhouette Animal and have the number 10 on the center.

If you are real good or having a great day and should go through three banks at the same animal and not miss, there is a "15 in a Row" pin in the shape of the Silhouette Animal and have the number 15 on the center.

GRAND SLAM CLUB

Getting a "10 in a Row" pin is not an easy task.  If you get one in each animal you will then be a member of the NRA Grand Slam Club.  And a special pin is awarded for it.  Each "10 in a Row" must be properly registered with the NRA to qualify.  You only register once for each animal.

HOME ...........  RANGE  RULES ........... RIFLE RULES

CLASSIFICATIONS & AWARDS .......... TECHNIQUES 1  

TECHNIQUES 2 .......... TARGETS1 ..... TARGETS2

TESTING & MOUNTS .......... MY WIFE AND I ...... MY SHOOTING HISTORY

SILHOUETTE HISTORY .........SCOPE ADJUSTMENTS AND BALLISTICS

CLEANING ........ CUSTOM ENGRAVING