METALLIC SILHOUETTE SHOOTING is a grown-up version of tin can shooting. It comes in five basic flavors - High Power Rifle, Black Powder Cartridge, Cowboy Rifle, Rim Fire Rifle, , and Handgun. The targets in all five are silhouettes of Chickens, javilina (pigs), turkeys and rams cut from heavy steel plate. The first three disciplines shoot at steel silhouettes of chickens at 200 meters, javilina at 300 meters turkeys at 385 meters and Rams at 500 meters. The other two shot at reduced ranges. Black Powder Cartridge Silhouette rules require the use of single shot rifles made in the US before 1898 that have an exposed hammer or replicas of those rifles. Cartridges must be those that were originally loaded with black powder of 32 cal or larger. In practice the most popular rifles are those built on highwall, Sharps, Ballard, rolling block, and Hepburn actions. Popular cartridges include 45-70, 45-90, 40-65, and 40-70 S.S. Cartridges must be loaded with straight black powder or Pyrodex. Plain based cast bullets must be used. Rifle weight must be 12 pounds 2 ounces or less with sights. A few other restrictions apply so if you are interested we suggest that you get a rule book from the National Rifle Association at 800-267-3888. Silhouette shooting is a team sport - one team member shoots while there other watches for changes in the wind and light and spots the hits and misses. It’s a great way to spend time with a son or daughter or a wife or dad.

The people you will meet at Black Powder Cartridge Silhouette matches are more likely to be interested in having fun and shooting a better score than they did at their last match. Expect to meet people who will be more than happy to give you sight settings and loading data and what ever else you need to get going.