Metallic Silhouette

Metallic Silhouette shooting began in Mexico as a formalized version of the tradition of staking out the animals to be barbecued at a fiesta, placing bets, and shooting at them at long ranges.  The handgun version originated in the southwestern US in the 1970s.  The lifesize chickens, javelinas, wild turkeys, and rams were placed at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters.  There were three categories:  Standing, freestyle production, and freestyle unlimited, all with iron sights.  Production guns must be unaltered other than aftermarket stocks, sights, and trigger jobs.  Pretty much anything goes in unlimited.  Some years later, the production class was split between revolvers and single-shots.  Over the years, categories have proliferated, until now there are events for just about any sort of handgun you care to bring out, including scoped ones.  Rifles are allowed, as long as they don’t damage the targets.  Cowboy-style rifles and military surplus bolt guns firing cast bullets are popular.

The course of fire is five targets, shot left to right, one shot each.  This is done twice at the chickens, twice at the pigs, twice at the turkeys, and twice at the rams, for a total of 40 shots per event.  There are shorter ranges and smaller targets for .22 LR and lower powered centerfire handguns. 

It is very much like organized plinking, with somebody else setting up the targets for you.  Target setters are usually young people from Tri County families.  They are paid by the hour from entry fees, and also receive tips, so that they typically take home over fifty dollars apiece for the day. 

Matches are the second Sunday of the month, April through October, and shooting starts at 9 a.m.  It takes about one hour to complete a course of fire with one gun, and you can enter as many times as you like.  The entry fee is $10 per gun.  The Saturday before the match is reserved for preparing the range and practicing.  If you are interested in a challenging and satisfying shooting experience, come out on Saturday afternoon, and someone will be glad to help you get started, either with your gun or theirs.  Silhouette people are very friendly and encouraging.  It is an excellent family outing, as most shooters are accompanied by a spotter with a telescope or binoculars.

Bob and Margaret Curry are the silhouette match directors.  Contact them by phone at 785-331-8871, or email at [email protected].