Metallic Silhouette Shooting
Metallic silhouette shooting involves knocking down steel targets shaped like animals - chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams - at progressively longer distances. The sport originated in Mexico in the 1940s and has evolved into a precise discipline.
01 // LEARN
What is Metallic Silhouette?
Understanding this shooting discipline
Metallic silhouette shooting involves knocking down steel targets shaped like animals - chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams - at progressively longer distances. The sport originated in Mexico in the 1940s and has evolved into a precise discipline.
Shooters engage targets from standing position (offhand). Rifle silhouette uses heavy steel targets at 200m-500m. Pistol and air gun variants use scaled-down targets at shorter ranges. The challenge is making clean hits to topple each target.
Types & Variations
02 // START
Getting Started with Metallic Silhouette
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into metallic silhouette doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
What Does Metallic Silhouette Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
$600-1,200
Basic equipment to begin
$2,000-4,000
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: Smallbore (.22 LR) is the most economical entry point. Air gun silhouette is even cheaper to shoot.
Silhouette Disciplines
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| High Power Rifle Full-size steel at 200m, 300m, 385m, 500m. Heavy rifles in 6.5mm-.308. | Those wanting the traditional full-distance challenge |
| Smallbore Rifle .22 LR at 40m-100m with scaled targets. Same offhand discipline, lower cost. | Best starting point for new silhouette shooters |
| Handgun Scaled targets at 25m-100m. Production and unlimited classes available. | Handgun shooters wanting precision challenge |
03 // ASK
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about metallic silhouette
New to metallic silhouette? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about metallic silhouette shooting. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
The knock-down requirement removes scoring subjectivity. Either the target fell or it did not. This binary scoring makes competition clear and reduces disputes.
For high power rifle, .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor are popular. Smallbore uses .22 LR. The rifle must generate enough energy to topple the steel at distance.
No. Standard rifle and pistol silhouette require unsupported standing (offhand) position. This is the defining challenge of the sport.
Full-size rifle targets: chickens ~4 lbs, pigs ~15 lbs, turkeys ~18 lbs, rams ~52 lbs. Scaled versions for other disciplines are proportionally lighter.
Entry fees are modest ($15-30). Ammunition costs vary by caliber. Smallbore and air gun variants are very affordable ways to compete.
04 // FIND
Upcoming Events
Find metallic silhouette events near you
Rifle Range reserved for Club Members
This is a rifle match at 1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club reserved for club members on September 20, 2026. You'll compete against other shooters to test your accuracy and consistency at distance. The match puts your marksmanship skills to the test across multiple firing positions and ranges. It's a straightforward way to measure your performance, see where you stand relative to other shooters, and identify what needs work on the precision side of your game.
Rifle/Pistol range hours are 10am to 6pm
A competitive pistol match featuring scored courses of fire. Depending on the format, this may include bullseye (precision), action pistol, or timed/rapid fire stages. Handgun (caliber and type per match rules) Ammunition (typically 50-150 rounds depending on format) Magazine pouches and holster (if action format) Eye and ear protection (required) Arrive early for sign-in and safety briefing If this is your first match, let the match director know -- most clubs pair new shooters with experienced mentors Focus on safety first, speed comes with experience Contact Renton Fish & Game Club for match format, round count, divisions, and entry fees.
Small Bore Cowboy Silhouette
Metallic silhouette competition features steel targets shaped like chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams set at progressively longer distances. Shooters fire from standing position (offhand) and must knock targets completely off their stands to score. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Target shapes | Chicken, Pig, Turkey, Ram | | Divisions | High Power Rifle, Smallbore, Pistol, Air | | Position | Standing (offhand) | | Targets per match | 40 (10 per animal) | Rifle or pistol per division rules Ammunition (40-60 rounds) Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Tehama Shooters Association for division details and entry fees.
TC&Gwen Rossman Fun Rifle Match 10am
A competitive rifle match at Hollywood Rifle & Pistol Club. Depending on the format, this may include benchrest, highpower, CMP service rifle, or practical rifle stages at various distances. Rifle (caliber and type per match rules) Ammunition (round count varies by format -- check with venue) Shooting mat or rest (as appropriate for format) Eye and ear protection (required) Arrive early for sign-in and safety briefing Bring more ammunition than you think you will need If this is your first match, let the match director know Contact Hollywood Rifle & Pistol Club for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.
Classic Battle Rifle Match 2026
@ Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live Military rifles from 1917 to 1953 (NO SCOPES). Three stages u
Weeping Water Gun Club 2026 M1 Garand/Vintage Bolt/ Modern Military/ Springfield Match
Weeping Water Gun Club 2026 M1 Garand/Vintage Bolt/ Modern Military/ Springfield Match at Weeping Water Gun Club in Weeping Water. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
05 // LOCATE
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline