shooting-sports/metallic-silhouette
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.
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01 // LEARN
#01
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
High Power Rifle (200-500m)
Smallbore Rifle (40-100m)
Hunter Pistol (standing, two hands)
Field Pistol (prone, Creedmoor)
Air Rifle/Pistol (scaled indoor)
02 // START
#02
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
1Suitable rifle or pistol for your category
2Telescopic sights (rifle) or iron sights (production classes)
3Shooting gloves (helps steady hold)
4Spotting scope (for seeing hits)
5Padded shooting mat
6Eye and ear protection
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
1Standing position (offhand) required for rifle/pistol
2Targets must fall to score (hits that do not topple count as misses)
3Five targets per bank, shot left to right
4Time limits vary by discipline
5No artificial support
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
Start with smallbore or air gun silhouette - lower cost, easier logistics
Physical conditioning matters; standing offhand is demanding
Learn to hold through the shot; do not anticipate
Practice calling your shots
Target mass varies; rams need solid hits, chickens tip easily
What Does Metallic Silhouette Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
Getting Started
$600-1,200
Basic equipment to begin
Competitive Setup
$2,000-4,000
Quality gear for serious shooters
Per event/match:$15-30 entry, 40-80 rounds
Ammo per session:$15-60 (varies by caliber)
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
#03
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
#04
Upcoming Events
Find metallic silhouette events near you
View details
JUN
28
Lone Oak R&P Club 2026 As Issued Military Rifle Match
Competition
Lone Oak R&P Club 2026 As Issued Military Rifle Match at Lone Oak Rifle & Pistol Club in Longview. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Lone Oak Rifle & Pistol ClubLone Oak Rifle & Pistol Club, Longview, WA
View details
JUN
28
UBR 100/200 yds Score Match (Adv. Rifle Closed)
Competition
Benchrest
Matches start @ 9am. Doors are open @ 7am For centerfire benchrest match information, contact Brud Sheats: [email protected] See the rifle division page at https://www.bgslinc.com/bgsl-rifle-division/
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Blue Grass Sportsmen's LeagueBlue Grass Sportsmen's League, Wilmore, KY
View details
JUN
28
Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club CMP EIC Pistol Matches
Competition
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match. CMP matches preserve the tradition of marksmanship with courses of fire designed for service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. | Format | Firearms | |--------|----------| | Garand/Springfield | M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield | | Vintage Military | Pre-1953 military rifles (Enfield, Mauser, etc.) | | Modern Military | AR-15, M1A/M14 platform | | Rimfire Sporter | .22 LR rifles | | As-Issued | Unmodified service rifles | Eligible rifle per match rules Ammunition (match-grade recommended, 50-88 rounds) Shooting mat, coat, and glove (recommended for prone) Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club CMP EIC Pistol es for the specific course of fire, eligible rifles, and registration. CMP matches welcome shooters of all skill levels, and loaner rifles are sometimes available.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club CMP EIC PistolBurbank Rifle and Revolver Club CMP EIC Pistol, Burbank, CA
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JUN
28
Weeping Water Gun Club 2026 M1 Garand/Vintage Bolt/ Modern Military/ Springfield Match
Competition
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.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Weeping Water Gun ClubWeeping Water Gun Club, Weeping Water, NE
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JUN
28
Tri Cities Shooting Association EIC Service Rifle Match
Competition
A Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sanctioned match. CMP matches preserve the tradition of marksmanship with courses of fire designed for service rifles, vintage military arms, and modern sporting rifles. | Format | Firearms | |--------|----------| | Garand/Springfield | M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield | | Vintage Military | Pre-1953 military rifles (Enfield, Mauser, etc.) | | Modern Military | AR-15, M1A/M14 platform | | Rimfire Sporter | .22 LR rifles | | As-Issued | Unmodified service rifles | Eligible rifle per match rules Ammunition (match-grade recommended, 50-88 rounds) Shooting mat, coat, and glove (recommended for prone) Spotting scope Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Tri Cities Shooting Association for the specific course of fire, eligible rifles, and registration. CMP matches welcome shooters of all skill levels, and loaner rifles are sometimes available.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Tri Cities Shooting AssociationTri Cities Shooting Association, Richland, WA
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JUN
28
22 Rifle Practice
Clausen Ranch 12425 North County Road 27 Loveland, CO 80538 (Right Side of the Road)
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Larimer County 4-H Shooting SportsLarimer County 4-H Shooting Sports, Loveland, CO
05 // LOCATE
#05
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline
Shooting Locations
View allShops & Clubs
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Location TBD
Shooting Range
Fraternal Order of Eagles Poste #397
Springfield
Shooting Range
Southborough Rod & Gun Club
Hopkinton·4.6 stars
Club
Brown Township Sportsman's Club
Malvern·4.8 stars
Shooting Range
Iosco Sportsmen's Club - Wurtsmith Range
Oscoda·4.9 stars
Shooting Range
Technical College of the Rockies
Delta
Shooting Range