Metallic Silhouettes

Nothing has ever had such an explosive impact in the handgunners' world as metallic silhouette shooting. Firing .44 magnums, .357s, and the like at paper targets is nearly a thing of the past.

What is exciting. is IHMSA's metallic silhouette shooting.

IHMSA metallic silhouette shooting started in 1977 and has progressed like wildfire over the years. Since the IHMSA was conceived there has been more progress made in equipment, handloading, shooting techniques and handgun development than ever in the history of handguns.

The first time you hit a target and hear the "clang" and realize you've scored a hit, you will never be the same. Only a few hits will fill you with pride. . . and frustration, but you'll be back wanting more.

IHMSA silhouette shooting holds a variety of interests. It's for the person who just wants to have fun or who likes action or who has a competitive nature.

It's a family sport � ranges around the world hold Big Bore, Twenty-two and Field Pistol matches. A great way to involve the ladies and young people in the shooting sports.

Metallic silhouette shooting brings a new dimension to the shooting fraternity … spectators no longer have to peer through binoculars or scopes to see jagged blue holes in paper targets. Hit silhouettes flip. twist and spin in air until they finally bite the dust.

If you're a handgun hunter, you need metallic silhouettes! There is no better way to sight in or work up loads than by practicing your efficiency than shooting at Big Bore rams at 200 meters.

Does 200 meter handgun shooting intimidate you? Well, let me start from the beginning of a match. Imagine yourself leveling the sights of your favorite Big Bore T/C Contender, Dan Wesson or Ruger on a life�size chicken at 50 meters. You'll squeeze the trigger several times before you hear that gratifying clang and see the chicken go flying, but don't worry, you'd have 10 chickens to get good on.

Your next 10 targets will be life�size pigs at 100 meters. When you hear a resounding clang you'll know you've connected!

The next bank of targets will he life�size turkeys at 150 meters. Don't be too optimistic about conquering these birds until you've had considerable practice. If you do get lucky, you're gonna be one proud person with bragging rights!

Finally, you guessed it, life�size rams at 200 meters! Until you've put your sights on one of these targets and watched it shrink before your very eyes, you haven't had the ultimate shooting challenge in metallic silhouettes. Rams at 200 meters cannot be taken lightly.

IHMSAs' Twenty�two course is the same as Big Bore only with smaller targets set at closer ranges. Chickens at 25 meters, pigs at 50 meters, turkeys at 75 meters and rams at 100 meters.

Both these courses are fired with open sights at a total of 40 targets.

There are 4 categories�Production, shot free�style with any over �the�counter hand gun. Standing, shot standing only. with a production gun. Revolver, shot in any free style position, with a production gun. Unlimited, usually shot with customized guns in any free�style position.

Our Field Pistol course is fired on half�size targets at the same distance as .22s. Standing only. Scoped or open sights.

There are several classes in each category, so you are competitive from the first time you shoot until you become an expert.

Rule books are available for those of you who want more detailed information.

The International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association sanctions thousands of matches yearly in America and abroad.

The goals of the IHMSA are to provide a legitimate atmosphere for the sporting and recreational use of handguns.

Membership in the IHMSA includes an Official membership classification card, a rule book, and a subscription to our official publication, The IHMSA News, which is printed ten months a year. The IHMSA News includes match dates, match results, technical data and other items of interest.

Your membership will be forwarded to you immediately on receipt of your paid application.

US Membership Application