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Clinics Handbook for:

Dedicated to The Promotion of IHMSA Silhouette in Minnesota

The following is the outline used by the Minnesota Silhouette Association when hosting a clinic for new shooters.

The clinic is begun in a classroom type setting where the following material is presented with demonstrations of the shooting positions, actual targets for all events, types of firearms used, presentation of score cards and scoring, and a period for questions and answers.

Upon completion of the "classroom" all participants are invited to go to the range and actually fire at the targets of their choice. All participants are given a "free course of fire pass" to participate in an actual match.

IHMSA, Inc.

Metallic Silhouette Clinic

 

Introduction

The information shared in this presentation is not intended to be the final word in silhouette competition, but is intended to be a basic introduction to IHMSA competition. While NRA events are similar in activity, there are slight differences between IHMSA and NRA rules, matches, and equipment. If the reader has any questions on rule details or other aspects of the game, consult the Official Rules book, or contact your State or Regional IHMSA Director.

IHMSA was formed in 1976. An International Championship is conducted each year by IHMSA, called the "Internationals." It is usually held in August, at a major shooting facility in the United States. Regional Championships are conducted annually in each of the eight U.S. regions. States also hold championships in one or more of the major types of competition.

We hope you benefit from your exposure to this clinic. IHMSA and its members welcome you to the sport and look forward to seeing you on the firing line at many of our sanctioned matches in the future.

1.0 History

Silhouette competition is said to have its origins in live animal shooting contests that began in Mexico around the time of Pancho Villa. The "winner" was the shooter who hit the animal. His prize was the unfortunate barnyard critter that he hit, which often became dinner that evening.

The first rifle metallic shooting championship was held in 1952 at Mexico City, using all the targets except the javelina (pig). The recognized father of the rifle silhouette game is Don Gonzalo Aguilar, who arranged the first informal match in 1948.

In 1967, the George Paterson Rifle Club in Nogales, Arizona, put up a 20 animal range but, due to the lack of interest, it ceased offering matches in 1970.

In the United States, Ray Dunlap is considered the founder of rifle silhouette. He set up a range at Tucson, Arizona, in 1967. The first match was held April 12, 1967, with an entry fee of $2.40 (which included dinner!).

The USSA (United States Silhouette Association) was formed in 1976. It was comprised of clubs from Tucson, Phoenix, Yuma, and Tombstone.

The first National Handgun Metallic Silhouette Championship was held at Tucson, Arizona, in September, 1975. Among the guns used by the 46 shooters were Colts, Rugers, S&W's and Auto Mags.

IHMSA was founded on October 2, 1976, after the second National Championship in El Paso, Texas. The first official IHMSA match was held in San Ferando, California, on January 8 & 9, 1977.

2.0 Events

IHMSA Big Bore

IHMSA Small Bore (22LR)

IHMSA Field Pistol

* - categories fired from a "freestyle" position

3.0 Course of Fire

Big Bore (full scale targets)

Small Bore (22LR) (3/8 scale targets)

Field Pistol (1/2 scale targets)

Championship matches are often conducted using more than the usual 40 rounds. It is not uncommon to shoot 60 or 80 rounds. You should always bring extra rounds to all matches. You may have to participate in shoot-offs, or the hosting club may offer a "fun shoot" at the end of the day. Match announcements will usually identify how many rounds will constitute the course of fire.

The color of the targets is decided by the match director, usually based on the contrasting conditions between the targets and the area behind the targets. Once the match has begun, the color cannot be changed.

4.0 Scoring

The targets are engaged from left to right by the shooter. If you miss a target, you must then shoot at the next target. A target hit out of sequence is scored as a miss. Hits are score as "X"'s; misses are scored as "O"'s.

To count as a hit, the target must a knocked down as a result of the shot fired at it. There is one exception: when the match director declares that wind conditions have resulted in the need to clamp targets to the stands (or set the rams "full foot"), hits will count. If necessary, a spotter or target setter will verify the hits.

A shooter can use a spotter or coach to identify the location of misses, or hits on the target. The spotter can offer verbal advice, keep track of the time, and keep score, but cannot handle the firearm or physically assist the shooter.

The process to break tied scores varies but "reverse animal count" is often used. This means that in the event two shooters have identical total scores, the shooter with the most rams wins. If the number of rams is equal, then the number of turkeys becomes the tie breaker, and so on. If all animal counts are equal, then a shoot-off is conducted to break the tie. The match bulletin usually identifies the method that will be used to break ties.

5.0 Line Commands

"Shooters to the line" - you may position yourself on the firing line but may not handle your firearm.

"Load" - signifies the start of a 30 second period when you can adjust/blacken your sights, dry fire, and load your firearm.

"Fire" - signifies the start of a two minute period when you shoot your five shots; one shot at each animal.

"Cease fire - make your guns safe" - given at the end of the two minute firing period; all guns must be unloaded and grounded with the action open.

At this time, target setters will be instructed to go downrange and reset targets. Except for transporting your equipment to the next firing position, shooters may not handle their forearms until the next "Load" command is given. Firearms must remain visible so that their safe condition (i.e., unloaded with action open) can be verified at any time.

6.0 Safety

Muzzle control

a) No part of the shooter's anatomy may be inside a cone of safety of 45 degrees around the center line of the barrel from the muzzle forward.

b) The arc of recoil that the muzzle travels through during discharge must be controlled so that it does not exceed 90 degrees above the horizontal.

Revolver cylinder

The shooters' hand cannot enclose or extend beyond the face of the cylinder after the cylinder has been closed on a double action (or after the first rounds has been loaded in a single action) until the firearm is unloaded after discharging 5 rounds.

Eye and ear protection

a) Eye protection is mandatory for all individuals on the designated firing line (shooters, spotters, scorers, spectators). Side shields are strongly recommended. Protection is needed from discharge of powder residue or revolvers that might "shave" lead or jacket material. Another source of potential injury is spent cases ejected from 22 caliber semi-automatics.

b) Ear protection is also mandatory for everyone on the firing line. The long term effects of exposure to the high noise levels produced by handguns is nothing to be taken lightly. The use of muffs, disposable foam plugs or custom fitted inserts, or a combination of both are favored by most shooters. The use of other methods such as stuffing cotton, tissue, or empty cases in your ears are ineffective, so make a worthwhile investment in some quality hearing protection.

Revolver shooters in the freestyle position generally use a blast shield or protective pad positioned between their legs and their firearm. This will absorb the hot and abrasive gases escaping from the barrel/cylinder gap when a round is discharged. Keep in mind that a blast shield is for protection . . . not for use as a shooting aid (i.e., used to provide artificial support for your gun).

Gun or ammunition problems on the line will occur occasionally. If you have a problem, have your spotter advise the line officer. If another shooter is having a problem, listen for instructions from the range officer and follow them carefully.

7.0 Firearms

Popular Big Bore revolvers include Wesson Firearms, Rugers, and Freedom Arms. Also seen are Smith & Wesson's, Colts, Seville's, and El Dorados. Small Bore revolvers enjoy wide use include Wesson Firearms, Freedom Arms, Rugers, Smith & Wesson's, and an occasional Manurhin (a French-made revolver).

The Production category is still dominated by Thompson/Center Contenders. However, a significant number of RPM XL's MOA's, and BF's are also seen in competition. A revolver can be used in the Production category, but can be used only after being shot in the Revolver category first (assuming the competitor has also entered that category). Semi-autos are seldom used in Big Bore, but are shot frequently in Small Bore; Browning, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson are well represented in that regard.

When participating in the Standing category, any Production gun is legal.

The Unlimited category is just that . . . unlimited. Limitations include a maximum weight of 4-1.2 pounds and a maximum barrel length and sight radius of 15". The basis for most unlimited guns is the Remington XP-100 in Big Bore. Wichita Arms also makes a fine bolt action single shot for this category. The use of a Super 14 barrel on a Contender frame also qualifies as an unlimited gun. The Anschutz Exemplar dominates Small Bore Unlimited competition but, once again, Super 14 Contenders are also used.

For specific weight, length, acceptable modifications, and accessory limitations, see the Official Rules book.

8.0 Calibers

This is probably the most discussed area of the sport. What is the "best" caliber? The shooters in the position here are those who don't come to the game with preconceived ideas or an excessive amount of "education" from their shooting buddies. These poor guys are susceptible to all sorts of free advice from the "experts" at the range. It's the old Chevy vs. Ford argument.

Since the object of the game is to knock over the target, any cartridge that has the accuracy and retained energy to do the job is acceptable. A cartridge cannot be too accurate, but it can be too powerful. As shooters become more experienced, they soon come to appreciate reduced levels of recoil, discovering there are many cartridges that will do the job. There are just as many that deliver more horsepower than required and contribute to side effects that could lead to development of poor shooting habits. We don't try to tell you which one is best; you get to decide that. This is one of the things that makes the game so enjoyable . . . the fun and challenge of working up quality handloads that are safe and produce the desired results.

The rules place specific limitations on ammunition used for Small Bore competition. It must be 22LR ammunition (no 22WRM), fired as manufactured.

The Big Bore Revolver category is dominated by the .357 Maximum (a.k.a. the .357 Super Mag) and the .44 Magnum. There's also interest in the original .357 Magnum, the .41 Magnum, the .445 Super Mag. and the .45 Long Colt.

T/C Contenders used in Big Bore are most often fed with 7mm TCU handloads. A variety of wildcats are also used with XL's, MOA's, and BF's. Many traditional revolver cartridges are also used in the single shots.

Unlimited guns are shot with any safe cartridge. The strong bolt actions found in the Remington XP's and Wichita's will handle most reasonable rounds. Favorites include the 6.5mm TCU, 7 BR, 7 x .223 (7 TCU), 7 IHMSA, 7-08, .308, and countless other wildcats.

Field Pistol is essentially limited to straight-wall cases with a few specific additions (.32-20 and .22Hornet). Check the Official Rules book to be sure your favorite round is acceptable.

In all cases, if a round is producing excessive target damage, the match director may disqualify that load or ammunition.

9.0 Shooting Positions

"Freestyle" includes any safe position but is dominated by variations of the Creedmore and Dead Frog positions. Other freestyle positions include prone, sidewinder, sitting, kneeling, etc.

"Standing" means just that. Stand up on your hind legs and shoot like a man (or woman)! None of that sissy laying down supported stuff.

Artificial support is not allowed. That means nothing (beyond reason) between the body and the gun. The gun cannot touch the ground, or rest on the top of a boot, or "stick" to a tacky blast shield.

10.0 Match Registration

Arrive early, as most clubs do not work with advance sign-up procedures. If you and a spotter are to trade off with your entries, you'll have to reserve your shooting slots at the properly spaced intervals. Major championships will usually have prepaid and reserved shooting times.

Locate the stat office and check in. Be prepared to give your IHMSA Membership/Classification Card to the stat officer. Your gun will be inspected before you go to the line. Don't forget . . . unloaded and handed to the inspector with the action open.

Fill out your scorecard(s) completely and clearly. Errors and omissions here by the shooter are the cause of confusion for the Match Director when he's posting scores or preparing a match results bulletin.

Turn in your scorecards as soon as you are finished shooting a event. Cards not turned in cannot be considered for awards and be included in the match results.

Retrieve your IHMSA Membership/Classification card from the stat officer after you have completed all of your entries. Make sure your scores have been properly recorded on the card. You are responsible for the accuracy/completeness of recorded scores.

Many clubs will mail out a bulletin with complete match results in it. The results are also published in the IHMSA NEWS, for class and match winners only.

Try to be patient with the crew running the match. These are volunteer jobs and the people strive to do their best and are often short handed. Many times the match crew will give up their chance to shoot so they can be good hosts and see you (their guests) enjoy themselves..

Entry fees are charged for all participants. The cost will vary from club to club. When you plunk down your hard earned cash, you're paying for:

11.0 Classification

A first time entrant is not ranked/classified until he fires his first course of fire. The score he shoots with his first entry in a particular category will establish his classification in the category That is also the class where his score will appear in the match results.

Reclassification occurs in one of several ways:

a) When you've shot two scores above the upper limit of your current class within a twelve month period, you'll be in a new class the next time you compete in that category. For example, you're a "B" class shooter in Production. You proceed to shoot two "A" class scores. After shooting the second "A" class score, you're reclassified as an "A" shooter in Production category. You're classified separately in each category (Production, Unlimited, Revolver, etc.) in which you compete. Furthermore, each type of competition (Big Bore, Small Bore and Field Pistol) is handled separately. You may be a "AAA" shooter in Big Bore Unlimited, and a "B" shooter in Small Bore Unlimited.

b) If you shoot a score that is two or more classes above your current classification, you will be immediately reclassified into the class below the class of your score. This upgrade is effective in the match which the score is shot and will be reflected on your Membership/Classification Card and in the match results.

c) To move down in classification, you must shoot a series of at least eight consecutive scores below your class. Then, you must petition your State and Regional Directors to have the downward reclassification approved.

If you want to shoot multiple times at a match in the same category (also refered to as "re-entries"), the first entry is used for award purposes; all subsequent entries will count only for classification purposes. Re-entries will also count toward the 3-entry requirements for championship matches. This refers to a rule that requires a competitor to have shot at least three non-championship entries in the preceding 12 months to be eligible to compete in a championship match. Each type of competition (Big Bore, Small Bore, and Field Pistol) is considered separately with respect to this requirement.

12.0 NRA Events

If you have competed at NRA-sanctioned handgun silhouette matches, the following describes comparable competition:

IHMSA NRA
Big Bore Long Range (LR)
Production LR Conventional Single Shot Freestyle
Unlimited LR Unlimited Single Shot (Full Size)
Revolver LR Conventional Revolver Freestyle
Standing LR Conventional Standing
Unlimited Standing LR Unlimited Standing
Small Bore Short Range (SR)
Production Single Shot SR Conventional Freestyle (NRA does not
Production Semi-Automatic separate action types)
Unlimited SR Unlimited Freestyle
Revolver SR Conventional Revolver Freestyle
Standing SR Standing
Unlimited Standing SR Unlimited Standing
Field Pistol Hunter's Pistol (HP)
Production HP Open Sights
Production Any Sight Hunter's Pistol

In addition to those categories listed, the NRA also offers competition in Long Range Unlimited Freestyle (Half Size), and separate competition in Hunter's Pistol for Smallbore (.22LR) handguns.

13.0 Beyond the range . . .

This booklet is not intended to be a detailed or complete explanation of all IHMSA rules and procedures. Those rules will change periodically and it is up to each member to keep current with those changes. This discussion has been provided to aid in your introduction to handgun shooting, point out some of the basic details, and answer many of the questions frequently asked about the sport.

We hope you enjoy handgun metallic silhouette shooting, join IHMSA, and compete at our matches in the future. Thank you for participating in our informal clinic.

 

IHMSA, Inc. & IHMSA Members

 

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