Here you will find a growing list of Frequently Asked Questions that range from the first steps of getting involved in Metallic Silhouette Shooting to competing at International Level.

            Q.        Who do I contact to learn about getting involved in Metallic Silhouette Shooting?

            A.        You can email the National Silhouette Association of Ireland - IrishSilhouetteShooting@gmail.com

            Q.        Do I need to be a member of a shooting club to take part?

            A.        Not necessarily but joining a club that is involved in Metallic Silhouette is a great start.

            Q         Do I require insurance to take part in a Metallic Silhouette shoot?

A.        Yes insurance is a MUST before taking part in any shooting activity.

Q.        Can I hire equipment at a shooting event to try before I buy?

A.        Unfortunately the National Association does not own equipment to hire out.

Q.        What type of firearm and equipment do I need to get started in Metallic Silhouette?

A.        Currently our main events are Smallbore rifle oriented.  For this you will require a .22 LR rimfire rifle                with at least one 5 shot magazine, a scope (if preferred) and a minimum of 50 rounds of .22                            ammunition. No magnum rifles or high velocity ammunition permitted.

            Q.        Before I enter my first shoot what do I need to do?

A.        If you practice Metallic Silhouette in a club then ensure you have your rifle sighted in for the correct                target distances.  Turn up to a registered event see calendar with correct fee see Membership Fee's                and seek out the Statistics Officer who will issue you with an annual classification card,                                    scorecards, collect your fee's and register you in the event.

            If you have not shot metallic Silhouette before then we would recommend that you make yourself                    familiar with the rule book and attend a national shoot as a spectator to see how it is run.

            Q.        What do I do after registration?                  

A.        Shooting Clubs follow their own set of safety guidelines so make yourself known to the Chief Range                Officer / Range Officer on duty and ask where you should uncase your rifle and where to leave it                    when not in use.

            Q.        What is an OBI (Open Bolt Indicator) and do I need one in my rifle?

A.        An OBI (Open Bolt Indicator) is a very valuable aid for firearms safety. Simple put, they are a device             placed in the chamber of a firearm with a portion that protrudes outside of the firearm to provide an                easily visible means to determine whether or not the firearm is loaded. They are not “snap caps’.                     Most shooting clubs require that you use one of these.

Q.        What are the names of the shooting events?

A.        One event is Smallbore hunting rifle SBHR and the other is Smallbore silhouette rifle SBSR.

Q.        What are the main differences of each event?

A.        In the SBHR the rifle weight is not to exceed 8lb 8oz including scope, bolt and an empty magazine.                 The trigger weight must be 2lb or over.  Rifle must be an off the shelf, magazine fed, non customised                rifle.  See NRA Rule Book and Updates for more details

            In the SBSR the rifle weight is not to exceed 10lb 2oz including scope, bolt and an empty magazine (if             necessary) and can have a thumbhole stock and single fed rounds.  The trigger weight can be set lower             than 2lb but must at all times be safe.  See NRA Rule Book and Updates for more details.

            Q.        What order are the targets shot?

A.        Targets are shot from left to right and only one shot per target is allowed.  You will fire a total of 5                    shots at a total of 5 targets during each time period.

            Q.        Is there a set time that you get to shoot each target?

A.        For 5 targets you get a 15 second make ready time and once this time has expired, you get 2 minutes              30 seconds to fire all 5 shots at your 5 targets.

            Q.        What are the targets made from?

A.        Targets are moulded or cut from different thicknesses of steel (depending on target shape).

            Q.        How do I know when I score a hit?

A.        A hit will be indicated when the designated target falls from its stand or over onto its side.

            Q.        Who marks my score?

A.        Usually another competitor or spectator will mark your scorecard but if none available this can be on a             ‘trust’ scenario by the competing shooter.

            Q.        How are the targets reset?

A.        Once a ceasefire has been called and Range Officer invites you to go forward the targets are reset by              the shooter who knocked them down.

            Q.        Who paints the targets?

A.        Targets are spray painted by the shooter who shot them.  Spray is always available at national shoots.

            Q.        What colour are the targets?

A.        Targets are usually painted white but this depends on their background colour.  All targets must be                    painted the same colour.

Q.        What do I do with my completed scorecard?

A.        Always check and sign off your final score as no protest can be made after the card is signed.  Return             scorecard to Statistics Officer personally if no one is assigned to collect them from each competitor.