Smallbore silhouettes...what did you start out shooting?

[B_Koes]

I went to a fun shoot this weekend where we basically shot NRA Smallbore silhouettes.  There were no classifications or classes of rifle, but I had a ball.  I knew this game was hard, but just HOW hard was a surprise to me (not to mention very humbling).

I showed up with my Sako Finnfire Hunter with a Simmons 6.5-20x50 scope and a BKL bolt action riser with BKL rings.  The rifle is stock and I adjusted the trigger as light as it will let me (Sako says that is 2lb) and it was my thought that I'd like to have a rifle that would qualify as a NRA Smallbore Hunter rifle should I ever decide to shoot that event.  I'd like to hear some opinions regarding this setup.  I understand opinions will be diverse, but I wanted to hear of others experiences.

We shot 2 rounds and I ended up with a 16x40 & 18x40.  What were your first scores?  I have not been around this type of shooting and I was curious if this was any good or not.  I was pretty happy with the results, but it felt as if I could have done better if my sight settings were a little more exact.  In my first round, I actually had my best score on the turkeys where I hit 5 and my worst animal was the chickens where I hit 3! :oops:  I think my scores were pretty much middle of the pack, but just about everyone else was using heavy Anschutz rifles with triggers that would break when if you would breathe hard.  The only other "sporting" rifle was a Ruger 10/22.  I see similar type scores from some places on the Net when they post results of both Standard and Hunter rifles...is there really only a very little bit of advantage in a heavy barrel and a light trigger?

[40x40]

I bought my Sako Finnfire 2 weeks ago, and did better with it than my Anschutz 5418 at the 2004 Nationals in Raton. Go figure! I also have the BKL rings,  but the double strap 263's, with a Bushnell 4200 8x32 Elite.
One thing you should know about the Finnfire. You can't eject the magazine unless you close the bolt.
If you have no desire to master a heavy gun with a very light trigger, then just keep practicing with the Finnfire. It will be able to qualify for both Standard and Hunter class.
The Finnfire can use more weight out front to slow the movement down. Has to be legal. No barrel weights. A heavier barrel or weight in the forestock wood will be legal.

Leo

[Bald Barry]

16 and 18 are very respectable first scores.  They would be very good first scores for a 60 shot match.  Keep at it.  But then I think you may already be hooked.

[ajj]

You obviously have a background in competitive shooting. People who may be excellent game shots with a lifelong interest in recreational shooting seldom shoot in double figures their first few matches. High teens is a good score in the first couple of SEASONS for a reasonably talented newby who is enthusiastically working at it. Yeah, I know there are exceptions. Not many. And they're usually people who are just working harder and smiling when folks talk about their "talent."

[B_Koes]

Ahhhh...you see right through me.  I have shot IHMSA silhouettes for about 4 years now.  I love steel games...whether it sounds like "boom-clank"..."bang-clank" or "pop-clink" (...meant to connote either big bore, field pistol, and smallbore silhouettes respectively).  It is obvious to me that there is plenty to learn about this "new-to-me" shooting discipline and I really don't know where to start since rifle silhouette isn't real big in this area.

[K2]

Hi BK  

How did the 10/22 shooter fair?  Was it a stock 10/22 or one of the modified target models?  

I am curious cause of the plinker rifle with the 3/8 scale target game we are working on.  For that one the stock 10/22 does pretty well, even with iron sights.  20+ to begin.  

I went to a fun shoot this weekend where we basically shot NRA Smallbore silhouettes.  There were no classifications or classes of rifle, but I had a ball.  I knew this game was hard, but just HOW hard was a surprise to me (not to mention very humbling).

I showed up with my Sako Finnfire Hunter with a Simmons 6.5-20x50 scope and a BKL bolt action riser with BKL rings.  The rifle is stock and I adjusted the trigger as light as it will let me (Sako says that is 2lb) and it was my thought that I'd like to have a rifle that would qualify as a NRA Smallbore Hunter rifle should I ever decide to shoot that event.  I'd like to hear some opinions regarding this setup.  I understand opinions will be diverse, but I wanted to hear of others experiences.

We shot 2 rounds and I ended up with a 16x40 & 18x40.  What were your first scores?  I have not been around this type of shooting and I was curious if this was any good or not.  I was pretty happy with the results, but it felt as if I could have done better if my sight settings were a little more exact.  In my first round, I actually had my best score on the turkeys where I hit 5 and my worst animal was the chickens where I hit 3! :oops:  I think my scores were pretty much middle of the pack, but just about everyone else was using heavy Anschutz rifles with triggers that would break when if you would breathe hard.  The only other "sporting" rifle was a Ruger 10/22.  I see similar type scores from some places on the Net when they post results of both Standard and Hunter rifles...is there really only a very little bit of advantage in a heavy barrel and a light trigger?

[B_Koes]

Hi BK  

How did the 10/22 shooter fair?  Was it a stock 10/22 or one of the modified target models?  

I am curious cause of the plinker rifle with the 3/8 scale target game we are working on.  For that one the stock 10/22 does pretty well, even with iron sights.  20+ to begin.

Mike - To be quite honest, I don't know what her score was.  The rifle was the basic hardwood model, but I also don't know if any modifications were made to it.  I did notice that the barrel band was removed.  I have no clue if the trigger was worked on.  She was using a scope, not open sights...frankly, I'd be suprised if I could hit any with irons after seeing how small they are at 20x!

I would expect that using 3/8th scale targets, especially at IHMSA distances would be well within the capabilities of the 10/22.  We do something very similar at our current IHMSA match, although it's generally lever guns that show up but all are welcome to compete.

[K2]

Thanks BK

I think we are on the same track even though sometimes it doesn't seem that way.  (the lack of emotion on the internet often leads to shades of meaning that just were not meant)  If the idea works with sanction and national advertising to boost the interest and numbers this might be a welcome addition to your IHMSA match.  Most local matches I know can always use a few more shooters to help cover costs.  The time limits will be the same as the pistol match if they are shooting with pistol folks, and the same as rifle if shooting with rifle folks.  2 or 2 1/2 minutes with an auto will make no material difference.   Same for 15 or 30 second load time.  Five shots left to right is plenty simple its those X's that seem illusive at times  :wink:

The bigger targets are more in line with the stock 10/22's limitations.  As Bill and you are showing experienced pistol shooters make good rifle shots as well.  Keep having fun.  

Hi BK  

How did the 10/22 shooter fair?  Was it a stock 10/22 or one of the modified target models?  

I am curious cause of the plinker rifle with the 3/8 scale target game we are working on.  For that one the stock 10/22 does pretty well, even with iron sights.  20+ to begin.

Mike - To be quite honest, I don't know what her score was.  The rifle was the basic hardwood model, but I also don't know if any modifications were made to it.  I did notice that the barrel band was removed.  I have no clue if the trigger was worked on.  She was using a scope, not open sights...frankly, I'd be suprised if I could hit any with irons after seeing how small they are at 20x!

I would expect that using 3/8th scale targets, especially at IHMSA distances would be well within the capabilities of the 10/22.  We do something very similar at our current IHMSA match, although it's generally lever guns that show up but all are welcome to compete.

[shootingpaul]

I started with 3/40 - open sights ruger 10-22

[K2]

HI Paul  

I think your results are fairly typical for a stock 10/22 with open sights on the 1/5 scale targets, especially with no sight settings.  On the 3/8ths scale targets at 25,50,75, and 100 (or even at the standard sb rifle distances of 40,60,77,100) the 10/22 does pretty well in stock trim.  If you have the 3/8ths targets and can use more participation give it a whirl and advertise it in the area.  You might pick up several newly interested folks.  Some of those will stick with it long enough to make the shift into the 1/5 scale targets.  Either way more folks is often better at a local match.   :wink:  The key for most staying interested is getting around 1/2 of the targets.  In the 1/5 scale game as in Handgun Standing it takes most a while to reach 50%.  Many don't wait around long enough to get there.  Either way if they don't try to start or don't stay past a match or two the games won't grow much.  Silhouette is too much fun to keep a secret  :-D

I started with 3/40 - open sights ruger 10-22

[hh4064]

My very first silhouette gun was a used 144 mossberg. With a tasco scope.
Shoot what ever you have just to get started. Now matter what you shoot, you are at least shooting
good luck
mbj
lapeer mi