International Handgun Metallic Silhouette

International Handgun Metallic Silhouette (IHMS) is a rimfire and centrefire revolver and pistol shooting discipline where competitors aim to knock down metal animal-shaped targets. The targets are placed on steel stands in banks of five and set at a variety of known distances, with the competitors having a certain amount of time to knock as many down as they can. The firearms used must fall into one of four categories: Production, Revolver, Standing and Unlimited, and there are three official matches: Big Bore, Smallbore and Field Pistol, with each match having its own categories.

In 2016 the SSAA and the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association (IHMSA) officially affiliated. The SSAA is now the only association conducting Handgun Metallic Silhouette matches in Australia using the IHMSA rules.

In addition, some clubs conduct International Handgun Metallic Silhouette events using NRA rules as the SSAA has a close affiliation with the NRA.

Handgun Metallic Silhouette video

History

Silhouette shooting had its origins in Mexico in the early 1900s, when the Mexican Revolutionary general Pancho Villa’s troops used live animals as targets in long-range rifle shooting contests. Live animals were replaced with metal silhouette targets in about 1950. This new rifle competition ‘migrated’ to the United States in the mid-1960s and developed quite a following there.

The first International Handgun Metallic Silhouette match, using the same targets at shorter ranges, was conducted in 1975 in Arizona and was very well received by shooters. One year later, the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association (IHMSA) was formed and the sport grew. The match soon came to Australia and by the early 1980s, matches were being conducted around the country.

Targets and scoring

In International Handgun Metallic Silhouette, competitors shoot a handgun to knock over metal targets shaped like chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams. They are of varying thicknesses and are placed at ranges between 10 and 200m, depending on the calibre of the handgun being used. A steel stand is set into the ground and the targets are placed on it in groups of five, with each five-target group called a ‘bank’.

Targets are fired upon in timed two-minute stages, firing at five targets per stage, in order, from left to right. The target must be knocked over to score. Any hit that doesn’t topple the target is scored as a miss, no matter how good the shot was.

Matches

International Handgun Metallic Silhouette comprises three official matches, with each match subdivided into categories

Big Bore

Big Bore matches require the use of centrefire handguns to knock down the almost life-sized targets, which are placed as follows: chickens at 50m, pigs at 100m, turkeys at 150m and rams at 200m. The matches are broken up into several main categories for competition: Production, Revolver, Standing, Unlimited, Unlimited Standing, Unlimited Any Sight, Unlimited Half Scale and Unlimited Any Sight Half Scale.

Smallbore

Smallbore matches require the use of rimfire handguns to knock down chickens at 25m, pigs at 50m, turkeys at 75m and rams at 100m. You might expect that because the range distances are halved that the targets would also be half-sized - not so. The targets are scaled down to three-eighths of full size, which makes this match more difficult to shoot compared to the full-sized Big Bore match. There is also a 50m Rimfire match, using one-fifth-scale targets, which is popular with clubs having restricted ranges.

Smallbore is conducted using the same rules as Big Bore, except only .22 Long Rifle ammunition may be used and it must be fired as manufactured. No Magnum or hyper-velocity (stingers, etc) ammunition may be used. Smallbore matches are broken into several main categories: Production, Revolver, Standing, Unlimited, Unlimited Any Sight, Unlimited Fifth Scale and Unlimited Any Sight Fifth Scale.

Field Pistol

Field Pistol is a centrefire match available to clubs with a range limited to 100m. It is shot at the same ranges as Smallbore, but requires centrefire handguns. The targets for this match are scaled-down to half-size and are much heavier than the Smallbore targets.

Field Pistol matches include only two categories: Production requires stock handguns with factory sights, while Production Any Sight requires stock handguns fitted with scopes, red dots or other optical devices. The scope, mounts and other optical devices must be used as manufactured, with no modifications.

The firearms used in Field Pistol are further limited to chamber only straight-walled handgun cartridges of standard manufacture with a maximum case length of 1.29" (32.76mm). Both Field Pistol categories are fired from the standing position only.

The Handguns

The handguns used in the Big Bore and Smallbore matches fall into four categories

Production

Production category handguns are the mainstay of International Handgun Metallic Silhouette. This category was introduced to allow shooters to compete on an even footing as far as equipment was concerned. The handgun must be used complete in form, finish and mechanical function as manufactured, with few modifications allowed. Aftermarket sights and grips may be fitted, provided they are catalogue items and can be fitted without modification to the handgun or the part.

Barrel length must not exceed 10.75" (273mm) and the weight of the handgun with all accessories must not exceed 4lb (1.8kg) unloaded. A trigger job may be performed by polishing the sear engagement surfaces of the trigger and hammer. The factory springs may be modified, but no aftermarket parts may be used. Muzzle brakes or ported barrels are not allowed in this category. Bolt-action handguns are not allowed in the Production category, but all other types of action are acceptable.

Revolver

The Revolver category is self-explanatory, but the revolver must also meet the Production category rules, in that it must be a Production revolver. The handgun must be loaded with five rounds and fired as a revolver, although the same handgun may be loaded singly if later used in the Unlimited category.

Standing

The Standing category is also largely self-explanatory; the handgun must be fired from a standing position. The firearm used for this category must be a Production-class handgun and may be a single-shot, revolver or self-loader. The handgun may be held with one or both hands, with no support to the shooting arm between the wrist and shoulder.

Unlimited

In the Unlimited categories, the shooter’s imagination can practically run wild as far as handgun selection is concerned. The only restrictions affecting an Unlimited handgun are a barrel length and sight radius limit of 15" (381mm) and a maximum weight limit of 6lb (2.7kg). There is no restriction on calibre or action type, and many of the centrefire bolt-action handguns are chambered in rifle calibres.

Scoring To score a hit, the targets must simply be knocked off their stands. However, they must be shot in the correct order and within the time limit. Normally, each shooter has a scorer recording the shots and making sure the shooter abides by the rules.

Spotting Scope Each shooter will have a scorer to mark the score sheet and if requested will 'coach' the shooter.

Dress rules Although no specific rules relate to dress, there are rules regarding accessories such as gloves, elbow pads and shooting mats. Eye and hearing protection is, of course, a must and there are rules relating to shooting glasses and eyeshades.

Other rules

Apart from quality firearms, the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette shooter requires certain other pieces of equipment. With rifle-like loads being used in pistol-length barrels, the noise generated on the firing line can be high, so good-quality ear protection is recommended. Many shooters choose to wear earplugs, as well as muffs. Eye protection is recommended when in the immediate vicinity of the firing line, as splashback from close field targets may result. Eye and ear protection is also often recommended for spotters using scopes or binoculars within close proximity when shooting is in process. Most shooters also choose to wear an elbow guard or pad on their shooting arm when shooting in the Creedmoor or back position. A leg guard or blast shield is also required when shooting a revolver from the Creedmoor position.