Complete newbie, has some questions...

[Zoomanderson]

Hello all,
I've never shot smallbore silhouette or any type of silhouette before, but have been invited to shoot in a match at the local club on Saturday. I've got a CZ 452 Lux with a Mueller 8-32x44 scope on it, the YoDave trigger and a floating barrel on it. Will this be enough to get started?
Also, how do you play the game, and how do you typically adjust your scope for it?

[Jerry G]

I am not familar with that scope but................. The rifle is just fine.

Most set their scope zero at chickens (40 meters) and then the aprox up from 0 for Turkeys the rest of the animals is:

Chickens 40M - 0
Pigs (60M) - 2 min
Turkeys (77M) - 4 min
Rams (100M) - 8 min

Most shoot target grade ammo. Many of of us started with something like CCI blue box and progressivly bought more expensive target stuff as we got better.

I hope that gets you started. Good luck.

[Bob259]

Welcome to a fun sport (although frustrating at times )

Here is a good site that will take you though the sport and answer a lot of your questions on how the matchs are run.
http://www.riflesilhouette.com/

[dustinflint]

Zoomanderson,

Jerry hit the nail on the head with his suggestions - I'll add one thing. Often at our club someone new will show up to the match and he/she watches one of the master-class shooters to see how it's done. After watching a master shooter hit 32+ targets, the new shooter gets to the line and hits 3 or 4 and is disappointed and/or embarrassed and gives up. That is a BIG mistake! Two things to keep in mind: First, if you hit even one target in your first match, you've done a great job. This is not an easy game, certain people are attracted to it BECAUSE it's difficult; certain people dont like it because they like easy things that dont require any work to be good at it. If you like a challenge and want to become a GREAT rifle shooter, try it and keep trying and stick with it. If you want to get good at it, you will.

Second, keep in mind that even the best shooters in the world were beginners at some time and couldn't hit very many targets when they first started. NO ONE at the match is going to care what scores you're shooting (until you get good) and EVERYONE understands how difficult the game is.

So, go to the match with an open mind and learn some things and have a good time and dont get frustrated when you're not lighting the world on fire. It's a really great game but you have to start with the right mindset.

Dustin

[Zoomanderson]

I appreciate the responses. I'm good on ammo (using either Lapua Center X or Eley Black; the CZ likes pretty much anything as long as its expensive). I've never shot offhand before; are there any tips for doing so?

[cedestech]

I've never shot offhand before; are there any tips for doing so?

http://www.riflesilhouette.com/index.html

Show up early. Ask the match director if they could pair you up with a skilled shooter to help you along and give you pointers.

In the end, every single shooter has their own "style" and you have to figure out what works, or doesn't for you.

[Jerry G]

WOW!!! you are starting off with the good stuff. Don't be disapointed with a low score, we have all been there and done that.

[OldRanger]

Too bad you aren't shooting at our range. They could pair you with me. I might not be able to teach you anything, but you wouldn't feel so bad about your score!

Follow the link folks have provided and then practice dry firing (or at least holding the rifle) in your house/yard. It will help you get a feel for what works and what doesn't. Go out and have fun!

[kevinbear]

What range are you shooting at? There might be someone on here that lives in your area.

[Zoomanderson]

Bayou Rifles in Houston.

[Zoomanderson]

JerryG, ammo-wise, I already shoot Center X for benchrest, and the CZ seems to like the black stuff too. Like I said, though, it likes anything that's really expensive.
I'm a little concerned about the weight of the rifle. From what I've seen here, trainer, silhouettes and 455's with the varmint stocks seem to be the norm. I haven't heard about many people using the Lux.

[cedestech]

I run the Hunter Pistol and Cowboy lever action match at BRI. A bunch of the guys here will be out there Saterday. Come early and we'll get you squared away. Don't worry about the gun. We'll let you shoot anything especially if you are just starting out. My name is Emmett. I'll be out there by 8 and maybe earlier.

[kevinbear]

I run the Hunter Pistol and Cowboy lever action match at BRI. A bunch of the guys here will be out there Saterday. Come early and we'll get you squared away. Don't worry about the gun. We'll let you shoot anything especially if you are just starting out. My name is Emmett. I'll be out there by 8 and maybe earlier.

And there you have it!

[Zoomanderson]

Thanks guys! Emmett, I'll get in touch with you through pm.

[cedestech]

He shot a 15 and 10 for his firt matches ever.... He'll be OK.... Pat's already giving him "pointers"....