Black Powder Cartridge Rifle

(BCPR) Competitions

Origin

Metallic Silhouette (Siluetas Metalicas) was introduced in the southwestern United States from Mexico in the 1950’s. The sport, dating back to pioneer times, originally used live animals. The US version used high power rifles and metallic animal/bird silhouettes. This has since evolved to include black powder cartridge rifles, lever action rifles, pistols, air guns and small bore rifles.

Buffalo Rifles at River Bend Gun Club includes two different match protocols: Silhouette and Mid-Range Match competitions. Silhouette matches are held on our 500 meter steel silhouette range which includes a covered firing line and silhouette racks at 200, 300, 385 and 500 meters. Mid-Range Matches are held on our 600 yard range which includes target pits with cantilever target carriers, and 200, 300 and 600 yard firing lines.

The targets are silhouettes of Chickens at 200 meters, Pigs at 300 meters, Turkeys at 385 meters and Rams at 500 meters cut from heavy steel plate. The animals are sized appropriately at each range. The Chickens are shot off hand without any support, such as slings or shooting coats. The remaining animals are shot in a prone position using shooting sticks. The course of fire is: ten (10) shots each on Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys, and Rams. The relays will be shot in two stages. The first stage will consist of unlimited sighters and five (5) targets in a seven minute time limit. The second stage will consist of five (5) targets with no sighters in a five minute time limit. Targets will be reset after each stage.

Cartridges must be loaded with straight black powder or Pyrodex. Cast bullets without gas checks must be used. Rifle weight must be 12 pounds 2 ounces or less with iron sights. There is 15 pound limit when using a traditional scope. A few other restrictions apply so if you are interested rules are on line at: NRA Rulebook.

Silhouette shooting is a team sport - one team member shoots while the other watches for changes in the wind and light and spots the hits and misses. It’s a great way to spend time with a friend, wife, son or daughter.

Classifications

Black Powder Cartridge Rifle/Scoped Black Powder Cartridge Rifle:
Master ..................... 31 to 40
AAA ......................... 26 to 30
AA ............................ 21 to 25
A ............................… 16 to 20
B ............................... 0 to 15

Equipment

Almost any pre-1896 American manufactured / reproduced single shot hunting or military style rifle with an exposed hammer may be used. Rifles such as the 1874 Sharps, 1885 Winchester High Wall, 1873 Springfield Trap Door, Stevens 44 ½, etc. are seen on the RBGC silhouette range. Per NRA rules, black powder or pyrodex is allowed over the “newer” smokeless powders, who many consider a “passing fad”. The most popular cartridges are 38-55, 40-65, 40-70, and 45-70. You may also see 38-50, 45-90 and 45-100. Bullets are cast in different lead-tin alloys and range in weight from 350 Gr. To 575 Gr. Sights used are Vernier tang (Iron) sights, as well as Malcomb type scopes.

Black Powder Target Rifle (BPTR) Mid-Range Competition

Match Protocol

The Mid Range course of fire is very similar to the High Power across the course matches. Classes shot are either in “Position” or “Prone”.

• 200 yards – Target is the SR military.
• “Position” is shot off hand without shooting jacket or sling.
• “Prone” is shot in any position (off hand, sitting or prone with shooting sticks.
• 300 yards - Target is the SR-3 military.
• “Position” is shot in the sitting position with shooting sticks.
• “Prone” is shot in any position (off hand, sitting or prone with shooting sticks.
• 600 yards - Target is the MR-1 military.
• “Position” and “Prone” are usually shot in the prone position with shooting sticks.

At each yardage you are allowed up to 4 sighter shots and 10 shots in 25 minutes for score. Shooters take turns in the pits pulling, marking and scoring the hits for their fellow shooters.

Classifications

If a competitor only has a classification in NRA Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette, that competitor will be given an “Assigned Classification” for his first match as listed below:
Master ........... Master
AAA ............... Expert
AA .................. Sharpshooter
A or B ............ Marksman

Scheduling

Mid Range matches are held at different times throughout the year. Please look at our match calendar for dates. If you are interested, complete rules are listed on line at NRA Rulebook.



For additional information or questions contact the Match Director at: buffalorifles@rbgc.org