Metallic Pistol Silhouette Shooters NRA Rule Book-1981

sophie · #1 05-01-2023, 12:42 PM

I found my NRA Metallic Pistol Silhouette Rule Book from 1981.
I know there’s members here that shot Metallic Pistol Silhouette Matches in the late 70’s and through the 80’s. Keep in mind these matches were Pistol only. Hunter’s Pistol Matches were standing only at 25, 50, 75, and 100 meters. Long Range Pistol Matches were 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters. Long Range Pistol Rules allowed you to lay down. I believe I had an earlier version NRA Metallic Pistol Silhouette Rule Book in a different color that was published before this book but I haven’t stumbled on to it. This 1981 NRA Rule Book even had a few page inserts added for some changes. In the late 1970’s Metallic Pistol Silhouette Shooting was just getting established good across the country and the rule books were amended as needed.
I thought there would be some Forum members here that would enjoy seeing this book. Metallic Silhouette Pistol Matches we’re lots of fun and had a laid back environment.

Protocall_Design · #2 05-01-2023, 05:20 PM

I shot a lot of Silhouette back when. All we had around here was the IHMSA version, but it was pretty similar. I still shoot it once a month with a S&W M629, 8-3/8" barrel.

It's kind of cool to see the old rule book. Brings back a lot of memories.

sophie · #3 05-01-2023, 06:47 PM

I shot Hunter’s Pistol Metallic Silhouette Big Bore Matches for several years in the early 1980’s. Both my boys enjoyed shooting the matches also. The oldest shot big bore and the youngest shot small bore. It was great fun to cast bullets and work up accurate loads for the .357 Magnum.
Below are pictures of my gun case and you can see the decals from 1980 era. The NRA was pushing for 2 million members at the time. My S&W Model 27—.357 Magnum with 8 3/8” barrel used for big bore matches and my S&W Model 17 in .22LR with 8 3/8” barrel used for small bore matches. Both guns have Leopold 4X - EER Pistol Scopes.
In 1980 our Gun Club hosted the NRA Hunter’s Pistol Silhouette National Championship here in Amarillo, Texas. It was a 2 day Tournament and believe it or not, a woman won the overall championship. That Lady was a dead shot.
Do you shoot your Model 29 at 100 meters or 200 meters?

Protocall_Design · #4 05-01-2023, 07:00 PM

Nice guns! You and your sons have probably done pretty well with them.

I shoot the 629 in Big Bore out to 200M. I'm using 300 gr. bullets. I shoot all double action, as single action almost seems like cheating. Must give the other shooters a sporting chance, you know.

CALREB · #5 05-01-2023, 10:32 PM

So about a month ago a buddy calls me up and ask if I want to go to a gun shop out in Breckenridge Tx. about 50 miles from where I live. Way in the boonies... Hey get some breakfast and drive out to an out of the way gunshop, Im in... So we go out- out on a dirt road. Get to the place.. Shop is there an A frame type metal building with attachments. Pretty new Corvette sitting in the carport of the house 20 yards away so can't be all bad. Went inside and met by a nice friendly fellow ( Jim Mitchell) about my age late 60s early 70s. Suddenly BUZZ/ZOOM transported in a wayyy back machine . No plastic junk here. Pictures of Jim with Lee Jurras, Harry Sanford(automag) Cooper, Nonte,Chapman. Oh yes he was shooting IHMSA at Little Tujunga and Phoenix back in 75/76 when it was formed. Tons of IHMSA guns which I know nothing about, 35 REM, other calibers that made this 148 W/C shooter shudder. Then his custom IPSC guns , beautiful work. I own a bunch of custom guns, Springfields, S/W, Alan Tanaka, others. His work was amazing. He was very smart and built guns and competed with them to showcase his work at IHMSA, IPSC, SASS events. And the best thing about Jim is although his guns are beautiful, beveled slide edges, perfect fit of grip safeties etc., He is an accuracy fanatic ( probably from silhouette shooting ). Anyway it was a great afternoon.

Cant believe there is such a custom gunsmith so close to me. It was very educational. He has also done custom reloading for years; his wife owned a bullet company. So, it was a complete experience. Mitchell Custom Guns and Bullet works. Great Guy.

sophie · #6 05-01-2023, 11:33 PM

Sometimes you just never know when you’ll run into someone like that. Sounds like an interesting guy. Good story. Now you know where to go.

jake1945 · #7 05-02-2023, 08:00 AM

I participated in IMSHA back in the late 70s. It was all handgun matches at chicken, pig, turkey and ram targets. At one match I won first place in Production Class using a Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 mag. I used max handloads. At another match I won 3rd place in Production Class using a Ruger Blackhawk in 41 mag. These match took place in S.E. Iowa in an abanded rock quarry. Contestants came from all over Iowa for the State Champion shoots. It was much fun!

old tanker · #8 05-02-2023, 08:36 AM

I campaigned a Super Blackhawk back in those days too. Production, Standing and Revolver. My buddy was using a Contender in .30-30 Winchester. For some perverse reason, we were both determined to shoot only cast bullets. What a time we had!

sophie · #9 05-02-2023, 01:05 PM

I bought and tried a Thompson Contender in .357 Magnum to shoot Silhouette with but never could get the trigger pull to suit me so I sold it to my neighbor.