This is a topic that I find very difficult to approach because there is no right answer. But, I have been asked recently by new shooters at the first few NH Silhouette matches what to buy? I will see if I can provide a non partisan response.
The first and best rule is "the best starter adult rifle is the rifle you already own". One can make this sport equipment centric but the reality, it is more dependent on the skills of the shooter than the equipment. You should also immerse yourself in the clubs and the events first to see if that is the way you want to spend your available hobby time. I know of five newbies who have procured the right gear but are infrequent participants. Sure, priorities change, I understand that all too well. My point, what you own will get you started and you can get a good understanding of the sport. You can assess your level of interest in developing your marksmanship and mental skills while at the same time enjoying the companionship of other shooters in similar pursuit. It is fun for families, it is fun for both genders, it is fun for people of all ages and skills. It's fun, social, challenging, educational, and most likely, addicting.
What to do with the "bring what you own gun" strategy. I guess I have three things to do pre match day.
- Using Google and the many forums out there learn all you can about the rifle you own, sight options, trigger mods, stock configuration, pros and cons, ammo findings by others, accuracy expectations etc etc. I point you to the right and visit the two links. One is an introduction to Smallbore and Airgun silhouette, the other is an introduction to Smallbore and Highpower. Digest both.
- As you may or may not know, this game is fairly simple. Four animals set at four different distances. Chickens 40m, Pigs 50m, Turkeys 77m and Rams 100m. Let's not get hung up on the nuances between Cowboy yards and Smallbore meters. What you need to understand is, you need 4 sight settings which will then work for every match you go to. Sure, some minor adjustments may be needed but that comes later.
- Find ammo YOUR gun likes. When I started this sport I assumed all 22 rimfire ammo was the same. WRONG! Worse, just because my gun shoots X does not mean your same model gun will do well with it as well. And, if you are lucky, price may not be the indicator of accuracy in YOUR gun.
- Ammo testing method. For this sport your ammo cannot just be tested at 50y but also at 100y. Start a binder for your gun and save your targets with your notes for ammo evaluation down the road. Optimally, use the same 'protocol' each time and figure out which of the commonly available ammo your gun likes. This can be a project in an of itself! Don't have that type of time? Federal Lightning from Walmart is a good place to start. This is in my opinion the only cheap ammo that shoots well. If you have time, buy some Federal Auto Match, Federal 711B, Winchester T22, CCI Standard Velocity or Wolf Match Target.
- If you are shooting with a scope and intend to shoot Club in NH here is what you need to do. 40m is chickens. This should be your ZERO elevation, ZERO windage. Once you are confident you have POA (point of aim) equal POI (point of impact) adjust your scope knobs to zero. If you can't adjust your knobs, use a sharpie and mark the point where the indicator points to the "dial" for chickens. From here on we will use clicks to adjust to our next animal. Move to Pigs (50y) and before you change anything, see how much if any your bullet drops. Count the clicks up you need to add to make POA = POI and write them down. Sort out the four club rifle distances and make VERY careful notes of sight picture and sight settings. Don't under estimate what even blade and buckhorn sights can do with ammo that has been matched to a gun and good sight picture notes. (40m, 50y, 77y, 100m).
That may seem simple but bullet 2 and 3 can turn into a fairly in depth effort and IMO, is all about enjoying the sport and learning your and the rifle's ability. I am still working on this effort 10 years later. It is part of becoming one with the gun. If you find this to be an enjoyable pursuit, then a purpose built silhouette gun is be in your future.
If you don't have a gun. Make some good friends on the line and see if you can sample some equipment. Often shooters have their "first gun" at home or you can use their current rig. The variable cost is ammo and an offer to reimburse for ammo or locate a brand as suggested by the owner can make this a good way to experiment. Although it may seem forward, veteran shooters are more than happy to help a new shooter get up to speed. Don't hesitate to reach out to folks before the match to develop a "experimentation plan" come match day.
Ready to get something that is yours? I find many people just want their own stuff so they can start the journey. I get that. I did it myself. The budget conscious approach would be to buy used but that can be difficult for a newbie. In 2001, after I brought what I owned for the first match, I was told to go buy a
NS522. The beauty was the way in which it was more of a mandate than an option. I did and could not be happier. Sadly, they are no longer imported thanks to Clinton and this is the best
image I could find. Yet, I know of two NH shooters that have found them and report complete satisfaction. Today, from the currently available inventory, I would suggest a
CZ Varmint. The heavy barrel helps the silhouette shooter but any CZ 452 is a good place to start. [edit] I wrote an additional post re the old Remingtons which is another good option if you are willing to hunt for a used rifle in the gun racks or local gun shops and pawn stores. Go
HERE to read it.
Plan B would be to get a
Marlin 39A. A tad unconventional and counter to my 1/5th focus but here is why. First, you can learn all about shooting a rimfire, sight management, ammo evaluation, off hand shooting, mental management etc etc and you have a gun for life. You can put a scope on it and use it for 1/5th until you get that "special" 1/5th bolt gun which is what this forum is about. A 39A can get you right into the silhouette scene without compromise and can be used not only for Smallbore Cowboy but also for Iron Sight Club Rifle, Club Rifle Novice, Club Rifle Expert and even Pistol Cartridge Cowboy. Is it the "best" gun for these other disciplines? Not really but it
is legal and scores would go into your book. If you are that good a shot and want to win, you're past the "starter gun" chapter of your journey and this advice does not apply to you.
Unlike the NS522, over 2 million 39A's have been produced and can be found brand new or used. Avoid the Mountie. Beware of the
Remlin from what I read. Bother, now I will have to attempt a 39A post. Any experts out there want to guest author?
As I started, there is no right answer. Dive in, participate, travel to other matches, talk with other shooters and have fun. Exploration, learning, experimentation is all part of the sport. I can assure you your first gun will not be your last if the bug bites.
I am indebted to a handful of mentors from Texas who started me on this sport back in 2001. 6-9-2001 I entered my first score ever, a 12! Thanks to Nomad it has been a fun journey since then. He did and still does provide me coaching which is much needed. Whenever he spots for me he always helps me interpret the events so that I can make the needed adjustments, sometimes mental, to afford a few extra animals.
