Is silhouette dying?

[GregG]

I think we should restart all old threads. Remember it is the NRA fault. We should start a new organization and it will fix everything. How do we do it, oh that is just details. It will take care of itself and it will be free and simple. No one will complain.

Oh yeah and it will be free and because we leave the NRA there will be lines to sign up for silhouette matches.

[DavidABQ]

Well everyone knows the drought and lack of water in California is the NRA's fault. Yep, they are responsible for global climate change. It is true! Because of all the forests cut down so the NRA can mail requests for additional funding through donations. All of the mail and the NRA depleting the forests, especially the rainforests is responsible for California's water shortage. Yep, it all the NRA's fault.

[mtdave]

I would hate to see our sport die even though we don't participate anymore for many reasons. we left San Diego county in 2000 and even then matches were starting to dwindle, why I don't know but lack of match directors was one. When we got to Montana we tried to shoot at the local range but they won't shoot a registered match, they shoot pistol targets at rifle distances so their scores would be higher. We tried to stay active by doing head shots only on the targets but it just wasn't the same. Cody, WY is 120 miles away not too bad a drive but still 2 hours away and when the match starts at 8am it makes for a llllllong day. We never did get to Roger's match in Lander but it would probably require an overnight stay for us, it's way out there. But the two deciding factors for our quitting were Mary Ellen's health going to poop and I started our own business along with keeping the day job, this time of year it's 14-16 hour days 7 days a week along with household chores. I will say this our silhouette training has helped our hunting, you should see Mary Ellen whack antelope at 300 yards offhand. Our hunting friends that have witnessed it worship her and cower in fear that they never piss her off.

[teetertotter]

We just picked up 3 shooters this past month. A Master 9 years ago and left for military service. Now in Tenn., selling his home to move back here. He was Match Winner in Std. last week. He was here for two weeks visiting family. His father shot with us too, and bought a book and lives 45 minutes away.

Then we have another fellow, about a 2 hour drive, joining our monthly Tournament the past 2 months.

It is nice to have them on board participating. "Still keeping NRA SB Silhouette alive in Wisc." We need more calls like these and will e-mail all the info.

[clr]

I was finally getting around to setting myself up to shoot silhouette; the info I've gleaned lately is discouraging, but even if there are very few participants, I think I'd enjoy the sport greatly.
Years ago, seems as if it was "big" here in NW Arkansas, but now...

[Jerry G]

I can't even remember how many times this question has come up in the past 35 years. Silhouette is fracturing into a lot of pieces but we are still getting good turn-outs here in AZ. Some matches around the US are turning people away. PeEll had a turn-out as big as the last nationals in Raton. That should tell you something about how those matches are run. High Power seems to be fading but I think that is because urban sprawl is closing many HP ranges. As I have stated elsewhere on this form, The nationals need an overhaul. First off, the SB and the HP don't need to be at the same range. Secondly, for 70 to 80 shooters they don't need 10 shooting points for each animal. Call it 7 or 8 points and spread the nationals around the US. Only 2 locations in the US is insane.

[Boyd L.]

... I think I'd enjoy the sport greatly....

You probably would enjoy it greatly. Don't let the doom and gloom crowd discourage you. We never will attract new shooters if everyone who wishes to try it becomes discouraged.

[clr]

... I think I'd enjoy the sport greatly....

You probably would enjoy it greatly. Don't let the doom and gloom crowd discourage you. We never will attract new shooters if everyone who wishes to try it becomes discouraged.

Oh, don't get me wrong; I'm not discouraged-just need a venue within reasonable driving distance.

[Jerry G]

I can either drive south 80 miles to TRC or 75 miles north to Ben Avery. How is that for close?

[DavidABQ]

I can either drive south 80 miles to TRC or 75 miles north to Ben Avery. How is that for close?

Wow! You have me beat. I drive about 32 miles to the gun club I shoot at and only 3.5 hours to Nationals in even number years to NRA Whittinton Center. I now feel rather fortunate.

[clr]

I live about an hour and fifteen minutes from Alma. No problem; just need to make sure they still compete in that discipline.