Actually, it might be closer to 25 years off... I think the last time I shot a silhouette match was before I started high school. Anyway, Hi! I'm Brian and I started competitive shooting when I was 7~8 with a Daisy BB gun (and peep sights). As a junior shooter in Wyoming, I won 2 state .22lr 4p championships and 1 air rifle state championship. After being denied the opportunity to attend the Junior Olympic training (because of ignorant rules that changed the following year) in 1993, I put away the rifles and stopped shooting. In 2006 I picked up both an air rifle and air pistol again, though found myself favoring the air pistol (and am currently ranked #38 with USA Shooting for international style AP within the US). But I always remember silhouette fondly, that was Fun! vs. the more dedicated 'work' of shooting AP and I want to get back into it again.

Now, for the opinions. I'm not exactly long on funds (which is the reason I started air shooting, I can stomach the $0.012/round shot cost), but I'll find them for the Right option. Anyone think I'll be frustrated with the more entry level options (CZ)? It's not like I'm learning how to shoot with precision and my experience is mostly with world-class equipment (Steyr LP-10 air pistol, FWB 601 air rifle, my .22lr was an Anschutz 1913 super match ~ long since sold unfortunately). I haven't really decided on hunter vs. standard, though the old position shooter in me wants a heavier rifle.. I understand that Anschutz make up the VAST majority of rimfire silhouette rifles at the major competitions, but I know that there are always options out there that are 1/3 the cost and perform to 90%+ of the expensive options. For air pistol, my $200 (more expensive now, but that's what it cost at the time) Baikal IZH46m Absolutely shoots to 90%+ of my $1500 Styer LP10. A used FWB 600~3 air rifle can be had for under $1000, and can certainly shoot 90%+ of the $4000 modern air rifles. That's really what I'm looking for, the accurate (but older, or maybe with quirks) but less expensive option so I can put the required money into the accessories... like ammo, and a mat, and.....



Anyway, hi all again. Thanks for whatever opinions you might care to toss my way.... I'm definitely still learning, and reading. I guess I've just decided over the past week that I do want to start down this road again after thinking about it for the past couple of years.

Cheers,

Brian

Welcome back Brian. Something about the smell of burning powder that brings back fond memories. Having shot just about everything you mention, yes a CZ will perform at about 85 to 90% of a custom Annie for this game, with costs being in <$500 (with trigger change, if desired) to $1600 and up on Annie. Perhaps not as noticed is the difference good repeatable glass makes, in this game where the mechanics of changing the sights every 5 minutes or so can be so important. Look at at least the cost of the glass to be the same as cost of the rifle/action. Spotting scope and vests are to comparable the costs in the other disciplines, not much else is needed besides a comforatble folding chair!
I think the glass has been discussed many times, certainly the popular lists include Weaver, Leupold, Premier, and Sightron., personal preference on clarity, brightness, # of clicks per MOA, etc.
Triggers are also a personal prference, most Hunter rifles in the CZ and above catagory are going to shoot as well as any standard. Much easier on the travelling to only carry one rifle and shoot both guns with it...and you don't have to adjust to different triggers.
Being an old 52B bull barrel shooter I can understand you desire for the heavier rifle...look for balance in your position for a lighter rifle. If you find one that balances with any hand or finger pressure to hold it in place while standing, you find you will adapt to the weight difference easily.

Mary

Brian, we have a good following of SB shooters in town and two ranges in metro Denver and one out at CRC in Byers. Until you get equipped feel free to show up at any scheduled match to get a feel for what guns and optics are popular right now. We all have loaner guns to shoot and will let you try them out or shoot a match. Anything to get you hooked up with silhouette again. Contact coloradoshooter on this site for more details and a match schedule . I run the HP game at CRC. Welcome back.

Brian...both McAlice and Bonner (colorado shooter) have been very kind to me when I show up for the states...without equipment. Usually work in Golden late Sept/Oct time so they will hook you up with some great equipment to try.

Mary

Oh yeah... scope. lol, I've been shooting open/iron/peep sights for so long that I never even thought about that. I do remember learning to not chase the crosshairs on a scope though ~ but a $500 scope does me no good without a rifle, though I can put a $100 scope on a $500 rifle and upgrade later. Gotta have something to put the lead downrange before getting too worried about aiming. But something I'll have to keep in mind...

Thanks Bob, I sent a message to Colorado Shooter and will see about coming out to help/schmooze/fondle/etc...



I thought about the paper targets I've seen folks use on indoor ranges through the winter months and googled one up for my 10m basement range. Mind you, it just doesn't have the same appeal going "Pffht.....thpt", and my air rifle is 11lbs with peep sights (that I didn't bother to sight in at all), and those animals are WAY small in my front aperture compared to a 10m precision target, but....



;) I guess I can still put a few into a target even after not touching a rifle in 3 years. I can also yank the trigger with the best of them And DANG that thing got heavy by the 20th shot.

Brian

Hi Brian, I am the Match Director for Smallbore Silhouette matches at the Aurora Gun Club. Please send me a e-mail and I will send you the 2011 schedule for all the matches in the Denver area. Include you phone number so I can give you a call.

Dave B.