Silhouette Rifle: How To Pick A Spotter

by
posted on October 1, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
silh-rifle-history_7.jpg (1)

The silhouette shooter’s most valuable asset cannot be purchased or practiced. That asset is your spotter—the person who looks through the spotting scope, sees things much more clearly and has none of the match pressure the shooter experiences. This person can aid greatly in setting the mood and help—or hinder—mental attitude on the line.

Pick someone who has a complementary personality, whether of a jokester or a serious person. It only matters that this person is backing you up and is as reliable as your perfect rifle and perfect load. It’s an asset to shoot with someone in your same class, therefore your spotter has the same goals you do.

If you must spot with someone in a different class, pick someone in a higher class. Shooting with someone better than you is a learning experience not an embarrassment. In the offhand silhouette sports, good spotters are sought after and will be an important function of a high score. Always thank whomever spotted for you and never blame them for a poor showing on your part.


Here are more articles covering silhouette shooting:

Latest

Beretta AX800 1
Beretta AX800 1

New: Beretta AX800 Suprema

Beretta’s AX800 Suprema for waterfowl hunting features advanced gas cycling and tough Steelium Pro barrels built for the harshest conditions.

Understanding Ogive Jive

Explains bullet ogive shapes—tangent, secant and hybrid—how geometry affects aerodynamics, seating depth sensitivity, twist rates and real-world accuracy for precision shooters.

Remembering The 2014 NRA Open Air Gun Nationals

From the vault: Our coverage of the 2014 Open Air Gun Nationals, which allowed air gun competitors to participate at one of 15 locations around the country.

New: Cabot Guns Rebellion MAX

Cabot Guns’ new Rebellion MAX is a 28-ounce double-stack 1911 with a $6,295 starting price.

2025 Marty Brown Memorial Invitational

This two-day rifle match at Camp Atterbury honored Marty Brown by blending marksmanship and fundraising for ovarian cancer awareness.

Results: 2025 World Action Pistol Championship

Doug Koenig wins eighth World Action Pistol Championship; Team USA sweeps podium and captures team world title in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.