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

Nra Logo On Blue 1
Nra Logo On Blue 1

NRA, Iowa DNR Partner to Offer NRA Online Hunter Education Course

The NRA Online Hunter Education course is available in Iowa thanks to a collaboration with the state’s DNR, expanding certified online options while maintaining state oversight of hunter education.

Milan Cortina 2026: Campbell Wright Takes 12th in Men’s Biathlon Sprint, Eyes Pursuit Podium on Sunday

Campbell Wright finished 12th in the men’s 10 km sprint biathlon race at Milan Cortina 2026, positioning himself for a pursuit bid on Sunday.

Milan Cortina 2026: Freed Leads Team USA Women Through Biathlon’s Toughest Test in Olympic Debut

Margie Freed leads Team USA women in her Olympic debut at Milan Cortina 2026, finishing 21st in the 15 km individual biathlon while teammate Deedra Irwin placed 34th.

American Rimfire Association Opens Benchrest Competition by Lowering the Cost to Participate

The American Rimfire Association expands rimfire benchrest competition through affordable factory-class rules, youth-friendly policies and inclusive match formats that welcome all shooters.

A Decade on the Firing Line: The National Matches 1920–1929

From Camp Perry’s wind flags to Sea Girt’s surf, the 1920s remade the National Matches into America’s proving ground for pistol, smallbore and high power competition.

Registration Open for 2026 Winchester & White Flyer Top Shot Youth Championship at NILO

Winchester and White Flyer bring the Top Shot Youth Championship back to NILO for a third year with big prizes and family-friendly competition.

Interests



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