IHMSA Sanctioned Air Pistol Silhouette Matches

The goal is to knock metallic sihlouette targets shaped like chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams off their stands. Each entry consists of 40 shots fired in 8 stages of 5 shots each. (10 shots per animal) Each stage consists of a 30 second load period and a 2 minute firing period. At the option of both the club and the shooter an additional stage may be added to the beginning of the entry to take sighter shots. No more than 5 sighter shots may be taken per entry. At UPMS sponsored silhouette matches the shooters may take sighter shots if they so choose.

There are 5 targets available for each stage and targets are engaged left to right, one shot per target. The first shot is directed at the left most, or first target and hit or missed the second shot must be directed at the second target and so on. The correct target must be knocked off its stand to be counted as a hit. One point is awarded for each hit for a maximum score of 40 points.

For the 1st two stages the competitor engages 1/10 scale chickens placed at 30 feet. For stages 3 and 4 the targets are 1/10 scale pigs at 37.5 feet. Stages 5 and 6 are 1/10 scale turkeys at 45 feet. Stages 7 and 8 are 1/10 scale rams at 54 feet.

The competitors may compete in more than one catagory. The catagories are:

  • Production
  • Unlimited
  • Standing
  • Unlimited Standing
  • Unlimited Any Sight
Production, Unlimited, and Unlimited Any Sight are freestyle, meaning any shooting position where no artificial support is used. Standing and Unlimited Standing must be shot from the standing position and a one or two handed hold may be used.

Each catagory is broken down into several classifications based on shooter skill. As a result the shooters compete only against other shooters with similar guns, shooting positions, and skill level.

Because the targets are sent flying or spinning off of their stands, the game resembles plinking and therefore, is very attractive to young shooters. Additionally, the multiple catagories and classes allow a young shooter an opportunity to win. This makes air pistol silhouette shooting a good family sport.

UPMS has loaner pistols available or you may bring your own. UPMS will provide pellets for those who need them. Only pellet guns of .22 caliber or smaller are allowed. BB guns are not permitted.

For more information on handgun silhouette shooting in Utah, go to www.ihmsa-utah.org
For information about IHMSA go to www.ihmsa.org