International Handgun Metallic Silhouette

Competitors shoot using firearms that fall into one of four equipment categories:

• Production
• Revolver
• Standing
• Unlimited

There are three official match types, each with its own categories and distances:

• Big Bore
• Smallbore
• Field Pistol

Each match is designed to test the shooter’s ability to accurately engage progressively more difficult targets under consistent conditions.

In 2016, the SSAA formally affiliated with the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association (IHMSA). As a result, the SSAA is now the only organisation in Australia authorised to conduct Handgun Metallic Silhouette matches using IHMSA rules.

Some clubs may also run Handgun Metallic Silhouette events under National Rifle Association (NRA) rules, reflecting the SSAA’s close working relationship with the NRA and providing additional competition opportunities for members.

Silhouette shooting traces its origins back to Mexico in the early 1900s, where long-range rifle shooting contests reportedly used live animals as targets. By around 1950, these were replaced with metal silhouette targets, marking a significant step forward in safety and consistency.

The discipline spread to the United States in the mid-1960s, where it quickly gained popularity. The first Handgun Metallic Silhouette match – using the same targets at shorter distances – was held in Arizona in 1975 and was met with strong interest from shooters.

In 1976, the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association (IHMSA) was formed, formalising the discipline and accelerating its international growth. The sport soon arrived in Australia, and by the early 1980s, Handgun Metallic Silhouette matches were being conducted nationwide.

There are two selection methods for SSAA International teams:

Invitational team

The National Board or President may appoint and approve an Invitational or President’s Team. Selection may be made with advice from the National Coaching and Discipline Supervisor and National Discipline Chairman.

Selection criteria–based team

The National Discipline Chairman submits a team selected according to the Selection Criteria to the National Board for approval. Selection is based on merit and must be approved by the National Board.

To qualify for a SSAA International Team, a competitor:

• Must be a current financial SSAA member
• Must be eligible for, or hold, a valid Australian passport, or have an approved exemption
• Must meet all requirements outlined in “SSAA Inc Information and General Requirement for SSAA Team Members”

• Selection is based on a discipline’s Annual National Championship, with competitors from a minimum of two SSAA State or Territory Associations
• Selection is based on the top ten placings in the relevant match or matches
• The relevant match or matches are determined for each discipline—contact the National Discipline Chairman for confirmation
• Championships held within six months of an international event may be used as selection shoots; otherwise, the previous year’s championship may be used with approval

There is no guarantee that a SSAA team will be sent to an international event. All teams are subject to approval by the National Board or President and to available funding.

Approved by the SSAA National Board on 18 November 2018, for implementation from 1 January 2019.

• SSAA official practice targets
• SSAA Standard Rules No 9.2 Rev Nov 2022
• 2018 SSAA Western Australia State IHMSA Title Dates
• Handgun Metallic Silhouette
• Discipline posters 201