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

Bendoftheriver 1
Bendoftheriver 1

Van Egmond Sweeps 2026 Dog Days Open Rifle Match

Nick Van Egmond won all three positions and the aggregate with a 1149-48X at the Dog Days Open in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Triumph of the M16: 1995 National Matches

The 1995 National Matches saw Army M16s rewrite the record book, a rare civilian pistol championship and Mitchell Maxberry’s back-to-back high power titles.

Winchester Super Match: New Competition Ammunition for Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun

Winchester’s new Super Match line boasts 19 rifle, pistol and shotgun competition loads and introduces the polymer-tipped BC Max precision bullet.

Walther Cup Returns With New Format, $5,000 On The Line

Registration is open for the 2026 Walther Cup at West Virginia University, where a new two-day format and junior final debut Nov. 21-22.

New Accuracy X Multi-Sight MAX Takes Your Red Dot Lower

Accuracy X’s patented Multi-Sight MAX seats red dots at direct-mount depth while allowing footprint, sight blade and co-witness changes without losing zero.

Todd Hitch Repeats as NSCA U.S. Open Winner

Todd Hitch wins NSCA U.S. Open Main Event for the second straight year, leading a strong week for Team Remington.

Interests



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