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

2 Grandamerican 2026Gallery
2 Grandamerican 2026Gallery

Gallery: 2026 ATA Grand American World Trapshooting Championships

The 2026 Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand American in photos.

Polite Society Industries Launches Six Suppressors, Promises Fix, Replace Or Refund

Polite Society Industries launches its first suppressor line—six models, rimfire through .36 caliber—priced against the post-tax-stamp market with a money-back guarantee.

Legends: Allan Cors, 1936–2026

Allan D. Cors, the NRA’s 63rd president and a Distinguished Rifleman who helped create NRA-ILA, died Aug. 10, 2026.

Richard Marshall, Jr., Claims Grand American HOA, Doubles Titles

Trap Talk cohost and Fiocchi pro shooter Richard Marshall, Jr., is Grand American Doubles and High Over All Champion after the close of the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s marquee event.

CMP Sets January 2027 for M14 Rifle Sales

CMP will open M14 rifle sales in January 2027, priced under $2,000, limited to two per person annually, with 100,000-plus rifles available.

Silver, Trophy Hunts And A Grand Champion: The 2026 Heartland Grand

The 19th Heartland Grand hits Ackley, Iowa, Aug. 17-23, with 1,100 HOA targets, a $25,000 trophy deer hunt and nightly cookouts.

Interests



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