Monarto Metallic Silhouette Rifle Club

The Monarto Metallic Silhouette Rifle Club (MMSRC) is a sports club located in Adelaide, Australia. Established in 1980, the MMSRC provides a platform for individuals to practise and showcase their field rifle skills on the target range. The club focuses on using hunting equipment and positions that mimic real-life hunting scenarios. Its programme includes several disciplines centred around this theme, such as Metallic Silhouette, Field Rifle, 3-Position, and the demanding Fly Shoot.

Additionally, the club occasionally organises air-rifle, shotgun, and handgun events.

One of the main disciplines at MMSRC is Metallic Silhouette shooting, which involves shooting at silhouettes of Chickens, Pigs, Turkeys, and Rams from a standing unsupported position. Competitors use various classes of rifles, including air rifles, rimfire (22 LR), and centrefire rifles. While some participants opt for custom-built equipment, most use factory rifles. The targets are shot in banks of five within a time limit of 2.

5 minutes for five shots. Matches consist of ten of each target type for a total of 40 shots. The shooting distance varies depending on the rifle class, ranging from 20 to 45 yards for air rifles, 40 to 100 metres for rimfire, and 200 to 500 metres for centrefire rifles. To score a hit in metallic silhouette, the target must be knocked off its stand.

Matches are conducted under the guidance of a range officer, with strict adherence to the set rules. Newcomers to the sport will receive an explanation of the rules and will be paired with an experienced shooter to familiarise them with the process.

Another popular discipline at MMSRC is Field Rifle, which involves shooting at paper targets from a variety of positions using either rimfire or centrefire rifles. Rifle slings are permitted in this event. The targets are set at distances of 25 and 50 metres for rimfire rifles and 25 metres to 200 metres for centrefire rifles. The matches consist of 42 shots and simulate commonly utilised hunting positions, including Offhand, Standing Post, Sitting Post, and a rapid fire section.

The 3-Positional match, also known as 3P, is similar to Field Rifle but has different distances of 50 metres for rimfire and 100 metres for centrefire. In 3P, shooters engage targets from prone, offhand, and sitting positions, without the aid of posts or rests. The standard match consists of 60 shots, and custom shooting jackets are allowed but not commonly used at MMSRC.

MMSRC also hosts the challenging Fly Shoot, a precision shooting match involving long-range targets with the silhouette of a blowfly. Shooters aim to hit the “blowie” at distances of 500 metres for centrefire and 200 metres for rimfire rifles. The target has scoring rings ranging from 1 to 10, with additional points awarded for small groups. Participants typically choose to shoot from either the benchrest or prone positions.

A match comprises five targets, with five shots and three sighters allowed per target.

In addition to rifle disciplines, MMSRC offers informal shotgun matches, providing an opportunity for participants to practise their shotgun skills. These matches typically involve shooting 25 clays, with an additional 5 clays for practise.

The Monarto Metallic Silhouette Rifle Club welcomes individuals of all skill levels and encourages sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence in shooting disciplines. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or new to the sport, MMSRC provides a supportive environment for individuals to develop and showcase their skills.