Close doesn't count

The picture shows, in my interpretation of the Rules, a non-compliant stand.
From the current (2020) Rulebook, 4.1 Targets, this: The "feet" and the top of the stands must be the same size with a maximum variation of 10%. Where solid rails are used, pads for each animal should be used and the pad will be considered the stand.
Had a pad been used, as prescribed, that animal would have been knocked over or from its stand.

So where did it hit the ram to do that?I don’t see a bullet mark.

Ouch!

I can see two marks - hind leg, and rump.

No1_49er said:

The picture shows, in my interpretation of the Rules, a non-compliant stand.
From the current (2020) Rulebook, 4.1 Targets, this: The "feet" and the top of the stands must be the same size with a maximum variation of 10%. Where solid rails are used, pads for each animal should be used and the pad will be considered the stand....

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I'm having trouble understanding what that seems to require. Weld little steps where the feet go? Considering that we use the same rails for both rifle and pistol matches, with different-size targets of course, that would be a problem. Can you find a picture?

As a practical matter, Our club has run monthly matches with targets on these rails for over 15 years and they are unlikely to get changed. So Andy is just out of luck.

22SLEEPER said:

So where did it hit the ram to do that?I don't see a bullet mark.

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To steal a line from the late IHMSA80x80, I think only the bullet lube hit the target. That takes real skill to do that.

I believe this sort of thing happens more often to Andy, who is very good, than to the rest of us. We tend to miss by more.

That Ram has some serious balance skills, he should be in the circus, if there still was a circus.

One of the hind leg shots is probably the culprit that turned him.

Besides the incorrect base, the feet of the chicken appear to be too thick (same rule as above requires same thickness of feet and target). Wouldn't meet requirements for an "approved" or "registered" match, but for a local match "everybody is shooting at the same targets" would probably rule.

I understand the rules and that little pads/pedestals are required, but don't understand the motivation for the rule. Why is that a rule?

I have seen pics of ranges where each animal is on a stick with a pad. Is the rule for making sure the pads aren't too small, not too big? I could use a history lesson if anyone knows for sure.

I've shot at nra regional event that didn't have pads/pedestals, just one big chunk of steel for all the animals.

been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. if you shoot silhouette you will turn a animal.

at this current stage of the silhouette sport you have a match when you can and you don't worry about if the rails have pads or not.

frankmako said:

been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. if you shoot silhouette you will turn a animal.

at this current stage of the silhouette sport you have a match when you can and you don't worry about if the rails have pads or not.

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I've turned animals also.

and your second statement was exactly what I was thinking. Silhouette is hard enough without getting wound up about a rule that I can't figure out why it exists at all.

Those cast iron rams have "NRA APPROVED 22 LR USA" molded into the back. The thickest part of the feet is greater than 1/4 inch although the feet taper toward the back and they are thinner in the middle. The body is 1/4" thick but the legs taper and are thicker where they join the feet. IMO they are as close as you can get to 1/4 inch thick with cast iron and expect any durability. Even these break.

We're just glad and a bit proud to be running regular matches. This is what we've got and this is what we use.

No1_49er said:

The picture shows, in my interpretation of the Rules, a non-compliant stand.

From the current (2020) Rulebook, 4.1 Targets, this: The "feet" and the top of the stands must be the same size with a maximum variation of 10%. Where solid rails are used, pads for each animal should be used and the pad will be considered the stand.

Had a pad been used, as prescribed, that animal would have been knocked over or from its stand.

Click to expand...

Technically that is true,but most ranges need the rail to be versatile enough to be used for different size silhouettes and as others have said it just isn't practical to weld 60 little pads on and have them in the way.

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MManning said:

I've turned animals also.

and your second statement was exactly what I was thinking. Silhouette is hard enough without getting wound up about a rule that I can't figure out why it exists at all.

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pads are good to have. they make for a better match in all silhouette matches. but,,,,most ranges do not a rail system where they can have pads. there are not many true silhouette ranges these days. most of the silhouette ranges are multi purpose ranges. i shoot on all type of silhouette ranges across this great country. some ranges are true silhouette ranges with real set in the ground rails, pads, and a berm. but most ranges are portable rails, no pads, double stack rails system, and no berms or a metal back stop.

so if you love to shoot silhouette you got to shoot where you can no matter the range setup.

(X)

At our matches "if the target has two feet and one foot is completely off the stand it counts as an X". We try to set all targets with their feet flush with the back of the rails.

I've had this happen with both the 1/2 and full scale targets. The weight of the rams head acts like a counter balance. It's rare, only with an edge hit, so we just gotta accept it as a miss when it happens. Besides it adds to the uniqueness of our game.

CardPuncher, what is the curtain behind the targets?