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.22 Rimfire Rifle Fun Shoot - "The Best Way To Break Clay"

Dust off that "Old Friend" in the closet and bring him to the rifle range.  This event is open to anyone who owns a rimfire .22 rifle with open sites or scope. (Short, long rifle or magnum)  This event is open to young and old alike who love the Fun of Plinking with their Favorite .22 rifle.

Where:  PMSC Rifle Range  When:  May 12, 2001  Time:  1:00 pm  Entry Fee:  $6.00
The range opens at 11:00 am for sighting in your rifle

The event will consist of 30 clay targets shot from 3 different distances and 3 different positions. (10 targets per station)  Hope to see you there with your "Old Friend"

• Rifle & Caliber:

  • Only rifles chambered in .22cal rimfire may be used, (.22 short, long rifle, or magnum).  Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanisms is prohibited.

• Hunter Class:

  • The rifle complete (including sighting system) must be 7½ pounds or less and the ammunition must be fed from a magazine.  Single shot youth guns will be waived from the magazine requirement as long as they meet the weight requirement.

• Open Class:

  • Rifles above the 7½ (including sighting system) or is designated by the manufacturer as of being of target design. There are no restrictions on loading means.

• Targets & Shooting Positions:

  • 10 Clay targets, 50 yards offhand position (Rifle being supported solely by the shooter)

  • 10 Clay targets, 75 yards sitting or kneeling (Rifle being supported solely by the shooter, shooter may use a stool)

  • 10 Clay targets, 100 yards off bench (The rifle may be fully supported but may not be clamped to the rests)

• Scoring:

  • Each contestant will shoot at a total of 30 targets.  Each target will count for 1 point with a maximum total of 30 points.  A "Scored Target" will be seen as any visible part of the target broken away.  The scorecard will be marked with an "X" for a scored target and an "O" for a missed target.  The highest number of scored targets will determine the winner.

• Shoot Offs:

  • Should a score count end in a tie, the shooters will shoot 1 shot at the 50-yard offhand targets to determine the winner.  If the tie remains, the shooters will proceed to fire additional shots until the tie is resolved.  The shooters will be given a 15-second "Ready" period and 30-second firing time for each shot.

• Course of Fire:

  • Shooters will have 2½ minutes per 5 targets, 1 shot per target starting left to right.  The range commands will be:

    • "Relay To The Firing Line" - At this time, shooters on that relay number will report to the firing line with their rifle (actions open) and ammo.

    • "Shooters Ready" - Upon the ready command, shooters will have 15 seconds to load their rifles and take aim on the first target.  Any shots fired or targets broken before the fire command will count as a lost target.

    • "Fire" - Shooters may commence firing once the "fire" command is given.  Also at this time the 2½ minute time limit will start.

    • "Cease Fire, Bolts Open" - This command will be called when the time limit has expired, a safety concern has arisen, or in the event of an emergency.  Shooters should open their bolts immediately, remove any magazines, clear all chambers and make their rifles safe.

    • "Any Excuses or Alibis" - At this time any shooter having problems may voice them with the contest director and shooters may leave the firing line.

How to Sight in .22 cal Rifle for Changing Distances
By Joseph F. Dantonio, Certified NRA Instructor

I’ve always loved shooting tin cans, balloons, clay targets, and any other type of reactive target. My passion has been NRA Smallbore Silhouette and steel targets in general. The thrill of hearing, seeing, and knowing you’ve just made a 100 meter shot at the ram target (which is only the size of a 3x5 postcard) puts me on cloud nine.

Now for a little science… a match grade .22-LR bullet (40grain) sighted in at 50 yards will drop approximately -2.8 inches at 75 yards and about -6.1 inches at 100 yards. Keep in mind that if you shoot targets that are closer or farther than your sighted-in bank, you will have to hold your rifle’s point of aim over or under based on your zero.

In Silhouette shooting you have to engage targets at four different distances. (40, 60, 77, 100 meters) This tends to be a sighting problem for some but is made easy with the use of a scope having “Target Knobs”. Target knobs give you the ability to adjust your impact point per the dials on your reticle adjustment. Simply zero your rifle’s impact on the first distance and zero the dial on your target knob. Now move to your next distance, turn the target knob until you get your desired impact and record the number on the target knob. Continue this process until you have recorded impact settings for all the distances you’ll be shooting at and presto, you have all distances covered. Don’t forget to adjust your target knobs per your records for the distance you’ll be engaging at the particular stage.

If you don’t have “Target Knobs” on your scope but have a duplex reticle, (the type of reticle that has thick cross hairs that go thin in the middle) you can use the intersection of the thick and thin cross hairs to determine the sight picture needed for correct impact. Remembering that a match grade .22-LR bullet (40grain) sighted in at 50 yards will drop approximately -2.8 inches at 75 yards and about -6.1 inches at 100 yards, using the intersection in the duplex reticle should become second nature with a little practice. Start by zeroing your rifle at 75 yards; use the duplex to find your different impact points. Soon using this technique will make your skills as a rifleman grow.

Should your rifle have open or peep sights, the same technique can be used as in having a scope with a duplex reticle. When shooting with open sights one must concentrate on one’s sight picture. Knowing that 3 inches is the average difference from your 75 yard zero, hold -3 inches to50 yard targets and +3 inches 100 yard targets. Your sight picture through the sights has to be remembered and practiced. 

I like to practice on Clay targets. Clay targets are 4 ¼ “ in diameter any only cost a few dollars for a whole box of fun. Once I’ve sighted in at 75 yards, I’ll hold at the bottom of the clay target for 50 yards, and just above for the 100 yard targets.

I hope this helps you handle changing distances when you try new and exciting events or use different rifles. As for me I urge you to join me in becoming one of a select few who hunt the great range in search of the wild balloon wherever it roams.

Email me Please put Fun Shoot in subject line.