What We Do:
Shadetree Shooters is a private, non-profit club that hosts monthly Silhouette competitions for air pistol and air rifle shooters. Metallic Silhouette is an exciting and demanding NRA-sanctioned sport in which competitors shoot to knock over steel cut-outs ("silhouettes") of chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams. Virtually any air pistol or air rifle may be used. All shooting is done from a standing position. Pistol targets are set 10 to 18 yards away; rifle targets are at 20 to 45 yards. A match consists of 8 timed intervals of 2-1/2 minutes, during each of which the competitor shoots 5 pellets at 5 animal targets. One point is scored for each target knocked over, so the maximum score is 40. Competitors may shoot in one or two matches per day.

The Equipment:
Virtually any air pistol or air rifle that shoots lead pellets (not "BB" guns) may be used. Our experience has been that even an inexpensive gun can be a winner in the hands of a good shooter. Chances are, a gun that you already own is good enough to get started. For air pistols, there are separate categories for open sight and scoped guns. For air rifles, a 4X (or higher) scope is recommended (but not required). Competitors supply their own guns and pellets, but sometimes it is possible to borrow a gun at the match to try it out. Eye protection of some kind is mandatory, but hearing protection is unnecessary in this "quiet" shooting sport. The club provides targets and scorecards (but bring a pen or pencil). Anything else is optional, though a simple timer and some kind a box to carry your gun(s) from one station to the next are useful. Plan to dress a little more warmly than you would for other outdoor sports, since you will be standing in the shade most of the time, and the breeze is sometimes a little chilly.

Kids:
We love 'em! This is a great sport for both adults and kids, and is one of the very best ways to learn gun safety at an early age. There are no hard and fast rules, but most kids twelve and older have the physical ability and maturity to enjoy airgun Silhouette. We do sometimes create a special "benchrest" category for younger children who want to see what shooting is like. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Match Schedule:
Our tournaments are on the third Saturday of each month at the Los Angeles Silhouette Club outdoor range (see directions below). Registration begins at 9:30am, and the match begins at 10:00am. First-time shooters should plan to arrive no later than 9:00 to get oriented and to check sight settings. The matches are normally finished by about noon. Club members bring potluck food items to share after the match, and everyone is encouraged to stay for lunch. Click here for details.

Directions:
The range is located near Sylmar in Los Angeles county, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. From the I-210 freeway, take the Osborne St. exit and turn north on Foothill Blvd. Make the first left turn onto Little Tujunga Canyon Rd. Follow it for about 2 miles, then make a left turn onto a road marked "Angeles Shooting Ranges". Keeping to the left, follow this road past several other gun ranges to the end, where a large wooden sign announces "Los Angeles Silhouette Club". Click here for a map.