just for ideas this is how our long range varmint matches are run...you can adjust things to fit your matches and ribbons are pretty cheap.

Course of Fire

  • Squads: Shooters are separated into squads after signup and the safety briefing. Each squad is assigned a firing position.
  • Sighter period (FOR MARKSMAN AND SHARPSHOOTER CLASSES ONLY – Expert and Master do not get sighters): before the start of the match, there will be a 25:00 minute sighter period on hanging gongs at each range. This is provided primarily for a fast check of zeros or estimated drops. Because all squad members need to check zeros, each shooter should attempt to complete this check in less than 10 minutes. Please come to the match with your rifle sighted in and have approximate drop data.
  • Hanging steel varmint targets are shot at various ranges following the scorecard for each class. A total of (4) 10-rd relays are fired by each competitor.
  • A Relay consists of (2) 5-round Strings, each taking no more than 3:00 minutes, with a 1:00 minute rest period between Strings.
  • Competitors will shoot 1 round (single-load) at each varmint type during a 5-round String. Target order is called by a spotter using the scorecard.
  • Each line of targets (approximate ranges): Squirrel at 230 yards, Squirrel at 330 yards*, Crow at 425 yards, Woodchuck at 425 yards, Rabbit at 550 yards, Coyote at 550 yards, Coyote at 650 yards*, Coyote at 850 yards* (*depends on Class qualification).

General Rules

  • Arrive by 8AM on event dates to receive the mandatory safety briefing before the match.
  • This is a “long range varmint” oriented match. Approach it as you would if setting up in the field for long-range shots.
  • All firing will be done single-load in the prone position, from a field rest of some type such as a backpack or hunting bipod. Allowances for bad backs, joints, and other physical limitations are made at the Match Director’s discretion. We have benches available for these situations, the rifle support rules still apply.
  • No artificial rear support is allowed – the rear of the rifle must be supported by the shooter’s arms/body only.
  • No mechanical rests or “benchrest” type equipment will be allowed. If you are not sure about your gear, just ask the Match Director to review it. Generally speaking, equipment that would be used in the field is legal for use in the match.
  • The ideal calibers for this are the .243 class and up using long range match bullets, however people have shot this match successfully with everything from a .223 to a .300WM.

Scoring

  • Targets consist of hanging steel silhouettes, painted white. Points are scored by “hitting” the target.
  • A “hit” is defined by a bullet strike anywhere on the white steel target surface. Hits will be observed by 2 spotters in each squad using visual target hit indication (violent movement of the target, bullet splash on white paint).
  • Spotting is an essential skill for long range shooting. Participants are expected to aid squad members by spotting and giving accurate calls. This is a good time to hone skills in observing trace, reading hit and miss dust patterns, and detecting correct target behavior for hits.

Classes/Awards

  • There are 4 classes in Long Range Varmint Silhouette (highest to lowest): Master, Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Each class is awarded 1st-3rd Place ribbons at each match. Junior (less than 18 years old) shooters are eligible for 1st & 2nd Junior as well as regular awards at each match. There are additional awards given after each season based on total points earned.
  • In order to advance in class, a shooter has to score a given point count in the previous class. In order to move down a class, a shooter must in three consecutive appearances score below a lower threshold for that class (see Class specifics below).


  1. Master Class – Shoots targets at the following yardages: 330, 425, 550, 850. NO SIGHTERS. Qualification: Score 30 or more in Expert Class (score less than 20 three times to move back).
  2. Expert Class – Shoots targets at the following yardages: 330, 425, 550, 650. NO SIGHTERS.Qualification: Score 25 or more in Sharpshooter Class (score less than 15 three times to move back).
  3. Sharpshooter Class – Shoots targets at the following yardages: 230, 425, 550, 650. Qualification: Score 15 or more in Marksman Class (score less than 10 three times to move back).
  4. Marksman Class – Shoots targets at the following yardages: 230, 425, 550.