Firearms Resources
Enfield Rifle
Snider-Enfield
Martini-Henry & Martini-Enfield

Target Shooting

Shooting festivals (for bow and crossbow) were a feature in continental Europe from early times, with firearms making their appearance in these matches from the 15th century. Competitive events within Great Britain did not become a major feature until the advent of the Volunteer movement of the Napoleonic era and more significantly its later resurrection in 1859.

Late in 1859 the National Rifle Association (NRA) was formed, its aims including "the encouragement of Volunteer Rifle Corps and the promotion of rifle shooting throughout Great Britain." The NRA held their first rifle meeting on Wimbledon common in 1860 and with royal patronage and the daily papers and weekly-illustrated journals reporting widely on events, the 'Wimbledon fortnight' was marked for success.

In the latter part of the 19th century the Creedmoor Rifle Range, Long Island, New York, USA, was the venue for a number of international long range rifle matches that received widespread public interest and much press coverage. Ranges shot at were 800, 900 and 1,000 yards, with muzzle loading and breech loading black powder rifles used.