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Long Range Rifle Fire
This collection of articles on historical topics provides hitherto difficult to find contemporary texts and newly written pieces for the student of long range shooting. Contributions are welcomed. |
1859 12 May British Government issues circular authorising Lord Lieutenants to raise Volunteer Corps due to apprehension of French invasion.
1859 29 October Meeting at Spencer House, London, by leading Volunteers propose to form a National Association promoting rifle shooting.
1859 16 November Meeting at Thatched House Tavern establishes working committee; the National Rifle Association is born.
1860 2 July First annual prize meeting of NRA. Queen Victoria fired inaugural shot from a Whitworth rifle in a mechanical rest.
1861 Challenge from Scotland against England; teams of 8 shooting at 800, 900 & 1000 yards. Lord Elcho presents Elcho Shield for competition.
1862 First International Competition between England and Scotland for the Elcho Challenge Shield at Wimbledon. England win.
1863 William Church in USA accepted assignment as editor of Army and Navy Journal, the first edition of which appeared on 29 August 1863.
1865 Ireland allowed to compete for the Elcho Shield for the first time. Shooting against England and Scotland they finish third.
1866 Maj. Leech chairs meeting at Wimbledon. Resolution adopted requesting Irish gentry aid in promoting national sport of rifle shooting.
1870 – 1871 George Wingate’s “Manual for Rifle Practice” appears in six parts in USA’s Army & Navy Journal, later appearing in book form.
1871 August W.Church writes “An association should be organised in this city to promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.” 1871 September New York W.Church holds meeting for National Guard officers interested in developing marksmanship skills amongst their troops.
1871 17 November The National Rifle Association granted charter by state of New York "to promote rifle practice".
1872 New York Legislature induced to appropriate $25,000 for purchase of rifle range, the NRA agreeing to raise $5,000 on its part.
1872 70 acre site found for new range at Creed’s Farm, Long Island. The desolate field, scanty grass and brambles inspire the name Creedmoor.
1872 October Amateur Rifle Club organised in New York modelled after small-bore clubs of Canada and England. Capt. Wingate is President.
1873 21 June Inaugural NRA rifle meeting, Creedmoor. Rapid fire 100yd, 200yd military & any rifle for individuals, plus team at 200 & 500yds.
1873 12 July Amateur Rifle Club fire their first match at Creedmoor. 7 shots @ 500yds 12 entries. J.Bodine wins with a Metford muzzle loader.
1873 17 July Ireland scoring 1195 beat England (1175) and Scotland (1128) to win the Elcho Shield for the first time since 1865.
1873 22 November New York Herald publishes Irish challenge to Riflemen of America. Shooting at 800, 900, 1000, & 1100yds.
1873 5 December Amateur Rifle Club at their AGM resolved to accept Irish Challenge on behalf of the American riflemen.
1874 March Letter to Riflemen of America published by Amateur RC seeking contact from native-born Americans who desire to form part of team.
1874 Match conditions agreed. 15 shots at each distance 800, 900 & 1000 yds. Teams of no more than eight or less than six, at Irish option.
to be continued...
© D.B.Minshall 2011 |
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The
Back Position -
An over view illustrated with 19th century images and photgraphs of
modern riflemen.
The Creedmoor Rifle - Contemporary information on loads used for long range shooting.
The
How and Why of Long Shots and Straight Shots - A short treatise explaining
the limitations of the smooth-bored gun and round ball, and the merits
of the rifled barrel and elongated bullet. [1860]
Long-Range Rifle-Fire - An overview of the development
of the rifle in British military service from 1680 to 1885, and the impact
on long-range shooting. [1885]
Long Range Shooting - Is a new historical
perspective from the earliest times down to the late 19th Century.
Long Range
Shooting in the United States - This short history covers long range shooting from the early European settlers through to modern timess.
.45-70 at Two Miles - The Sandy Hook Tests
of 1879. U.S. long range rifle fire with the Springfield and Martini-Henry
rifle. |
| For the soldier to take advantage of the advances
in firearms technology, so musketry
instruction needed to evolve to meet changing military tactics
and capabilities. |
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| Wimbledon |
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| Late in 1859 the National Rifle Association
(NRA) was formed and its aims included "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. |
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Wimbledon & The Volunteers
- From 1860 until 1889 the NRA held their annual rifle meeting on Wimbledon
Common, with attendance in the thousands… and that was just the
riflemen! So who were these riflemen and what were they doing at Wimbledon?
By-Laws and Regulations
- For the July 1860 meeting of the NRA at Wimbledon.
The Wimbledon Rifle-Match
- A spectators report on the first meeting NRA rifle meeting, 1860.
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Creedmoor
& the International Matches
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. |
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| Creedmoor
and the International Matches - The story of the founding of the NRA
in America, the development of Creedmoor rifle range and the international
rifle matches. |
Riflemen
The 19th century saw a huge growth in
interest in target rifle shooting. Queen's prize winners were hailed as
hero's and thousands of spectators turned up to witness the long range
international matches. Who were these riflemen that attracted such public
attention....? |
| Index
of 19th Century Riflemen - A biographic resource of information covering
prominent riflemen of the period. |
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