The Creedmoor Era

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.

• Creedmoor Chronology - Key dates and events charting the rise and demise of Creedmoor Rifle Range.
• Challenge from Ireland to America, 1873 - Buoyed by their success in winning the Elcho Shield in 1873, Ireland wanted further laurels. A challenge to the 'Riflemen of America' for a long range rifle match was sent on behalf of Irish riflemen to the editor of the New York Herald. It was published on 22 November 1873.
• Creedmoor and the International Rifle Matches - This article looks briefly at the origins of the National Rifle Association in America and the establishment of Creedmoor Rifle Range. It continues with an overview of the international long range rifle matches.
• Creedmoor, History of the Range - An early article on the occasion of the first annual Prize Meeting of the National Rifle Association [1873].

International Military Rifle Matches

Shooting competitions between the Rifle Volunteers of Great Britain and the National Guard of America were agreed for 1882 and 1883.

• Rifle Volunteers vs National Guard (1882 & 1883) - Introduction to the events and teams

Rifles & Ammunition

• Creedmoor Rifles, 1873 - American manufacturers responded to the need for a long range target rifle.
• The Creedmoor Rifle, 1876 - Contemporary information on the basic form and ammunition for the American long range rifle.
• The Science of Long Range Shooting - Edwin Perry shares in his Modern Observations on Rifle Shooting (1880), some of the major changes / advancements at Creedmoor, in particular regarding bullet alloys.

Amateur Rifle Club

The Amateur Rifle Club of New York city was established in 1873. It was this club that accepted the Irish challenge to riflemen of America that led to the series of international long range rifle matches.

• 'Amateur Rifle Club' Origins - Early reports on the establishment of the club