You are here: Home > Publishing Research Press Digest 2026 by David Minshall (Editor)(Research Press, ISBN 979-8273400054) The breech loading rifle superseded its muzzle loading counterpart during the second half of the 19th century. This volume examines  some of these rifles through several contemporary articles. Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse’s ‘needle-gun’ received much publicity, and he is featured in an interview first published in 1866. The British introduction of the Snider and the Martini-Henry into military service are given particular attention. The latter part of the 19th century saw a significant growth in target shooting as a sport, and the 150th anniversary of…

You are here: Home > Firearms > Ammunition Introduction > Results > Conclusions In the Annual Report of the National Rifle Association for 1875, General Alexander Shaler (President 1875-1877) reported on experiments with powder charges for long range shooting. The experiments commenced during the summer 1875 and were concluded that December. The aim was to determine the proper charge of powder to use in long range shooting in the Remington Creedmoor Rifle. Swaged bullets weighing 550 grains were used, and interestingly made of a hard alloy composed of fifteen parts lead and one of tin. New York, December 20, 1875 To the Directors of…

You are here: Home > British Military > Volunteer Force Written by: David Minshall In June 1859 the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, chaired a meeting called for the purpose of raising a Volunteer Rifle Company for the Holkham District of the county. While addressing the meeting he outlined issues associated with the selection of a suitable rifle – these dilemmas must have been echoed throughout the country in the early days of the burgeoning Volunteer Movement. He had sought clarification from the War Office whether the government would provide rifles at cost price. General Peel, the Secretary for War, had responded on 28 May that “her…