The Irish rifle team journey to the USA began on Sunday 6 September 1874. The party arrived in New York harbour about noon on 16 September and were greeted by a deputation consisting of members of the National Rifle Association and Amateur Rifle Club.
Author: Research Press
American Team Trials, 1874
In December 1873 the Amateur Rifle Club (ARC) of New York accepted, on behalf of American riflemen, a challenge from Irish riflemen for a long range rifle competition. The ARC appeal for native-born Americans seeking to be considered for the team was published nationwide. When the 1 July 1874 deadline for submissions was reached, none but members of the ARC had expressed interest.
The New York Times, 12 July 1874, published details of the trials for the initial selection of US riflemen to form the team and reserve that would compete against the Irish riflemen at Creedmoor during the coming September.
Sharps Firearms, Model 1878 “Borchardt Patent” Rifles and other Sharps Models
This final Volume IV of this series on the complete history of Sharps Firearms is final book of the four-volume set and covers all of the various Sharps Model 1878 rifles and carbines under the Borchardt patent, as well as the line-throwing guns, double-barreled shotguns, and Sharps & Hankins rifles and carbines. Also discussed are the modern Sharps firearms that have reached their own special collector and shooters’ interest.
American Team Selection and the Amateur Rifle Club
In March 1874 the Amateur Club circulated an appeal to the riflemen of America. This was in anticipation that they would receive from the whole nation sufficient support to enable them to produce a creditable team to compete against a team from Ireland. The appeal was published in newspapers throughout the country. Native-born Americans interested in rifle shooting, and desiring to be considered for the team, were requested to forward scores on or before the 1st day of July 1874. Despite the publicity, the renowned ‘riflemen of the plains’ failed to materialise.
Long Range Muzzle Loading, Bisley, June 2024
A splendid weekend of long range muzzle loading at Bisley, with the MLAGB and the Long Range Rifles Branch! Shooting at 600, 900 and 1,000 yards. Long range shooting with the muzzle loading rifle is a challenge – there’s a lot that a changeable wind can do to deflect the heavy lead bullet from the centre of the target!
The Amateur Rifle Club Long Range Badge
On 30 May 1874 (#onthisday) competition began for the Long Range Badge of the Amateur Rifle Club of New York. Eighteen contestants were entered for the match, twelve used rifles by Sharps and six used rifles by Remington.
Whitworth Database Updates – 2024
Whitworth Research Project – database management summary 2024.
Amateur Rifle Club Gold Badge
On 12 July 1873, the Amateur Rifle Club of New York held at Creedmoor their first contest for the Club’s Gold Badge. The competition was fired at 500 yards, seven shots to count, and with rifles not over ten pounds in weight. Matches were to continue monthly, and once won by someone three times, the badge would belong to them forever.
Long Range Rifles, Bisley, May 2024
Friday 3 May – Sunday 5 May saw three days of training and competition shooting at Bisley with the Long Range Rifles Branch of the MLAGB. Ranges booked were 500, 600, 900 and 1000 yards. Shooting was mostly with muzzle loading rifle, but there were also a handful of black powder breech loaders used at some distances.
The Black Powder Target Rifle Federation
The proposed Black Powder Target Rifle Federation will encompass all types of Black Powder matches including, but not limited to Creedmoor, Midrange, the many gong matches held and 22BPCR matches even BPCR Silhouette. All of the different disciplines would have their own set of rules and requirements.
British Commonwealth Bayonets and Fighting Knives
‘British Commonwealth Bayonets and Fighting Knives’ by Ian Skennerton & Brian Labudda. Completely revised with new updates from prominent collectors in England, Australia, Canada, South Africa & New Zealand.