INDEX. The breech loading conversion of the muzzle loading Enfield rifle.
Archives
Lee Magazine Rifles
INDEX. The British Service Lee: Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield rifles and carbines.
On Riflemen
Long-range experts find a perennial source of enjoyment in the rivalry and keen competition of the rifle field. They do not think they have exhausted all the pleasure a good rifle can bring when a single season’s shooting is over. Each opening year brings a new zest for the sport, and each closing season only brings a determination to be ready, prompt, and early for the following year of pleasurable duty.
National Rifle Association
INDEX. Late in 1859 the National Rifle Association (NRA) was fomed and its aims included “the encouragement of Volunteer Rifle Corps and the promotion of rifle shooting throughout Great Britain.”
William Soper, Reading, England
INDEX. Manufacturer of a single shot breech loading rifle, renowned for its rapidity of fire.
George Gibbs
George Gibbs carried on for a great many years the business of a gunsmith in Bristol, which is still in the hands of his family, and at the time of the commencement of the Volunteer movement in 1859, he probably knew more of the manufacture and use of weapons for warfare than anyone in the Bristol District.
Obituary: George Gibbs
Another aged and respected citizen has been withdrawn from amongst us by the death of Mr. George Gibbs, the well-known gun and pistol manufacturer, of Corn Street and St. John’s bridge, which sad event occurred yesterday, at his residence, Park place, Clifton. The deceased gentleman, who was in his 72nd year, had been ailing for some time, but the painful illness to which he succumbed was of comparatively brief duration.
George Gibbs, Bristol
This large business was founded some fifty or sixty years ago in Thomas Street, and from there was subsequently transferred to 21, Clare Street. In 1858 the firm removed to their present premises at 39, Corn Street. The manufactury, Rupert Hall, St. John’s Bridge, was built in 1875, and the tools and appliances there are most perfect. Mr. George Gibbs has a national reputation for first-class guns and rifles, and his house is one of the very few establishments outside of London and Birmingham where guns and rifles are manufactured throughout.
Gibbs & Metford
The Small Arms Committee at the War Office has adopted the Metford rifle (with some modification in the addition of a magazine on the Lee principle) as a rifle for the British army. For the last 21 years – ever since Mr Metford brought it out as a muzzle loader – it has been the favourite weapon of the crack shots in the national rifle competitions, and from the time it was converted into a breechloader it has won its way to the very first rank.
Whitworth Patent Cartridge
Hold the cartridge in the left band by the first and second fingers and the thumb, with the trap downwards, the muzzle of the gun being held at the same time against the palm of the left hand by the third and fourth fingers. Insert the cartridge into the conical recess of the muzzle, and hold it there.
Loading & Cleaning The Whitworth Patent Military Rifle
The cylindrical form of projectile is the best for general use. It is 530 grains in weight and is wrapped with paper. In loading, the projectile should be pressed gently home, and should not be so forced down as to crush the lubricating wad or the grains of powder. Projectiles cast from the mould are not to be relied upon for accurate shooting, unless they are passed through a die-press.
Instructors of Musketry
“Sir – Additional candidates being required for the corps of permanent instructors of musketry now in the course of organisation under the regulations issued from this department on the 13th of August last, I received the commands of Field-Marshal Viscount Hardinge again to call upon you to furnish the names of any men belonging to the regiment under your command who may be eligible and willing to be transferred to the corps in question.”