NMLRA June 2023 Long Range Match, Camp Atterbury, IN. 800, 900, 1000 yards. Any safe original or reproduction traditional muzzle loading or cartridge style firearm in the mid to late 1800’s era of International Rifle Matches shooting black powder.
Archives
A Semi-military Whitworth Rifle (C778)
The finely engraved semi-military rifle C778 was sold by Rock Island Auction Co., 20 May 2023. There was a batch of these engraved rifles with spur trigger guard made around this time (c1862). This particular rifle was formerly in the George W. Wray Jr. collection, Atlanta History Center. It was subsequently sold by Poulin Auction Co, Fairfield, ME, USA, in October 2019.
Knowing the Enfield – Pattern 1853 to 1865. Volume 1
‘Knowing the Enfield – Pattern 1853 to 1865 . Volume 1’ covers subjects such as accouterments, the British Volunteer Movement, pouches, tools, guide and parts. At 284 pages it covers a lot of information. It is a unique reference, beautifully illustrated, and perfect for the collector, re-enactor or competitive shooter.
Army (Whitworth Guns)
From the ‘Hex Bore’ Whitworth library: ARMY (WHITWORTH GUNS). Correspondence respecting the Trial of the Whitworth Guns, between the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Whitworth Company, with the Report of the Ordnance Select Committee. 1867.
British Ordnance Muskets of the 1830s and 1840s: George Lovell’s Legacy
Announcing “British Ordnance Muskets of the 1830s and 1840s: George Lovell’s Legacy” by Adrian Roads with contributions from De Witt Bailey. This new book identifies and analyses in detail 18 ordnance muskets from the 1830s and 1840s. As well as providing the history and details of the muskets of this important period when the Ordnance transitioned from flintlock to percussion arms. Newly published by the Royal Armouries.
‘Report on European Ordnance and Manufactures’ (1882)
Appendix 19 of the Report of the U.S. Department of Ordnance, 1882, is a ‘Report on European Ordnance and Manufactures.’ It extends over 50 pages of text plus 30 single page plates. English and French ordnance of the period and various systems of construction are covered. Included is a short section on Whitworth’s Guns, with breech loading gun details and including Whitworth’s own remarks on early trials and gun construction.
Miscellaneous Papers (1858)
Today, the digitisation of books and archive holdings is welcomed by researchers, allowing access to material that may be hard to find or even otherwise unobtainable. However, it’s always nice to acquire a new book – ‘Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects’ by Joseph Whitworth (London. 1858).
To Working Gunmakers, 1860
“WANTED – TO WORKING GUNMAKERS – Wanted several Screwers and Finishers by the Whitworth Rifle Company, Sackville-street, Manchester. Apply personally or by letter. The best London prices are given.” ~ advert in Birmingham Journal – Saturday 1 December 1860.
The Volunteer Rifle Dilemma
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. Only .577 calibre (or 25 gauge) rifles which would accept government ammunition and government musket caps were considered as weapons for Volunteer units.
Research Press Digest 2023
British small arms manufacture, including Woolwich Arsenal and its manufacturing establishments and the Lee-Metford rifle at Sparkbrook. Also .303 inch Mark IV problems. NRA(UK) annual rifle meeting on Wimbledon Common. The Volunteer rifle and training. Rifle-shooting as a national sport (1899).
BPCR Guide: Care & Storage
The Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Reloading Guide: Care and Storage.
BPCR Guide: Accuracy
The Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Reloading Guide: Accuracy.