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The ability for a person to launch a projectile, whether it be a rock, arrow, or
cast bullet, at a distant target and strike it with precision has been a part of
human history since the beginning of mankind. I sometimes think that we have
must have a gene embedded in our DNA that somehow instills within us a burning
desire to embark upon such an undertaking.
Throughout recorded history tales abound about the fantastic shots taken by some
of the early pioneers of this country, like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. The
incredible shot taken by Billy Dixon during the battle at Adobe Walls in the
Texas panhandle in June 1874 is one that many consider to be the greatest ever made.
Using a Sharps “Big 50” .50 caliber buffalo rifle, Dixon took careful
aim, fired, and struck a hostile Indian sitting on horseback at an estimated
distance of 1,538 yards — 9/10ths of a mile away!
Shooting Was America’s Number #1 Sport
It may seem hard to imagine now, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s, before
baseball became the “national sport”, organized target matches were the most
popular sport in this country. Men and women would gather on a Sunday afternoon
at their local rifle club or town square to participate in matches which
involved shooting at a target 200 yards away, from the off-hand position. Many
of the pictures and lithographs from that era show men dressed in formal attire
with rifle raised and pointed at a distant bullseye target. Skill with a rifle
was considered to be a “good” thing in those days and something about which to
be proud.
The Creedmoor Matches of 1874-76
Probably the most famous long range precision match ever held, and the one that
made the term “Creedmoor” famous, was the Long Range Black Powder match that
took place between the United States and Ireland on the NRA’s newly established
shooting facility built on the site of the “Creed” farm in upstate New York in
1874. The land around this area reminded many who saw it of the “moorland” in
Great Britain — hence the term “Creedmoor”.
Subsequent competitions at Creedmoor in 1876 and at Wimbledon, England in 1877
drew widespread attention to the sport and matched the best shooters in the world
against each other in formal competition.
Major Ned H. Roberts
Probably the most detailed account of shooting during this time period is
contained in a book written by Major Ned H. Roberts and edited by Gerald O.
Kelver entitled “Major Ned H. Roberts and The Schuetzen Rifle”. Although the
title would lead you to believe that this book is devoted solely to the sport of
Schuetzen–style shooting, that is not the case.
In his book, Major Roberts covers in exquisite detail virtually every aspect of
the shooting sports in which he was involved and discusses the people with whom
he shot during his 82 years. Major Roberts covers everything from bullet casting
to load development, famous rifles and their makers such a Harry Pope, George
Schoyen, A.O. Zischang, and W. Milton Farrow, along with the history of the
events that took place in the world of target shooting during the latter part of
the 19th century.
Not only does it contain a wealth of information, but it is also one of the most
enjoyable books I have ever read on the subject of shooting. If you have an
interest in precision shooting and the history of the sport, you’ll find this
book to be a valuable addition to your collection. Much of the information
contained in this book is still applicable today.
To order your copy, go to:
IDSABOOKS.com: Item # 100922
$ 13.95 + Postage
http://www.idsabooks.com/cgi-bin/idb455/100922.html
or
Dixie Guns Works, Inc.: Item # BK2076
$ 13.95 + Postage
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.php?cPath=22_113&sort=1a&&page=2
The Story of Creedmoor
Another excellent publication that details the history of the Creedmoor matches
is called “The Story of Creedmoor” by David Minshall. This booklet is based upon
an article that was originally published in 1876, and contains the original
twelve page article, supplemented by nine pages of notes which add historical
comment.
There are also 14 pages of Appendices which give a chronology of Creedmoor and
the International Matches, transcripts of the original challenge offered by the
Irish National team, and the Amateur Club's appeal for riflemen, including team
profiles, match results and selected target diagrams from that time period.
To order your copy, go to:
Research Press:
$ 9.00 + Postage
http://www.researchpress.co.uk/publications/index.htm#creedmoor1876
By Darryl Hedges
Copyright© 2010 All Rights Reserved.
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