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Historical Reference
 

Creedmoor | Halford | Metford | NRA I Rigby | Whitworth

This collection of articles on historical topics provides hitherto difficult to find contemporary texts and newly written pieces for the student of long range shooting. Contributions are welcomed.
Long Range Shooting
Just what is 'long range'? Opening with a definition of long range, this historical perspective considers the subject from the earliest times down to the late 19th Century.		  
  The Small-bore Man
An overview of the development of the small-bore match rifle amd an affectionate tribute to the pioneering long range riflemen on the Wimbledon rifle ranges.		  
Creedmoor The NRA's ranges at Creedmoor were opended in spring 1873, the first official shoots being fired on 25 April. During the 1870's it was the site of a number of long range international rifle matches. Creedmoor was deeded back to the State in 1890 and the NRA's matches moved to Sea Girt, New Jersey in 1892.
  The Story of Creedmoor
Presents a brief overiew of the origins of the great rifle match held between Ireland and America held at Creedmoor in 1874. This was the first of the series of international long range rifle matches held at Creedmoor.		 Read the
full story!
  The International Rifle Match, 1874
A contemporary newspaper account of the rifle match between Ireland and America on 26 September 1874.		  
Halford Sir Henry Halford (1828-1897)
The 'Grand Old Man of Rifle Shooting.' Author of the 1888 classic "The Art of Shooting With The Rifle."
 

Sir Henry Halford Interview
In 1893 the influential London magazine 'The Strand' published an illustrated interview with Sir Henry Halford. Then aged 65 he reminisces about some of the great riflemen he has known and shooting in America.
Metford William Ellis Metford (1824-1899)
Writing of Metford in 1901, T.F.Fremantle noted that he had been referred to as 'the father of modern rifle-boring.'
2000 yards
In 1865 and 1866 the NRA in Great Britain held two rifle matches at the extreme range of 2000 yards. A rifle designed by William Metford and manufactured by George Gibbs was the only successful rifle in the competitions. 		 
  W.E. Metford (1824-1899)
An obituary published by the Institution of Civil Engineers. [1900]		  
  The Grave of William Ellis Metford
Metford died in Redland, Bristol on 14 October 1899, and was buried at Redland Church on 19 October.		  
  Memoir of William Ellis Metford
Published posthumously in May 1900, the greater part of this memoir was written by Major the Hon. T.F.Fremantle. 		 
NRA (GB) National Rifle Association (Great Britain)
The National Rifle Association (NRA) was formed in 1859 "for the encouragement of Volunteer Rifle Corps and the promotion of rifle shooting throughout Great Britain." From 1860 to 1889 the NRA held its annual rifle meeting on Wimbledon Common. In 1890 the meeting was moved to the now famous ranges at Bisley, where it continues today.
  By-Laws and Regulations (1860)
By-Laws and Regulations for the July Rifle Meeting of 1860
  Wimbledon Rifle-Match, 1860
A contemporary spectators report of the inaugural rifle meeting of the NRA
Rigby John Rigby
Well known Irish rifle maker. Rigby rifles were famously used by the Irish team at Creedmoor in the International Rifle Competition against America in 1874.

Rival Rifles
Rigby and Whitworth rifles vie for selection in 1865

 
Whitworth
 Sir Joseph Whitworth (1803-1887)
Approached in 1854 by Lord Hardinge to investigate 'the mechanical principles applicable in the construction of an efficient weapon,' Whitworth's experiments revolutionised rifle design.
  Whitworth Rifle Research
Bill Curtis and De Witt Bailey have an ongoing research project concerning original Whitworth rifles. If you have access to ANY original hex bore Whitworth from the period 1857-1865 please note its serial number and letter for recording. Send information to Bill Curtis at: billcurtisra@yahoo.co.uk

Sir Joseph Whitworth
by Norman Atkinson
  Warning!
Notes regarding the following original Whitworth rifles; numbers 449, B376, C575
 

The Whitworth Rifle
Instructions For Loading And Cleaning The Whitworth Patent Military Rifle
Instructions For Loading With The Whitworth Patent Cartridge
  Guns and Steel
First published in 1873.The text reproduced is from Chapter II and concerns Whitworth's involvement in rifle design.
  Whitworth C423
An Amercan Civil War era Whitworth compared with a modern made replica by Parker Hale.
  The Mechanical Genius and Works of the late Sir Joseph Whitworth
A "tribute to the memory of one of the greatest engineers that England has produced." [1887]
 
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