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6. TARGET-SHOOTING

In the development of firearms and ammunition, target-shooting has always occupied an important place. It is regularly and systematically practised in the army and navy, in order to maintain and improve the proficiency of the men as marksmen. Target-shooting, with many different styles of firearms, under prescribed rules and regulations, has also become extremely popular with civilians.

Target-shooting was indulged in extensively with the rifle before it became popular with the pistol and revolver. The shorter barrel, and the greater difficulty in acquiring skill with the latter weapons, were doubtless responsible for the mistaken idea, long prevalent, that these arms were extremely inaccurate. When, however, a few individuals developed sufficient skill to obtain fine shooting, their performances were considered phenomenal. Among the first to obtain a high order of skill with the muzzleloading pistol in the United States was Captain John Travers of Missouri. He was well known as an expert pistol shot as early as i860. In that year Captain Travers shot an interesting individual match in St. Louis at a distance of 100 feet. Fifteen china plates, nine inches in diameter, were used as targets. Captain Travers broke 11 out of 15, while his opponent broke but 9.

In 1865 Colonel William F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) and Captain William P. Schaaf of St. Louis became prominent as pistol shots. The latter subsequently joined Captain Travers in a three years' tour of the United States, giving exhibitions in nearly all the large cities.

About 1880 Ira Anson Paine, a native of Massachusetts, attracted attention by his fine marksmanship with the pistol. In 1881 he went abroad, and for a number of years he traveled over the principal countries of Europe, giving public exhibitions of his skill with the pistol and revolver. While in Portugal in 1882 he was knighted by the King in the presence of a notable assemblage, and made a chevalier of an ancient military order. In his exhibitions Chevalier Paine used a Stevens Lord Model pistol and a Smith & Wesson revolver. His skill with these arms was so far in advance of his contemporaries that he was popularly supposed to accomplish many of his feats by trickery.

Target-shooting with the pistol and revolver, as a sport, may be said to have originated at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association at Creedmoor in 1886. During that meeting a revolver match was scheduled to be shot at 25 yards on the 200-yard Standard American Rifle Target. It was a reentry match, with the three best scores of five shots each of any contestant to count. In this match three scores of 48 out of 50 were made, the highest individual aggregate of three scores being 143 out of a possible 150.

The same year a similar match was announced at the fall meeting of the Massachusetts Rifle Association at Walnut Hill. Chevalier Paine was a competitor in this match, and made 50—49—49=148 in six entries. The next best three scores equaled 142.

These matches proved so interesting and successful that target-shooting with the pistol and revolver became instantly popular all over the country. It was soon found that the arms possessed remarkable accuracy, and as the skill of the shooters improved the distance was increased to 50 yards retaining the same target.

Mr. A. C. Gould, editor of The Rifle, and Shooting and Fishing, was the first one to recognize the possibilities of the pistol and revolver, and became greatly interested in the performances with these arms. He assisted and encouraged the shooters, witnessed their work, and made careful and elaborate records of all the important scores that were made in the United States from 1886 to 1900.* It was at his suggestion that Chevalier Paine essayed to fire the first 100-shot score at 50 yards on the Standard American Target, scoring 791 points. This shooting was done with a finely sighted .44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver, regulation full charge ammunition, and a -pound trigger pull. A keen rivalry for the 100-shot record soon sprang up, resulting as follows:

Oct. 15, 1886, Chevalier Ira Paine at Walnut Hill

March 7, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine

Nov. 4, 1887, F. E. Bennett

Nov. 14, 1887, F. E. Bennett

Dec. 5, 1887, F. E. Bennett

Dec. 17, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine

Dec. 22, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine

Dec. 23, 1887, W. W. Bennett

791 841

857 877 886 888 904 914

This rivalry led to a long newspaper controversy, and culminated in the famous PaineBennett revolver match. The conditions were as follows: Stakes $1000.00; 100 shots per day for six consecutive days; Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolvers, .44 caliber; factory-loaded full charge ammunition; trigger pull, 3 pounds; Standard American Target with 8-inch bull's-eye; distance, 50 yards. On the fifth day of the match, and while 9 points in the lead, Chevalier Paine entered a protest and with­drew. Mr. F. E. Bennett continued shooting, as stipulated in the match, scoring 5093 points for the total of the six days. The protest was referred to the National Rifle Association, which decided in favor of Mr. Bennett, award­ing him the match and the championship of America.

* See " The Modern American Pistol and Revolver," by A. C Gould (Bradlee Whidden, Publisher, Boston, Mass.).

In practising for this match Mr. F. E. Ben­nett, under the same conditions, made a score of 915. This record was not excelled until June 1, 1901, when C. S. Richmond of Sa­vannah, Georgia, scored 918 points under substantially the same conditions.

During the summer of 1890, Mr. William E. Carlin, assisted by Mr. Hubert Reynolds, made a very elaborate series of tests with the revolver and various kinds of ammunition, to ascertain the possibilities of the arms, the ac­curacy of the ammunition, the effect of fouling, etc. About 10,000 rounds were fired, Mr. Car­lin used a butt-stock attachment, telescopic sight, and sand bag rest; and Mr. Reynolds verified

Mr. Carlin's results from a machine rest. All the shooting was done with black powder charges in Smith & Wesson revolvers.

The best groups were made with the .32-44 S. & W. Revolving rifle cartridge; a number of the 10-shot groups at 50 yards, measuring ij4 inches to il/2 inches in diameter. Tests were also made at ranges of 100 and 200 yards. At 100 yards, groups of 10 shots were obtained with the .32-44, and the .44 caliber S. & W. Russian, varying from 3 inches to 4 inches in diameter. At 200 yards, the .44 S. & W. Russian gave the best results; a number of groups of 10 shots being obtained measuring 8 inches to 12 inches in diameter. These tests were considered most remarkable at that time, as such accuracy was not expected of barrels of only 6 inches and 8 inches in length.

Prior to these tests, the possibilities of the pistol and revolver were judged solely by the shooting of a few expert shots, which of course included the personal dispersion error of the individuals. These tests furnished the first definite information as to the real capabilities of the revolver, and had a far-reaching and salutary influence on pistol and revolver shooting. They demonstrated to the marks­men and the manufacturers of the arms that fine shooting approximating to that of the rifle was possible with the revolver, by developing the necessary skill in shooting and perfecting the ammunition.

A very interesting revolver match for a trophy offered by Mr. Walter Winans took place in 1892. Mr. Winans is a noted American revolver shot, residing in England, and the trophy—an American cowboy executed admirably in bronze—was modeled by him. The match was conducted by Forest and Stream. The trophy was won, after a spirited competition, by Doctor Louis Bell. Under the conditions of the match, the winner was to defend his title two years before the trophy became his property. The trophy was won successively by George E. Jantzer and Sergeant W. E. Petty. Sergeant Petty defended the trophy and successfully for two years, and now holds it permanently.

A record, or " best on record," is the highest recognized score of any given number of shots fired under certain standard conditions, and with an arm complying with certain established rules. The records of pistol and revolver shooting in the United States were carefully established and compiled by Shooting and Fishing until the year 1903.

The record performances with the singleshot pistol, on the Standard American Target, at 50 yards, are as follows:

100 Shots—

Sept. 22, 1888, F. E: Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass          906

Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett

Sept. 10, 1890, F. E. Bennett

Feb. 25, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal

May 26, 1901, J. E. Gorman "  "           "

March 1, 1902, E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass

50 Shots—

Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass          470

Feb. 11, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal         471

May 20, 1901, J. E. Gorman ". "           474

Dec. 7, 1901, T. Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass  476

April 4, 1903, T. Anderton ".. "             480

Under the stimulating influence and encouragement of Shooting and Fishing, pistol and revolver shooting became a popular pastime and by 1900 numerous clubs had been organized throughout the country. Unfortunately, the marksmen of each locality made their own rules and adopted independent standards as to targets, weapons, etc. This resulted in endless confusion and dissatisfaction when matches between clubs were attempted. Rumors of a challenge from the revolver marksmen of France for an international contest were also rife at this time. There was, therefore, an urgent need for a national organization to exercise general jurisdiction over the sport; formulate uniform rules, regulations, and standards, and to receive and act upon challenges.

A number of revolver enthusiasts met in Conlin's shooting gallery, New York City, in February, 1900, and issued a call to the revolver shots of the country, inviting them to join in forming a national revolver association at a meeting called at Conlin's gallery, March 5, 1900. Replies were received from thirteen states and thirty-five gentlemen responded in person to the invitation. The United States Revolver Association* was organized at that meeting.

This association, with the support and cooperation of all the leading shots of the country, immediately assumed national jurisdiction, formulated rules to govern pistol and revolver shooting, and inaugurated the annual championship matches. These are shot simultaneously in different parts of the United States, thus giving everybody an opportunity to enter the competitions.

The influence of the association on pistol and revolver shooting has been very beneficial. It has established uniformity in arms, rules, etc., and has encouraged and conducted many friendly matches between clubs, thus bringing the shots in different parts of the country in closer touch with each other.

* See Appendix for Constitution, Annual Matches, Rules and Regulations, etc.

The most important activity of the association in recent years has been the inauguration of the Indoor League Matches. Clubs in all parts of the United States enter into an agreement to shoot a match with each club in the League during the winter season. Medal prizes are awarded by the association according to the percentages of matches won to matches shot, similar to baseball leagues. The League has become exceedingly popular and twenty to thirty clubs participate in the contest annually. The League agreement varies somewhat from year to year. The 1914 agreement will be found in the Appendix.

International Matches.—The U. S. Revolver Association also negotiates and conducts all the international matches. The first of these matches was between France and the United States and took place on June 16, 1900. This match attracted world-wide attention, and was won by the United States. The conditions of the match were as follows; Ten men on a side; the Americans to shoot at Greenville, N. J., and the Frenchmen in Paris. Results to be cabled.

Each side to appoint an umpire to witness the shooting of the opposing side. Each man to shoot 30 shots on the French target at 16 meters and 30 shots on the Standard American target at 50 yards.

Following are the complete scores of the members of both teams on the two targets:

On                           On

French Team—                    French American  Grand

Target                    Target     Total

M. Dutfoy .  244      253       497

Comte de Chabannes  240   250          490

M. M. Faure            241       248          489

Paul Gastinne           238      251          489

Comte Clary            247      241          488

. Capt. Chauchat      243      241          484

Com. Dilschneider    236      242          478

P. Moreau  239      236       475

M. Trinite ..  233      239       472

M. Labbe ..  226      240       466

Totals ........ 2387 2441 4828

On                           On

American Team—                 French American  Grand

Target                      Target   Total

J. A. Dietz .  263      260       523

W. E. Petty ............  259      252          511

R. H. Sayre ............  253      251          504

B. F. Wilder              239      263          502

G. W. Waterhouse    253      246          499

L. R. Piercy ............  244      241          485

W. G. Hudson          222       250          472

J. B. Crabtree           225      244          469

W. A. Smith              224      240          464

A. L. A. Himmelwright          228          232      400

Totals ........ 2410 2479 4889

Americans led by         23       38         61

The first match did not satisfy the revolver experts of France, who claimed that the French team was not national in its character, that instead of representing the whole of France it represented Paris alone. About June, 1902, it was suggested that a second international contest be held, and the French gentlemen began at once to gather material for a representative team. The army, the navy, and the revolver and pistol clubs of France united in their efforts to organize as strong a team as possible.

The conditions of the second match were the subject of considerable negotiation by correspondence and as finally agreed upon were as follows:

Fifteen men on a side. Each man to shoot 60 shots in 10 strings of 6 shots each on the Standard American Target at 50 yards. Each side to appoint two umpires to witness the shooting of their opponents. Results to be cabled.

The American marksmen assembled at the Walnut Hill range of the Massachusetts Rifle Association, near Boston, devoting three days to preliminary practice shooting and selecting the team. It was originally agreed upon that the match was to take place on June 30, 1903, and the American team shot their scores on that day. Owing to delays in transportation, the targets intended for the French team did not reach, them promptly and their side of the match was shot several days later. The members constituting the teams and their respective scores are as follows:

French Team

Comte de Castelbaj ac. Libourne                      547

Commandant Py, Saint Omer                542

M. Dutf oy, Marseilles....    541

Captain Moreaux, Rennes         529

M. Moline-Paget, Dieppe         526

Captain Chauchat, Versailles                 524

M. Keller-Dorian, Lyons    522

M. Feugray, Paris..........    509

M. Despassio, Lyons.....    503

M. Lecocq, Paris.............. 502

M. Caurette, Ham............ 502

M. Louvier, Paris...........    496

M. Balme, Paris................ 469

Adjutant Paroche, Rennes         466

M. Sartori, Paris............... 462

Team total ............................ 7,640

American Team

0................................... I. Olson, Duluth, Minn                        554

B................................... F. Wilder, New York, N. Y               543

R. S. Hale, Boston, Mass         540

J. A. Dietz, Jr., New York, N. Y                      534

W. A. Smith, Springfield, Mass             532

C................................... S. Axtell, Springfield, Mass                 530

Louis Bell, Boston, Mass..        527

T. Anderton, Boston, Mass                   523

J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass                      519

1................................... R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass              519

E. E. Patridge, Boston, Mass                517

R. H. Say re, New York, N. Y. (Score shot in

Paris..............................    SIS

J. T. Humphrey, Boston, Mass              513

W. S. Amory, 2d, Boston, Mass                       512

C. L. Bouve, Boston, Mass                  511

Team total .....................         7,889

Americans led by...........           249

A careful analysis of the scores shows that the Americans shot much more evenly than the Frenchmen, and that the skill of the three high men on both teams was approximately equal.

The next international match participated in by the revolver shots of the United States was the Olympic Games Match at London, England on July 10 and II, 1908. Preliminary and elimination trials were conducted under the auspices of the United States Revolver Association resulting in the selection of the following team: I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass.; C. S. Axtell, Springfield, Mass.; J. A. Dietz, New York, N. Y.; and J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain. The conditions of the match were as follows:

Any revolver or pistol with open sights; any ammunition; trigger pull unrestricted; distance, 50 yards; international target, 10 ring, 2 inches in diameter, rest of target divided by concentric rings one inch apart, bull's-eye containing 10, 9, 8, and 7 rings; 60 shots in strings of 6 shots; 2 sighting shots allowed; position standing, right or left hand with arm extended; maximum number of entries from any country in individual contests, 12; maximum number of entries from any country in team contest, 1; teams to consist of four men each.

A time limit of four minutes for each string of five shots was established, and all other conditions of the matches were governed by the rules of the National Rifle Association of Great Britain.

The result of the match was as follows:

1st—United States:

J. E. Gorman ..................  501

I. R. Calkins ...................  473

John A. Dietz ..................  472

C. S. Axtell ....................  468

------------------------------  1914

2d —Belgium ......................  1863

3d —United Kingdom .........  1817

4th—France ........................  1750

5th—Sweden .......................  1732

6th—Holland .......................  1637

7th—Greece ........................  1576

The next Olympic Contest was held at Stockholm, Sweden, in 1912. The American team consisted of A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y.; H. E. Sears, Boston, Mass.; P. J. Dolfen, Springfield, Mass.; and John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain.

The match was shot on July 2nd, under practically the same conditions as the former Olympic Match and resulted as follows:

1st—United States:

A. P. Lane .....................  509

H. E. Sears .....................  474

P. J. Dolfen ....................  467

J. A. Dietz ......................  466

------------------------------  1916

2d —Sweden ......................  1849

3d —United Kingdom .........  1804

4th—Russia .........................  1801

5th—Greece .......................  1731

In the individual match which was shot on

July 1st under the same conditions, and participated in by over fifty competitors of the different nations, Mr. Lane and Mr. Dolfen won first and second places with scores of 499 and 474 respectively. Mr. Sears won 7th place with a score of 459, and Mr. Dietz 9th place with a score of 454.

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