A special class of target rifle developed during the 1860's and 70's to meet the demands of the long range riflemen. This class of muzzle loading target rifle never developed in the US. By the time the US got into the serious game of long range target shooting (Creedmoor range did not open until 1873) breech loaders were being used. Famously Sharps and Remington introduced their long range rifles for the 1874 match at Creedmoor between the USA and Ireland.
Following principles established by Joseph Whitworth, gun makers in the UK developed the 'small-bore' target rifle. The majority of these rifles were around .451 calibre, and the term 'small-bore' was used to distinguish them from the 'large-bore' service rifle of .577 calibre. Captain Heaton, in his 1864 'Notes on Rifle Shooting' describes a number of small-bore rifles: Baker, Beasley, Bissell, Crockart, Edge, Henry, Kerr, Lancaster, Newton, Parsons, Rigby, Turner and Whitworth. These are just a few of the gun makers connected with the history of the small-bore rifle.
The early rifles outwardly appeared much the same as the service arm of issue, it being the bore and form of rifling where the major difference lay. Towards the end of the decade of the 1860's the small-bore rifle had evolved into a highly specialised form of target rifle. The full length military stock had reduced to a half stock (incorporating a 'pistol grip') and the ramrod was no longer attached to the rifle stock. These features allowed more weight to be concentrated in the barrel (the overall weight limit of the rifle being restricted to 10lb for NRA competitions). Open sights had been replaced with aperture sights taking interchangeable elements, and incorporating a spirit level to eliminate cant.
Pictured below is an orginal Whitworth full match rifle.
In the right hands these rifles are extremely accurate. One notable achievement was made by J.K.Milner of Ireland, firing at Creedmoor in the Centennial Match of 1876. Using a Rigby muzzle loading match rifle he scored an unprecedented 15 consecutive bulls-eyes at 1000 yards. No sighters were permitted.
The modern use of muzzle loading rifles for long range shooting has been practised by members of the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain (MLAGB - www.mlagb.com) since the 1960's. It is a growing discipline and the 5th World Championships are being held at Bisley, Surrey, England in September this year. Events are fired at 300, 500, 600, 900 and 1000 yards. More information > 5th Long Range World Championships
Original and reproduction rifles are permitted in the championships. A typical specification for a rifle would be:
.45 cal percussion rifle
Weight 12lbs (in the 19th century weight was restricted to 10lb. Modern rules permit up to 15lb)
34-36" barrel
1:18 twist
Aperture sights
530 grain bullet
Typical charges 85 grains Swiss 2f or 90-100 grains Swiss 1.5f.
Below are three modern reproductions:
Top to bottom:
- Intermarco Creedmoor
- Custom built rifle by S.Gardiner of London
- Pedersoli Gibbs
Shooting in the 19th century did not permit artificial support, including slings. Shooters fired prone, unsupported, or from the back position. Modern rules permit the use of a two point sling for ranges up to 600 yards (see Whitworth rifle picture above) and shooting is from the prone position. At ranges greater than 600 yards a wrist rest may be used, or the shooter can fire from the back position - as shown below.
Cross sticks or other support of the rifle are not permitted.
Nothing beats experience in the discipline of long range muzzle loading. Rifle, equipment and to an extent the shooter can be tuned for optimum performance at shorter ranges, and the mid-range shooting of 200 to 600 yards offers valuable opportunity to learn. At longer distances the shooter really needs to get to the range and start to learn the effects that changing wind and atmospheric conditions have on the flight of the bullet. It is a challenging discipline but ultimately rewarding and the thrill of seeing the target drop below the mantlet at 1000 yards and reappear with a V-bull scored really has to be felt!
David
