An Old-Time Challenge Match
We ran across an interesting notice in the January 9th edition of Shooting And Fishing magazine and thought to share it with our readers. After the excellent article by Leo Remiger on the muzzleloaders versus breechloaders match at Vernon, Vermont, in which was 1886 featured in BPCN No. 99 (Fall 2017), we have heard from several riflemen who have had their curiosity piqued by this type of competition.
Our present-day riflemen, for the most part, do not realize how seriously the old-timers took their shooting. Many engaged in “challenge matches” that were shot for significant amounts of money. The prestige that went with winning a challenge match – especially between gunsmiths – was considerable, and often this was the way an up-and-coming ‘smith gathered clientele.
We also wanted to provide a yardstick for measuring what the money wagered back then would be worth in 2017. Some research revealed, using the Historic Standard of Living value, that the calculated worth of one dollar in 1890 would be $27.20 in 2017. The definition of Historic Standard of Living according to the website www. measuringworth.com is “the purchasing power of an income or wealth in its relative ability to purchase a bundle of goods and services such as food, shelter, clothing, etc., that an average household would buy.” Multiply the amounts mentioned in the challenge from Mr. Warner to Mr. Perry and you will get some idea of what these gentlemen were willing to wager on their rifles and shooting skills.
MR. WARNER CHALLENGES MR. PERRY Williamsport, PA., Jan.1, 1890
This story is from the Winter 2017 edition of The Black Powder Cartridge News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Winter 2017 edition of The Black Powder Cartridge News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ON HUNTING AND SNIPING
Long-range target shooting here in the U.S. has become increasingly popular, at least since the first International Match with the Irish team in 1874.
Death in the Desert
This Colt .45 “Peacemaker” was found out in the desert in historically one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
A COVID-19 Project
As far as the COVID-19 pandemic is concerned, I can’t find much good to say about it. One thing I can say, though; I had a lot of idle time on my hands. After perusing YouTube videos during this time of lockdown, I came across a company that makes rifle kits – Kibler’s Long Rifles.
Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship NSmithmoor Rangen Carpenter, Wyoming – February 20-21, 2021
The Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship held February 20-21, was a great success! It was a two-day match with 50 record shots per day on the 100-yard German Ring Target from SPG Sales (blackpowderspg.com). Wyoming Schuetzen Union rules were used.
A .40 Caliber Long-Range Rifle
During a recent stay in New Zealand, we found ourselves in Rotorua, which is the stomping grounds of expert Kiwi rifleman, Laurie Kerr. Laurie has been a friend since we first met at Raton, New Mexico, a number of years ago and we have managed to stay in relatively good communication ever since.
BE MORE THAN A Wannabe PART II
Since my first article was published in Issue No. 113 of The Black Powder Cartridge News, I have received several emails and groups from readers.
The Hide Hunting Exploits of HARRY “SAM” YOUNG
It’s difficult now to remember exactly where I first read or heard about Hard Knocks by Harry “Sam” Young. The book is an extremely entertaining read and in the Publisher’s Note, it specifically states, “The great lesson of this book is that “truth is stranger than fiction.”
Match Results
World’s Largest Black Powder Target Rifle Match Phoenix, Arizona – March 1-10, 2021 BEN AVERY SHOOTING FACILITY
The Wyoming Schuetzen Union's “Center Shot”
John Bodine, “Old Reliable”
Who Was Albert F. Mitchell?
When somebody hears the words “Sharps rifle,” the first things that probably come to mind are the great buffalo hunts, the “Wild and Wooly West” and tales of long-range shots, Indian attacks, and hunters freezing in blizzards.
