The New York herald., 1874-09-30
Two Hundred Riflemen in Line
Blazing Away.
MIR. RIGBY,S CHALLENGE.
Sharpe's Telegram to the Herald An
nouncing Its Acceptance.
A NEW BATTLE OF THE RIFLES.
Colonel Wingate's Reply to the
Irish Challenge.

The second annual meeting Of the National Rife
Association opened yesterday under decidedly de-
pressing influences A downpour OF ram pre-
vented the shooting OF the matches set down on
the programme at the appointed hour. Notwlth.
standing the very unfavorabe look Of the morn
ing over two hundred marksmen ap-
peared on the range, which looked as
uninyiting and miserable as can be well con-
ceived. Groups OF rinemen in every variety OF
dress were huddled together under the tents hop
ing that the weather would clear up. In this
however, they were iated to be disappointed, and
the rain continued to pour down in q
style TO discourage the most enthusiastic
lover OF the sport. 1t was at one time
seriously urged on the executive officers to post
pone the shooting, but some members OF the regi-
mental teams present grumbled at the prospect OF
having to lose another day. Under these clrcum-
stances General Shaer and the other members of
the executive body resolved that the meeting
should be opened regularly rain shine,
at one O'Clock p. M, and notice
to that effect was posted on the bulletin This
decision was favoraby received by the rlnemen
present, who thought that, as a soaking was nevi-
table, they you'd at least have some amusement
to compensate them. In this, however they
were destined to DISAPPOINTMENT, as the
storm, which temporarily abated increased in
violence almost as soon as the squads
had taken their position before the targets 1t
next to impossible Tor the men in the butts to
record the shots. as the rain washed the whiting
on the iron blinds and hooded the covered way
where the markers stood. But, having taken the
trouble of making q voyage TO Creedmoor, the
rinemen were anxious not to return without dis.
posing OF some OF the events
Considerable interest was manifested In the re-
suit OF Mr.. Rigby's challenge to the American
gunmakers. The opinion generally held was that
manufacturers Of breechloading arms could not
afford to accept the challenge. In the matter of
Major Leech's challenge most of the members
were Of opinion that 1t should be accepted 1t
being only fair that having met the Irish
team and defeated them under favorable condi.
tions the Americans should consent to test
their right TO the championship with the condi-
tions OF the struggle reversed
SHOOTING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
The active proceedings OF the day began with
the competition for the prizes in the Judd
Match" which are given by the direc-
tors of the National Rifle Association
Their aggregate value is s245. Under
the rule OF the association any military rife could
be used The pull Of trigger not to be less than
SIX pounds. For this match there were nearly
two hundred entries. 1t was decided to begin the
second match, open to teams Of five from each
cavalry troop, at the same time, in order to dis
pose of the short range matches on the
first day If possible. Although all the
long range targets had been removed
and short range targets set up In their
place it was impossible TO accommodate all the
marksmen at once. Some scores OF rinemen were,
therefore, compelled to walt in the storm of rain
until the squads occupying the targets had com.
pleted their scores, which certainly trying to
the patience. The majority of the rinemen pres.
ent belonged to the militia regiments, and
as they mostly wore the blue service over
coat the peaceful rifle range presented
something OF the appearance OF battlefield.
once the firing began IL rolled along the line in
cessantiy, and the groups OF earnest men gathered
at the firing points. blazing away steadily, heed
less OF the soaking rain, presented q singularly
spirited picture. AS though to increase TIE din
culties OF the marksmen the wind blew
strongly across the range in ftlul gusts.
driving the binding smoke and rain into the faces
OF the shooters Under these uniavorable con.
ditons it is not to be wondered at that tho scor-
Ing was not remarkably brilliant.
CRACK SHOTS OUT OF LUCK.
Many OF the steadest shots scored miss
alter miss much to their disgust,
and the black disc, marking outers came
up with omlnous frequency. Lieutenant
self in the Irish match. made only II points out of
possible 2s. The first prize was carried of by the
moderate score OF %. The remaining prizes
were awarded TO scores ranging upward
from 20. Quite number OF the men,
bers made this score; but, as is
usual. the prizes we're given to those who scored
the smallest number OF cutters. Taking into con-
sideration the state OF the clements the shooting
made was very creditable. 1t showed clearly the
value OF the Creedmoor range rs school OF mus
ketrY. and SDOke volumes Tor the ncrpas nj
the National Guard in the OF their
weapons. Ine members OF the reglmental teams,
for the most part shot with the service
Remington, but many OF the members OF the asso-
ciat,on shot with other patterns, notably the new
Burton military rifle, whicn is rapidly growing in
favor with marksmen. BY the time the Judd and
the ground was thoroughly soaked through, and
most OF the men were ANXIOUS to return to town.
The .x.ssss sS5sdsSoss thu, tn.
Sportsman's Match would be proceeded with, and
IS most Of the rifemen present were entered Tor
ts aCn n hey were to return to the
ment in intensity: When every one engaged had
been thoroughly drenched 1t was found necessary
as the markers could not record the scores. owing
to the down pour of rain, which literally washed
therefore resolved to postpone the match, in the
hope that the elements may prove less adverse TO-
Nay Al sea OF tns First
and the men returned to town very
much dissatisfied that, IN view OF the
stormy character or the morning. the
match had not been ccGntermanded and
notice posted In the ferry house which would
nave enabled the young men to attend to their
business instead OF getting soaked through on
the range waiting for fair weather. General shaer
assisted by General Woodward. who took
charge OF the statistical department.; Cen
era Ward, OF the First brigade; Colonel
Glldersleeve, Major Watrous and q number
OF other Of1icers were present on the range aud
took an active part IN the proceedings IL Is to be
regretted that these gentlemen did not take the
responsibility OF postponng all the matches in the
morning when II had become evident that the
weather was likely TO continue unlavorable. The
following Is q summary OF the scores made In the
two matches completed yesterday
THE JUDD MATCH,
open 70 all members or the association weapon,
any mlntary rine; distance, 200 yards; POSITION
standing; rounds, seven.
First prize-A silver cup, value .........,. -. am
Second prizeA silver medal value $50 and cash Sla 40
.pHu PIHe-h silver mouak value 30
Fourth prize-Life membership IN the association Is
sSt seventh sighth and ninth prizes-Siiver