The New York herald., 1879-09-17
OR e ED MOOR.
Opening Of the National Rife Asso-
citation Fall Meeting.
SPLENDID MILITARY SHOOTING.
The Gatling Gun Won by the
Separate Company.

The seventh annual fall meeting of the National
Riho Association commenced yesterday at Creed
moor. There were few people on the ranges out
side of those who had immediate interest in the
shooting. The rihemen OF all classes were. how
ever. busy bees at the butts, and weapons and
ammunition underwent careful scrutiny before
their owners ventured with them at the firing
points.
AS to the weapons used. or the methods of using
the grounds worthy of notice. Among the short
range marksmen it was found that the .40-calibre
rifle has become even more Of a favorite arm than
in past years. The proportion of powder and lead
that can be conveniently used in weapon of this
class gives 1t q decided advantage for shoulder
shooting up to 400 yards, OF little more. In
the long range rifles there are no changes of
note from tho models that have already made their
mark at Creedmoor in past seasons. OF all the
military arms now in the hands of the different
corps regular and militia, throughout the country,
the government arm known as the Springfield
breechloader seems. from the results of practice.
both last and this to take the lead 1t is of
caibre .45. and well adapted to medium weight of
metal and charge of powder that will enable
marksman of average ability to stay we'll on the
target up to 900 yards.
IMPROVED MILITARY SIGHTS.
An Improvement in the back sights of military
used yesterday for the first time in any Of
the fall meetings. It consists in the insertion of
screw vt the basis of the scale whereby lateral
motion can be given the leaf of the sight,
for wind gauge Perhaps to this as much to
the additional practice which many Of the old hands
before the butts have had since last year may be
attributed the very fine scoring which distinguished
nearly all the matches. Some OF the best scoring
ever made with military weapon accomplished.
Private b. Blue made thirty-four out OF thrty-fye
points of hand, 200 yards aud the same record at
300 yards thus recording the extraordinary total Of
sixty eight out OF seventy points at tho two military
ranges which are most frequently used; In the
yards. Sis.l In the the judd match. which is open
performed the feat of making thrty-three out OF
thrty-Ave points in seven shots. and Mr.. w. M. Far
shooting tour at Wimbledon and in Germany.
only able to place himself ffth from the top in
that competition on fine showing o of thirty n
rifle contest Oh thirty three points out Of
thirty-fve by Mr. +. A. Wright.
As will be seen by examination Of the scores
the practice good the individual shoot
ing. There altogether five events decided the
most important of which the team contest for
the Gatling gun. This trophy was won in 1873 by
the Seventy ninth regiment New York; in 1874
by the Twelfth regiment. in 1875 by the Twenty
ond. in 1876 by the Twenty in 1877 by the Forty
eighth. in 1873 by the Twentieth separate COM
pany Of infantry and yesterday by the same
ganixation which entities the team to keep the gum
as their own private property. The Gatling match
National Guardsmen well as the teams from the
regular forces aud when tho result Of the shooting
was known the Of the winning team. who
were jubilant the victory. received the
hearty congratulations of their friends and COM
petitors. But few new faces were visible among the
visitors Quite sprinkling Of the fair might have
been seen on the grounds and in rear Of the firing
points. The weather exceedingly fine during
the whole day. The wind was very light and marked
an arc on the clock dial covering tho anglo
embraced between t@c~And half-past four o'clock
standing generally about three. The infrequency
Of q
good many away who would otherwise have been
present !The duties of the several commttees such
range, finance. prize executive. &C., per-
formed by members of the Board of Directors OF the
National Rifle Association. Shooting commenced
after gun hre ut nine O'Clock, and continued with
the exception Of short intermission in the middle
OF the day, up to half-past five O'Clock. The last
of the rfemen did not get away for an hour after.
ward. The following the results of the shoot
ing:-
DIRECTORS MATCH
Conditions-Open only TO directors and honorary
directors of the National Rifle Association; any
rife; 200 yards; five rounds; off hand; entrance
foe. Price the directors championship gold badge.
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