The Ideal Match
The Black Powder Cartridge News|Summer 2020
In February 1903, the National Board of the Promotion of Rifle Practice directed that the first National Trophy Match would be fired at Sea Girt, New Jersey, in September of that year. A paltry 15 teams were mustered to compete.
Jim Foral
The Ideal Match

Waiting at the firing line at the 1905 Sea Girt matches.

With plenty of notice, the Second Annual Matches were scheduled to be shot at Fort Riley, Kansas. It must have been obvious that while Fort Riley was a geographically central location, it was prohibitively distant from the population centers on the coasts to draw an abundance of competing teams. Attendance at the Fort Riley meet was as disappointing as it was predictable. Only 14 teams posted at Riley.

When the matches were moved to the range at Sea Girt for the August 1905 events, the number of competitors overtaxed the range facilities by three times; 650 shooters stood in line to fire the 200-yard National Individual Match alone. In 1904, there were 36 contenders for the National Invitational Match; 657 entries in 1905.

John Barlow, representing his Ideal Manufacturing Company in New Haven, Connecticut, was at the Fort Riley meet as an observer, a student and merchandiser. He was well aware of his status as an industry personality, and as a generous, likeable man with an innate flair for making friends. The affable Barlow was respectfully known within the trade as “The Ideal Man.”

John Barlow displays his wares at Sea Girt in 1905. Behind him and to his right, is standout Captain C.B. Winder of the Ohio National Guard, Leech Cup winner in 1903 and 1908 Olympic Rifle team member.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGE NEWSView all
ON HUNTING AND SNIPING
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.

time-read
9 mins  |
Summer 2021
Death in the Desert
The Black Powder Cartridge News

Death in the Desert

This Colt .45 “Peacemaker” was found out in the desert in historically one of the most dangerous places on Earth.

time-read
4 mins  |
Summer 2021
A COVID-19 Project
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2021
Smithmoor .22 Offhand Target Championship NSmithmoor Rangen Carpenter, Wyoming – February 20-21, 2021
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.

time-read
6 mins  |
Summer 2021
A .40 Caliber Long-Range Rifle
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2021
BE MORE THAN A  Wannabe PART II
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2021
The Hide Hunting Exploits of HARRY “SAM” YOUNG
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.”

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2021
Match Results
The Black Powder Cartridge News

Match Results

World’s Largest Black Powder Target Rifle Match Phoenix, Arizona – March 1-10, 2021 BEN AVERY SHOOTING FACILITY

time-read
9 mins  |
Summer 2021
The Wyoming Schuetzen Union's “Center Shot”
The Black Powder Cartridge News

The Wyoming Schuetzen Union's “Center Shot”

John Bodine, “Old Reliable”

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2021
Who Was Albert F. Mitchell?
The Black Powder Cartridge News

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.

time-read
9 mins  |
Winter 2020