The Great 1874 International Match

by
posted on August 23, 2018
1875-american-team-creedmoor-rifles.jpg
Above: The American Team with "Creedmoor" rifles

The Irish Rifle Team, under the leadership of Maj. Arthur B. Leech, challenged America to a long range rifle match. The Irish were then undisputed champions of the British Isles and were considered the finest marksmen of their day. The match, fired at Creedmoor, pitted the veteran Irish shooters against a relatively inexperienced American team firing American-made rifles. The Irish used muzzleloading target rifles, thought to be far more accurate than any breechloader, while the Americans used Remington and Sharps breechloaders especially made for the event.

As a token of international friendship. Maj. Leech, thinking his team would surely win, presented a handsome silver tankard to the Americans. The Americans, against all odds, won the match. The tankard became known as the Leech Cup and today remains one of the most coveted trophies in long range marksmanship.

Latest

4 Lousiana HPR Champ 2024
4 Lousiana HPR Champ 2024

Results: 2024 Louisiana State High Power Rifle Championship

Chance Cavin walked away from the 2024 Louisiana State High Power Rifle Championship with this year’s title.

Joe Charnigo’s Shooting Accomplishments Prove He’s No ‘Average Joe’

Champion trapshooter Joe Charnigo was dubbed “Ohio Joe” to differentiate him from all the other Joes while attending competitions across the country.

Blankenship Extends NRA Pistol Championship Win Streak To Five: 1964 National Matches

Attendance continued to surge at the National Matches in 1964, where crowds were wowed by Bill Blankenship landing a record-setting fifth consecutive NRA Pistol Championship title.

Steel Challenge And USPSA Competition Q&A: Rule Explanations, Scoring Questions

NROI Director Troy McManus answers questions about Steel Challenge and USPSA competition.

Fairless Captures Distinguished Rifleman Badge With M1 Garand: ‘It Gave Me A Chance’

For Bill Fairless, the M1 Garand is more than just a gun, it represents a special bond between father and son.

Addressing Unsportsmanlike Behavior In USPSA Competition

When all competitors pitch in at a USPSA match, everyone benefits.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.