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Guns of the National Matches: A Century at Arms
If you are a new or young shooter, you may be unaware of the fact that there were accurate rifles and pistols being fired in the National Matches long before the advent of today's M-16/AR-15 rifles, Beretta 9mm service pistols, or today's modern smallbore match rifles, highpower space guns and optical-sighted match pistols. Many fine scores-some that have yet to be topped--were fired with such out of date firearms as the Winchester Model 52 and Model 70 match rifles, M1 Garands, H&R single shot pistols, the Stevens Walnut Hill and M-14 service rifles. In this year of the Centennial of the National Matches, a unique display was organized that told the interesting stories of these fine guns and the roles they played in the history of the National Matches. To show today's shooters what their National Matches predecessors brought to the National Matches, the CMP and Ohio Gun Collector's Association proudly offered a unique exhibition called The Guns of the National Matches: A Century at Arms during the 2003 Centennial National Matches. The Guns of the National Matches was a unique and comprehensive display of target rifles, pistols and revolvers and National Matches memorabilia. The exhibition told the story of the evolution of the guns used during the National Matches, from the Krag rifle, which most competitors fired in the first 1903 National Matches, to National Match M1s and M14s, to today's modern M-16-type target rifles. Target pistols on display included early M1911 pistols, Colt Woodsmen, Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers, High Standard and Ruger pistols. Rifles and pistols used by National Champions like Bill Blankenship, Jimmy Clark and Gary Anderson were featured in the exhibition. The M1903 Springfield used by George "Dad" Farr to fire 71 consecutive bullseyes in the 1921 Wimbledon Cup competition was a display highlight that brought the legend of Dad Farr and the story behind the rifle to life. A visitor favorite, the Farr Rifle became a gathering place throughout the Matches for shooters, gun collectors and eager listeners to meet, exchange stories and enjoy the camaraderie of people who share a love for competitive shooting and its rich history. Along with a fabulous collection of firearms and historic guns used by past champions and competitors, the exhibit was created to educate visitors on the history of Camp Perry and the National Matches. The CMP and OGCA assembled a collection of historical photos, documents and memorabilia associated with the Matches. On display were record targets, shooting equipment from over the years and photos of the competitors and people who made the National Matches such a unique American institution. During the 2003 National Matches, over 3900 persons, an average of 126 people a day, visited the Guns of the National Matches: A Century at Arms display. The exhibit was made possible through the generous donations of time, money and items from private collections of many Ohio Gun Collector's Association members and other individuals. Without their help, this exhibit would not have been possible. The CMP expresses it sincere thanks to these individuals and to the Ohio Gun Collectors Association for making this special and very popular exhibition possible. |
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