Posted on 11/15/2012 5:52:31 PM PST by marktwain
Long range is, by definition, a relative term. When the earliest European settlers arrived on the east coast of what would become the United States of America they were armed with a collection of match, wheel lock, and snaphaunce actuated firearms that were, occasionally, more dangerous to the user than the intended victim. Among the immigrants were gentlemen adventurers on the prowl for quick riches, families looking to build a new life, and others who sought religious freedom; all who drilled with these firearms under the under the leadership of the likes of Captain John Smith, in the Virginias, and Captain Myles Standish, in the Plymouth Colony.
The separatist Puritans came from England and, with the possible exception of one or two men, had never used firearms. Firearms were a tool of the soldier and a plaything of the aristocracy, hunting being forbidden the common man. As much as the Pilgrims might have impressed the natives with the flames, explosive sounds and rolling smoke, they were far from effective marksmen. Even with a generous supply of powder, ball, and time to exercise themselves with their 16th and 17th century firearms, it took almost two years for the Pilgrims to become proficient. However, by the time they learned to hit what they aimed at, a hunting party of four could bring home enough game to feed the village for a week. Whether this is a comment upon the developing skill of the Pilgrim marksman or the quantity of game is left to the reader. In the early days of settlement long range might mean a distance of as much as 50 yards. The enduring myth that every American boy can drill out a gnats eye at 100 paces was in the making.
As time passed, gunsmiths from continental Europe immigrated
(Excerpt) Read more at riflemansjournal.blogspot.com ...
Union General John Sedgwick, US Civil War
“Among the immigrants were gentlemen adventurers”
LOL! That’s what my paternal ancestor was listed as on the ship’s manifest when it landed in Virginia.
LOL!
bfl
Interesting read.
Love the history section at link.
Looks interesting, thanks for the ping. Will read tomorrow, about to call it quits.
Good article, but no mention that I saw of the Sandy Hook Tests of 1879. 2 miles with a 45-70. Not shooting prairie dogs, but still hitting the target every now and then
You might find this interesting.
Thanks for the advice. The “Article Index” at the top page of the link is great.
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