The Hession Rifle

The American Rifleman ^ | 23 August, 2012 | Frank Miniter

[marktwain]

Predictably such restrictions reduced the number of firearms in law-abiding citizens’ hands. Then came the Battle of Dunkirk in 1940. As the German war machine advanced, the British Expeditionary Force evacuated back across the English Channel. The retreat was costly. In their haste British troops abandoned most of their equipment. The massive loss of military arms, combined with the fact that the English people had been mostly disarmed, left the British people almost helpless before the advance of the Third Reich.

Luckily, they had gun-owning friends across the Atlantic. In 1940 a group of Americans, headed by C. Suydam Cutting, moved quickly to help rearm England’s citizens. They established the “American Committee for Defense of British Homes” and ran an ad in the November 1940 issue of American Rifleman that read in part: “British Civilians, undergoing nightly air raids, are in desperate need of Firearms – Binoculars – Steel Helmets – Stop-Watches – Ammunition.” The ad then said, “If you possess any of these articles you can aid in the battle of Britain by sending these materials to American Committee for Defense of British Homes.”

Hession, who was then working for Winchester Arms, decided to make a statement. He sent his prized Springfield Model 1903 to the American Committee for Defense of British Homes. Before he did he had two plates attached to its stock. The one on the rifle’s butt read: “This rifle was used by Major John W. Hession” and was used “in winning Olympics Bisley England 1908 – Grand Aggregate Camp Perry 1908 – Worlds 800 YD. Record Camp Perry 1909 … .” A plate placed on the rifle’s fore-end read: “FOR OBVIOUS REASONS THE RETURN OF THIS RIFLE WOULD

[marktwain]

The article goes into considerable detail about a world record breaking shooter, and how he donated his rifle to England for defense during WWII.

The excerpt is from the middle of the article.

[dp0622]

Been to gun ranges a bunch of times, more and more the past few years.

But that’s different than growing up with a gun and I dont know how much good a weapon would me in a battle.

Seems like training is mighty important

[BenLurkin]

bttt

[Fungi]

Great article and post. Thank you. Read the whole of it.

[2ndDivisionVet]

What Good Can a Handgun Do Against an Army.....?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2312894/posts

[Farmer Dean]

You are the weapon,the rifle is the tool you use.

[Flintlock]

Not me.

Not any of MY guns.

Not anymore, after all this anti-gun bullsh#t.

They can throw more beer bottle for all I care.

[going hot]

Did he get it back?

[sevlex]

The people of Europe don’t need our guns. They can fight back with flowers, candles & teddy bears.

That’ll do the trick.

[Hugh the Scot]

Rather have you armed and untrained at my side in battle, than absent, disarmed and dead.

A rifle is a tool, like a hammer... You don’t have to hit your thumb to learn to use it effectively.

[Beagle8U]

“But that’s different than growing up with a gun and I dont know how much good a weapon would me in a battle.”

A lot more good than throwing stones!

[Grampa Dave]

#1. They will be using the Lennon response.

Muslims kill Brits, Brits sing “Imagine.”

[mad_as_he$$]

“Seems like training is mighty important”

And practice. That said I know some very good shooters that never touched a weapon prior to entering the military. Then there is/are people like Chris Kyle. One of my female offspring was in the service in a position that meant she would never have to handle a weapon after the basic orientation. Qualified as “Expert” on the M-9, M-16 and passed the shotgun course her first time out. Freaked the NCO instructor out. Proud Papa here.

[LibWhacker]

nevertheless today, sadly, Britain is again a disarmed nation

And I want to know why Americans should bear the financial burden of arming them again? And how many times will we be expected to repeat that act of generosity? Just this once? Or maybe two or three more times? This isn't D-Day. They have time. They should start re-arming their citizens right now and allow concealed and open carry, no permits required. And if they won't do that, to hell with them. I'm damned sure not sending them any of my guns.

[sevlex]

Balloons! I forgot to add balloons, especially those spiffy mylar jobs.

And hashtags signs. Yeah, those did a great job saving those kidnapped Nigerian girls. How could I forget those?

[DesertRhino]

The Brits aren’t brave people who lack guns. They lack the guns because they have lost their backbone. Adding guns won’t replace the backbone.

I wouldn’t give them one of mine.

[dfwgator]

I wouldn’t give them one of mine.

They'd probably fumble it, like Fredo...

[2111USMC]

Yes. It is now displayed in an NRA museum.

[oldvirginian]

“But that’s different than growing up with a gun and I dont know how much good a weapon would me in a battle.

Seems like training is mighty important”

When TSHTF is when a lot of people, including me, will get On The Job Training.

1st Rule: Show up
2nd Rule: listen and learn from those who know the rest of the rules.

[wastoute]

One quick tip. Don’t EVER do something you saw in a movie...