The Great 1874 International Match

by
posted on August 23, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Review Rugermk4 Tactical 1
Review Rugermk4 Tactical 1

Ruger Mark IV Tactical: The Turnkey Steel Challenge Rimfire Pistol

A look at why the Ruger Mark IV Tactical works as a one-pistol solution for Steel Challenge Rimfire Iron and Open divisions.

New: Fix It Sticks Benchtop Tool Tray System

Fix It Sticks introduces modular Benchtop Tool Tray System and individual Tray Organizers for keeping gunsmithing bits, tools and small parts organized.

Sierra Expands Tipped MatchKing and MatchKing X Lines

Sierra Bullets releases three new rifle bullet offerings, including .25-cal. and 7 mm Tipped MatchKings and a .22-cal. MatchKing X hunting bullet.

New: Smith & Wesson Revolver Red Dot Direct Mounts

Smith & Wesson releases red-dot direct mounts for its K-, L-, N- and X-frame revolvers, fitting Aimpoint ACRO, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and Trijicon RMR footprints at $70.

New: Federal Suppressor Case

Federal Ammunition is now shipping a Suppressor Case with a heat-resistant lining and side-pinch pockets, sized for suppressors up to 10 inches at $39.99.

Peiser Reaches First Senior World Cup Final in Munich

Braden Peiser qualified for his first senior World Cup final and finished sixth in Men’s 50m Rifle 3-Position at the 2026 ISSF World Cup Munich.

Interests



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