The First Targets At Creedmoor Were Giant Iron Slabs

by
posted on October 25, 2018
creedmoortargets1.jpg

The first targets used in competition at Creedmoor were 6x4 feet iron targets that weighed more than 400 pounds. The target centers, bolted onto the iron slabs, were divided into squares or rectangles rather than concentric circles and rang out like a bell when struck by bullets. Additional iron slabs could be bolted together to increase the width of the target for various ranges. For example, the iron target used at 800 and 1000 yards was 6 feet tall and 12 feet wide for windage.

SSUSA author Hap Rocketto summed it up best:

“Even before the smoke cleared, the clanging of the lead slug against the metal target gave a satisfying feeling to competitors on the firing line waiting for the target marker to signal the location and value of the shot.”

One of the first mentions of the term “hospital target” was at the early Sea Girt matches. In those days, regular centerfire rifle targets had paper or board backers. The “hospital targets” were reserved in case one of the regular firing points became incapacitated and were covered with white cloth until needed—like a hospital sheet.

Learn more about the history of target development.

Latest

Bardfield 2023Parapan 1
Bardfield 2023Parapan 1

USA Shooting: Stetson Bardfield Defends Parapan American Games Championship Title

Team USA’s Stetson Bardfield won the R5 Mixed Air Rifle Prone SH2 event gold medal at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 20, breaking his own record in the process.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron’s Record-Breaking Trip To Alaska

Akron rifle lands two big team scores and new individual air rifle record—twice—at a three-way match on the road against Kentucky and Alaska-Fairbanks in Alaska, Nov. 18-19.

Is Accuracy The Same As Precision?

Accuracy and precision refer to two different methods of measurement, each appropriate to their applications.

Competitors’ Corner: December 2023

Highlights from the December 2023 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

Beard Tops Inaugural Smallbore Event At 2023 Dixie Double

1st Lt. Sarah Beard won the first-ever Smallbore Rifle match at the CMP’s annual Dixie Double competition in Alabama.

Results: 2023 USPSA Open, Pistol-Caliber Carbine National Championship

The 2023 USPSA Open and PCC Division National Championship was held at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park, Sept. 6-10.

Interests



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