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

CMP 30 06Ammo 1
CMP 30 06Ammo 1

Creedmoor Sports, CMP Partner on New .30-06 Match Ammo for the M1 Garand

Raise scores, support youth marksmanship with CMP’s new match ammo for the M1 Garand

Derrick Mein Finishes Runner-Up at 2025 NSCA Nationals

Team Federal’s Derrick Mein ends the 2025 NSCA Nationals as runner-up

Results: 2025 NRA F-Class Fullbore Long-Range National Championships

Top shooters shattered national records at the 2025 NRA F-Class Long-Range Championships in Delaware, a showcase of precision and emerging young talent in near-perfect weather conditions

From Creedmoor to Sea Girt: How the NRA Shaped American Late-1800s Marksmanship

Explore the early years of the NRA, from its founding in New York to national competitions, shaping marksmanship standards and American shooting culture

Mason Lane Storms to Limited Division Crown at 2025 USPSA Race Gun Nationals

Mason Lane claimed the Limited division title at the 2025 USPSA Race Gun Nationals, finishing with 2213.8829 points

Caile Bradham Wins HOA Title at 2025 World Skeet Championship

Twin titles for Team Blaser’s Caile Bradham at 2025 World Skeet Championship in Texas

Interests



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