Whitworth Targets?

[Greg Henderson]

Does anyone have a picture of what a 19th century English target looks like (as would have been used in the long range matches shot with the Whitworth rifles). Specifically I am looking for the spacing of the scoring rings and diameter of the target itself.

I am shooting old rifles at modern targets used in NRA high power and service rifle matches at 2,3, and 6 hundred yards.

Thanks!

 

[ResearchPress]

In the period when the Whitworth was used aiming marks were square. The following are from the regulations for Wimbledon in 1869:

200 yards
Target 6ft x 4ft
bull's-eye, 8 inch square; centre, 2ft

500/600 yards
Target 6ft square
bull's-eye, 2ft square; centre, 4ft

800/900/1000 yards
Target 6ft x 12ft
bull's-eye, 3ft square; centre, 6ft

Bull's-eye scored 4, centre 3, outer 2.

Circular targets weren't adopted until 1875.

David

 

[Greg Henderson]

Thanks for the reply. I am assuming that the center was a 2" black square with a white center?

I want to reproduce one to try.

 

[ResearchPress]

No, at 200yds the middle of the target is the bull's-eye measuring 8 inch square. The next scoring zone is the centre and is a 2 foot square. These are in the middle of the 6 foot high by 4 foot wide target.

David

 

[Greg Henderson]

Thanks for clearing that up. I will be making one up and heading to the range next week!

Thanks again!

 

[Jim Blair]

Here's a picture of the 1000yd square target used at Creedmoor circa 1870s-
http://www.longrangebpcr.com/TCTarget.htm

 

[Greg Henderson]

Thanks!