Research Press Digest 2026: Firearms, Long Range Target Shooting & Military History

The breech loading rifle superseded its muzzle loading counterpart during the second half of the 19th century. This volume examines some of these rifles through several contemporary articles. Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse’s ‘needle-gun’ received much publicity, and he is featured in an interview first published in 1866. The British introduction of the Snider and the Martini-Henry into military service are given particular attention. The latter part of the 19th century saw a significant growth in target shooting as a sport, and the 150th anniversary of the Palma Trophy is marked with an article from 1901 on ‘The Beginnings of International Rifle Match Shooting.’ Rifle Volunteers in Great Britain were issued with the Martini-Henry rifle, and its use for target shooting is discussed in an 1889 treatise on ‘The Art of Rifle Shooting’. The surge of interesting in the rifle also brought forward many accessories for the rifleman, and several of these are illustrated and discussed. Read more