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(I guess I still can’t handle this forums format
)
Effective is Subjective!
I am not a “target shooter”, nor do I shoot competition matches…but I do enjoy seeing the 44 Winchester (and other early lever action calibers) being shot at longer ranges, whether for fun or competition. I do, however, try and shoot the best I can when developing a load. I also like to try and see how this new load performs at longer distances, mostly between 100 and 200 yards, but also out to 300 yards.
I’d like to share what was happening back between 1874 and 1878 when the Winchester 73′ was used for such matches.
Some of the below data gleamed from the books “Forest & Stream, Hand-Book for Rifleman” 1875, “A Course In Instruction In Rifle Shooting” by Col. T. T. S. Laidley, Ord. Dept. U.S. Army, 1879 and “The Sportsman’s Directory”, 1893.
Below are photos of some early targets used 1874 and 1878
NRA 1874, New Wimbledon Target
This shows the sizes of the targets used from 200 out to 1,000 yards
Winchester’s August 1875 advertisement shows a few targets as well. 
The large square target has been edited to show black little dots representing what the actual bullet hole size would be on this 500 yard target
- 24″ square bullseye
- 48″ inner square
- 82″ outer square
Adopted February 19th, 1878
I also found a Third Class Target that was to be used at all distances up to and including 300 yards.
Total target size is 4 feet by 6 feet
- Bullseye – Inner black circle, 8″ inches – 5 points
- Center – First white circle, 26″ inches – 4 points
- Inner – Second white circle, 46″ inches -3 points
- Outer – Remainder of target – 2 points
A Second Class Target to be used at all distances over 300 yards, to and including 600 yards.
Total target size is 6 feet by 6 feet
- Bullseye – Inner black circle, 22″ inches – 5 points
- Center – First white circle, 38″ inches – 4 points
- Inner – Second white circle, 54″ inches – 3 points
- Outer – Third white circle, 70″ inches – 2 points
- Black – Outer black frame, 1″ inch – 0 points
These appear to be the targets used while the Stuart brothers were shooting their Winchester 73′, One of One Thousand rifles during some competitions. I am sure many of you have seen Thomas’ rifle over on the Rock Island Action webs site. Here we can see the targets used during one competition out to 500 yards. The hits on the published photo are largely exaggerated for publication.
I tried to correctly resize the hits on some replica targets for actual size comparison.
Grandville’s target on the left. Thomas’s target on the right.
Also included is a 4 shot group target made on March 29th, 1880 by Winchester 73′ One of One Thousand sn#27,140 at 50 yards. Target type unknown to me.
Rather than use modern targets when shooting my Uberti Winchester 73′, I have always elected to make my own targets. I decided to make a few of these targets for future use…but also made some small replicas for shooting between 25 to 100 yards. I have not really had a chance to use my final version just yet but did mage one or two 25 yard shots on an old version I changed.
Current 25 to 75 yards
I know most of you guys are collectors and may enjoy the old target history, but I thought I would add the modified targets as well since they are indeed fun to shoot at. Hopefully I will get a chance to shoot at the larger targets later this summer when I get some more time.
Bryan,
Very interesting information. In all honesty I didn’t realize there we’re two Stewart Brothers, of the famous 1 of 100 rifle. I don’t recall where that rifle or rifles are now, as maybe Bob, can remind us when they sold last, as my mind is telling me that at least one of them went to auction fairly recently.
Anthony
Anthony said
Bryan,Very interesting information. In all honesty I didn’t realize there we’re two Stewart Brothers, of the famous 1 of 100 rifle. I don’t recall where that rifle or rifles are now, as maybe Bob, can remind us when they sold last, as my mind is telling me that at least one of them went to auction fairly recently.
Anthony
Yes, the photos I posted above are from Rock Island and is Thomas Stuart’s rifle.
Rifles 5611 and 7282 belonged to them.
Today’s targets did much better. I am pleased. Time to extend to 150 and 200 yards over the next few months.
My youngest Son, a Sniper in the Corps, would tell me to keep practicing! But he puts holes on top of holes also!
From me to you Bryan, I agree with Tim, “I would be happy with those”! 
Anthony
Great stuff Bryan, and as usual good shooting! I’ve never had a 73 or 44 of any make, but you’ve always stirred my interest in getting one! IDK why just never have!
Thanks guys, I am certainly happy with these groups from such an underrated cartridge.
I did shoot a few more shots and dialed the scope in a bit better. Enough to add range decals to the dials. Now I can switch back and forth between 25 and 100 yards without guessing. Enough to get on paper, and in scoring position, at each range.
Scope Dial Decals
I was able to make some decals for the dials. I HAVE NOT USED THEM YET. They are a bit small, but I do think I will be able to see them with these old eyes. The white arc should prevent me from turning the dial in the wrong direction when switching between the 25, 50 and 100 yard shots. They did not slide slightly off center (lock nut is seen as well) but they will replaced when the 75, 200 and 300 yard marks are added. I think this will be fun. They will not be perfect, but will get me into scoring position without guessing.
A trick for adjusting a scope is to think of the windage knob as a screw with a nut. If you screw the nut in it moves the point of impact in that direction, left. Out goes right.
The elevation knob works just the opposite. It’s like front and rear sights on a rifle. Rear moves in the direction you want the point of impact to move and the front sight is just the opposite.
Chuck said
A trick for adjusting a scope is to think of the windage knob as a screw with a nut. If you screw the nut in it moves the point of impact in that direction, left. Out goes right.The elevation knob works just the opposite. It’s like front and rear sights on a rifle. Rear moves in the direction you want the point of impact to move and the front sight is just the opposite.
That is correct, but you know how some of us “move” before we should…LOL
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