Innovation, Oddities and Competition

The last quarter of the 19th century saw a period of tremendous growth in the arms industry, when the U.S. went through a production boom of inexpensive firearms. Guns were manufactured for protection, sport and recreation, and fueled the country's consuming interest in marksmanship - an obsession that led to the development of target competition at Creedmoor and Sea Girt, and the National Matches at Camp Perry (where they're still held today).

Significant Firearms in Gallery 8:

• Bren Ten Pistol, the first 10mm combat arm
• Webley-Fosbery Revolver
• Sharps Creedmoor Rifle
• Remington Creedmoor Rifle
• Sharps-Borchardt Mid Range Rifle
• National Match M1903 Springfield Rifle
• National Match M1 Garand Rifle
• National Match M1911A1 Pistol
• Colt Pistol owned by Ad Topperwein