George R. Farr’s Record Setting Springfield 1903

Back during the 1921 National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Perry, a man from Washington was selected from his state to represent the best of the Northwestern shooters. His name was George R. Farr. Problem was, George didn’t have a rifle to use in the Long Range High Power competition.

So George went to the depot, picked a gun and went to practice. The first one didn’t work all that well so he went back to the depot for a second. It was a well worn, World War I issued Springfield 1903 service rifle. Seems “Dad Farr” – which the much younger competitors called him – believed that one would work out just fine.

George entered the Wimbledon Cup in the “Civilian” category. The man to beat was Sgt. John Adkins, USMC and his 76 bullseyes. George, a man of 62 at the time, took his position late in the day and began his relay.

Crowds started to gather as he notched 10 after 10. It wasn’t until the sun completely fell that his round was over and a record 71 bullseyes were shot with his Springfield 1903 service rifle.

His fellow competitors decided he’d earned that rifle and chipped in to buy it for him. But before handing it over, they put a plaque on the side commemorating the accomplishment. Now, if you find yourself with the high score after shooting the Wimbledon Cup with a service rifle during Long Range High Power Championships in Camp Perry, you walk away with the Farr Trophy.

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