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Here is Ron Gabel's answer to question number 419

Question:

Do you have any information or know where I can get information on the Shuetzen Rifle? Thank you

Answer:

The Schuetzen Rifle is a specialized form intended for offhand target shooting according to well established rules. The earliest date which can be assigned to the formalized shooting which became known as the Schuetzen Festival is in the fifteenth century. The custome survived in Central Europe until about the beginning of the 19th century, after which America took the lead. Schuetzen shooting, as an active sport, did not survive the first world war. Shooting was done in the offhand fashion, without artificial support. Formalized American shooting festivals commenced around the middle of the 19th century with the first National meeting in 1866. The Schuetzen rifle is very heavy and usually too clumsy for other uses.

Submitted By: Tom Dixon On: 4/11/2000 4:31:36 PM