The Art of Accuracy: Vintage Rifle Clubs in Striking Photographs (1900s-1960s)

History 1 day ago

Long before shooting clubs would go on to become fully modernized sports organizations, vintage rifle clubs were meeting places that involved camaraderie, skill, and old-school traditions. These clubs provided a space for people to try out and develop their accuracy with bolt-action rifles, lever-action repeaters, and even muzzleloaders. People would also dress in period attire and often stand against the backdrop of shooting ranges or scenic, tree-lined clubhouses. Members took a whole lot of pride in their sport. We’ll now take a look at some rare vintage images that capture the old-school cool aesthetic of being in a rifle club.

1. Gun club in the 1950s.

Four women stand in a row, each holding a rifle. They are dressed in mid-20th century attire, including skirts and cardigans. The background is plain, suggesting an indoor setting.
redditdrbarkiv

The smiles shouldn’t fool anyone. They’re not messing around.

2. Roosevelt High School Girls Rifle Practice, 1942.

Two women in 1940s attire are in a dimly lit room. One woman is lying on mats, aiming a rifle, while the other kneels behind her, observing. Lockers are visible in the background.
redditalvisnovari

Talk about intense focus.

3. 1920s: Drexel Institute Girls’ Rifle Team, Philadelphia, Pa.

A group of six young women in uniforms sit in a row on grass, aiming rifles. They appear focused and intent. The background features trees and brick buildings. The scene is set in an outdoor, possibly educational or training environment.
redditgagator43

Everyone looks ready to roll.

4. Ladies’ Rifle Club, London, 1920s.

A historical black and white photo showing a group of women lying on their stomachs on a rooftop, each aiming a rifle. They are lined up next to each other. A man stands nearby observing them. The background features a hazy cityscape.
redditgrandmasneighbor

There’s always the one person in the crew that ends up looking right at the camera.

5. Members of the Osborne Rifle Club in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, early 1930s.

A black-and-white photo of a group of men and women in vintage clothing posing in front of a sign reading "MIAMI CEMENT." Two men in the center hold rifles crossed in front of them. The scene captures a historic, confident group ambiance.
redditroguesgal

Looking quite intense there, fellas.

6. W.H. Smith’s women’s rifle club, UK, 1938.

A group of people in 1940s attire stand and sit on a rooftop. A line of women lie on the ground aiming rifles, while two women and one man stand behind them, observing. A gothic-style building spire is visible in the background.
redditsirrossington

And on the rooftop too? New levels have been achieved, indeed.

7. Girls in a school rifle club doing target practice in the range after class (c. 1940s-1950s)

A vintage black-and-white photo shows a group of young women practicing rifle shooting indoors. Four women are seated, holding rifles, while four more lie prone on mats, aiming rifles. An instructor sits at a desk observing them.
redditfroggysaysno

Target practice must’ve been tough, to say the least.

8. The High School Junior Rifle Club of Metairie, Louisiana, late 1960s.

Black and white photo of six young men posing with rifles. Three are standing, wearing jackets, and three are kneeling in front, all holding rifles. They're in a staged, team-like formation, possibly for a shooting competition or club.
reddit5frogmargin

Wonder if there’s a captain amongst these gents.

9. Tottenville High School Rifle Club (Staten Island, New York) in 1947.

A black and white photo of thirteen men from a rifle club. Eight are standing in front holding rifles, and the remaining five are standing behind them on steps. The background features a brick building with doors.
redditfamiliarbig3322

A well-fitted crew.

10. Gun club members in Hastings, Barbados, circa 1905.

A vintage black and white photo of ten men posing outdoors with a large trophy. They are wearing suits, hats, and holding rifles. Some are seated while others stand behind them, with trees in the background.
redditphantasmajorical

Those hats took the crew’s aesthetic to a new level.

11. The Skeet Club of Fall Creek, Wisconsin, posed for an official portrait in the early 1900s.

A black and white vintage photo of eight men posing with rifles and beverages. They are wearing suits and hats. In front, there is a large jackrabbit and two hunting dogs lying down. The backdrop is an ornate wall.
redditdefiantskeptic

A skeet club sounds like quite the rowdy time.

12. The Drexel women’s gun club was ready to roll.

A group of vintage-clad women from the early 20th century pose outdoors with rifles. They are positioned around a barrel-like object, with some standing and others kneeling, all smiling. The background features a vast landscape under an open sky.

These ladies mean business.

13. The Drexel women’s gun club wasn’t playing around.

A black and white photo of eight women standing in a garden with rifles. They wear period clothing, including long coats and dresses, in front of bare trees and brick buildings. The mood is serious and historical.
redditelectricalaspect13

The fur coat was a nice touch.

14. Drexel women’s gun club, posing with their rifles, in the 1920s.

Six women in 1920s outfits stand in a line holding rifles, aiming to the left. A large trophy is placed on the ground in front of them. They are on a grassy field with empty stadium seating in the background.
redditelectricalaspect13

You already know that trophy was hard-earned.

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