The 1921 Camp Perry National Matches marksmanship competition is forever entrenched in the record books. Those fortunate enough to have attended saw one of the most dramatic matches that any rifle range has ever hosted.
Sergeant John W. Adkins was a U.S. Marine who established new records at 900 and 1,000 yards; won the Wimbledon, the Western Cartridge Company and the Remington Arms Company Matches; and in a single day’s shooting ran two strings totaling 211 bull’s-eyes.
Squaring off against Adkins was a gentleman affectionately known as “Dad.” This unlikely competitor had joined the Washington Civilian Team fresh off the trail in the Olympic Mountains. Before it had all ended, he’d earned his place in the history books and had given the young Marine the closest call he’d ever had.
Who was this surprise sharpshooter? Click here to learn more about his amazing story and his historic rifle. It’s just one of the many great treasures found at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va.
