The Rifle that Shot 3000 Bullseyes – Sam Moore’s Win Model 50

Here’s the rifle that won a Presidential Medal and earned a trip to the White House. This rifle is unique, as it was used to shoot 3000 bulleyes consecutively in a single-day. In 1926, a high-school shooter named Sam Moore wanted to set a new record. Moore, armed with his Winchester Model 52, fired 3,000 rounds, stopping only when the rifle became too hot for him to hold, and daylight was rapidly fading. Moore had shot 3,000 consecutive bullseyes at the NRA Junior Rifle Competition (targets at 50 feet). The event, which was a world-record, attracted national attention. Moore was summoned by President Calvin Coolidge to Washington, DC, on April 26, 1926. The young marksman was presented with a gold award by President Coolidge at the White House. The engraving on the reverse reads: “Presented by L.S. Moore by the President [of the United States] on behalf of the National Rifle Association. Editor: Think about how the times have changed. In 1931, the U.S. president was proud to recognize a junior marksman’s great achievement. Today, the White House condemns all things gun-related. California passed a law imposing fines of $25,000.00 for promoting youth marksmanship. Marksman Moore Went To The U.S. Naval Academy and served in WW IISam Moore was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy after completing high school. The Naval Academy was founded in 1931. Moore later developed the Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife. He served in WW II in the USMC as an aviator and maintained his passion for shooting until he passed away in 1982. Moore’s rifle, along with an engraved gold medal, was donated to the National Firearms museum by his son David. Photos and story on the NRA Museums’ Facebook Page