The Rifle That Shot 3000 Bullseyes – Sam Moore’s Win Model 52

January 10, 2023Here is a rifle that earned a Presidential Medal and a visit at the White House. This rifle is unique in that it was used to shoot 3000 bulleyes consecutively in one day. It was 1926, and Sam Moore, a high school shooter, wanted to set a new record. Moore was armed with a Winchester Model 52 rifle and fired 3,000 rounds downrange. He only stopped when the rifle became too hot to hold, and the daylight was getting dark fast. Moore had fired 3,000 consecutive bullseyes at the NRA Junior Rifle Competition (target at 50 feet). The world record was set and Moore was invited to Washington, DC, April 26, 1926, to meet President Calvin Coolidge. President Coolidge presented Moore with a medal of gold at the White House. The back engraving reads: “Presented To L.S. Moore by the President [on] behalf the National Rifle Association. Junior Rifle Corps World Record — 3000 — consecutive Bullseyes. “Editor: Look at how times have changed. In 1931, the U.S. President was proud of a junior marksman’s great achievement. Today, the White House condemns all things gun-related. The State of California passed legislation that imposes $25,000.00 fines on youth marksmanship promoters (AB 2571). Marksman Moore went to the U.S. Naval Academy, and served in WW II
Sam Moore was admitted to the U.S. after completing high school. In 1931, Moore graduated from the Naval Academy. Moore later helped to develop the Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife. He also served in WW II as an USMC aviator and continued his passion for shooting until his death in 1982. David Moore donated Moore’s rifle, engraved gold medal, and rifle to the National Firearms Museum.