Manual of Rifle Practice: Including a Complete Guide to Instruction in the Use and Care of the Modern Breech-loader

George Wingate entered the Civil War as a private in the New York State Guard. He soon discovered that the militia had very poor shooting skills, and devoted himself to correcting that failing. By the end of the war he had been promoted to Captain, and was recognized as a leading expert on marksmanship training. William Conant Church was the editor of the Army and Navy Journal. After the war he recognized Wingate's expertise and asked him to write a series of articles on marksmanship and rifle training which he published in the Journal.

These articles were immediately widely and highly acclaimed. Church and Wingate decided an organization was needed to facilitate the spread of this knowledge, and together founded The National Rifle Association. The articles from the Army and Navy Journal were collected, and along with additional material were published in 1872 as "Manual for Rifle Practice".

Wingate makes reference following the Preface that this is the Second Edition, however, his reference is to the articles published in the Journal. This volume is the 1st Edition 1st printing of this book. It was soon adapted by state guard units across the country, and by the United States military.

It's publication was a seminal event in American history. Wingate was the first Secretary of the NRA, and later served as its President for 25 years.