Not Revolutionary War history, but relevant to Appleseed. Someone asked me at a shoot whether the "V" on our target is worth more, so I explained that is is still just five points (Roman numeral V), but that it was used as a tie-breaker when that was the National Match target, before they went to the ten point circular targets with the X-ring.
Then I told the story of how the "V" ring came to be, which is a truly legendary story of civilian marksmanship. The story is here, on a website originated by MAJ Dick Culver, the author of the story (and who was an important figure in rifle marksmanship history in his own right).
http://www.jouster2.com/sea_stories/end_of_an_era.pdf
(Take special notice on page 4, about how George Farr used his just acquired 600-yard zero on unfamiliar rifle, applied come-ups, and got his first shot on paper at 1000 yards.)
I'm about to head off to the airport on a business trip. Seems I've just got something new to read on the flight. Thanks! O0
Something similar happened at the start of F-class competition, I'm told; too many were shooting all Xs so they shrank it from a 1 MOA X ring to .5 MOA.
Thanks for the share... a fascinating story and one worth sharing at events when describing the target. I recall reading of Farr, but had missed or forgotten the story behind the "V"
There is a smaller2020 article on the NRA SSUSA with Dad Farr in relaxed attire and his "spotting scope" hanging at his side. https://www.ssusa.org/content/the-legend-of-george-r-dad-farr/
another describes his rifle https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2016/4/21/birth-of-a-legend-the-farr-rifle
What a great story! I had seen the NRA article but never the linked pdf with the extra detail. Thanks for posting that!!!