RIFLE COMPETITION AT PORTSMOUTH.
A grand rifle contest of the Portsmouth Volunteer Rifle Corps terminated yesterday in a manner most satisfactory to the promoters of the first annual prize meeting. The weather during the first day was inclement, notwithstanding which disadvantage the shooting was kept up in a spirited manner. The second day was more favourable, and many excellent scores were made, which manifested the rapid strides made by many members towards proficiency as marksmen.
The shooting took place at the Range, Baffins, about two miles from Portsmouth, and attracted a number of visitors from all parts despite the bad weather.
…
Then followed the Ladies’ Prize, value 10l.; to be paid in money at the option of the winner; five shots each at 200, 250, and 300 yards; open to all comers; to be shot for with the long or short 3-grooved Enfield rifle, government pattern, or Artillery or Yeomanry carbines; this prize was won by Serjeant W. Caplin, of the 12th Hants Petersfield Corps.
Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette — Saturday 3 October 1863
PORTSMOUTH RIFLE CONTEST.—It is pleasing again to record the name of Sergeant-Armourer Caplin of the 12th Hants Volunteers, as the winner of the ‟Ladies’ Prize,” value £10, shot for at the Portsmouth Rifle Contest, on Tuesday last, five shots at 200, 250, and 300 yards, Hythe position, with the long or short Enfield three-grooved rifles, against all comers, the following being his score:— At 200 yards, 11 points; at 250 yards 13 points; at 300 yards, 14 points; total, 38 points. On the preceding day (Monday) the All Comers Prize of £20 was shot for on the same ground, with any description of rifle, when Sergeant Caplin made the greatest score at 500 yards with the long Enfield, and during the day won several pools. Sergeant Caplin is well deserving of notice for his persevering and regular attendance at drill as well as for all the duties appertaining to the efficiency of a volunteer, and therefore it may not be out of place to state that he brought to Petersfield the first battalion cup, presented by Col. Conran, and shot for at Fareham; that in the next year he was second for the cup, presented as before; and also that he was the winner of the 12th Hants cup, value £12, shot for at Helmington Bottom.