Elcho Shield


The Elcho Shield is an annual Match Rifle competition between national teams of eight from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The trophy holder is able to choose the venue of the competition, however, since the NRA's move to Surrey from Wimbledon in 1890, the competition has been held at Bisley Ranges, Surrey, England. Each shooter fires fifteen shots at,, and with, unusually for a shooting discipline, no "sighting" or practice shots. The shooters may be coached which allows other team members to judge and make necessary adjustments to the shooter's sights. The rules allow each team two hours at each range to fire all their shots. The match is most regularly held following the national championships in July each year.
The first match, on Wednesday July 9, 1862, was held over, and solely between Scotland and England. In the event England won by 166 marks. Scotland won the trophy for the first time in 1864 and Ireland joined the fray in 1865.
The trophy is large and distinctive, known as the Elcho Shield, and is made from a sheet of iron decorated with repousse scenes to a design by the artist G. F. Watts. It was presented to the National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom by its founder and president, Lord Elcho.
The current holder of the trophy is England.