2013 4-H Western Heritage Project Championship
August 3rd - Simms, MT
See complete scores and placings at bottom of page
Thirty-two competitors participated in a day of shooting, learning, and fun at the 2013 4-H Western Heritage Project Championship in Simms, MT on August 3rd. Six Missouri 4-Hers and 26 Montana shooters competed for the championship buckles.
Colt Single Action Army generously donated by Colt's Manufacturing Company
Zeb Antonioli of Madison County, MT held the lucky ticket for the Colt Single Action Army revolver donated generously by Colt’s Manufacturing Company of Hartford, CT. The revolver is in the original caliber of .45 Colt, has a 5 1/2 inch barrel, and is engraved with the words “4-H Western Heritage 2013” on the backstrap. Zeb will take personal possession of this historic firearm when he meets the age and qualifications for legal ownership under state and federal law.
A true original, winning a Colt SAA is more than just receiving a gun. Zeb will have a future family heirloom.
A Crew of Missouri 4-H Members and Leaders Pose Around the 1865 Mountain Howitzer.
Living Historian and 4-H Volunteer, Will Abbot of Missoula, MT, brought along 12 pounder and a mortar representative of the Indian Wars during Montana's frontier period.
Cannon Used Against Chief Joseph's Band During the Nez Perce War of 1877
Will Abbot fires a round from his 1865 Mountain Howitzer. This is the same model of cannon used at the Big Hole Battlefield during the Nez Perce War of 1877. Army and militia soldiers only fired two rounds during the battle before being overrun by Nez Perce warriors.
Mountain Howitzers were gifted to many settlements in the West to ward off Indian attacks. Most of the Indian threats were more perceived than real.
Mountain Howitzers were gifted to many settlements in the West to ward off Indian attacks. Most of the Indian threats were more perceived than real.