Ace with a “Springpole”
Ace with a “Springpole”: Major John Hession’s match Model 8
By: Cameron Woodall
When you consider the Model 8’s place in history, thoughts may include the first successful American semi-automatic high-powered rifle, perhaps its widespread success in law-enforcement, or even possibly a gun with limited military service with at least 2 countries. Few, however, would consider the long-recoil Model 8 a worthy candidate for a “match” quality rifle, but then again not everybody could shoot like Maj. John “Jack” Hession!
John William Hession was born September 8th, 1877 in Clinton, Ontario, Canada. In his early 20’s, Hession moved to the United States just before the turn of the century. Throughout his life he worked as a drummer, travelling salesman, promoter of shootings clubs, ballistic engineer for Remington Arms, shooting promotion manager for Winchester, consultant to the War Department, but what he’s most known for is ringing 10x’s. It was once said he could, “flick the dust off a butterfly’s wings at 1000 yards”. Indeed Hession enjoyed a good competition, and compete he did. Attending over 500 matches, his shooting accomplishments are far too numerous to document here, but highlights include: a seat on the 1908 U.S. Olympic Team (Men’s Free Rifle – 300 meter & 1000 yard), smashing the then, current Camp Perry world record by placing 57 consecutive bull’s-eyes from 800 yards in the Second Brigade Match, and beating an astounding 600 competitors at the Marine Corps Cup in 1913 scoring 195 out of 200. Even well into his 60’s, John was still winning competitions, particularly the New York State Championship in 1942.
Major Hession used many rifles throughout the duration of his shooting career, most notably a custom 1903 Springfield with which he won numerous competitions. Perhaps less known, however, was his “springpole”. Once tucked away in the Remington Factory archives, this Model 8 (now in private ownership) is a relatively unknown piece of history.; a one-of-a-kind Remington Autoloading Rifle whose identification card reads, “produced for and used in target work by John Hession”. Rifle #14410 (mfg. 1909). It is chambered in .25 Remington (marked 25-35Rem) and sports a number of interesting modifications. Most noticeable is the full length upper and lower “military” style handguards with modified 03 Springfield barrel bands. In the stock, a 03 Springfield two-screw rear sling swivel was added. Since the Model 8 was predominantly advertised to hunters, factory sights were not intended for target work. So, to better equip this rifle for its intended purpose, the factory rear sight was omitted and a 1901 pattern Krag-Jorgensen tangent rear sight installed into the jacket head. These sights are graduated out to a very generous 2000 yards! A simple raised front sight accommodates the increased height due to the rear sight location and upper handguards. This rifle is an entirely unique standout among Model 8’s!
The extent of the rifle’s service has been lost with time. Perhaps it was regularly used in competitions, maybe it was a practice gun, or it could have even been a shrewd marketing tool to show what a rifle not generally known for precision accuracy can do in the hands of a shooting legend. Whatever the occasion, it must have been thrilling to see this quarter-bore “springpole” punch paper at distances that would have impressed even John Browning himself!
