Inanimate target classification was obviously quite different than Live Bird handicapping

April 28, 1894 Sporting Life
http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingLife/1894/VOL_23_NO_05/SL2305011.pdf
The new American handicap for artificial bird shooting is one of distance only.
There are now three classes. All shooters averaging 85 per cent, are entered in Class A, and must shoot at the 18-yard mark. Seventy-five per cent men and less than 85 per cent are entered in Class B and must shoot at the 16-yard mark. All shooters averaging less than 75 per cent, are entered in Class C, and must shoot at the 14-yard mark.
Shooters will be classified by the Classification Committee of the association, from the records they have made at their home clubs, or from the best information obtainable.


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