The men's stationary target small-bore rifle, also referred to as the miniature rifle competition, was one of 15 events on the Shooting at the 1908 Summer Olympics programme.

[2] Regulation of the equipment used in the event was done through proscribing ammunition weighing more than 140 grains, with a velocity of more than 1,450 feet per second, or having a hard metal base.

[3] Because of a delay in the arrival of Barnes' registration, the British team registered Philip Plater as a replacement.

The original registration later arrived, resulting in Britain having 13 entrants.

Further confusion on the day of competition resulted in all 13 shooting, Plater going last.