.o^.^M-^-^^ oo".':^'''% > c c^^ <5^ ^ '^'^" ' - SIR - '^^ ^ ' A^ ^^.-0 -> Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/modernamericanriOOgoul 2^ Edited by A. C. GOULD. SPORT: . OR . . SHOOTING AND FISHING. ILLUSTRATED FROM THE FIFTEEN ORIGINAL WATER-COLORS BY A. S. Frost. Henry Sandham. F. H. Taylor. S. F. IDenton. Edward Knohel. F. S. Cogens. Frederic l^emington. R. F. Zogbaum. The work complete in five large quarto sections, each section containing nnagnificent reproductions of three original water- colors, size 12x18 inches, with acconnpanying text. It will be sold to subscribers only, and no order can be taken except for the connplete publication. Price of EncJi Section .... Or, Bound in Half BoxbnrgJi, Gilt Top $ 10.00. 53.50. A LIMITED EDITION ONLY. Bradlee Whidden, PUBLISHER, i8 ARCH ST., BOSTON, MASS. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. MODERN American Rifles WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF PROCESSES OF MANUFACTURING; APPLIANCES USED BY RIFLEMEN FOR HUNTING AND TARGET SHOOTING; DIRECTIONS FOR BULLET-MAKING AND RELOADING CARTRIDGES; POSITIONS ADOPTED IN VARIOUS STYLES OF shooting; TRAJECTORIES OF RIFLES ; AND A VERY FULL RECORD OF INVEN- TIONS, IMPROVEMENTS, AND WORK ACCOMPLISHED WITH AMERICAN RIFLES. J--"- \V BY A. C/ GOULD ("Ralph Greenwood") Editor of " Shooting' and Fishiitg." 31lliistratetr« BOSTON: BRADLEE WHIDDEN. 1892. COPYRIGHT, 1S91, By BRADLEE WHIDDEN. ALL RIGHTS RESER VED. PREFACE. During the years the author has been associated with sportsmen's publications, especially since establishing a journal devoted exclusively to the rifle, and editing its successor, which has been largely devoted to rifle shooting, he has noted the desire among devotees to the sport of rifle shooting for information on this subject. Those who have read The Rifle and its successor, Shoot- ing and Fishing, must have noted that the Query and Reply column has been almost exclusively devoted to attempting to elucidate perplexed riflemen. Many of the questions have been repeated with such frequency, that it was considered advisable to publisha series of papers which would cover, as nearly as possible, the in- formation called for. The papers appeared in the col- umns of Shooting and Fishing, and were so well received that certain editions were exhausted, and many appli- cants for back numbers could not be supplied. Besides this, it was found there was much matter which could not well be published in the columns of a paper, but advantageously connected with the matter previously published, as well as a great deal of new matter which developed after the scries appeared ; and responding to X PREFACE. the requests of many, to present the result of my inves- tigations in book form, I have collected, rewritten, and added new matter, and submit it in this volume. No attempt has been made to produce a scientific treatise ; on the contrary, the volume is the result of more than a quarter of a century's practical experience with American rifles, impelled by an irresistible attrac- tion to investigate the mode of manufacturing, the art of shooting the rifle, and the various uses of the arm. The author does not hesitate to state that after diligent study of the rifle for the period named, he recognizes there is much to learn of the idiosyncrasies of this most fascinating but perplexing arm. I have been greatly aided in my work by favors from the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Company, the Ideal Manufacturing- Company, the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, the Massachusetts Arms Company, the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company, and the Malcolm Telescope Manu- facturing Company. I also desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to Major Charles W. Hinman, Captain S. E. Blunt, Mr. H. V. Perry, Mr. N. S. Brockway, Mr. L. N. Walker, Mr. W. H. Devenport, and last, but not least, my faithful and untiring assistant, Mr. William Maynard, who has always stood ready to aid me in my work. A. C. G. CONTENTS. Chapter I. Discovery and Principles of a Rifle. — Rifles of the Present. — Material for Rifle Barrels .... Chapter II. Manufacture of Rifle Barrels. — Boring — Straightening. — Rifling. — Lead- ing and Chambering Chapter III. Forgings. — Additional work on Barrels — Stocking .... Chapter IV. Rifle Sights. — Front Open Sights Chapter V. Rifle Sights. — Rear Open Sights and Rear Peep Sights Chapter VI. Combination Rifle Sights Chapter VII. Target Sights for Rifles Chapter VIII. Telescope Rifle Sights . Chapter IX, Hunting Rifles. — Single Shot and Repeating Rifles Chapter X. Target Rifles. — Rifles for Off-hand and Rest Target Shooting Chapter Xf. Military Rifles .... Chapter XII. Pocket Rifles .... Chapter XIII. Positions in Rifle Shooting . Chapter XIV. Aiming, Sighting, Holding, and Firing Chapter XV. Trajectories of Rifle Bullets . 28 35 45 59 66 73 122 136 144 153 173 183 xu CONTENTS. Chapter XVI. Chapter y^NVl. Chapter XVIII. Chapter XIX. Chapter XX. Chapter XXI. Chapter XXII. Chapter XXIII. Chapter XXIV. Rules Governing What it is possible to do with a Rifle The Manipulation and Care of Rifles The Proper and the Absurd Use of the Rifle Constructing a Rifle Range. — Laying out a Range. — Arrangement of the Butts and Pits. — Systems for Marking Shots .... Targets used by American Riflemen Preparing Rifle Ammunition The Art of Bullet Making Modern Machinery for Manufacturing Rifles Round Bullets in Modern Rifles . Rifle Shooting .... PAGE 192 202 218 232 267 296 302 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER I. DISCOVERY AND PRINCIPLES OF A RIFLE. RIFLES OF THE PRESENT. MATERIAL FOR RIFLE BARRELS. A RIFLE is a gun the inside of whose barrel is cut with spiral grooves or channels, the object of which is to cause a projectile of certain weight, which fits the barrel, to take a spinning motion when fired from the arm, and thereby increase the distance and accuracy of the pro- jectile's flight. Rifles may be of any weight, from the heaviest piece of ordnance down to the compact pocket pistol, though other terms are applied to distinguish the different types of weapons. From records of the past, there seems to be nothing to indicate positively who was the original inventor of the mechanical device which has given to the world a weapon from which power, pleasure, and profit have been derived. It is generally believed that, after fire-arms and gunpowder were invented, trouble was encountered, when firing, by fouling of the guns ; and it was attempted to remedy this difficulty by grooving the inside of the barrels, at first it is said straight, and later with spirals, when the discovery was made that, by this means, range and accuracy were increased. The principle thus discovered formed the basis of the weapon which is, to a certain extent, forever to be a ruling power of nations. I 2 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Since the important discovery alluded to was made, there have been carried on, intermittingly, with and without system, innumerable experiments to solve the problem of the proper amount of spiral for the groovings and the best charges of powder, to spin various projectiles accurately. These experiments have been conducted the world over with heavy rifles or cannon, rifles shot from the shoulder, or those shot from the hand, the latter being classed as pistols and revolvers. America has a world-wide reputation for producing superior rifles and excellent riflemen ; and desiring to treat only of rifles with which the author has had practi- cal experience, or privileged to inspect or observe the working of, no attempt will be made in this volume to describe any but American rifles and those of modern invention. It has always seemed strange to the author that a nation of riflemen, as America can properly be called, should know so little about the mechanical con- struction of a rifle. Half a century ago many men who shot rifles were obliged to make them ; a very intelligent class of mechanics they were, and they made very fine rifles. With the advent of the breech-loaders, which for the past decade have been turned out in such quantities, there seemed for a time to be little thought given to improving the rifle by manufacturers ; the principal object of a majority seemed to be to learn how to make the most rapid firing rifle No doubt the rifles made by careful mechanics fifty years ago were superior in accuracy and durability to the early productions in modern machine-made breech-loading rifles. The manufacturing of arms by machinery reduced the number of hand rifle-makers, for hand skill could not compete with machinery. Each year since the commencement of the manufacture of machine-made rifles in America, these rifles have been MODERN- AMERICAN- RIFLES. 3 improved, though slowly at first ; and the better ma- chinery has greatly lessened the cost of production, so that at the time of writing the manufacture of rifles by hand labor is almost wholly discontinued. It is believed by most riflemen that modern American breech-loading rifles of to-day are equal in accuracy to those formerly made by hand, have the advantage of easier and more rapid manipulation, and can be purchased at much lower prices. It is not so difficult a task to manufacture a good rifle as is generally supposed : it is a simple mechanical problem, and does not demand the superior skill which is necessary in some other mechani- cal productions. For many years the impression pre- vailed that there were but few artisans competent to produce a rifle ; but to-day there are scores of practical riflemen who have made as fine shooting rifles as can be found anywhere, and produced them by employing their leisure hours in this work, which was an entirely new field of labor for them. Some of the most popular cali- bres to-day are the results of such individual enterprise, and modern American rifles are as much the result of investigations of practical American riflemen as of man- ufacturers. There are really but two component parts to a rifle : the forgings, which include all the metal parts, and the stock ; but, as a rule, the forgings are known as the mechanism, receiver, trigger, trigger-guard, and such pieces. The most important part of a rifle is the barrel. No matter how perfect is the mechanism of the arm, or fault- less the stock and sights, the rifle is of little use with a poor barrel. The materials used in the manufacture of rifle-barrels are iron and cast steel, but more commonly, at the present time, of a metal known as gun steel, barrel steel, or decar- bonized steel : in fact, it may be said that at the present time nearly all first-class rifle barrels are made of steel, 4 , MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. and generally of what is known to the trade as decarbon- ized steel. It is an American product, and manufactured at various localities in this country. The steel, as its name implies, has been largely deprived of its carbon and is soft ; it is made specially for rifle barrels, and preferred by most manufacturers to a harder steel. The softer metal, it is claimed, has less tendency to crook when heated from rapid firing, which sometimes occurs where hard steel is used. Elaborate experiments have indicated that a steel of the degree of hardness used by most of the manufacturers of American rifles to-day gives the most uniform results. For several years many of the match rifle barrels were made of cast steel ; but now one quality of decarbonized steel is generally used for both match, hunting and mili- tary arms. I know of two rifle-makers who stand as high as any in the world, who have repeatedly demonstrated that they not only know their trade thoroughly, but are experts in shooting rifles. One writes : " I am not in favor of hard steel for target rifles, and would back the soft steel every time for uniform results." The other says : " I prefer plain cast steel for rifle barrels, and have used that kind of metal for my best rifles for the past thirty-five years. The cast steel barrels are quite hard. I think as fine shooting rifles can be made of decarbonized steel as of cast steel, but believe the latter will retain their fine shooting qualities much longer than the soft, decar- bonized steel barrels." There is a preference among some makers of muzzle- loading rifles for cast steel, but decarbonized steel is gen- erally used by manufacturers of modern breech-loading rifles. There is an impression that iron is fit only for the cheap and unreliable rifles, but recently iron barrels have been fitted to first-class rifles in England, and the claim made that they possess superior shooting qualities, but wear out quicker than barrels of steel. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER II. MANUFACTURE OF RIFLE BARRELS. BORING. STRAIGHT- ENING. RIFLING. — LEADING AND CHAMBERING. The steel used in rifle barrels is supplied to American manufacturers by concerns making a business of man- ufacturing it. No firm nor company in America, man- ufacturing rifles, makes the steel used in their rifle barrels. When the steel is to be used for hunting and match rifles it is generally made and delivered in round bars, some- times octagon, cut often one-half inch longer than barrels when finished, and again in bars twelve feet in length. These bars vary in weight according to the barrels intended to be made from them, — those for heavy Schiitzen bar- rels being thicker than those for light .22-calibre rifles. Small barrels are generally made from round, and large from octagon bars. At the present time manufacturers of rifles are able to purchase the bars of steel for barrels more nearly in the shape of barrels than formerly. If a lot of light barrels are to be made the bars are purchased of size and shape best suited for such barrels, saving the manufacturer considerable labor. There is a general opinion among rifle-makers and expert rifle shots that the quality of steel has its influence on the shooting qualities of a rifle : hence uniformity is considered an essential qualification for good rifle steel. Manufacturers have succeeded in producing a metal which, as a rule, is quite uniform, but at times it varies and causes 6 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. no little trouble to the rifle-maker. In boring a barrel the bit will occasionally strike a hard, gritty substance which has been likened to a ploughshare striking a rock when ploughing ; pockets and seams are encountered which are some of the obstacles which beset the path of the rifle- maker, and have not been overcome to such an extent that any one can tell positively that a particular bar of steel will make a superior rifle barrel. If the barrels are to be made from the bars, as is gen- erally the case, the first operation is to drill a small hole lengthwise through the centre of the bar. If the bars 12 feet in length are used, they are cut the desired length before drilling. After drilling the bar, comes the process of reaming, then straightening. The number of reamings depends upon the calibre. If the barrel is for a .22-calibre, one boring with a solid five-cornered reamer would be con- sidered sufficient by some manufacturers ; but, as it is difficult to secure a good hole by one boring, the plan followed with larger barrels is usually employed, omit- ting the nut-boring and quick-boring after drilling, and then finish by slow-boring or reaming. The operator is supplied with plugs or gauges, and the bar is reamed until the proper size has been secured. The turning down and grinding process is performed after boring or reaming. It is considered desirable by most manufacturers and many riflemen to secure a slight taper or choke to the bore toward the muzzle : a majority of American rifle-makers secure this by a process which will be alluded to later, and bore the barrels a true cylinder. One company informed the writer that i-iooo inch taper was given in reaming, a process certainly not generally followed. When the barrels are bored or reamed to nearly the desired size, the final work is done with a reamer cutting on one edge only, and with a piece of soft pine wood known as a spill, placed between the reamer and the wall of the barrel. This latter process gives a finer finish to MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 7 the inside of barrels, and skill and care are necessary to perform this latter operation properly. It is astonishing to note the variations in time con- sumed by different manufacturers in the reaming process, which will partially explain the low prices at which machine- made rifles are sold, and the superseding of large com- panies over the small concerns. A large establishment, equipped with the most approved machinery, will do in a few minutes what some of the old machines took hours to accomplish. The bars, as before stated, are generally supplied slightly longer than the intended barrels. Sometimes, however, the metal is supplied in two-inch round bars of the same decarbonized steel ; these are cut into bars of about ten inches in length. A ^-inch hole is drilled through its entire length ; this bar, or barrel-mould as it is sometimes called, is heated and drawn or rolled out to the desired length. This latter mode is largely confined to military rifles, but some of the long-range match rifle barrels have been made in this manner. When the desired length has been secured, the barrels are submitted to a straightening process, after which they are annealed again, straightened, and then submitted to the first and second boring. A Springfield rifle -barrel, according to government reports, is " first-bored " with two twist bits of .37 and .42 inch diameter respectively, in a quick-boring machine, and " second-bored " with a quadrangular bit ribbed with splints to a calibre of .44-inch. In the first boring, the liits are drawn through the bore, rather than pushed. The additional borings are in both directions. The barrels at this stage are placed in a lathe and turned down by two turnings, then straightened, then a third turning down, after which the barrel is once more bored, bringing the calibre up to .4445 ; the barrel is then brought down to nearly its true size on a large grindstone. When the 8 MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. barrels have reached this stage, they are ready for rifling. At the government armories barrels are proved at this time, before rifling. Proving American match rifles, especially in the small bores, is, as a rule, omitted. I have previously alluded to the rifle barrels being straightened during the process of boring or reaming. This is an important process, and has much to do with the shooting qualities of a rifle. The metal has its influence on the boring, and the operator at different stages of the work inspects the barrel to learn if the bore is perfectly straight. This is determined by placing the barrel on a rack ; near by is a window, and in or near this window, where there is a strong, clear light, is a sheet of white tissue paper or a light of ground glass, in the centre of which is a horizontal line. The inspector, by looking through the barrel at the line, can at once tell by the lines of reflection whether the bore is straight or not. Long: practice enables the barrel inspectors to quickly detect any deviation of the bore, locate it, and correct it. It may here be stated that after rifling, the crook in the bore is not readily detected. If it is apparent that the bore is not true, it must be straightened ; and the mode of doing it is by a blow with a steel hammer, the barrel being placed on a suitable block, with two pieces of hardened steel placed about two inches apart, on which the barrel is laid. A badly crooked barrel may be straightened, but it is not so likely to be a good shooting barrel as one which bores true, requiring little or no straightening. Experienced rifle-makers are inclined to believe that a barrel that shows a straight bore, requiring little or no straightening, possesses the first point in favor of its being a fine shooting barrel, though, of course, later processes, improperl}^ executed, may injure it. A barrel requiring considerable straightening, as before intimated, is not likely to prove a good shooting one. In fact, I am inclined to take advantage, in the MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 9 midst of my descriptions, of the opportunity to illustrate how delicate ati instrument a rifle is, and how easily it may be injured. A bar of steel with a hole bored through the centre is delicate and easily affected by a blow. There- fore a rifleman should remember that it is desirable to avoid letting a rifle fall or receive a blow, as its shooting qualities are liable to be lost from such causes. I have seen barrels ruined from both of these causes. I have observed shooters of long-range match rifles and military arms while waiting to shoot, straddle a rifle with the stock on the ground and the barrel in the hands, and sit on the rifle barrel ; I have seen hunters carry the car- cass of a deer or other game and luggage on rifle barrels, one at the breech, the other at the muzzle end, and then wonder that their rifles did not shoot straight. I have observed the antics of militia men who would fence with their rifles, striking one barrel against the other ; and I know I have ruined the fine shooting qualities of a rifle by pounding the front sight in and out of the slot near the muzzle. A rifle-barrel may be badly crooked after boring ; an application of heat will perceptibly straighten it, but a barrel that has been straightened by much hammering is thought likely to bend by heat of firing ; heavy blows on one side of a barrel, it is believed, weakens the metal and affects its expansion, as the metal is condensed by hammering, and consequently uneven expansion occurs when heated. The nearer straight a barrel is bored, and the less straightening required, the more likelihood there is of its being a superior shooting barrel. When the boring and straightening processes are finished, the barrels are rifled. Rifling consists of cutting grooves, always spiral in modern rifles, on the inside surface of the bore, the object of which has previously been described. By cutting the grooves or channels, a space is left between the 10 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. grooves, which is called the lands. The grooves in mod- ern rifles are helical, but the term "twist" is applied to the amount of pitch given to the grooves. The grooves are parallel to each other from end to end ; and the twist generally uniform. Sometimes the grooves commence at the breech with a slow twist, increasing toward the muzzle ; then it is said the arm has a gain twist. Most Fig. 1. — The Style of Rifling used in most American Rifles. modern American rifles are made with a uniform twist, those manufactured with a gain twist being almost wholly rifles made to order. Some years ago it was thought advantageous to have an increase or gain twist, and there are still advocates of this system ; but judging from careful inquiries I have made of those expressing confidence in the gain twist, I find in almost every instance they have become converted to this belief by reading some of the works on rifle making pub- lished many years ago. Since that time, however, the most exhaustive experiments have been tried, and nearly all the manufacturers of modern American rifles believe there is MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. II no advantage in a gain twist, and give a uniform pitch to all their rifles manufactured in quantity. The grooves and the lands combined are called the rifling. Many styles of rifling have been tried ; but after exhaustive experiments, which include square and round edge, wide and narrow, deep and shallow grooves, a majority of American rifle-makers have adopted a style resembling what is shown in the illustration Fig. i. Manufacturers vary slightly the style of their rifling ; some giving much wider grooves than others, and some slightly bevelling one edge of the lands. The style shown is a square and shallow groove, with the bottom of the grooves of the same circle as the bore, fre- quently a little wider than the lands, although the U. S. Springfield rifle has lands and grooves of equal width. The style of rifling, like the twist, is a subject about which no end of argument has been indulged in ; also, like the question of twist, it has been practically settled ; but there always has been, and probably always will be per- sons who intermittingly will proclaim to the world that by a new system of rifling the accuracy of the arm is materially increased, or certain difficulties which have always been encountered since rifles were made have been overcome. There are some slight variations in the styles of rifling ; but I have never seen any radical departures from the systems illustrated, which have demonstrated their superi- ority. I have, however, seen work done with the system of rifling here shown, which, I believe, is all that can ever be expected of a rifle with the present ammunition of ordinary black powder and a projectile of lead and tin ; and most riflemen, who have given years to the study of this weapon, believe that the style of rifling in use by our manufacturers at the present time is about as near perfec- tion as it is possible to get ; and improvement in accuracy must come from ammunition rather than from a different style of rifling. Undoubtedly the metal-incased or jack- 12 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. eted bullet of the new small bores needs a different style of groove from the old styles used with leaden bullets, so as not to cut or break the jacket with which they are encased. Rifling a barrel is a simple mechanical operation, about as follows : — After the boring or reaming is finished, the barrel is placed in a rifling machine. A rod or spindle, at the end of which is one or more cutters of hardened steel, is moved automatically through the barrel ; at the end of the stroke the motion is reversed and the rod or spindle is withdrawn, and the cutter operates on the groove, generally cutting one groove at a time, though sometimes more, a thin shaving of steel being brought out with each cut ; the rod is moved through the barrel again, the machine automatically rotating the barrel, and thus the cutter is applied to a different groove at each withdrawal of the rod. The rifling machine is so constructed as to permit of rifling with various twists and adjusted to cut grooves of varying depths. The depths of grooves range from .ooi}4 to .006 of an inch; generally .003 and .004 for small bores, and .005 and .006 of an inch for dirty shooting. An old rifle-maker of my acquaintance informs me that the cutting is done from muzzle to breech. He also always cut off from the muzzle, after rifling, from }i to % inch to insure the corners of the grooves being sharp and clean cut right up to the end. This is done for the reason that when the cutter first starts in, it is liable to, and usually does, cut slightly rough and irregu- lar. In his system of rifling, the cutter rod is passed through the barrel from breech to muzzle, and the cutter is then placed in position. The rod is then drawn through, the shaving removed, the incline which supports the cutter is pushed back, allowing the cutter to drop below the surface of the cutter head (so as not to scratch on its passage back through the bore ) ; it is then passed MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 13 through to the muzzle again, the incline forced back, so the cutter will be the same height as before, and the barrel revolved to next groove, and so on until each eroove is cut. Then with cutter head at muzzle end of barrel, the cutter is raised a trifle, by means of a suitable adjusting screw operating on the incline, and then each Fig. 2. — System of Rifling employed in the Colt's Rifles. groove is cut again as before, and so on till the required depth is obtained. The style of rifling shown in Fig. i is about what is used in the Winchester, Remington, Maynard, Stevens, Ballard, and Hopkins & Allen rifles. Figs. 2 and 3 show different styles of rifling. The rounding of the corners of the grooves is supposed to lessen the fouling. The well-known Colt's rifles are made with this style of rifling as well as some of the rifles made to order by individuals. If a rifle is to be used for dirty shooting, or shooting without wiping the inside of the barrel after each shot, it is thought by some desirable to cut the grooves deeper than when the arm is intended to be shot with a bullet 14 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. patched or jacketed with paper and the inside of barrel carefully cleaned after each shot. The shallow grooves are also thought best adapted to the character of pro- jectiles used in target rifles. The number of grooves in American rifles is from three upward. The U. S. Springfield rifle has three grooves, the majority of other rifles made in quantities Fig. 3. — System of Rifling employed in the Colt's Rifles. have from five to eight, according to size of bore, and a few rifles are made with a larger number. When over eight grooves are used they are generally in rifles made to order. It is usual to increase the number of grooves as the depth of grooves decreases. The number of cuts required to finish a groove varies according to the depths. By the hook method some manufacturers using power machines give five to eight, others six to twelve, the latter being on a hand-power machine. The width of groove and quality of stock also have their influence as well as the machine. All the rifling machines used in this country are of American manufacture. The Pratt & Whitney Co. of Hartford, Conn., build rifling machines for domestic use MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 5 as well as equipping foreign armories. Many of the larger companies, such as the Colts and Remingtons, build their own machines, which differ somewhat. There are quite a number of hand-power rifling machines in existence, and used at the present time. The twist is governed in these machines by the spiral guide on the lead. Excellent work can be done with them ; but they cannot rifle anything like the number of barrels a modern power machine can in a day, the latter machine being supplied with automatic force-pumps, feed- ing the oil, as well as other improvements. The twist of a rifle is the amount of pitch given to the grooves. A uniform twist is where the grooves are regular from end to end ; a gain twist is one that increases from breech to muzzle. The twist of a rifle is known by the number of inches it takes to make one complete turn. A twelve-inch twist is where the groove goes once around in twelve inches ; a sixteen-inch twist, one turn in that number of inches. The above twist might also be alluded to as one to twelve and one to sixteen. The object of the twist is to spin the projectile, and this gives accuracy in its flight. The amount of twist is governed chiefly by the length, calibre, and density of the projectile. Where bullets are of similar shape and pro- portion, but having different diameters, the smaller cali- bres require a shorter twist. An examination of the following table will show the principles governing this question. Twist in rifles can be computed on a theoretical basis, the density of a projectile affecting the calculation. I will treat only of the usual compounds of lead and tin. With this material mathematicians assert that a projectile of a certain length requires a twist of one turn in a given number of diameters to insure accurate flight. A table by Major Cundill, an English authority, has been pub- 1 6 MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. lished, from which the following figures, as applicable to American rifles, have been deduced : — .25-Cai. .35-Cai. .40-Cai. Length of Bullet. Twist. Length of Bullet. Twist. Length of Bullet. Twist. •50 .62 21. 1 15.8 .70 .87 29^5 22.2 •80 33.7 1. 00 25.3 •75 .87 12.7 10.6 1.05 1.22 17.7 14.8 1.20 20.3 1.40 17.0 1. 00 9.1 1.40 12.7 1.60 14.6 ■30- ■Cal.i •38- Cal. .45-Cal. .60 •75 .90 1.05 1.20 25-3 19.0 15.2 12.7 10.9 •76 •95 1. 14 1^33 1.52 32.0 24.0 i9^3 16.1 13.8 .90 37.4 1. 12 28.4 1.35 22.8 1.57 I9.I 1.80 16.4 •5°- Cal. 1. 00 1.25 42.1 31.6 1 Most American .32-caL rifles are .30-calibre. 1.50 25.4 These figures show about the minimum twist required to keep the bullet flying true on its axis ; and by testing them they will be found nearly correct, although the shape of a bullet will have its effect, and should be taken into consideration. Although it is not difficult to figure the theoretical twist required to spin a projectile, American manufacturers do not depend wholly upon it. If one has made a rifle which shoots well it can be made a basis for future calculations, and many follow this plan. Manufacturers of rifles generally decide upon a cart- ridge or charge, and make the twist that they think is best suited to it. A slow twist will shoot a light bullet accurately, but not one beyond a certain weight ; there- fore, if a heavier bullet is desired, the twist must gen- erally be quickened, or the bullet will not receive sufficient spin to make it fly accurately, and, in place of spinning MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1/ on its true axis, will tumble and take an erratic flight. Although a slow twist will spin only bullets of certain weight, a quick twist will spin a light bullet. Almost any bullet, however light, if of proper size and sufficient bearing, will shoot with greater or less accuracy, with a limited powder charge, in a rifle having the quickest twist used by American rifle manufacturers. It will be seen by the table giving twists used in American rifles, that manufacturers do not agree on the question of twist ; but fortunately there is a point in the twist which will permit of a projectile of greater or less weight being used, and although there may be a certain twist best adapted to a bullet of certain weight, it is a fact that different twists will spin the same bullet, or lighter and heavier bullets, with accuracy. There is an inclination by those who seek range and accuracy to shoot the heaviest bullet the twist will spin, and this is carried to such an extent that bullets will sometimes tip slightly, or, as riflemen say, stagger, and still shoot with great accuracy ; but often when this is carried to an extreme, a series of bullets will shoot with surprising accuracy, fol- lowed by one which would not spin on its true axis and tumble wildly. I can perhaps illustrate this by referring to the calibres and charges with which American riflemen are quite famil- iar. First, the .38-calibre, which is generally known as the .38-55, and is probably as popular a target calibre as any American rifle. The usual twist given is one turn in 18 inches. Manufacturers calculate this twist to spin a 255-grain bullet, and cartridges loaded for rifles with this twist have a lubricated or unjacketed bullet of this weight. Riflemen, however, who use this rifle for fine target shoot- ing seldom think of using so light a bullet, one weighing 330 grains being usually preferred. The twist of 18 or 20 inches handles this bullet admirably ; but it frequently tips a little, and occasionally, to use the vernacular of rifle- l8 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. men, a bullet will "tumble" and "key-hole," or fail to spin on its true axis, and not reach the target, or perhaps go through it . sidewise. Yet with this tendency to tip, the bullets bunch together closer than with the 255-grain bullet which manufacturers advise using. Some rifle makers, knowing the inclination of riflemen to use the heaviest bullet the twist will spin, increase the twist to one turn in 16 inches ; but where rifles are advertised to shoot the .38-55-255 factory -loaded cartridge, the producers usually decline to make a rifle with as quick a twist as 16 inches, holding that 18 or 20 inches is better. A number of cases have come under my observation where riflemen have endeavored to increase the weight of a bullet beyond 330 grains in a .38-calibre rifle with a 16-inch twist. I have never. heard of increased accuracy being gained by so doing ; but, on the contrary, the experiment in every case I know of proved a failure. I know of one rifleman who increased the depth of his bullet-mould a thirty-second of an inch. He found poorer shooting followed ; and after changing the mould to cast a bullet as at first, or the reg- ulation length, the accuracy was restored. The .32-40 rifle is another popular target rifle; and al- though manufacturers recommend using the 165-grain bullet, riflemen incline to a heavier one. All riflemen in- terested in the recently introduced .25-calibre central-fire rifles, are probably aware of the prolonged discussion relative to the twist in this rifle, or the proper weight of bullet for the adopted twist. This is another similar case. The twist of 15 inches will undoubtedly spin a bullet weighing 86 grains, and astonishing accuracy be secured ; but it is also certain that the bullets incline to tip. I have seen ten shots fired into a group which could be enclosed in a four-inch circle, the shooting being done at a distance of 200 yards from a rest, and every one of the bullet-holes showed tipping. I have seen the original MODERN AMERICAN RIFJ.ES. 1 9 targets of the best off-hand scores made by a prominent rifleman : sent me to prove the bullets struck point on, but in nearly every instance the bullet hole indicated tipping. Some of the later experiments I tried with the .25-calibre central fire were at Walnut Hill ; and one of these was shooting through screens, to learn the trajectory of this cartridge. There were present a number of distinguished riflemen, as there was considerable speculation as to the curve of the bullets of different weights. The factory cartridge loaded with a bullet weighing 86 grains went through the centre of the screens at 25, 50, and 75 yards, making satisfactory holes. At 100 yards it showed a de- cided inclination to key-hole; and at the 150-yard screen it turned, going through the frame on the right side, mak- ing a hole the length of the bullet. It may be said that the tissue paper turned the bullet ; but as similar key- holes have been observed when not shooting through screens, I formed the opinion, after what I had seen many times, that the 1 5-inch twist would spin the 86-grain bullet, shoot it accurately, but erratic shots would occasionally occur. When the enterprising Stevens Arms and Tool Co., aided by the Union Metallic Cartridge Co., originated the .22 long-rifle cartridge, it was necessary to quicken the twist in the rifles in which this cartridge was shot, from one turn in 25 inches to one turn in 16 inches, to spin the extra ten grains of lead. By increasing the bullet from 30 to 40 grains, and shortening the twist from 25 to 16, the range and accuracy of the cartridge were wonder- fully increased, so much so that shooting declared to be impossible with the old short cartridge was readily per- formed with the new. As the increased accuracy secured by this change be- came known, calls came for other makes of rifles to take the new cartridge. One company made the inexcusable blunder of rechambering .22 calibre rifles with the old 20 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. twist and placing them on the market ; they would not spin the 40-grain bullet, and at 25 yards the bullets would key-hole badly. Several of these rifles came to my notice. It was simply a case of insufficient twist for the weight of the projectile, a mistake which has often been made, and rifle-makers have several times been compelled to with- draw lots of rifles from the market on account of this mis- take. I have alluded to rifles with quick twists shooting pro- jectiles of various weights, and slow twists not shooting bullets beyond a certain weight. It was shown by a series of experiments I witnessed that a .22-calibre Ballard rifl.e with a twist which spun accurately the old short rim-fire cartridge (3-30) would not spin the long-rifle cartridge ; but, changing the twist from 20 to 16, it was found that wonderful accuracy was secured by the heavy bullet, and it would also shoot the light bullet better than the old slower twist. The same was shown in my hunting rifle, a Win- chester .45-70, taking the government shell. This rifle will shoot a charge of 70 grains of powder and a 500-grain bullet with great accuracy, and with satisfactory accuracy, under favorable weather conditions, the 405, 330, and even 300-grain bullets. The 500-grain bullet is too heavy for general hunting, and the 330 quite satisfactory to me. Greater range is also secured by a heavier projectile ; and as a quick twist is necessary to spin heavy bullets, modern military rifles are so rifled. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 21 Following are the twists used in some of the most pop- ular American rifles taking cartridges which are in gen- eral use : — Powder Weight Calibre. Charge. Grains. of Bullet. Grains. Twist. Remarks. .22 r.f. 3 30 20 to 25 Abandoned by some for 16 and inch twist. 18 .22 r.f. 5 40 16 to 18 Long rifle for a .22 cal. r.f. rifle. Used by some manufacturers. .22 C.f. 10 45 14 to 16 .25 r.f. II 67 17 .25 c.f. 19 and 20 77 and 86 12 to 15 .32 c.f. 13 90 20 Becoming obsolete for rifles. .32 r.f. 9 and 13 82 and 90 20 .32 c.f. 20 115 16 to 20 Winchester. .32 " 20 100 24 Colt's and Marlin. .32 « 35 165 16 Maynard and Stevens. .32 « 40 165 16 •35 "- 40 240 16 to 18 .38 " 40 180 28 Colt's and Winchester. •Z^ " 55 255 16 to 20 .38 " 56 255 20 to 25 .38 " 90 217 26 .40 " 40 265 18 to 20 .40 " 45 265 18 to 20 .40 " 50 265 18 to 20 .40 " 60 210 40 .40 « 62 210 40 .40 " 60 260 25 to 26 .40 " 65 260 2 S to 26 .40 " 82 260 28 .40 " 90 370 18 to 20 .40 " no 260 28 .44 " 40 200 28 •45 " 60 '300 25 •45 " 70 405 18 Sporting. •45 " 70 405 22 U. S. Government. •45 " 70 500 22 i( ^ in. wide, made of hard phosphor bronze. Through these rings the adapter or phosphor bronze eye-piece tube slides ; operating in effect just like the single draw in a navy telescope. The adapter, carry- ing the eye-piece and cross-hair diaphragm, is about i6 in. long, and is so arranged that when pulled out to a focus it comes to a stop, the telescope eye-piece being then in correct position and focus for sighting. When the adapter MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 85 is closed into the telescope tube, about one inch of the eye end projects from the main tube, fitting close and resting on top of the receiver. Detachable water-tight caps are fitted to both eye- and object-ends of the tele- scope, serving, when the telescope is not in use, as a pro- tection from both dust and moisture. " In place of the usual cross-hairs attached to a dia- phragm, is a thin, translucent disk of rock crystal fastened to the usual cross-hair diaphragm. Upon this disk is etched a vertical and horizontal line, the intersection of the lines being so adjusted as to be a little below the centre of field, the telescope tube itself being laid at a slight angle with the axis of the bore. These adjust- ments are so arranged as to give a point-blank range of 125 yards. " Below the horizontal cross-hair line is placed a short line, which ansjvers for 75 yards. Above the horizontal line is placed two other short lines, which answer respec- tively for 160 and 200 yards. On either side of the vertical line are two short vertical lines which serve as a wind-gauge. " There are times and places when it is not desirable to use the telescopic sight. To allow for such times, fixed open sights are attached on top of the telescope tube. These consist of an ivory front sight and a bar with platinum line back sight, the corners of the back sight being rounded and both sights set low on the tube. " It will be readily seen that from this construction of the telescope and its solid attachment to the barrel, all danger of injury to the telescope is reduced to a mini- mum. Another advantage is, that, should the eye-piece, from recoil, or any other cause, strike the eye, it would cause no injury to the eye, as the adapter will, with a slight pressure, push forward into the telescope tube, the phosphor bronze adapter and rings in telescope tube pre- venting any sticking from rust. When carrying the rifle 86 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the adapter is always closed up into the telescope tube, being entirely out of the way, as well as being protected from all harm or injury. When it is desired to shoot, it requires but an instant to pull out the adapter to a focus. After firing, the adapter can be instantly closed, leaving the tang and grip free from all bungling contrivances ; such as peep, Vernier, and Lyman sights and bases. " No. 2 rifle has the telescopic sight attached in pre- cisely the same manner as No. i ; but, as this is a long- range rifle, some method for securing elevation must be obtained. This is accomplished in a very simple manner. Several wedge-shaped prisms of rock crystal or flint glass (preferably rock crystal) are ground to an angle on the two plane surfaces, i. e., the two plane surfaces make an angle with one another. The amount of the angle is pro- portionate to the distance to be shot. These prisms are made circular and set in cells, which, in tuj-n, are screwed into the outer end of the object-lens cell, the prism being so adjusted that the thin end of the wedge is downward, or next to the barrel. The inner plane surface being set so as to be cathetus to a line drawn through the centre of the object-lens and the centre of the field lens, the beauty of this arrangement is apparent. The rays of light coming from the target to the prism, in passing through the prism are bent and deflected downward into the object-lens, corresponding in amount to the angle that the two plane surfaces of the prism make with each other. To illustrate : supposing that the rifle is to be shot at a 1,000 yard target, and the angle between the line of sight and the axis of the bore is 3° 30' 30" ; simply insert a prism in front of the object-lens, the plane surfaces of the prism being ground to that angle, the fine adjustment for terrestrial refraction, change of light, and humidity and density of the atmosphere being gauged and instantly allowed for by the extra vertical and horizontal lines etched on the cross-hair crystal. When shooting at the MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 8/ longer ranges there is no craning of the neck to reach up to the Vernier cup, neither is there any spirit-level required. In fact, the rifle is held just the same, whether the distance shot is lOO, i,ooo, or 2,000 yards, the only difference being in the elevation of the muzzle. " Rifles No. 3 and 4 have the telescope attached to the rib similar to No. i, the rifles presenting an appearance very much like a three-barrel gun, with the third Fig. 74.— Eye-Piece. <^ barrel on top, the three forming a tri- angle. The telescope, when closed up, is just the length of the barrels, and may be packed away, with the barrels in its case, without any fear of injury. " No. 3 rifle has, for several years, been my favorite large game-hunting rifle. No rifle that I have ever used has given me so much pleasure and genuine satisfaction as has this combination of telescope and rifle. In rapidity of firing it is not quite the equal of the Winchester 1886 model repeater, which, by the way, is the only large bore repeating rifle that I have ever seen that I would use in preference to the best single-shot rifle. Double shots from the double rifle can be fired quicker than with the repeaters ; besides, it has the advantage of equal, if not superior, accuracy up to its range — 200 to 250 yards; has a flatter trajectory and greater smashing power than has the repeater of the same calibre, besides being about i^ lbs. lighter in weight, which is quite an item in climb- ing around the mountains in a long day's tramp. Were the Winchester 1886 model so constructed as to eject the shells on the side, similar to the Marlin 1889 model, a telescopic sight after this pattern could then be attached, and would be nearly perfect for a large-game rifle. A tele- scopic-sight attachment of this kind applied to the Marlin 1889 or 1891 model, and adapted to the .25-20-86 cart- ridges, the barrel and magazine being so constructed as to 88 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. be easily detached from the receiver, would be a perfect rifle for small game, and is just the kind of small-bore rifle that I am looking for. Thousands of users of the large-bore rifle — hunters, trappers, settlers, prospectors, miners, and sportsmen everywhere — would hail with delight just such a rifle, to use as an auxiliary to the large-bore rifle. " For the benefit of the large army of both large-bore and small-bore enthusiasts, and the target and game shooters, I will say that this application of the telescopic sight to the rifle is about as near perfect as may be desired. The only obstacle to its very general use by target and game shooters is its necessarily high cost. To all those who can afford it, I say give it a trial. The system is not patented, and may be used by any one ; but it requires first-class workmanship in optician, telescope- maker, and gunsmith, to obtain fine results." Mr. William Malcolm was succeeded in the manufacture of telescopes by The Malcolm Telescope Manufacturing Co., Syracuse. Besides this company is Mr. L. M. Mogg at Marcellus, N. Y., and others doing business on a smaller scale. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 89 CHAPTER IX. HUNTING RIFLES. — SINGLE-SHOT AND REPEATING RIFLES. In America, it is usual to class as hunting rifles, all rifles which are light enough to be carried comfortably ; sighted so as to be readily and effectively used, and charged with ammunition which will kill game. The smallest rifle used in hunting is .22-calibre, and those above .50-calibre are rare. The lightest rifle known to the writer is the Stevens' pocket rifle, weighing less than i lb. ; and it is an exception to the rule to find American rifles to-day, in the hands of hunters, weighing over 10 lbs. In the days of bison hunting, the old Sharps buffalo rifles, which would weigh 16 or 18 lbs., were sold in large numbers to skin- hunters, who practically exterminated this animal. These rifles are now largely in the hands of walrus-hunters. Among the modern American rifles, manufactured to-day, there are comparatively few exceeding .50-calibre and 10 lbs. in weight. American rifles for hunting are manufactured in immense quantities by machinery and sold at astonishingly low prices. In order to sell at such low figures, they must be produced in large quantities, and by machinery ; this com- pels manufacturers to model a length and bend of stock likely to suit the majority. By perfecting machinery for this manufacture, they are able to turn out rifles which are generally remarkably accurate, but not always satis- factory in regard to weight, model, and sights. For many years most of the game hunted in America go MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. was in the East, and not dangerous ; was exceedingly plentiful, and was shot at very short range ; the smooth- bore being used quite as much as the rifle. As the rifle came more into use, — the game continuing abundant, — the skill of the hunters increased, and a small bullet rightly placed was all that was necessary to kill the game. As the hunter pushed westward, the character of the country greatly changed. In place of heavily timbered districts, with hiljs, valleys, rivers, and lakes, were almost boundless prairies, timberless, and without rocks, hills, or anything to permit as near an approach to game as in the East. Larger and more dangerous game was found ; and the game of the plains, always more timid than that found in timbered regions, became scarcer and wilder, which made it more difficult to approach. Then it was found that the lightly charged small-bore rifles were not the proper arms for that country ; and, as sportsmen became educated in this matter, their views were expressed through sports- men's papers, and, in time, manufacturers responded with more powerful rifles. The line of small-bores was also much increased, until it would seem that a rifle for every style of hunting to be found in America could be procured. It is astonishing how erroneous are the views of many as to the desirable features in a hunting rifle. Many find it difficult to understand why a rifle that shoots accurately at a distance of a thousand yards, is not superior for hunt- ing to one whose accuracy is confined to perhaps less than half that range. They entertain a belief that a long-range rifle would enable a sportsman to kill game readily at the extreme accurate range of the rifle. Strange as this may seem to many, it is a fact, that nearly every week there come to the editors of sportsmen's journals, letters from apparently intelligent persons, which indicate that they entertain such fallacious ideas. The rapidity of fire is another delusive feature to many. As a fact, there are MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 91 Fig. 75. Fig. 76. Winchester Single shot HunLing Rifles — Plain and Pistol Grip. Fig 77 —Winchester Repeat- ing Rifle, Model 1873, — Full Magazine. 92 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Other points more essential than long range and rapidity of fire in a hunting rifle. There are many opinions as to the best rifle for hunting, and when it comes to recommending a certain calibre or style of sights, I hesitate, for whatever would be recom- mended would be sure to provoke controversy. It must also be admitted that no one rifle can be found best suited for every kind of game shooting. A few successful shots (sometimes a single one) with a certain rifle and charge, making a convert to it and a firm advocate; perhaps this is a natural sequence, but it often proves delusive. I have known of cases where guides or woodsmen have made successful shots at unusually long distances, which so aroused the enthusiasm of a tyro, he would purchase at a big price the rifles used, much to the satisfaction of the fortunate marksmen. I know of men who have unbounded faith in the capabilities of a rifle of small calibre for large game, because of one fortunate, fatal shot ; and I have seen persons who have great confidence in the accuracy of a rifle because a deer was killed on the run with it. A hunting rifle should be sufficiently strong to stand any charge which the owner would be likely to ever use in it, and reasonable use it would be put to. It should be as light as possible if it is to be carried by a person afoot, but not so light as to make the recoil excessive. Few men however strong can carry a rifle weighing over eight pounds for any great distance without its being burden- some and detracting from the pleasure of a hunting trip. Over weight, unnecessary weight, has long been a conspicu- ous cause of complaint against American rifles. There seems no good reason why a.32 or .38-calibre rifle, shooting 40 grains of powder or even less, and a light bullet, should weigh nine or ten pounds, when six or seven pounds is sufficient weight. This, however, is one of the results of manufacturing rifles in quantity by machinery. A weight calculated to suit a majority of rifle-shooters (and that MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 93 would probably mean target shooters) has generally been selected by mai;iufacturers, and the rifles in that model would be of standard weight. As target shooters, as a rule, prefer a heavier rifle than game shooters, and as there .are more target shooters than hunters, it has often been difflcult to find rifles light enough to satisfy those who hunt with a rifle. Recently several have been put on the market which are light, but it is a question if they are not as objectionable as the excessively heavy ones ; for in order to avoid unpleasant recoil they are charged with pistol cartridges, and the bullets made to fit the barrels so loose- ly as to almost drop through the barrel. By use of such ammunition the recoil is reduced ; but, certain desirable features are sacrificed, which will be alluded to later. If a hunter were to travel by canoe or mounted, the heavy rifle would be no disadvantage, and perhaps for sev- eral reasons desirable. The question of weight of a rifle is an important one ; and besides the reasons stated, is the varying strength of individuals. I should say a person should select a rifle heavy enough to avoid unpleasant re- coil, which causes flinching ; but, at the same time, re- member, a hunting rifle is not usually shot so frequently as a target rifle, and recoil is not so much noticed when shooting at game. With the exception of the .22- and .25- calibre rifles, I think a majority of hunters would prefer a rifle from seven to eight pounds in weight, but have to content themselves with those weighing eight to nine pounds. The question of calibre is one upon which exists a diver- sity of opinion, and of course depends upon the game hunted. It is not so generally known as should be, that there is a point where each calibre and charge will do the best work ; but sportsmen have various ideas about perfection. One person considers the greatest amount of accuracy para- mount to all other features ; another seeks the flattest tra- jectory, disregarding everything else; still another seeks 94 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. killing power alone; and many can talk of nothing but rapidity of fire. I hazard little in stating that any un- usual amount of any one of these features is secured at the expense of another if ordinary powder and lead are used. By way of illustration I will refer to two well-known cal- ibres; viz., the .38 and the .45. The .38-calibre central- fire, with 55 grains of powder, and a 330-grain bullet, and the .45-calibre government cartridge, which has 70 grains of powder, and a bullet of 500 grains, are well known to possess great accuracy when the rifles using them have the correct twist and the ammunition is properly prepared. If you lighten the bullet or increase your powder charge you flatten your trajectory, but you sacrifice accuracy; but there is a point where you can gain a great deal in trajec- tory and still keep sufficient accuracy within hunting range. Take the .38-calibre rifle with 55 grains of powder and 330 grains of lead. This charge is probably the most popular of any among the rest shooters who use the modern breech-loading target rifle, and it is a common oc- currence to place ten shots with rest at 200 yards within a 3-inch circle. Even when the factory cartridge with a bullet of 255 grains is shot, the accuracy is noticeable, but the trajectory high. Take the .38-90, with the 255-grain bullet, and you flatten your curve, but you would probably have to be satisfied with placing the shots in an 8-inch circle at 200 yards ; but with the 217-grain bullet you will secure a still flatter curve, though you are quite likely to require a lo-inch circle to enclose 10 shots. You could go back to 500 and likely to 800 yards with the .38-55- 330, and keep in the regulation bullseye, shooting with a rest and with favorable weather conditions. With the .38-90-217 you would not be likely to keep the shots on the target for many shots at the mid-ranges. Again, take the .45-70-500 government cartridge. Good shooting can be done with it at 800 yards ; the .45-90-300 you would find quite unreliable at that range, but it would shoot MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Fig. 78. —Winchester Repeat- ing Hunting Rifle, IVIodel 1873. Half Magazine. Fig. 79. — Winchester Re- peating Hunting Rifle, Model 1886. Half Maga- zine. Fig. 80. — Winchester Re- peating Hunting Rifle, Model 1890. 22 calibre. 96 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. well at 300 yards; the .45-125-300 would be unreliable at 300 yards and not to be relied on much beyond 150 or 200 yards. Taking the latter three cartridges the .45-125-300 would undoubtedly be the best cartridges for certain kinds of large and dangerous game, and a majority of well-informed sportsmen would unhesitatingly select the .45-90-300 in preference to the .45-70-500 for hunting. The latter car- tridge, however useful for target and military work, is not a cartridge par excelletice for game shooting, although it has killed much game; and by discarding the 500-grain bullet and substituting a lighter one, of 300 or 350 grains, and with 75 grains of ducking powder, a powerful enough cartridge for game found in the United States will be secured. A heavy bullet will give long and accurate range and great penetration ; a light bullet with heavy powder charge will give a low curve and quick flight up to the limit of accuracy, and by the spreading of the bullet is likely to make a more fatal wound. There are times when the heavy bullet is preferred at short range, when penetration is desired or, as old hunters have remarked, there are times when they want a " bone smasher:" the heavy and hard bullet accomplishes that. When a light, soft bullet is used on thick-skinned ani- mals, or those with heavy matted hair, it is likely to make more of a surface wound and not penetrate the vital parts. Some years ago, in the early history of breech-loading rifles and metallic cartridges, the cartridges contained light loads of powder and heavy bullets, consequently had high trajectories, but possessed accuracy. As game was killed at short range, it was some time before sportsmen recognized the value of reducing the curve ; but shooting on the plains, and the game in the East becoming wilder and more difficult to approach, longer shots were taken, and the liability to err in elevation became apparent. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. g8 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Some of the cartridges for the Sharps rifles showed their great superiority as hunting cartridges over those lightly charged. From the time the modern American breech-loading rifle was introduced, up to about 1876, a majority of the hunting rifles used lightly charged metallic cartridges ; the powder charges being particularly light, in fact they often shot pistol cartridges. An exception to this was in the Sharps rifles, above referred to, which took proper hunting charges and consequently were very popular among hunters in the West. During the following ten or twelve years the demand, especially from the West, was for rifles with range, and it was a decade before it was generally realized that although the long-range rifle would kill at several hundred yards, the chances of shooting over or under were fully as great as missing from other causes. The sportsman and manufacturer became educated as to the proper rifle for hunting in certain sections, and as a result better rifles were made ; for they shot cartridges which combined the requisite amount of accuracy for hunting with a lower trajectory, although some of the apparently extremely powerful express cartridges are delusive on account of the slow burning powder used in loading, increasing the accuracy, reducing the recoil, but alas! not lowering the trajectory to any such extent as is supposed. The shells of such cartridges however, can be reloaded with stronger powder and the trajectory greatly flattened. I have alluded to the introduction of new rifles, in response to calls from sportsmen. Most of the later models are superior to the older ones, but they do not drive the old arms into disuse. There are thousands of rifles in the hands of hunters to-day which would be considered obsolete, and have long ago ceased to be manufactured ; but there is a demand for cartridges for these rifles, and consequently ammunition is still manu- MODERIV AMERICAN RIFLES. 99 factured ; even paper cartridges used in rifles requiring a cap are supplied, and there is quite a little demand for cartridges for Spencer, Sharps & Hankins, Joslyn, and Peabody rifles. In fact, rifles which are used for hunting in America take almost every cartridge made, which include about all the pistol cartridges ; but this should not be taken as evidence that all of the cartridges are the best or proper ones for such work. Rim-fire cartridges, with a few exceptions, are not esteemed for hunting, and there- fore rifles taking these cartridges, with the exception of the .22 short- .22 long-rifle and .25 Stevens special, are considered undesirable for hunting. Nearly all the centre- fire cartridges are used in American hunting rifles. I have made some general statements of my ideas of a hunting rifle, which I will repeat in the following sum- mary : In my opinion, the hunting rifle should be suffi- ciently strong to stand any charge ever fired from it, or any reasonable use the arm is put to. Light enough to be carried a long distance without great fatigue, but heavy enough to prevent excessive recoil. Of such shape that it may be brought quickly to the shoulder. Butt should be similar to a shot-gun, and the Swiss butt-plate never used. The sights should be so arranged and of such pattern that they can be quickly caught by the eye and clearly defined when placed on game; firmly attached to the rifles so as to permit of no sliding or movement. Very fine sights are undesirable, as they cannot be seen so readily as coarser ones, especially when taking quick snap shots, or at moving game. If you prefer a rear open sight, do not have a deep notch ; have it flat and shallow with no ears or projections on each side. Shot-gun butt and a corrugated or rubber heel-plate. Avoid smooth butt-plates, as they are liable to slip when placed to the shoulder. A long stock is preferable, lOO MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. especially when shooting heavy charges ; see that the stock is long enough to prevent collision between the hand that grips rifle and the nose. Have trigger checked, and so set that when the rifle is grasped it is not necessary to stretch or reach with the fore or trigger finger. Have trigger-pull strong enough to prevent accidental discharges, but easy enough to press lightly without yanking it, which disturbs the aim. Do not have the trigger-pull less than 2>^ or over 3>^ pounds. Hair or set triggers are not recommended. Select a rifle shooting a cartridge with a bullet sufflci- ently large to kill the game hunted, and shooting as large a powder charge as will shoot the bullet accurately and not disturb the aim by the recoil. There are a few excep- tions to this which I will allude to later. Cannelured bullets are generally preferred to patched bullets for hunting. In selecting a rifle for hunting do not look for, or expect to secure, the accuracy found in target rifles. Most rifle clubs have a 200 yards' range ; it is at that distance many of the hunting rifles are tested. Dissatisfaction is often expressed because the shooter is unable to keep the shots in the regulation bullseye when shooting with a rest. I think nearly all rifles used in America for hunting, with the exception of the express rifles, are capable of placing ten successive shots in an eight-inch circle at 200 yards ; but I feel certain that owing to the particular skill required to shoot a rifle at rest ; to the special knowledge necessary to use hunting sights to the best advantage ; to the uncertainty of much of the factory ammunition, largely on account of deterioration after leaving the factory, comparatively few riflemen can select a rifle and ammu- nition from a gun-store, and with hunting rifle and sights place ten shots at 200 yards in the regulation eight-inch bullseye. I say this advisedly, and after twenty years' experimenting with hunting rifles and intercourse with MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. ioi experts at the factories and from many sections. I think, however, an expert rifleman is reasonable in expecting as Fig. 84.— Colt's New Lightning Fig. 85.— Colt's New Light- Fig. 86.— Colt's New Light- Magazine Hunting Rifle round ning Magazine Rifle, Half- ning Magazine Rifle, Baby Barrel. Full Magazine. Magazine, 22 calibre. Carbine. much accuracy as often placing ten consecutive shots in an eight-inch bullseye, shooting from rest with hunting I02 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. rifle. I do not hesitate to say that persons are rare who can do it with any certainty or regularity, and the great majority will do it only occasionally. I consider it among the impossibilities to place loo consecutive shots in an eight-inch bullseye at 200 yards, shooting from a rest and using a rifle properly sighted for hunting, weighing under ten pounds, and charged with factory ammunition. Ex- press rifles are tested at 100 yards, and few of them can be depended on to do much better work than placing ten shots in an eight-inch bullseye at 1 50 yards. Riflemen are inclined to compare the shooting of a hunt- ing rifle with that of a match rifle. Many of the so-called hunting rifles are chambered for target cartridges, and when tested for accuracy, show finer shooting than can be done with a cartridge which is superior for hunting, but the tyro is likely to select the one for hunting which makes the best target. There seems to be an irresistible inclina- tion on the part of manufacturers of rifles and ammunition to produce arms and cartridges which will do the most accurate shooting, and, as the great majority of shooters demand this, the intelligent hunter is often forced to pre- pare his own ammunition. Many metallic cartridges do not contain the charges they are stated to hold ; others are charged with slow- burning, weak powder, which sometimes reduces fouling, lessens recoil, adds to accuracy, but increases trajectory. With the great variety of rifles and cartridges to select from, and the testimony offered by sportsmen, the tyro, and even the man of experience, are often dazed by the conflicting statements, and hesitate which rifle to select. I am aware that he who is bold enough to state his opinion of the various American rifle cartridges is treading upon dangerous ground ; and I would not be rash enough to state the amount of accuracy or killing power possessed by each, for any such statement would be sure to elicit many protests and contradictions. There are a great MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 103 number of cartridges to be found in the American market, Fig. 87. — Marlln Repeating Fig. 88.— Wlarlin Repeating Fig. 89. — Marlln 22 calibre Hunting Rifle, with plstol-grlp. Carbine. Repeating Hunting Rifle. good, bad and indifferent, and American rifles of various makes are rifled and chambered for most of them, so ref- 104 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. erence will be made to some of the cartridges in general use to-day, for, if the different makes of rifles are properly made, a cartridge will shoot as well in one as another. From my own experience and the testimony of others, I have formed the opinion recorded below, of the merits of the following factory-made cartridges used in American hunting rifles : — The .22 short is good for small game, such as birds and squirrels. Has been known to kill a deer, but should not be used on such game ; will kill animals as large as a woodchuck, but is considered unreliable on animals larger than a squirrel. The .22 long-rifle is much more accurate and possesses greater power than the .22 short. Will kill quite large game, but its use should be confined to small game, such as the .22 short is used on, the long-rifle being better. None of the other .22-calibre rim-fire cartridges now on the market are con- sidered reliable. The .25 rim-fire Stevens special pos- sesses great merit ; is extremely accurate up to 200 yards. It has a high trajectory when shot at long range ; has inside lubrication. Is thought to be the most accurate rim-fire cartridge made ; has no rival so far as accuracy is concerned, unless it be the .22 long-rifle cartridge. Greater killing power than the .22, but much more expensive. There are a great variety of rim-fire cartridges beyond the sizes mentioned, manufactured, but they are for rifles not much esteemed for hunting at the present time ; they have short bullets, light powder charges, and, while they shoot accurately when freshly made, at short range, they quickly deteriorate, and are unreliable at ranges beyond 100 yards. There are two central-fire .22-calibre cartridges, the .22 Winchester, containing 13 grains of powder and a 45-grain bullet, and the .22 Maynard, holding 8 grains of powder and a bullet of 45 grains. The former has the flatter trajectory and shoots well at a distance of MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. I05 100 yards, but the latter is immeasurably its superior in accuracy at 200 yards, but its flight shows a high curve. There is but one .25-calibre central-fire factory cartridge, and that is known generally as the .25-20. Ten years ago the writer became interested in this calibre by the experi- ments of Mr. F. J. Rabbeth, and several barrels were made to take different charges. The ,25-20 met the ideas of the writer, but was discarded by Mr. Rabbeth, who sought the extreme express system in this calibre, and, I think I may add, secured it. The writer was greatly impressed with the work of the .25-20 in 1880, and communicated his ideas to most of the rifle manufacturers, but they all declined to manufacture it ; ten years later the rifle went the rounds of rifle and ammunition makers, who were eager to produce rifles and cartridges. When the .25-20 rifle was originated, it was believed by the writer that it possessed superior merit for small game hunting ; as the light bullet and large powder charge in this calibre gave a low trajectory, and satisfactory accuracy was maintained. When manufacturers of rifles and cartridges commenced producing these rifles and the cartridges for it, they disregarded the essential points in a hunting cartridge by increasing the weight of the bullet. Thus a superior hunting cartridge was transformed into an indifferent target cartridge ; but happily the shells of this cartridge can be reloaded, and a light bullet used for game shooting, and a heavy one for target work. In the .32 cartridges there are a great variety. Some of the lightly charged pistol cartridges are used in rifles by those who object to the smashing power of the .25-20. In squirrel shooting, where a shot is seldom taken at longer range than 25 yards, the value of a low trajectory is not considered ; in fact, it is avoided purposely, as the high initial power necessary to reduce the curve smashes the small game too much. The .32-9-85 is sometimes used in an exclusively squirrel rifle ; the .32 Smith & Wesson rifle I06 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. shell is a superior one, as it can be reloaded with light or heavy powder charges. The .32 extra-long is a good cartridge, but comparatively- little used. The .32-20-115 Winchester and the .32-20-100 U. M. C. are extensively used in repeaters and some in single-shot rifles. I have shot several thousand rounds of these cartridges in various rifles, and found they had too great smashing power to use on small game at short range ; were quite accurate up to 150 yards, and although they would often do good work at 200 yards, there was an un- reliability about them at that range which would make me avoid them if I were to try and do good shooting at the target. These cartridges seem to do excellent work up to 1 50 yards, and fall off rapidly beyond that distance. All my experiments show the .25-20 the superior of the .32-20. The .32-30 Remington is a fine cartridge, and ought to have been one of the most popular American cartridges ; it is very accurate, but not used extensively. The .32-40 is famous for its accuracy and low trajectory ; it bids fair to retain its popularity. This cartridge is used generally on what may be termed mid-sized game : it will kill deer neatly, but I think a majority of hunters would prefer a larger calibre for large game. It has considerable smash- ing power at short range, but is much liked for shooting at woodchucks, loons, seals, geese, ducks, and coyotes. The .32-40 Bullard cartridge is a good one ; but the .32-40 Winchester and Ballard being more generally used and higher esteemed, the Bullard cartridge is seldom found in gun stores. There are many .38-calibre cartridges. The .38 extra- long is less popular than formerly ; the .38-40-180 Win- chester is more of a revolver than rifle cartridge, is fairly accurate up to 150 yards, but not to be compared at 200 yards with others in this calibre. The .38 Bullard is but little known, and but few rifles are made to take it ; the .38-55 is one of the most popular of cartridges, but really MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 107 Fig 90.-Stevens' Hunting Fig. 91.-Wesson Hunting Rifie. Rif'^' Fig 92.— Wurfflein Hunting Rifle. I08 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. more adapted for target than game shooting. If a person desired a rifle to be used for target shooting, and game occasionally, up to the size of deer, a rifle chambered for this cartridge would be a good one. The .38-56-255 is one of the cartridges that holds the amount of powder it pur- ports to ; is one of the best medium-charged cartridges I know of, combines moderately low trajectory, great accu- racy and considerable killing power. It seems to kill deer, caribou, and moose well. The .38-90-217 is strictly a hunting cartridge, the result of much experimenting, and combines accuracy, low trajectory, and excellent kill- ing power. It will shoot into an eight or ten inch circle at 200 yards when handled by an expert. Among the .40-calibres are many for Sharps and Win- chester single-shot rifles, and take patched or lubricated bullets ; capable of doing fine work, but, as a rule, are more for target than game shooting ; can be loaded to meet the ideas of sportsmen for a hunting cartridge ; the .40-70 Sharps being especially meritorious. The .40-60 Marlin and the Winchester are good hunting cartridges, the former having a 260-grain bullet, the latter one of 210; the .40-65-260 is about the same. Many think these cart- ridges powerful enough for any game to be found in the United States, unless, perhaps, the grizzly bear. They will generally shoot ten consecutive shots into about an eight-inch circle at 200 yards ; have no unpleasant recoil ; moderately low trajectory, considering their accuracy, and kill clean, as a rule, even as large game as the wapiti. The .40-70 Ballard is good, but not so popular as the three pre- ceding cartridges. The .40-82-260 will shoot into an eight- inch circle at 200 yards, but not so regularly as the ,40-60 and .40-65. It is one of the best cartridges for rifles used exclusively for hunting, almost, it seems to the writer, the limit of accuracy, low trajectory, and power in this calibre. The .40-110-260 is an express cartridge. Will not shoot with the accuracy of the .40-82. Not very reliable much MODBIRN AMERICAN- RIFLES. IO9 beyond 1 50 yards, but a killing cartridge at short range. The .41 .42, .43 and most of the .44 cal. cartridges are confined to obsolete arms and pistols. The .44 Winches- ter, model 1873, has probably killed more game than any other American cartridge, but its popularity is less than formerly. It has been much liked by those desiring one cartridge for revolver and rifle, but it has a great curve when shot at long range, and does not compare in accuracy with some other cartridges at 200 yards. It is accurate up to 150 yards, but more modern cartridges are considered vastly superior to this ; but its light recoil and the great number of repeaters made for it insure a continued popu- larity to what I consider an inferior hunting rifle or cart- ridge, which I refer to as one and the same. The .45-calibre offer also a variety of cartridges ; the .45-75-350 has probably killed more large game than any other cartridge. It has killed thousands of times with a single shot nearly every kind of big game found within the borders of our country. It shoots with great accuracy up to 800 yards, and when designed was considered a superior hunting cartridge, a reputation it has never lost. The .45-60-300 combines accuracy and considerable kill- ing power. The .45-70-405, and also with 500-grain bullet, possesses great and accurate range, good killing power, but has a high trajectory. I will refer later to the practice of sportsmen of reloading this and other cartridge-shells to make fine hunting cartridges. The .45-90-300 is one of the best — many believe it to be the best, — factory hunt- ing cartridges to be found in America. It is the result of much experimenting, and is accurate, has a low curve, and great killing power. The .45-125-300 is an express cart- ridge not especially accurate beyond 150 yards, and largely used in rifles sold in India. The .45-85 is not so good a cartridge as the .45-70 or .45-90. There are other .45 shells for Sharps rifle, containing various charges, but are growing less popular as the rifles taking them become obso- I lO MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. lete. In .50-calibre the 50-110-300 is a very powerful express cartridge of limited range. The .50-95 is much more accurate than the .50-110, and better for American game ; it will shoot well up to about 300 yards. Doubtless most of the arms classed as hunting rifles are shot with factory-made cartridges ; but there are thousands of intelligent sportsmen who are far better qualified to judge of the essential features in a hunting rifle and cartridge than the manufacturers. The manu- facturer's problem is largely to solve the question of cost in manufacturing. How can the best-looking, finest- shooting rifle be made for the least money, is constantly before the producer. The sportsman takes the rifle and seeks game ; as the result of his experience he forms opinions as to the proper arm for hunting, and often presents them through the columns of sportsmen's jour- nals. With the target shooter, the one feature above all others is accuracy. As a rule he will not complain of weight, cares little how high a curve the bullet takes in its flight, will clean a rifle after every shot, use any kind of sights, stand recoil, perform any amount of labor if he can only make the rifle shoot well. I believe fully twenty shots are fired at an inanimate target to one at live game ; even the hunter, according to my observation, shoots ten shots at a mark to one at game. Almost all the testimony submitted to manufacturers of rifles and ammunition bears upon the wonderful accuracy of rifles or cartridges, and, if occasionally a protest is entered against the unfit- ness of these for hunting, it is offset by several testimonials of killing, with a target rifle and cartridge, some game at a distance the old hunter would seldom shoot at. It seems as though we are fated to have the great bulk of factory-made cartridges suitable for target-work, and only a small proportion best suited for game shooting. We hear of successful shots at game, and seldom of the misses ; but the investigating sportsman who overshoots MODERN AMERICAN RlELES. 1 1 1 his game, or fails to kill it when hit, is likely to quietly look for the cause of his failures, and try and remedy the trouble. If his appeals to manufacturers are unheeded, it is natural that he should seek to perfect his arm or ammunition. The charge has often been made that the muzzle-loading rifle is superior to the breech-loader, because the former can be loaded with various charges. I think, so far as the charges can be made to shoot accurately, this can be easily accomplished in the modern breech-loading rifle. It is but simple justice to manufacturers to state that undoubtedly the factory-made ammunition is better for the majority of shooters than that which is prepared by the expert rifleman and hunter ; for the manipulation of the rifle and ammunition has much to do with its success. The person who takes fifty or a hundred rounds of am- munition to the range, or from a tent in camp, and on a hot day will shoot shot after shot at a mark with rapidity, and never moisten or cool his rifle, would be no person to recommend specially prepared cartridges. The best am- munition in the finest rifle, in the hands of a good shot will do bad work if not manipulated properly. It has been stated that, outside of the .22- and .25- calibres, there are no rim-fire cartridges in high esteem as hunting cartridges ; the central-fires are more reliable and can be reloaded readily. The .22 central-fire take the regular bullets. In the .25-calibre central-fire I would recommend the 'j'j- and 67-grain bullets. In .32-calibres there is a shell known as the .32 Smith & Wesson rifle shell. This is a superior shell, but rifles are seldom chambered for it ; one can vary his powder and lead charges considerably with a straight shell like this. If a rifle is desired to shoot various charges of powder and lead, a straight shell is always preferable to a bottle-necked or tapered shell, as the latter will not hold a round or short bullet in place, if seated on a light charge 1 1 2 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. of powder. There are straight shells of .38 .40 and .45 calibres, which can be loaded with different charges to reduce recoil, or the charge increased. I am so many times asked to give advice on the selec- tion of a rifle, I will state here my opinion in relation to rifles used wholly or in part for hunting ; and at the same time mention that others, as well and perhaps better in- formed than myself, will very likely not agree with me. Were I to use a rifle for hunting alone, on large game, and could have but one gun, I should select either the .45-90 or the .45-70. The latter would be my choice if I could prepare my own ammunition ; and the former, were I to use factory cartridges. I have experimented with the rifle for the government cartridge for several years, and feel satisfied with my choice for a hunting rifle and cartridge. I believe a .45-calibre is the best, for large game shooting, to be found in the United States. A .40- calibre is, perhaps, sufficiently large, but my choice is .45. I prefer the government shell, because it is straight and easy to procure wherever ammunition is found. I like rifles with twist for the government cartridges, because they will shoot well almost every .45-calibre bullet, from the lightest to the heaviest. The .45-90 will not shoot accurately a bullet over a certain weight ; but the .45-70, with twist given by the Winchester Co., 18 inches, will spin bullets, weighing from 300 to 550 grains, with great accuracy. Many writers have claimed that more twist than is sufficient to spin the bullet accurately was detrimental. I have not found it so, but always prefer a rifle with more twist than is necessary. I consider having a rifle chambered and rifled for the government cartridge quite an advantage over others, because it is as good a shell as can be found in America ; it can be found in almost any store where cartridges are sold. It is, when loaded with the 405-grain bullet, a better cartridge for hunting than MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. II3 most of the regular cartridges; and the shell and rifle will shoot, I think, a greater range of bullets than any other. I experimented intermittingly for several years with hunting rifles, the various factory cartridges, and charges made up by myself. I kept a large quantity of bullets, which had killed game from the size of a fox to a grizzly bear, from rifles of various calibres, and had an interesting memoranda in relation to them ; the result of my investigations were such that I had no use for a rifle, shooting anything from a deer up to our largest game, of less calibre than .40 or over .45, or that shot less than 60 grains of powder, or over 90. It has been my practice to try and learn how light a rifle could be procured, and how heavy charges could be shot from it, without flinching from dread of recoil. I was most im- pressed with the .45-calibre, and wanted the government shell, but objected to the heavy bullet, and commenced experimenting. The 500-grain bullet would often shoot a series of shots into a four inch group at 200 yards ; the 405-grain bullet nearly as well ; the 350 into slightly larger groups, and the 300-grain bullet would shoot often into an eight inch group. The latter was accurate, but its lightness and the quick twist of the rifle caused it to drift excessively. I wrote the Ideal Manufacturing Co., of New Haven, Conn., to make me several moulds for bullets weighing 350, 330, and 300 grains, all with hollow points, and in due time received them. I found the tools were very carefully made, and the bullets, when cast, were apparently perfect. All of these bullets were tested in Winchester rifles, chambered for the .45-70 government cartridge. I shot them in five different repeating rifles and one single shot rifle, the testing being done at 200 yards with tar- get sights, and at rest ; when I had finished shooting one rifle I would wait several weeks, or perhaps a month or two, then repeat the experiments with another rifle. I 114 MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. would then invite some reliable shot to shoot, comparing his results with my own. Various kinds of powder were tried, and charges from 55 to 77 grains, and from slow burning to ducking powder. I also tried the Lord Keene bullet, and found it would not hit the target at 200 yards, and would open at 50 yards. The most satisfactory re- sults, considering accuracy, range, and penetration, were secured with the 330-grain Ideal bullet, hollow pointed, and 75 grains of Hazard's FG powder. The charge has been tried on game and found very killing. The charge may be reduced to 55 grains of powder with this bullet, and very accurate and pleasant target practice secured. One can also shoot 75 grains of Hazard's ducking powder wuth this bullet, and have a BuiietVorHunt- Cartridge equal in power to the .45-90 factory '"^' cartridge, with nearly equal trajectory and greater accuracy. The illustration Fig. 93 shows this bullet. Some of my friends have Lee rifles rechambered to take the .45 2-^-^ inch straight shell, shooting 90 grains of powder, and the 330-grain hollow pointed Ideal bullet. This is also an accurate and very killing charge, and the cartridge can be used in a single shot rifle, or the Lee magazine rifle, but not in the Winchester .45-70 repeating rifle. The .40-calibre rifles are good ; but the straight shells are riot used in repeating rifles, and the taper shells for repeating rifles of this calibre are not so good for self- made ammunition. Besides, the .40-calibre straight shells are more difflcult each year to procure. If I wished to indulge in target shooting about as much as game shooting, and could have but one rifle, I would be satisfied with a .40-calibre chambered for the 70-grain straight shell, and with twist suiflcient to shoot a 3 70-grain bullet ; but would use a lighter bullet for hunting. If one finds pleasure in hunting both large and small game with MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 1 5 the rifle, I think it more difficult to select the proper arm for small than large game. If one hunts in the New England or Middle States, the .45 or .40 answers for large game, and the .22- or .25-calibre for small game; but if the hunting is done in the West or South, the same rifle for large game would answer as in the other sections ; but for small game, I think the .25 or .32 central fire preferable. If the .25- or .32-calibres tear or smash the small game too much, lighten the powder charge ; but keep in mind when you do this you increase your curve, and, in taking long shots, your liability to over or under shoot is greater. I have experimented some with round bullets in hunt- ing rifles, but, with one or two exceptions, the results were very disappointing : even in the exceptions, where fair results were obtained, I concluded that it was far better to resort to a .22- or .25-calibre rifle than try and shoot round bullets out of a large calibre. Modern rifles have too quick twist for round bullets ; and I prefer to lighten the charge rather than employ the spherical projectile, which at best can never equal the elongated bullet. A question which occupies the mind of a sportsman when choosing a hunting rifle is, whether to select a single shot, a repeater, or a double-barrelled rifle. The Colt's Patent Fire Arms Co. formerly made a double rifle ; but its manufacture was discontinued some time ago, and this style of rifle is now made only to order in America. It calls for the very highest skill of the gunmaker to build a double rifle. There are but few gunmakers who can successfully accomplish it, and the cost is excessive. I do not believe there is a double rifle made which will equal in accuracy the single shot or repeating rifle. The accurate range of the double rifle is limited ; and however suitable for hunting in Great Britain and India, it is not popular, and probably never will be, for hunting in Amer- ica. It is said that there are one or two riflemakers in England who can make a double rifle so perfectly that both It6 modern AMERICAN RIFLES. barrels will shoot well on the same elevation, and shots from right and left barrel can be fired into a biillseye of regulation size. Even the makers of double rifles, with a world-wide reputation, are obliged to use the greatest care in putting the barrels together ; to often shoot, take apart and rearrange them, in order to regulate the arm so as to have both barrels shoot on the same line of elevation, as well as to keep the shots from crossing or shooting out. It is doubtless within the reach of mechanical skill to build a double rifle so it will shoot sufficiently accurate for hunt- ing purposes, when the game is shot within 150 yards; but I have yet to see the double rifle which will shoot with sufficient accuracy to suit most American sportsmen. I have referred in previous papers to the localities in this country where game must be shot at long range. It is known that in many sections most of the game is killed within a range of 100 yards ; but it is also a fact that cari- bou in the barrens of Maine and New Brunswick are often shot at a distance beyond 250 yards, and antelope on our plains are many times killed from 200 yards up- ward. I have seen antelope killed with a shotgun ; but my experience and the testimony of others lead me to be- lieve that more of these animals are shot at a range of over than under 200 yards. The big-horn and mountain- goat are often shot at long range, but the Virginia deer and moose are chiefly killed within 100 yards. I do not mean to hint that a double rifle cannot have range ; of course it can. I think no double rifle can have anything like the accuracy of a single shot, and believe the double rifles do not possess accuracy enough for hunting certain game found in America. I think there is no rifle in the world equal to a fine double English ex- press for shooting dangerous game at short range, when quick shooting is essential, and it would be difficult to fire more than two shots. This kind of game is not to be found in America. A double rifle of weight suitable to MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. \ \ 7 be carried, must have quite light barrels ; and any double rifle, weighing from seven to eight pounds, must be a del- icate instrument, quite liable to be injured in a rough country. It is well known that a slight blow on a heavy rifle barrel may easily affect its shooting qualities, and it will be easily seen that a light double express is more liable to get out of order than a rifle with a heavier barrel. I have never yet seen a double rifle which possessed accuracy enough to place ten shots, five from each barrel, alternately, in an 8-inch bullseye, at 200 yards, aiming at one spot. Some of the experts who test double rifles, are so familiar with their idiosyncrasies, they can make allow- ance for the spread of the shots ; or shooting outward, and, by aiming differently for right and left barrel, place the shots well together. Double rifles have their uses, but are not the best suited for all-round shooting in the United States. This is recognized by American sportsmen, and the question generally is, whether the arm for hunting should be a single shot or a repeater. Both arms have their special features of merit, and the question is to some a perplexing one. Some of the points in favor of a single shot over a repeater are considered to be as follows : less dangerous, less complicated, and less liable to get out of order ; will shoot a greater variety of ammunition ; will shoot un- crimped ammunition, patched or unpatched bullets ; will permit of the use of a longer barrel ; an explosive bullet can be used ; a greater range of rear sights on tang can be used. The chief claims for a repeater are, greater rapidity of fire and a reserve of several shots. There could be collected from the advocates of each system, enough testimony to fill several volumes, and the unbiassed investigator could perceive potent points in each. There is no denying that each system has its ad- vantages and disadvantages. The single shot rifle has, Il8 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. perhaps, a greater number of advantages, but those of the repeater are more important. For target shooting, the person using a repeater against a single shot, is handi- capped ; but the person who can own but one rifle for hunting and target shooting, had better take the single shot. I have collected a large amount of testimony from hunters in many sections of the United States, which, with my own experience, forms the basis of my opinion expressed in the following remarks in relation to hunting rifles. The first point to be considered is the question of safety. It is undoubtedly true that an accident is more likely to occur with a magazine than a single shot rifle, for the reason that improper ammunition may be em- ployed. For many years I was a firm advocate of a single shot rifle, and opposed to a magazine, chiefly because I thought the latter dangerous to use. For years I investi- gated every case of accident with a Winchester magazine rifle I heard of — once riding forty miles in Dakota to find what I supposed would prove evidence that the Win- chester repeater was dangerous. In every instance I found it was carelessness which caused the accident. In the case referred to, the party had used too small primers. It is not safe to use copper primers or pointed bullets in the tubular magazine of a repeating rifle ; the shells should be solid head, with pocket sufficiently deep to allow the primer to be seated below the surface of the head of the shell. Care should always be taken in reloading car- tridges, to have the primer properly seated, and the bullet should have a flat point. Any magazine rifle is more likely to get out of order than a single shot, as there is so much more mechanism ; but the improvements which have been made reduce this liability to a minimum. Ammunition which is likely to give more accurate shooting, can be better used in a single shot than in a repeating rifle ; but it is certain that MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. II9 cartridges cart be prepared containing the requisite amount of accuracy, and, as to the sights, effective ones can be employed, even if slightly less accurate. For several years I thought a single shot Sharps .45- calibre rifle the king of weapons. It had done such fatal work I had a sort of reverence for it. I also had a .40- calibre Maynard rifle, which had quite a record on game ; but my Sharps was, in my eyes, the most perfect of all hunting rifles. It was the 1874 model, with outside ham- mer, and I was inclined, in my exuberance of youth, to assert I could, when accuracy was considered, shoot it, and score as many points in a minute as any one with a repeating rifle of the same calibre. I shot a number of friendly matches with hunting companions, and the result was such that I continued to assert that one familiar with a single shot rifle, could equal the accurate fire from a magazine. This is, to some extent, true to-day ; but cer- tainly an expert in the use of the repeater can deliver accurate and more rapid fire than one with a single shot rifle. In the friendly contests alluded to, the shooting was generally done at about 100 yards' range, and the target was often a barrel-head or a wooden box. I would load the rifle, and with my left hand full of cartridges, some- times some in my mouth, besides a number in the pocket of a shooting-coat, I would commence firing. As soon as the rifle was discharged I would throw down the lever, the extractor throwing out the shell, and I could drop the fresh cartridge into the guide which led to the chamber ; and while the cartridge was sliding into the chamber, I would be reaching for the lever, and almost as soon as the cartridge was in its place the lever would be closed, and the piece cocked and at my shoulder, the whole operation being performed almost as rapidly as operating the lever of a magazine rifle. I calculated on my opponents not being able to resist firing rapidly, which would cause them 120 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. not to sight properly — something they would almost invariably do, or to fire so quickly as not to recover from the shock of the recoil before the next shot ; and although more shots were fired with the repeater, they were less accurately delivered, the target being frequently missed. I utilized the time necessary to recover from the shock of the previous discharge in manipulating the rifle. I fre- quently, when shooting antelope with this rifle, would, when reloading, drop the cartridge from my hand, which would be ten inches away from the chamber, and it would slide into its proper place, permitting me to reload so rapidly as to fire three or four shots before the game was out of range. Several times in the course of my hunting experience I have shot at deer or antelope, and had them stop for an instant, presenting a fine mark, while I, with numbed fingers, was fumbling for a fresh cartridge. Those who have hunted antelope know the habit they have of stop- ping short, wheeling about, and gazing for an instant at the hunter ; and, as the shot is fired, they will seem to lose their heads for a second, bunch together in a confused mass, and then vanish like phantoms ; and this on the plains, where the sky and ground seem to meet. I was hunting in Dakota several years ago, and made for a small river. I crept through the cotton-wood growth which fringed the banks, hoping to get a shot at some geese which I noticed had dropped into the river. Sud- denly, from the opposite side of the river, there was a mighty rush, and a deer plunged wildly up the bank. I had a Maynard rifle in my hands, and shot and missed the deer. It reached the top of the opposite bank and stopped, side toward me, for an instant, presenting a silhouette figure and a fine shot. It was very cold, and I was heavily clad with a thick reefer, which was buttoned snugly about me, had on buckskin gloves, and my cartridges were in my outside pocket. Before I could reload my rifle the MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 121 deer had disappeared, and I was muttering, " If I only had a repeater." This incident, with several others alluded to, convinced me that many times a person will lose game if he is armed with a single shot rifle, which he could secure if he had a repeater. But, knowing this, I could be per- fectly happy and contented if I were in a good game country where the game was chiefly deer, elk, and antelope, and had a single shot rifle ; although, in cold weather, a repeater is a great convenience, for it is a difficult operation to load a rifle hurriedly with fingers stiffened and numbed with cold. The chief value of a repeating rifle seems to me to be in hunting dangerous game, such as the grizzly bear, and the cougar; occasionally a wounded moose, elk, and black bear will turn on the hunter. I could relate scores of cases where hunters have lost their lives or been terribly lacerated and crippled by charging wounded animals. A double rifle will fire two shots, but there are hundreds of cases known where several shots were necessary to kill wounded game. A repeater is now a much more powerful arm than formerly, and, if hunting in company, a shot at a grizzly, if not fatal, generally checks him for an instant in charging, and often a companion can then fire the fatal shot. I think I am correct in saying that a majority of Amer- ican sportsmen now recognize the superiority of the repeating rifle over the single shot or double rifle for game to be found in the United States ; there are disadvantages in it, but its special advantages will make it the chosen arm for large game. The use of a repeating rifle is chiefly confined to a hunting rifle. 122 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER X. TARGET RIFLES, RIFLES FOR OFF-HAND AND REST TARGET SHOOTING. A RIFLE best suited for target shooting exclusively would be quite different from one for hunting or warfare. In target rifles the chief object is accuracy. Trajectory, penetration, and other points considered essential in a hunting rifle are almost wholly disregarded if accuracy can be secured. There are three well-patronized depart- ments of target shooting with rifles in America, The most popular of these is off-hand shooting with a rifle which was, until recently, classed by the National -Rifle Association of America and other organizations as any rifle, which was restricted to a maximum weight of ten pounds, fitted with any style of sights, not magnifying, and with a 3-lb, trigger pull. In certain clubs the restric- tion on the trigger pull is removed. The second depart- ment is rest shooting, with butt of rifle to the shoulder, but the barrel supported by an artificial rest. Some of the rifles used in this style of shooting are similar to those for off-hand match shooting ; they are generally fitted with non-magnifying sights, often restricted to weight, but not, as a rule, to trigger pull. The third department is shooting with rifles of any weight, telescope sights, from any style of rest ; sometimes from machine rests. There are some departures in this country from the three styles of rifle shooting named, but those mentioned will describe most of the shooting done at targets, excepting the military practice, which will be treated separately. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 23 A rifle for off-hand target shooting is chosen according to the ideas of the marksman. Some prefer a heavy arm, claiming such contributes to holding ; others demand a light rifle. A few years ago it was unusual to find a target shooter using a smaller calibre than .40 ; now, it is a rare thing to see an off-hand target rifle over .38-calibre, and I incline to the belief that the .32-calibre enjoys a greater popularity than the .38. It was formerly considered abso- lutely necessary to shoot a heavy bullet and a large charge of powder, and it was nothing unusual, as late as 1885, to find men shooting long range match rifles, off-hand, charged with 90 grains of powder and a 350- to 400-grain bullet. The .40-calibre had a reign of a few years, but had to give way to the .38-calibre, which has not yet been deposed, for the reason its excellence is well known, and if one wishes to indulge in both rest and off-hand shoot- ing with one rifle, there is no better calibre. The reader can probably easily see it is more difficult to procure one rifle best suited for the several styles of shooting I have mentioned, than for any one style wholly. If off-hand and rest shooting is to be indulged in with one rifle, certain features, to some extent, must be sacri- ficed, which would be retained if the arm was to be used exclusively for one or the other style of shooting. I will record what is considered desirable in a rifle to be used in the several styles of shooting by a majority of riflemen I have met. A rifle for target shooting seldom weighs over ten pounds or under eight; a majority prefer 'between nine and ten pounds. The Schiitzen rifle sometimes weighs fifteen pounds ; those are used almost wholly by German- American Schiitzen clubs, are barred from many Ameri- can clubs, and are far less popular than the rifle weighing between nine and ten pounds, which is the weight of most rifles used by Americans. The length of barrel for off- hand range shooting is seldom over 30 or under 28 inches. 124 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. The weight of a target rifle is almost wholly governed by the size of the barrel, and the position a person assumes when aiming generally determines whether a light or heavy barrel is preferred. Most persons who shoot in the hip and body rest positions prefer a heavy barrel; those shoot- ing with left arm partially extended, a barrel of medium weight, while those holding the left arm fully extended generally show a preference for a light barrel. The most desirable point in an off-hand target rifle is balance ; by that I mean the barrel of such weight that when the rifle- man takes the position he assumes when sighting, the muzzle will not be so light as to prevent holding the rifle still, or so heavy at the muzzle that the butt cannot be held to the shoulder easily. The question of sights is one governed by preference, and the various styles have been described in a previous chapter. There is one thing about target rifles which, personally, I could never see any good reason for, and that is the Swiss butt-plate. Probably it helps the person who shoots with the hip rest position, and balances the rifle on the tips of the fingers ; but, by the use of this butt-plate, a marksman accustoms himself to shooting with the butt more on his arm than on his shoulder. There is a natural place provided for placing the butt of a gun or rifle ; and I believe a person can shoot better, stand recoil, and have the nerves less affected if the butt is placed on the fleshy part of the shoulder rather than on the muscles of the arm. If the shooter of the target rifle with a Swiss butt-plate attempts to shoot a heavily charged hunting or military rifle, he is likely to receive a shock that will not only crip- ple him, but cause flinching, that most fatal of all habits for a rifleman to contract. I have alluded to the change of opinion, during the past few years, in relation to the proper calibre for off- hand shooting. I think intelligent American riflemen have almost unconsciously arrived at a conclusion that MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 125 / V) 126 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. each individual must determine the question of the proper calibre for off-hand shooting, and it is not a question of what calibre shoots best, but what calibre can be shot best by different persons. With the weight of rifles commonly used by American riflemen, I believe a .38- or .40-calibre will shoot more accurately in various weather conditions out-of-doors, at 200 yards, at rest, than any calibre over or under those named ; but I also believe that nine men out of ten will shoot off-hand at the target much better with calibres under than over the .38. The general reduc- tion of calibres and charges is the reason for the wonder- ful skill and improvement in off-hand target shooting in America. There are comparatively few persons who care to visit the rifle range and shoot 50 shots with a heavily charged target rifle ; it is extremely fatiguing, the nerves of the average person are shattered by excessive recoil, and soon there is an almost unconscious and uncontrol- lable inclination to flinch, and bad marksmanship and injury to the health result. With a rifle charged so as not to give unpleasant recoil, the marksman fires double or treble the number of shots ; he often ceases to shoot, when darkness compels a cessa- tion, and thus receives the exercise with no injurious strain on his nerves, and secures so much more practice that improvement is almost sure to follow. Although the state- ment may seem absurd, it is a fact that some men of strong physique can shoot a .22-calibre more accurately than a .45-calibre, at a distance of 200 yards ; and most of the best target shots of America can make much higher scores with a .32 than a .45-calibre. There is abundant evidence to show that the most accurate shooting rifle is not always the best for all off-hand shooting, where one's ambition is to make as high scores as possible. If one cares nothing for hunting with a rifle, and indulges in target shooting only, it would perhaps be sensible to select a rifle one could shoot best with ; but if one practises at the range, to keep MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 127 Fig. 96.— Stevens' Target Rifle. Fig. 97.— Maynard Target Rifle. Fig. 98.— Bullard Target Rifle. 128 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. in good shooting form, the shooting of very small calibre and a light charge is likely to seriously impair skill in rifle shooting with a military or even a moderately charged hunting rifle. It is quite generally admitted that a .38-calibre target rifle will shoot finer and with greater regularity than a .32-calibre. Wherever rest shooting has become a perma- nent department of rifle shooting, the various calibres have been tested with the greatest care, and by acknowledged experts. For rifles weighing between nine and twelve pounds, almost all skilled rest shooters have satisfied them- selves that the .38-calibre, with about 55 grains of powder and a 330-grain bullet, gives the most satisfactory results for rest shooting at 200 yards, with an American match- rifle. Some expert manufacturers of heavy target rifles — those weighing from 15 pounds upward,- — have unbounded confidence in this bore, and have made winning guns in tournaments where larger calibres contested ; but the fol- lowing year, in a similar contest, a larger bore might be successful ; so it leaves the much mooted question unde- cided. Still, from my own observations, and the testimony of riflemen from many quarters of this country, I form the impression that a majority of American rifle-makers and shooters believe the .38-calibre is the best for a target rifle to be shot from rest at 200 yards. The recoil of a rifle shot from a rest is more noticeable than when shot off-hand, and yet flinching is far more likely to occur with the latter. A person may flinch when shooting at a rest and not make anything like so wild a shot as he would doing the same thing in shooting off- hand. Few persons can shoot a 7^ -lb. rifle of .45-calibre, charged with 70 grains of powder and a 405-grain bullet, for 100 shots at a target, without being greatly fatigued, and their nerves so shaken as to flinch or brace them- selves in readiness to receive the recoil. Almost any one can shoot with pleasure the same number of shots with a ^^fl 130 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. .32-calibre, with 35 or 40 grains of powder and a 165- or 185-grain bullet, and keep the nerves in such condition as to do fine target shooting. The practice derived from shooting the latter charges or even with the .35- or .38- calibre, can be considered good training for acquiring skill with the rifle for hunting or military work. It is generally admitted by American target shooters at the present time that there is a loss in accuracy below a certain calibre and charge ; but, as the lightly charged small calibre enables them to shoot longer, keep in better condition, and hold finer, the gain is considerably more than the loss when using a lightly charged small bore. It is a mistaken idea that a .25-calibre, with 20 grains of powder and an 86-grain bullet, shoots more accurately than a .32-calibre with 35 or 40 grains of powder and the usual target bullets ; or that the .32 will do finer and more relia- ble work that the .38-calibre. The work and targets of the .25- or .32-calibre are often wonderful, but they are selected and made under favorable conditions ; and I never yet have seen regular and continuous work, in all kinds of weather, with the .32- and .25-calibre which would compare favorably with the work of the larger bores. If one aspires to become proficient as an off-hand rifle shot, with the object of using the rifle in hunting, or qualifying himself as one competent to use the rifle effectively for national defence, or even contest at the target under all conditions and at various localities, I would advise the use of no rifle in off-hand target shooting at 200 yards — of less than .32- calibre, or shooting less than 35 grains of powder and 165 grains of lead ; and only a limited use of any calibre smaller than .32 at shorter range. The second department in target rifle shooting I have alluded to as rest shooting with butt of rifle to the shoul- der and barrel supported by an artificial rest. This style of rifle shooting has become very popular in America, and it has taught riflemen a great deal. Before its introduc- MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. MI tion, most of the shooting was either Strictly off-hand at 200 yards, at long range, by lying on the ground, or at 40 Fig. 101.— Winchester IVIodel Fig. 102.— Siiarps-Borch- 1873 Repeating Rifle, with ardt Off-Hand Target Target Sights. Rifle. Fig. 103.— Sharps-Borchardt Long-Range Target Rifle. rods with a heavy rifle shot from a machine-rest. There were no known attempts to make rest shooting popular at 132 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 200 yards, with rifles under ten pounds in weight, and butt held to shoulder, on a fine target, until the Massachusetts Rifle Association, at the request of some of its members, introduced it. It was highly amusing to some of the riflemen to think of shooting with a rest, for it was sup- posed that any one at all familiar with rifle firing could shoot into the centre of the eight inch bullseye as long as desired, by resting the rifle. I well remember when Mr. F. J. Rabbeth submitted the proposition to the board of directors, the amusement it created. The rest match was authorized and similar ones have been continued ever since. To the dismay of many it was found that either from fault in rifle, ammunition or shooter, but few could keep ten consecutive shots in the eight inch bullseye ; but from the initial match a number of riflemen commenced to study the rifle and this style of shooting, changing rifle and ammunition, until there has been developed a form of rifle which is considered best for this style of shooting, exclusively. I have before stated that some riflemen use one rifle for off-hand and rest shooting, but those who essay to make high scores, sooner or later procure rifles specially adapted to one kind of work. The difference between a rifle for rest and off-hand shooting is almost wholly in the barrel. In an off-hand rifle, the shooter seeks to procure an arm which suits him in regard to balance ; in rest shooting this is disregarded, but a long, heavy barrel is considered desirable. Twelve pounds is generally the maximum weight for rest rifles in the style of shooting I am now describing, and a handicap is often put on rifles exceeding that weight. The barrels are seldom over 32 inches in length and generally 30, and the calibre rarely less than .38 or over .40, generally .38. The chief advan- tage in a long barrel is the securing of a more certain sight. As you lengthen the barrel of a rifle you increase your liability to secure a variation in the size of the bore, MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. 1 33 and this often occurs on the last one or two inches of the barrel, making it a poor shooting rifle. Many condemned rifles have proved to be fine shooting arms by the cutting off of an inch or two from the muzzle end of the barrel. It may be difficult for some to understand what is meant by good holding in shooting with a rest, but it is a fact that it is difficult to hold a light rifle perfectly still, even when resting the barrel on a solid rest. A heavy barrel materially aids in good holding, and therefore rest shooters' rifles are much heavier than those used for off- hand shooting. In the opinion of most rest shooters, nothing is gained beyond a certain weight, and some think a loss is apparent. Rifles for this style of shooting, of .38-calibre, which is generally used, rarely exceed twelve pounds in weight. A shotgun butt is becoming more popular for rest rifles, and most of these arms are equipped with set triggers, but provided with a safety lock. Tele- scope sights have of late been used to some extent, but as a rule these arms are equipped with sights similar to those used on off-hand target rifles. There is a class of rifles much like those employed for rest shooting, which are very little used at the present time, and are quite likely to never again be popular. They are the long range target rifles. These arms generally have barrels of 32 or 34 inches in length and weigh just under ten pounds. They have a shotgun butt and the arrangement for the rear sight permits attaching at the grip or heel. There is little or no sale for such rifles in America at the present time ; the sport has declined to such an extent as to call it dead, with no prospect of its being resurrected. The rifle for rest shooting has taken its place, and the skill necessary to excel as a rest shot is thought to be as of high an order as that required to win fame in off-hand or long range shooting. A great many riflemen devoted to off-hand shooting cannot find the pleas- ure in shooting with artificial rest that they can off-hand, 134 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. standing with no artificial aid ; but there are few intelli- gent devotees to the sport of rifle shooting but that recog- nize that the introduction of rest shooting has taught the fraternity more about the possibilities of rifle shooting than could be gained in shooting off-hand, and a steady improvement in rifle ammunition and the mode of manip- ulating the rifle has been apparent, since the introduction of this style of shooting. When rest shooting was first attempted at Walnut Hill, it was thought that the old, long range rifles could be utilized and a great advantage secured by the heavy charge of powder and lead, usually about no grains of powder and a 550-grain bullet. All who tried such rifles at 200 yards — and they were the most careful and skilful rifle- men in Massachusetts, men who had won reputations as marksmen at home and abroad — satisfied themselves that for shooting at 200 yards the .45-110-550 would not com- pare favorably in accuracy with the .38-55-330, in a ten pound rifle. The impressions created by these tests were that the .38-calibre with the charge named was the more accurate ; that the bullets from the long range rifle did not settle down to a flight of equal steadiness at 200 yards, but at the long ranges its superiority was manifest. There is a class of rifles yet to be mentioned, to com^ plete the list of those used at targets exclusively, and which is the most difficult of all to describe. They inclu ' breech and muzzle loaders, of calibres from .32 to .65, weights up to 50 or 60 pounds. In the other department. of rifle shooting in America, there is a similarity to the arm used in different classes. In this department, which I shall try to briefly describe, there is a great dissimilarity. Some allude to these rifles as muzzle loading, telescopic sighted rifles ; but many modern rifles weighing less than ten pounds, used for hunting, are equipped at the present time with telescope, so this term is not proper. Probably most of the rifles of this class are muzzle loaders ; it is only seldom MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 35 one is found of as small calibre as .32, and there are not many of .38, though this latter bore is increasing in popu- larity. There are .39, .40, .41, and various regular and odd calibres. The National Rifle Club is the most represen- tative body shooting this class of rifles, and the standard weight of rifles is 20 pounds ; all competitors shooting rifles over that weight, must give yi inch per pound, and under 20 pounds receive yi inch per pound in each string of 10 shots. In this way the differences in weights of rifles are adjusted. There are but few rifles used for target shooting at the present time weighing over 20 pounds. As a rule, these heavy rifles are loaded with the greatest care, after which they are taken to a machine-rest, in which they are placed ; the telescopic sight is trained on the target and the trigger set ; the marksman then takes a seat by the side of the arm and watches the effect of the wind, as indicated by sets of long streamers placed at different parts of the shooting grounds. When satisfied the condi- tions are as good as likely to be secured, the trigger is touched and the rifle discharged. The devotees to this style of shooting have various opinions as to the best cali- bre and charges, and the rifles used are almost wholly made to order and not sold in the gun stores. I do not believe there are a hundred riflemen in America who prac- tise this style of rifle shooting, but those indulging in it are full of enthusiasm, and, as a rule, care nothing for the other departments. 136 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XI. MILITARY RIFLES, A RIFLE suitable for military use generally means a long range rifle, so modelled and of such weight that it may be shot from the shoulder, off-hand, at short, mid, or long range ; or lying down in any position, and at various ranges. American military rifles in use at the time of writing this chapter, are seldom smaller than .40 or larger than .50-calibre, the United States Government calibre being .45, as are most of the American military rifles manufac- tured by private firms and companies. It has always been considered desirable to secure range and penetration in military rifles, consequently a heavy projectile is employed, which necessitates a quick twist in such rifles. A military rifle as shot from the shoulder must be limited in weight ; therefore, when using a bullet sufficiently heavy to give long and accurate flight, with penetration, the powder charge must be limited to enable the soldier to stand the recoil ; but by limiting the pow- der charge, a high trajectory is maintained. Thus a mili- tary rifle contains features considered undesirable in rifles for hunting or target shooting. In America, the popular calibre for a military rifle has been .45 for a number of years. The volunteers of the State of New York are armed with a rifle of .50-calibre; but, aside from this, the U. S. Army, and the volunteers of every State but New York, are armed with the U. S. Springfield rifle of MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 137 138 MODERN^ AMERICAN RIELES. .45-calibre. The U. S. Naval Department, to some extent, is supplied with the Lee rifle, taking the same cartridge as the Springfield rifle ; and some branches of the volun- teers are supplied with the Lee rifle. Besides the Spring- field and the Lee rifles, — the former being manufactured at the U. S. Armory at Springfield, Mass., and the latter. at the Remington's Works at Ilion, N. Y., — are various models of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., made at New Haven, Conn., which find a large sale in foreign countries, and are largely used by mounted police and private guardians of peace. In addition to the various models of the Winchester Co., for infantry, cavalry, and mounted police, is the well-known Hotchkiss rifle, manu- factured at this company's armory. There are several models of American military rifles still in use, the manufacture of which has long been dis- continued ; these would include such rifles as the Sharps and Peabody-Martini. There are also numerous rifles which have not been manufactured in quantity, and are not likely ever to be, although, perhaps, possessing merit. The inventor of a military rifle, or a new mechanism for such, was formerly considered a genius ; but there are many intelligent American mechanics at the present time who could produce several new rifles annually, and most of the manufacturers of American rifles have numerous completed working models of military rifles which have never been introduced. As military rifles are long range rifles and are obliged to shoot limited charges, the curve of the bullet or trajec- tory is very high, and consequently the soldier is very likely to shoot over or under the object aimed at. Mili- tary experts are aware of this, and they also know that success in future warfare is likely to be determined by the ability of an army to be able to fire very rapidly at the critical moment ; hence, the grand problem with those endeavoring to perfect a modern military rifle is, how to MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 139 140 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. lower the trajectory, keep accuracy, and a recoil that can be borne ; also secure a rapid-firing rifle, which means a magazine system. To write of military rifles at the present time is to chronicle what the rifle experts of the world know of arms which are likely to soon become obsolete. To attempt a description of the military rifle of the future would be to put on record what is undeveloped ; for, in endeavoring to accomplish with the future arm what to the present time has been considered impossible with the old rifle and ammunition, — new principles must be employed. With the .45-calibre, if range is to be retained, a heavy bullet must be used ; if the powder charge is increased the recoil becomes unbearable ; if the rifle is made heavier to take up the recoil the arm is unwieldy ; if the bullet is lightened, range and penetration are sacrificed though the trajectory is lowered. Military authorities believe the desideratum therefore, cannot be reached with the .45-cal- ibre with modern black powder and ordinary lead. Recent experiments have been almost wholly in the direction of a reduction in the calibre for military rifles. In doing this it was soon noted that excessive fouling was encountered ; it was seen that the projectile must be very hard and the twist of the rifle quickened. It also became apparent that beside overcoming the fouling, which would not only arise from a reduction in calibre, but by the more rapid firing, there was the difficulty of excessive smoke. Nitro powders have been recognized as the remedy for above obstacles ; but such compounds have never been thought the best for rifle powders, and can be used in cer- tain charges only with metallic-jacketed bullets. This form of projectile is thought to be less accurate than those of lead, and so wearing on the rifle as to quickly destroy its effectiveness. It is claimed by the advocates of modern small-bore military rifles that the favored calibres, .30 and .32, are MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 141 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 43 calculated to wound rather than kill, which is desirable. It is stated that the soldier can carry a much larger amount of ammunition with the modern small calibre ; but to offset this advantage is the fact that if armed with a repeating rifle a soldier shoots much more ammunition. I have yet to meet the well-informed military rifleman who believes that any small bore military rifle of .30 or .32-calibre, or cartridge for same, has yet been devised which equals the .45-calibre rifle with the ammunition at present in general use. Most riflemen believe the future military rifle will em- body a magazine system, and few doubt the bore of it will be smaller ; indications point to a detachable magazine for the future American military rifle, and a bolt system rather than a lever. Expert riflemen have seen no great improvements in nitro compounds for rifles, and unless the future develops improved compounds the indications seem to point to no smaller calibre than. 3 8, and a powder between the present black compound and the uncertain nitro powders, which, so far as applicable to the use of rifles, seem undeveloped. 144 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XII. A POCKET RIFLE. Among the numerous styles of firearms produced in America is one which seems Hke an overgrown pistol or a miniature rifle, which, so far as I know, is peculiarly an American invention, certainly only made in this country in quantity, and is known as a pocket rifle. These arms were for many years manufactured by Frank Wesson at Worcester, Mass., and J. Stevens & Co. at Chicopee Falls, Mass., also for a brief time by the Bay State Arms Co. at Uxbridge, Mass. For some time past Mr. Wesson has gradually decreased his products, and at present he has almost ceased manufacturing ; the Bay State Arms Co. was discontinued, but the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co., successors to J. Stevens & Co., has increased its produ- cing capacity, suggested new ammunition, and altered the twists of its pocket rifles to shoot the modern small bore cartridges, so that at the present time all pocket rifles but the Stevens' are nearly obsolete, shooting cartridges which are not esteemed by riflemen ; but the Stevens' pocket rifles taking the cartridges suggested, and favored by practical riflemen, stand without a rival. It was years before I was attracted to these little arms, and as I look back and remember the aversion I had for them, I think the cause of my dislike was because of the poor ammuni- tion advertised to shoot in them. Several years ago I was indulging myself with a fishing trip, and one of the days the weather being unpropitious. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 145 the rod was rested and I was casting about for some amusement, when my friend and host noticing my plight, said : " Why don't you get my little pocket rifle and shoot at a target ? I have plenty of cartridges." This was irre- sistible for a person who loves to shoot, and in a brief time I was being initiated into the shooting of an 18-inch Stevens' pocket rifle. I was amazed at its accuracy, and my investigations at that time continued until my friend's cartridges were exhausted. The interest created in this class of firearms was awakened, and some time ago I commenced investigating and testing them to learn their capabilities with modern cartridges. Fig. 115. — Stevens' Reliable Pocket Rifle. There are two models manufactured by the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co., which are esteemed by sportsmen, and are known as the Hunter's Pet rifle and the New Model Pocket rifle. The Hunter's Pet rifle is made with bar- rels from 18 to 24 inches, in calibres from .22 to .44, rim or central-fire cartridges, and weighs from 5 to 5^ pounds. There can be one or more barrels fitted to one stock, per- mitting interchanging, and, if desired, a shot barrel, chambered for the .38, and .44 central-fire shells or the 20- gauge shot shell can also be made to interchange with the rifle barrels. The New Model Pocket rifle is made with barrels from 10 to 18 inches in length, in .22-, .25-, and .32-calibres, and weighing from 2 to 2 3^ pounds. Both the Hunter's Pet and New Model Pocket rifles are fitted with various styles of sights, and one can have target, hunting or combination sights. There is also another T46 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. model known as the Reliable Pocket rifle, made by the Stevens Company, which is still smaller than those men- tioned. It has a lo-inch barrel and is made in .22-calibre. Some pistol shooters have devised ways of converting their pistols into pocket rifles, by attaching a skeleton stock to the pistol and generally adding a long barrel. In experimenting with these little arms, I soon formed the opinion that arms so light and compact as these were best adapted to small calibres. It is a fact that a Hunter's Pet rifle will shoot a cartridge as heavy as the .44-40-200 Winchester astonishingly well, but I always preferred a regular rifle for such ammunition ; and as the .22 and .25 rim and central-fire cartridges seemed to be the legitimate cartridges for pocket rifles, I gave my attention to such almost wholly. My experiments with the Hunter's Pet rifle were con- ducted at Walnut Hill, and were with four different bar- rels ; three barrels were of 22 inches in length, two of which were for .22 and .25-calibre, and for the rim-fire cartridges, another for the .25 central-fire cartridge, and the fourth for the latter cartridge, but the barrel was but 18 inches long. The rifle was fitted with a Lyman sight on grip, and an aperture target sight on barrel. The shooting was at 200 yards with rest, and the plan adopted for testing the various barrels was as follows : three tar- gets were thrown up from the pits, and as many riflemen did the shooting. As the sighting would be different for each, no attempt was made to keep the shots in the bulls- eye, but the shooting was for groups. The first trial was with the .25-calibre rim-fire cartridge in 22-inch barrel, weather conditions good, there being but a light wind. Three groups of ten shots each were fired. In the best group, the ten shots were on or in a circle 10^ inches in diameter ; nine of them on or in a 6^ -inch circle, and five on or in a 2^ -inch circle. The second series were grouped on and in a circle loyi inches MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. H7 K> 148 MoDEkN' AMERICAN- RIFLES. in diameter, and half of them in a 3^ -inch circle. In the test, ammunition was used that had been on hand over a year. Both groups were enlarged considerably by one shot, which, if it could be properly eliminated, would show groups fine enough to satisfy most riflemen using a regular rifle, if taking such ammunition. The second test was with the .25-calibre central-fire cartridge in the 22-inch Hunter's Pet, at 200 yards, with the regular charge of powder and the 86-grain bullet, three groups being shot. The best group showed ten shots on or in a 7-inch circle, and five in a 2^ -inch circle. The next best showed ten shots on and in a 7>^-inch circle, eight of which were in a 3^ -inch circle, and five in a i^^g- inch circle. While sighting the .25-central-fire barrel, after chan- ging from the .25-calibre rim-fire barrel, in order to get the groups near the centre of the target, it was found that the shots were key-holing badly, one going through the target its entire length sideways, and most of.the others tipping, and, although the groups were satisfactory, more than half of the bullets were staggering. In fact, it was a repetition of all previous experiments with the 86-grain bullet in this calibre. Perceiving the staggering bullets, the 75- grain bullet was substituted, and thirty more shots fired in series of ten shots each. All indications of tipping of bullets at once disappeared. The best groups showed the ten shots on and in a circle 5^8 inches in diameter, eight shots in 2^ -inch, and five shots in i^-inch circle. The next best group was in 7^ inches, and five shots were in a 3-inch circle. The 18-inch .25-calibre barrel was then attached to the stock, and shot with the 75-grain bullet, and the ten shots were on and in a circle J^ inches in diameter, nine shots in S/i inches, and 5 in a 3^ -inch circle. The .22-calibre 22-inch barrel was then attached and shot with the long-rifle cartridge of U. M, C. Co.'s make. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 49 The best ten shots were on and in a 7^ -inch circle, and five of the shots in a 3^ -inch circle. It was the opinion of the three riflemen who shot the different barrels, that with good weather conditions one could very often place ten consecutive shots in the regulation bullseye at 50, 100, and 200 yards, with any and all of the barrels from 18 to 22 inches in length, and often much finer shooting could be done. In shooting the above scores of shots it was at once seen that if a less number of shots than ten were taken as a test of the shooting qualities of the barrels, much finer results could be presented. To illustrate : while shooting the ten shots with the 18-inch .25-calibre central-fire barrel, the writer remained in the pit while the shots were being fired from the rest at the shooting pavilion. After each shot was fired the target was low- ered and the shot numbered. The first five shots were on and in a circle 3^ inches in diameter; the first seven shots in a group 5^ inches in diameter, and the tenth shot enlarged the circle to 7^^ inches. Before the shooter saw the target, and immediately after he fired the tenth shot, he called the shot as low, caused by a perceptible but uncontrollable movement at the instant of firing. Nearly all the groups were considerably enlarged by one shot. Experienced riflemen can make their own deductions from this shooting, but to those of little experience I would say, it is much more difficult to shoot a light rifle, or a rifle with a light barrel, than a heavy one, especially from a rest ; the shorter the barrel, the more difficult it is to shoot and greater the uncertainty in sighting. All of the above shooting was at 200 yards from rest with butt to shoulder, and muzzle rested, and no cleaning of the rifle between shots. My experiments with the New Model Pocket rifle have been more desultory, more thorough, but the results less carefully recorded than with the Hunter's Pet. The rea- I 50 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. son for this is, I have for years carried a New Model Pocket rifle with me on almost every trip I have made, whether hunting, fishing, or recreating in the country in any form. A Hunter's Pet is often more convenient to carry than a regular rifle, and the Pet shoots so nearly equal to a regular rifle that its greater compactness and portability commend it to many. But quite a number seeking these features prefer to go still further, and in the New Model Pocket rifle they find an arm with one- half the weight of the Hunter's Pet, and about the same reduction in compactness, with scarcely any perceptible decrease in accuracy. But as to the accuracy of this latter arm I have stated that my record is less minute. All my shooting and observations with the Hunter's Pet were at the target, but with the little New Model Pocket rifle it has been both at target and on game. But as this chapter is chiefly one in relation to the capabilities of the arm, I will first refer to its accuracy. The New Model Pocket rifle, as before stated, weighs from 2 to 2^ pounds, and has barrels from 10 to 18 inches in length, and is bored and rifled for the .22, .25, and .32-calibres ; at the present time chiefly for the .22 long-rifle and .25 rim-fire Stevens' special car- tridge. With the 18-inch barrel .22-calibre I have seen ten consecutive shots placed in the regulation bullseye at 50, 100, and 200 yards, and have seen the same thing done with the .25-calibre, shooting the rim-fire cartridge. At 50 yards I have seen a score of 97 out of 100 in ten shots, at rest, on the Standard American reduced target, with a two inch bullseye, made with the 18-inch, .22-calibre and long-rifle cartridge. At 100 yards, I find by my memoran- dum book that ten shots with this barrel, fired at that dis- tance, could be enclosed in a three inch circle, and at 200 yards the first trial showed ten shots in a parallelogram jY?. X 8 inches. At the first trial of the .25-calibre rim-fire at 200 yards an aggregate of 92 points was secured on the MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. iSi Standard target in ten shots, shooting at rest, and the second ten shots aggregated the same. With the 1 8-inch, .22-calibre, many scores of 45 out of 50 in ten shots, Creedmoor count, have been re- corded in off-hand shooting in regular matches at Walnut Hill, and two or three 46's, these scores being in the 70' s by Standard target count. The 15-inch barrels in .22- calibre shoot nearly as well as the 18-inch, but it is a little more difficult to sight, and the 12 and 1 0-inch barrels, though very accurate, are still more difficult to sight, as the sights are so near together. The front sight appears to grow larger each time a shorter barrel is tried ; and in shooting at a bulls- eye of regular size at prescribed distances, the front sight on a 10 or 12-inch barrel is much larger than the bullseye aimed at. Barrels under 15 inches in length had better be used as pistols, holding them as such in one hand. Many persons consider such arms as pocket rifles toys, or diminutive shooting irons solely for playthings. But they are of the greatest service for hunting, as well as a great source of amusement. A pocket rifle can be car- ried when a regular rifle cannot. The barrel of a 15-inch pocket rifle can be readily detached and carried with the stock in an ordinary-sized hand-bag. With such an arm, Fig. 118. Case for Stevens' Pocket Rifles. 152 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. I have shot, or known to be shot, various kinds of vermin, nearly all kinds of feathered game, including the wild turkey, besides hawks, crows, blackbirds, kingfishers, and sheldrake. Several deer and a moose I know of being killed with pocket rifles, but, of course, would not advise firing at deer and moose with such arms. I know, how- ever, one man who has killed many deer with an 18-inch Hunter's Pet, chambered and rifled for a .32-20 Winches- ter cartridge. It is not my object to claim that a pocket rifle is better, or as good as a regular rifle, for, under most circum- stances, they are not, but they have their uses, and at times are far better than a full-sized rifle. When hunt- ing in a big game country they are far better to shoot grouse and other small game than a large rifle or a shot- gun ; they can be transported in a smaller space than a regular rifle, and when it is not convenient or possible to carry the regular rifle, a pocket rifle can be transported without inconvenience, and they are sufficiently powerful and accurate to kill certain kinds of game. Many anglers carry them when on fishing trips, and find a frequent use for them in shooting off small limbs of trees in which their lines become entangled. If these little arms possess the merits they have been shown to have, why should not the fraternity of sports- men know it .'' I have often convinced sceptical people, who insisted that the little " pop-gun " was a boy's play- thing, that besides being a source of perennial enjoyment, it was of great practical value as an exterminator of pre- datory birds and animals ; and they were always willing to acknowledge its merits when some toothsome small game was gathered in by it, and notwithstanding my penchant for big bore heavily charged hunting rifles, I think there is nothing I prize more highly in my sporting outfit than a pocket rifle. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 53 CHAPTER XIII. POSITIONS IN RIFLE SHOOTING. In previous chapters I have written of the various styles of rifle shooting followed in America. In each depart- ment there are various ways of manipulating the rifle ; rules often governing them. In certain styles of rifle shooting, a man may shoot the rifle in any way desired ; but in the clubs which follow the national or nearly similar rules, there are certain restrictions, and among them are provisions for positions. In off-hand shooting, up to and including 300 yards, the position is generally standing on both feet, free from any artificial rest or support. For- merly a rifleman was compelled to hold the left hand in front of the trigger guard, — unless he was left-handed, when this would apply to the right hand, — but this rule has been abolished, and now a person may hold his left hand and arm fully extended as far as he can reach, or he may place it on the trigger guard, or even back of it if desired ; the right hand and arm may be in any position ; legs and body as desired, so long as the rifleman stands on both feet and receives no artificial support. Such shooting is classed as off-hand shooting. A rifleman is generally able to shoot well in almost any position, if the object shot at be large and at short range ; but when he aims at the eight inch bullseye at a distance of 200 yards, or one proportionally reduced at a shorter distance, it is found that it is impossible to hold the rifle perfectly still, and the attempt is made to find a position 154 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. in which one can hold the rifle best. Undoubtedly the physique of a person has its influence on the choice of positions, for nearly every rifleman sooner or later decides on some position which suits him best, and takes it when shooting. Young riflemen very naturally study the posi- |\S^Vi-nv.^ Fig. 119. — Off-hand Position. Fig. 120. — Off-hand Position. tions of experts, but as they find fine shots shooting in various attitudes, it generally follows that they try the different positions until they find a preferred one. As a rule, if one becomes skilful in rifle shooting, the position he shoots successfully in is retained through the rifle- shooting career ; though in some instances I have known men who have become good shots, to develop into phenom- enal marksmen by simply changing position ; others have deteriorated in skill by such change. I think a young rifleman should consider the subject of the best position to take, and when he has decided on one to continue to shoot in it. The person who often changes his position in rifle shooting, in my opinion, will not shoot so well as if he followed one mode of holding the rifle. When one becomes accustomed to holding the rifle in one way, even if it be a bad way, he can generally shoot better in that position than he can at first in a better one. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 155 There are persons who shoot well with the left arm fully extended who would do very poor work with the rifle balanced on the tips of the fingers of the left hand and the elbow resting on the hip ; and the man who was accus- tomed to making high scores in the latter position, would, as a rule, do poor shooting with the left hand and arm extended. It has been found impossible to define any one position which shall be followed in rifle shooting, especially in off- hand work, and keep an in- terest in the sport. Many attempts have been made to compel following a certain position in target shooting, but gradually American rifle- men have recognized the fact that any one selected posi- tion would be advantageous to some and disadvantageous to others ; that an arbitrary definement means driving certain devotees to the sport from it, and the liberal pro- vision of any position without artificial support, has be- come almost universal. There is a popular impression that the ungraceful and sometimes ridiculous positions assumed, when rifle firing, are confined to the rifle range. Such is not the case. It is true that many positions are to be seen on rifle ranges, which would not be chosen as models of grace ; but it is because there are many assembled at one place of meeting, and the awkward positions are conspicuous. I have seen some old backwoodsmen hold rifles in most ridiculous manners, and have observed devices to assist in holding the rifle still, which would discount those seen on rifle ranges. Fig. ]21. — Off-hand Position. 156 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Anything written on positions in rifle shooting will per- haps prove more interesting to the beginner than to the veteran ; but often many who have followed one style of rifle shooting for years are introduced to another style, and find themselves seeking for a position in the new department of the sport. I will therefore give the various positions adopted by some of the most famous riflemen of America in the several styles of shooting. Figure 119 shows what is generally known as the off- hand position, with arm partially extended, and which for ease, grace, and command over the rifle, is, in my opinion, superior to all others, and worthy of imitation by all young shooters. If one desires to become expert in shooting the hunting rifle, there is no better way of holding the arm than this, and in target shooting a greater command over the rifle is secured than in most other positions. Pulsa- tion is less noticeable in this position than in others, and there is less cramping of muscles and cords than other- wise. The temptation to gain a support for the left arm is more than many riflemen can resist, and they abandon this excellent way of holding a rifle before the muscles are well trained to the position. While I shall endeavor to avoid being didactic, I cannot refrain from urging young- riflemen to try and cultivate the art of rifle shooting in this position, as certainly it is much preferable, if one indulges in hunting with the rifle. Some of the best rifle shots in America shoot in this manner ; among those I remember are Mr. O. M. Jewell, Mr. A. C. White, Major C. W. Hinman, of the Massachusetts Rifle Association, and Col. Wm. E. Fitch, of Albany, N. Y., T. J. Dolan, of New York, and many other fine shots, showing conclu- sively that although perhaps harder, it is quite within the possibilities to shoot as well as the best in this manner. Fig. 120 is nearly like that shown in Fig. 119, and all I have said of Fig. 119 applies to Fig. 120. It will be seen that the left arm is fully extended, and is referred to ^s MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. I 57 off-hand position withi arm fully extended. Fig. 121 shows the same position with the military rifle. There are some riflemen who hold the left arm a little further extended than shown in Fig. 1 19, and others a little less than shown in Fig. 120. Some riflemen claim that holding the rifle in Fig. 120 position strains the cords in the left arm to such an extent as to cause unsteadiness, which is relieved by taking position No. 119. I think if one can hold according to position No. 120, it secures a better control of the rifle when the wind is blowing, and there is less liability of the rifle "getting away from you," as riflemen say, which means, when at the moment the trigger is pressed the control of the rifle is lost. It appears, however, from tes- timony of many riflemen, that many do not prefer this way of holding a rifle on account of the strain on the cords of the arm, which extends to the back of the neck, and some even claim, affects the vision. Mr. J. B. Fellows, a very reliable and excellent shot with an enviable record, has never shot in any other manner. Lieut. W. G. Hus- sey, of the Massachusetts Team which visited England, shoots brilliantly in this position. Col. H. J. Burns, of California, has won a reputation as a fine rifle shot by shooting thus, so has Col. E. J. Cram, of Maine, and many others. I know many hunters who hold a rifle in this manner, and for shooting at moving objects it is undoubt- edly superior to any other. Fig. 123 is generally known as the body rest position. It is quite popular. The rifleman stands erect, inflates his lungs as he places the butt of the rifle to his shoulder, the rifle rests between the index finger and thumb, at a point just in front of the trigger guard, the fingers of the hand are tightly closed, this gives a firmness to the mus- cles of the arm ; the elbow of the arm in front of the trigger guard is carried nearly under the rifle, and the set and extended muscles of the arm find a natural support on the distended breast. This is the adopted position of 15! MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. the well-known target shot, Mr. Geo. F. Ellsworth. Many- hunters adopt this position. It is doubtless less fatiguing to shoot for two or three hours at the target in this way than with the arm fully or partially extended, and for this Fig. 122. — An Off-Hand Position of an Expert American Rifleman in 1891. reason it commends itself to many. I am under the im- pression that this position is not so good for hunting as some others, and will give my reasons. I shot for several years at the target in this manner, and so much practice MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 159 was indulged i^n that I could not shoot well in other off- hand positions. I found myself later on the plains, and when I was about to shoot at game I thought best to take another position. I tried that shown in Fig. 120, and found I could not hold the rifle satisfactorily. I would try to sight on game in position shown in Fig. 120, and being un- able to hold well would assume position Fig. 119 ; still, not Fig. 12; ■ Body rest Position. Fig. 124. — Body rest Position. holding well, would take my regular position. Fig. 1 23, when I could hold well enough to kill game. I later discovered that any unusual exercise — and all who hunt are likely to take very vigorous exercise — caused increased pulsation and palpitation to such an extent as to make unsteady holding. When I attempted to shoot at moving game I found position Fig. 123 very unsatisfactory, and Fig. 120 best suited to it. Thus I became impressed with the idea that unless one confines his rifle shooting to the target, it is best to adopt a position one will use in hunting, even if his scores be lower at the target. Fig. 124 shows the body rest with the military rifle, and a certain amount of support gained by the index finger being extended along the forestock of the rifle. Some marksmen allow the trigger guard to rest in the palm of i6o MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the left hand ; others, the rifle resting between the thumb and forefinger, or through the first and second finger, the inside of the arm, from elbow upward, supported against the body. Lieut. Fred Kuhnle, of California, shoots thus ; so does Mr. Geo. C. Thaxter, the wonderful off-hand mili- tary shot of Nevada, and Mr. L. L. Hubbard, of Massa- chusetts. Of California's noted rifle shots F. O. Young, Howard Carr, Chris. Meyer, Ed. Hovey, S. I. Kellogg use this position, or one much like it. I think stout men, as a rule, prefer the body rest positions. Fig. 125 is incorrectly called by many the hip rest posi- tion. It is a body rest position, with the rifle balanced Figs. 125 and 126. —Body rest Position. on the tips of the thumb and fingers. No doubt that a person can shoot a long time without fatigue in this posi- tion ; and one with a delicate manipulation with a lightly charged rifle can shoot with amazing fineness at the target. New Hampshire's wonderful shot, Mr. George H. Wentworth, has made some of the finest known scores in this position, shooting a Maynard .32-calibre rifle. Some of the Massachusetts team which visited England, shoot in this manner, as well as many German American shooters, and those who do most of their rifle shooting at the tar- MODEkX AMERICAN RIFLES. l6l get. There are some who get a natural support by com- bining the body rest and the hip position to a greater or less extent. Fig. 126 shows an inclination to hip rest position, Fig. 127 shows the regular hip rest. Certain individuals have slim bodies, long arms and fingers, and in trying positions for off-hand shooting they discovered by throwing forward the left hip, resting the elbow on it, the rifle on the tips of the thumb and first and second fingers, the former on the trigger guard and the latter just in front of the guard, they secured an almost perfect natural rest for the rifle. Such marksmen as Messrs. H. G. Bixby, of New Hampshire, E. F. Richard- son, of Massachusetts, W. Milton Farrow, F. J. Rabbeth, C. H. Barstow, George R. Russell, Nathaniel C. Nash, and many other famous target shots have demonstrated what can be done in the way of target shooting in this position. This position is not a new one, as will be seen in Fig. 129, which is of an English rifleman in 1808. Some follow the mode referred to above, of resting the trigger guard in the palm of the hand, and the elbow on the hip. There is no doubt that the persons who can take the hip rest position have a great advantage in target shooting, but I think they would not be so successful in game shooting. Corpulent men cannot well adopt this mode of shoot- ing. When Mr. H. G. Bixby commenced rifle shooting he shot in position Fig. 120, and made good scores. He was ambitious to excel and tried the hip position and aston- ished the rifle-shooting world with his work, eclipsing many previous performances in target shooting. So bril- liant were his scores that staid old. shots were tempted to adopt his position, but most of them were unlike Messrs. Bixby, Richardson, and Farrow in form, and made unsatis- factory work of the hip rest position, and wisely returned to their old manner of holding a rifle. l62 MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. Fig. 128 shows a mode of holding a target rifle practiced by German Americans and those who shoot with them. A palm rest is attached to the rifle to aid in holding. Such appliances are fitted only for target shooting, and are not popular among most of those to the manor born. Riflemen are inclined to recommend to all, the position they have found best suited to themselves ; as a result Figs. 127 and 128— Hip Rest Position. many beginners endeavor to shoot in a manner not suited to their forms. The best advice the writer can offer is to select a position you think best adapted to the style of shooting you desire to excel in, trying to secure a com- fortable one, then stick to it and don't change. The longer the distance at which a rifle is shot, the greater the difficulty in shooting in an off-hand position. In America most of the target rifle shooting, up to a dis- tance of 200 yards, is done off-hand ; and beyond that range various positions are adopted. There are ways of holding the rifle which are advantageous to hunters, and preferred to off-hand ; for, when seeking game, no pre- scribed rules are recognized ; it is a question of the most reliable way of holding the rifle. In some States the kneeling position is permitted in MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 163 Fig. 129. — Otf-hand Position of an Expert English Rifleman in 1808. 164 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. military rifle practice at 200 yards ; but, as a rule, this is not allowed except at 300 yards and beyond, and some- times not until reaching the 500-yards' range. Fig. 130 shows the kneeling position usually adopted by military marksmen. There are some slight modifications to this. The rifleman places the right knee on the ground, brings the butt of the rifle firmly to the right shoulder, places the left elbow on the left knee ; the rifle gener- ally rests in the palm of the left hand, either at a point just in front of the trigger guard or on the guard ; the fingers of the left hand, as shown in illustration, are tightly closed, if preferred. Some rifle- Fig. 130. — Kneeling Position (Military Rifle). Fig. 131. — Kneeling Position (Hunting Rifle). men extend the right limb, from knee to point of toe, along the ground ; others place the front toes of left foot on the ground, if they wear a stout pair of shoes, and sit MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 165 on the calf of the leg. This latter mode throws most of the weight of ^he body on the left leg, from the knee down, and on the foot. Others throw the weight of the body forward so it is largely supported by the right limb, boot, body, and arm. Fig. 131 shows a position much used at one time by the writer, in hunting, and is from an instantaneous photo- graph taken when about to fire, and unknown to the shooter. There are many times when hunting, that it is impossible to stand and shoot in the off-hand position without being observed by the game ; and, again, it is impossible to see the game in the prone or back position, and perhaps the sportsman has no time to take a sitting position. Fig. 131 shows an excellent way of holding the rifle under such circumstances. I have many times endeavored to reach a certain spot, which seemed to be the nearest and best point from which to make a shot ; the game, perhaps, would be restless, or perhaps stop, after the first wild rushes, to satisfy their curiosity ; at such times, or under the conditions above alluded to, I have found the Fig. 131 position excellent. Dropping on the right knee v/ould be the first movement, tightly closing the fingers of the left hand, the second, placing the butt of the rifle hard to the shoulder next ; then dropping the rifle between the thumb and fore-finger, at a point just in front of the trigger guard, which would rest in the palm of the hand ; the index-finger of the right hand on the trigger, the other fingers tightly closed ; lungs fully inflated. In this position there would be a support from the tersely drawn muscles of right leg, arm, and hand, and the butt of the rifle pressed with considerable strength against the right shoulder, at a point as near the breast as you can conveniently place the stock. Although the muscles of the right hand are drawn taut, the index or trigger finger should not partake of that rigidity, but left to steadily but quickly press the trigger. l66 MODEKiV AMERICAX RIFLES. It is no easy matter to shoot well in the positions shown in Figs. 130 and 131, until accustomed to them. At first, one is likely to declare he can hold steadier in the off- hand position. This is because there is an unnatural strain in certain cords and muscles ; but practice soon gives a steadiness, and the average person can shoot better thus than in any of the off-hand positions. One can also largely overcome the swaying of the body, caused by the wind, in the kneeling position. As one becomes corpulent, the kneeling position is more difificult. There is Fig. 132. — Sitting Position. little doubt that the kneeling position is more reliable than the off-hand, and sitting is more certain than kneeling. As the distance at which a rifle is shot is increased and the size of the object aimed at retained, the difficulties are so much greater that rules in target shooting generally per- mit kneeling and sitting beyond a specified range. Figs. 132 and 133 show two excellent positions, and one accustomed to shooting thus has a great advantage over the person shooting in any off-hand position. At 300 yards, shooting at the 8-inch bullseye, very fine scores have been made with the U. S. Springfield rifle held in this manner. Fig. 132 is probably a steadier position, but individuals with a full MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 167 abdominal development find it difficult, if not impossible, to shoot thus, but resort to that shown in Fig. 133. This is not only an excellent way to shoot with a military arm, but is good for target shooting with a match rifle, or with a hunting arm. Practice is required to develop the Fig. 133— Sitting Position. muscles in order to take these positions with ease and comfort. They cannot be assumed so speedily as Figs. 130 and 131, but are more reliable if time permits taking them. Fig. 134 shows the prone position, and is very reliable for target shooting with match or military rifles, and, under certain conditions in hunting is the most reliable position I know of. Everyone who hunts with a rifle, especially if he seeks game on our western plains, should cultivate shooting in this manner. Certain military matches call for this position. The Interstate competition at Creedmoor makes this one of the conditions of the match, while the back position is allowed in the Hilton Trophy and other contests ; consequently, the States sending representatives to compete annually at Creed- moor advi&e practising at 500 yards, lying prone. Many attempting the prone position at first experience some 1 68 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. difficulties. It is quite unsatisfactory, and I believe injurious to the health, to shoot a heavily charged rifle in this position, as persons are usually attired. I have known ^"^^.^^ Fig. 134. — Prone Position. men to seriously injure their health by shooting in that most absurd costume, the modern officer's fatigue jacket and a stand-up collar. These jackets, or even a civilian's usual costume, fit snugly, and the stiff collar prevents free circulation of blood, and the neckwear is drawn tightly across the spinal cord. When the rifle is discharged, the recoil gives the effect of a blow on the back of the neck, and this, with the usual clothing, has the effect of greatly fatiguing the shooter. A tight-fitting collar makes vision uncertain, and the effect of recoil often produces severe headache, sometimes of a serious nature. It is well in any style of rifle shoot- ing to wear no snug-fit- ting clothing especially about the neck ; but, in mid or long-range shoot- ing, if lying down either prone or on the back, dis- card the tight-fitting vest and coat, remove linen collar, and, if convenient, wear a loose-fitting woollen shirt and a blouse. In taking the prone position. Fig. 134, relax all muscles of the body below the arm, hugging the ground as close at possible, spread the legs and throw them to the left, thus greatly reducing the effect of the recoil ; brace the Back Position. MODERN AM ERICA iV RIFLES. 169 muscles of the rigiit and left arms, and inflate the lungs. Some vary the position of the left hand, grasping the rifle and placing the fingers around it ; others close the fingers of the left hand, resting the rifle between thumb and ^^ Fig. 136. — Side Position. fingers. Keep the rifle plumb, as, by rolling it to right or left the shots will fly in the direction the rifle is rolled, even if the sight and windage be correct ; hold the breath while pressing the trigger. I have alluded to the excellence of this position for hunting ; for a long shot I prefer it to any, and always Fig. 137.— Back Position (IVIatch Rifle). take it when time and the ability to see the game permit. The certainty of this position for target shooting has been graphically illustrated by the brilliant scores made by mili- tary marksmen at the 500 and 600 yards' ranges ; clean scores of ten successive bullseyes at the former range being frequently made. Fig. 136 shows the back position, often adopted in 170 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. target shooting with mihtary or special miHtary rifles. Excellent scores have been made with such arms shot in this manner. It is not a desirable position in which to shoot hunt- ing rifles, and not recommended, as the barrels of such rifles are generally too short. Fig. 136 is a position adopted by many of the military marksmen of the regular army and volunteers when shoot- ing at mid and long range, and is chiefly confined to such shooting. The strap is used to take the recoil, and the Fig. 138.— Long-Range Back Position. Fig. 139. — Position for Rest Sliooting. trigger is pressed by the thumb. There are some varia- tions to this position, often the shooter lies more on his back than shown in the illustration. A person trained to this position can fire many shots rapidly, and it is much used in skirmish firing. Figs. 137 and 138 show the most popular positions in long- range match rifle shooting. When this department of rifle shooting was popular in America, there were many posi- tions different from these, advocated and used by riflemen, MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 171 but a majority finally decided for this special work at 800, 900, and 1,000' yards, with a match rifle ; no position was Fig 140. — A Portable Rest for Rifle Shooting, used by Mr. Wm. Lyman. as reliable as on the back, and Fig. 138 was adopted by a majority of the best long-range rifle shots. Mr. William Gerrish and Major Charles W. Hinman shot thus when Fig. 141. — A Portable Rest tor Rifle Shooting — Folded. they made their wonderful scores of 224 out of 225, or 44 bullseyes and a centre, in forty-five shots ; fifteen shots each, at 800, 900, and 1,000. 1/2 MODERN AMERICAN- RIFLES. This concludes the positions in shooting without artifi- cial support. Rest shooting, which is quite popular in some sections, is generally done as shown in Fig. 139. Fig. 142. — A Portable Rest for Rifle Shooting — Open. The rifleman seats himself beside the rest, and supporting the rifle barrel on the rest and with stock to shoulder, aims and fires. Sometimes the stock is rested, which is per- mitted. Figs. 140, 141, and 142, show different styles of porta- ble rests for this mode of rifle shooting. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1^^ CHAPTER XIV. AIMING, SIGHTING, HOLDING, AND FIRING. Most lexicographers define aiming, as pointing a missile toward a point or object ; and sighting, to look along the barrel of a gun or rifle in aiming. I think riflemen would define aiming, as pointing the rifle in the direction intended to shoot ; and sighting, placing or aligning the sights on a certain point or object. The latter term seems to express more than the former. When a rifleman is ready to shoot, he takes his position, aims, and sights. If he is equipped with a plain, open- sighted rifle, with a fixed front and rear sight, he aligns the front with the rear sight ; if the latter has a notch in it, the tip of the front sight is seen through the notch ; if the rear sight is a bar, the tip of the front sight is gener- ally seen over the centre of the bar ; the front sight is placed on the object desired to hit, and the trigger pressed. If the shot strikes below the object sighted on, more of the front sight should be seen through the notch or over the bar. Jf the shot strikes above the object aimed at, less of the front sight should be seen. The least bit of the front sight being seen is called a fine sight ; when the whole or most of it is seen when sighting, it is termed a coarse sight, and if half as much as the fine and coarse sight is seen it is called a medium sight. The illustration (Fig. 143) shows the fine, coarse, and medium sights. If a rifle is sighted so as to permit hitting an object, one inch in diameter, at 25 yards, by drawing a fine sight and hold- 174 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. ing the rifle properly, at 50 or 75 yards, a coarser sight would likely have to be taken; and at 100 or 150 yards a still coarser sight would be necessary, until at a certain distance a sight would have to be taken above the object desired to hit. Under such circumstances one must have elevating sights on his rifle to permit sighting at the spot 4^ Fig. 143. — Fine, Coarse, Fig. 144. —How to Sight Fig. 145. — How to Sight with Tar- and IViedium Sights. with Open Sights. get Sights. where he desires the bullet to strike, or sight at a point above, to allow for the drop of the bullet, and perhaps at one side to overcome the drift of the bullet ; the former caused by power of gravitation, the latter by force of the wind, and, to a certain extent, by the twist in the rifle. Target shooters, as a rule, insist upon devices for elevating the rear sight and lateral movement to the front or rear sight for drift, which permits sighting directly at the bullseye. Military authorities seem to consider it better to make the calculation by the rear sight. Many hunters elevate the rear sight to provide for the drop of the bullet, but seldom use a wind-gauge ; and not a few hunters make allowance for the drop of the bullet at long range, and the effect of the wind, by holding or sighting over and to one side. The National Rifle Association rules call for a bullseye, for target shooting, eight inches in diameter at the 200 yards' range ; 22 inches at 500 and 600 yards, and 36 inches MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 75 at 800, 900, and 1,000 3^ards. At distances less than 200 yards the bullseye is proportionately reduced to the distance. It is the general opinion that a spot smaller than the eig'ht-inch bullseye cannot be sighted on with certainty by the average rifleman, and as a good rifle will generally shoot into a smaller group than eight inches at 200 yards, it shows that good rifles and ammunition will shoot finer than a person can see to sight with non-magnifying sights. Very few persons, except riflemen, have any idea of the size the regulation bullseye appears to be at the distances at which it is shot at. Fig. 144 shows the size of third- class target, which has an eight-inch bullseye, as it ap- pears when aiming with an open-sighted hunting rifle; it also shows the size of the rear notched sight and the front open sight and the bullseye. If the rifle could be held still, so as to secure such a sight as shown in Fig. 144, pro- viding the arm was properly made, charged, sighted, and shot under favorable weather conditions, it should place most of its shots well inside the bullseye. Fig. 145 shows the bullseye as it appears when a sight is taken on the eight-inch bullseye at 200 yards, with a match rifle fitted with a front wind-gauge and aperture sight and a rear Vernier sight with a peep cup. The large black circle represents the eye cup on the rear Vernier peep sight, the hole is about g^^ of an inch in diameter; but, when sighting, it is brought near the eye, and it takes in the whole target, as well as fully twenty feet over, under, and each side of the target. The hood which covers the front sight is shown the size it appears to be, as is the aperture sight and the bullseye of the target, when a nearly perfect sight is secured. The illustrations in Figs. 144 and 145 were sketched by an artist at Walnut Hill, and in order that it might not be the result of a single individual's impression, several rifle- 176 MODEkiV AMERICAN RIFLES. men gave, on paper, the size of the bullseye, sights and other points shown, and, when compared, agreed with what is shown in these ilkistrations. I have alluded several times in this work to the impossi- bility of any living person holding a rifle perfectly still, especially when shooting off-hand. The action of the heart and circulation of blood make this impossible. At a short range, with a very large target, the tremor of the sights is less apparent, but at 200 yards no person can hold a rifle still enough off-hand to keep the front sight on the bullseye as shown in Fig. 144, except for the briefest Figs. 146 and 147.— Illustrating thie tremor while sighting. time. Long practice enables some individuals to become skilful in holding, and some are naturally of less rapid pul- sation than others, and consequently steadier. A person possessed of an excitable temperament, or who is full- blooded, is less likely to make a good rifle shot than one of a phlegmatic temperament. Anything that stimulates, increases, or causes irregular pulsation, is detrimental to good rifle shooting. Violent exercise is also detrimental. A rifleman shooting at the 200-yard target, off-hand, takes his place at the firing point, aims, and tries to sight on the bullseye. The front sight of his rifle takes the most erratic course, sometimes travelling off the tar- MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 177 get. By inflating the lungs and ceasing to breathe for a moment the rifle^can be held much steadier. The best of shots experience the movements of the front sight as illustrated. Often while shooting there comes to a rifle- man a spell when he can hold the rifle quite satisfactorily, and good shots are generally made ; but, even when hold- ing well, the front sight takes a motion, such as shown in Figs. 146-149. How to sight depends upon the kind of sights used. With plain open front and rear sights it is a question Figs. 148 and 149. —Showing tremor when holding still. whether you are to draw a coarse, fine, or medium sight. I have stated the effect of seeing little or much of the front sight through the notch or over the bar of the rear sight ; but that referred to regulating the elevation by that means, and, as a rule, is followed when time does not per- mit raising the rear sight. Some riflemen prefer, if possi- ble, to see the same amount of front sight, and regulate the elevation by raising or lowering the rear sight ; others drawing a very fine sight ; while still others use a coarse sight, regulating it by seeing as much as the depth of the V notch. The next question is, where to place the front sight.-' When target shooting, and using either a front open or a pin-head sight, most of the expert shots aim just under 178 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the bullseye, some just touching it ; others seeing a little white between the tip of the front sight and bottom edge of the bullseye. If the front sight is placed in the bullseye, as shown in Fig. 151, it is uncertain whether one is sighting one inch or six in the bullseye. Just here is the difference between Fig. 150. — Course of the sight when holding steadily. Fig. 151. — Touching the Bulls- eye too much. sighting at a bullseye and game. At the latter, one tries to place the sight where it is desired to have the bullet hit ; in target shooting, one generally sights below where he wishes the bullet to strike. In sighting a hunting rifle remember this, and if aiming at a large bullseye, sighting at six o'clock, or at bottom edge of bullseye, the bullets should strike at the point sighted at and not in the middle of the bullseye. In sighting with an aperture sight, the bullseye should be held as near the centre of the aperture as possible, and have the aperture sufficiently large to see a white circle distinctly around the bullseye. Most beginners at target shooting use much too small apertures. A short barrel target rifle should be equipped with a smaller aperture sight than one with a long one. In sighting with a rear peep or a Lyman rear sight and a front open sight, never try to draw the point of the front sight to the bottom of the rear peep hole; let the MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 79 eye find the centre of the rear peep sight, and place the front sight tmder the bullseye if target shooting, or on the game if hunting ; that is, if you believe the eleva- tion is right. The question of whether to use one eye or both in sighting is one upon which much has been written. When one shoots well with both eyes, he naturally claims it is the correct way to shoot ; those accustomed to closing one eye, find it difficult to shoot with both eyes open, and are sceptical as to its advantages. Judging from my own experience, it makes but little difference, and one can shoot well with one or both eyes open. A person uses but one eye in sighting a rifle, even if he has both open ; the eye he uses being the master eye. With a shotgun, I believe shooting with both eyes open advantageous ; but with a rifle, although I generally keep both eyes open, my vision is concentrated in one eye. In snap shooting with a rifle, when the arm is used as a shotgun and the aim largely a calculation, the advantage of double vision seems to me to be an aid. In sighting at an object, if the hold is unsteady and a long sight is taken, the vision becomes uncertain and the sights blur, caused by the attempt to focus on two or more objects at different distances at one time. If such is the case, and time permits, close the eye used in sighting, for a moment, and take another sight. Much has been written against open sights, and many have discarded them on account of the blurring when sighting. This trouble can be largely overcome if the rifleman can train himself to prevent the eye focusing on the rear sight. If one attempts to see the rear and front sight, as well as the object sighted, there arises an uncertainty of vision which is quite confusing ; but it is possible to draw the front sight into the notch of the rear sight, and let the eye focus on the front sight and object aimed at, ignoring the rear sight. In my opinion, the chief merits of the Lyman rear and other peep sights, l8o MODERN' AMERICAN RIFLES. are the ability of the rifleman to look through the holes without focusing the eye on them. This is also shown in the aperture front sight of a target rifle ; nearly all the expert rest and off-hand shots at Walnut Hill use such a front sight. With a correct sight it seems an easy matter to secure a good shot by pressing the trigger, if rifle and ammuni- tion are right. To excel in rifle shooting one must have the faculty of pressing the trigger without greatly dis- turbing the aim, and to do so requires an immense amount of practice. Go to any rifle range and one will be likely to hear this conversation : — " How are you doing .'' " " Miserably. I can hold well enough, but can't 'pull of.' " Although expert riflemen know that to pull the trigger of a rifle will cause bad shooting, the expression, though incorrect, is almost universally used. There are many persons so well trained in sighting, that they can hold the 200-yards' bullseye within the aperture sight at that distance for several seconds, but when attempting to press the trigger there comes an unsteadiness which is quite perplexing. Many believe if they were permitted to use a set trigger this difficulty would be overcome, but my own opinion is decidedly against this. The lighter pull is, doubtless, an aid to some, but it never overcomes the uncertainty of controlling the sight, which comes when the slightest movement is made with the trigger finger, which seems to unlock the con- fined nerves. It is natural for persons to brace them- selves to receive a recoil, to flinch to a greater or less extent, to give a sudden pull of the trigger, and I venture to record here my opinion that these three faults con- tribute more to cause poor rifle shooting than an)- other. The best living rifle shots commit these errors, and when it is known that they occur when pressing the trigger, MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. l8l it will be seen that this seemingly simple operation is far more important 12.8 16.2 17.6 16.6 13-7 8.1 22 15 ^5 30 5-3 9.4 12.2 13-5 I3-I 10.8 6.5 25 20 67 28 3-6 6.4 8-3 9.4 9.2 7.6 4-7 25 20 11 26 5-4 9.0 n.6 12.8 12.3 10.2 6.0 * 25 32 76 30 3-4 6.0 1-1 8.4 8.1 6.7 4.1 * 25 32 76 30 2.8 5-S 6.4 7.0 6.8 5-6 3-3 « 25 32 67 30 2.7 4.8 6.2 6.9 6.8 5-6 3-4 32 13 90 24 7-5 13-5 17-5 19.2 18.4 15.0 8.9 t 32 20 115 24 5-^ 10.3 13.2 14.4 13.8 "•3 6.7 t 32 30 125 26 4.6 8.2 10.5 II-5 II.O 9.0 5-4 32 35 147 28 4.1 V'> 9-3 10.2 9.8 8.0 4-7 32 35 165 28 4-5 8.0 10.2 II. 2 10.9 8.8 5-2 t 32 40 125 30 H ^•5 8.4 9.2 8.9 1-Z 4-3 t 32 40 150 26 4.8 8.4 10.7 11.6 II. I 9.0 5-3 32 40 165 3? 4.9 8.6 II.O 11.9 II. 5 9.4 5-5 35 60 245 28 4-7 8.1 10.4 "•3 10.9 8.8 5-2 ^l 50 255 28 6.1 10.5 13-4 14-5 13.6 10.9 6.4 38 50 330 28 6.6 11.4 14-5 15-5 14.6 11.7 6.6 \ 38 55 255 26 5-8 lO.I 12.8 13-9 I3-I 10.6 6.2 § 38 90 250 30 3-2 5-7 7-2 7-9 7-5 6.2 yi 40 60 26s 28 4-5 7-9 10.2 II. 2 10.8 8.8 5-2 40 60 330 28 5-2 9-3 n.8 12.7 12.2 9.8 5-9 40 62 210 28 4.4 7.8 10.3 1T.4 II. I 9.2 5-5 40 ?5 230 28 4.1 7.2 9-3 lO.I 9-7 7.8 4.6 40 82 260 30 4.1 7-4 9.6 10.5 10.2 8.4 5-2 * 40 83 390 35>^ 4.6 7-9 lO.O 10.8 10.2 8.2 4.8 40 CO 300 26 4-3 7-5 9-5 10.3 9-7 7.8 4.6 40 95 265 34 2.9 5-4 7.2 7.6 7-4 6.0 Z-1 40 95 380 34 3-5 6-3 8.0 8.7 8.3 6.6 4.1 * 40 98 445 34 4-5 1-1 §•7 10.5 9.9 7-9 4-7 40 no 260 30 3-7 6.5 8.4 9.1 8.7 7.1. 4.2 44 40 200 24 6.0 10.8 14.0 15.4 14.8 12.1 7.2 44 90 520 ^^ 4.0 7.2 9-3 10.4 9-7 7-9 4-7 45 60 300 28 5-5 §•5 12.0 13.0 12.4 lO.O 5-9 45 ■70 405 32.6 5-1 8.9 II. 2 12.0 1 1.3 9.1 5-4 45 75 350 28 4-7 8-3 10.5 11.4 10.8 8.8 5-S 45 85 290 28 4-3 7-5 9-5 10.4 9.9 8.0 4.8 45 90 300 30 4-5 7-9 1 0.0 II.O 10.6 8.7 5-S 45 109 550 36 4.6 7-9 1 0.0 10.8 10.2 8.2 4.8 45 125 300 30 4.0 7.0 8.9 9.8 9.4 1-1 4-5 50 no 300 30 II-5 50 115 300 26 3-9 7-1 9.4 10.6 10.4 8.7 5-3 * Specially prepared ammunition. X Actual powder cliarge 48 grains. t Actual 30 calibre. § Special bullet. 190 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. ACCURACY. Class A. — Will shoot nearly all of its shots on or into a 6-indi circle at 200 yards: .32-40-125 — .32-40-150 — .32-40-165 — .38-55-255 — .40-83-390. Class B. — Will shoot nearly all of its shots on or into an 8-inch circle at 200 yards : .22-10-45 — .22-15-45 — . 25- 20-77 — .25-32-67 — .25-32-76 — .32-20-1*15 — .32-30-125 — .40-62-210 — .40-82-260 — .44-40-200 — .45-60-300 —.45-75- 350 — .45-70-405 — .45-90-300— .40-90-300 — .45-109-550. Class C. — • Will shoot nearly all of its shots on or into a 12-inch circle at 200 yards: .38-90-250 — .40-75-230 — .40-110-260^.45-85-290 — .45-125-300. Class D. — Will shoot nearly all of its shots on or into a 20-inch circle at 200 yards : .50-1 10-300 — .50-1 15-300. The figures presented in this article are the results of the experiments conducted intermittingly, covering a period of several years. During that time I shot, or saw shot, all of the rifles mentioned, and elaborate notes were made. I became fully convinced that the trajectories of rifles are uncertain, like the accuracy. Most riflemen who have given careful thought and study to this subject, believe that various factory cartridges have different trajectories ; wind has quite an effect on the curve of a bullet — a rear wind decreasing, and a front wind increasing the trajec- tory. The manner of holding a rifle also has its effect ; also the shape and temper of the bullet, strength of pow- der, and even the form of the shell. If a rifle is shot with freshly and accurately reloaded ammunition, there is greater accuracy and more uniform trajectory. I have made careful observations as to the accuracy of the cartridges, and rifles using them, and have formed an opinion as to the amount of accuracy one might expect from them. I am well aware that the results will vary, MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. I9I and that some better shooting may be obtained than cred- ited to these arms, — and often worse; — also, that one shooting continuously any one of the rifles mentioned, would secure, perhaps, better average results. My memo- randa indicate that in the experiments I witnessed, it was within the probabilities to secure about the results credited to the different rifles, if the arms were properly made, shot by an expert rifleman, and with good ammunition. Among the American rifles which possess accuracy, moderate trajectory, penetration, and no excessive recoil, are those taking the following cartridges : — .25-20-77 — .32-40-165 — .38-56-255 — .40-65-260 — .40- 82-260— .45-75-350 — .45-90-300. These rifles take factory cartridges, and are excellent for hunting in America. Often improvements are maxle over these cartridges by riflemen skilful in making ammunition and manipulating the rifle. 192 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XVI. WHAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO WITH A RIFLE. It is generally known that a rifle when properly loaded is capable of projecting a bullet to a certain distance with accuracy. The distance and the amount of accuracy has been a theme for discussion ever since the rifle was invented, and doubtless will continue to be as long as it is used. Rifles have always been used in competition, suc- cessful marksmen have ever received homage, and in recounting exploits hyperbolizing has developed. The rifle has always played an important part in stories of war- fare, hunting, or romantic tales, and hence the hero of many a story has been made to perform feats of marks- manship quite beyond the possibilities of rifle or man. The sportsmen's papers give evidence of the lack of knowledge of the possibilities of the rifle even among those who shoot the arm, and I have often blushed for the editors who attempted to elucidate those who sought for information on this subject. Does any one know what it is possible to do with a rifle .? Beyond a certain limit I claim they do not. It is many years since the rifle was invented, and from its incipiency men 'have striven to excel and perform feats which were considered impossible. By the ingenuity of man, rifles have been improved so as to shoot a greater distance and with increased accuracy ; but there has always been a blessed uncertainty which has kept alive an interest in the arm, which would have been lost if perfec- tion had been arrived at. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 93 It is usual to speak of the possibilities of the rifle as though a perfect arm was all that was necessary to secure perfection in rifle shooting. I have studied the rifle for more than a quarter of a century, and many of my inti- mates more than double that time, and I believe it is generally admitted by the best living experts that from the very commencement in making a rifle there is an un- certainty, and if, perchance, a perfect rifle is made, it is not certain that it can be duplicated. But if the rifle be perfect, the ammunition may not be correct, and if right at one time it may not be just right at another ; for many believe that a certain degree of hardness in a bullet may be better for a cold temperature, and another composition suitable for dif- ferent weather. Then comes the shooter with his vary- ing physical condition, his changeable vision and uncertain nerve, and difference in manipulation of the rifle. All these are important factors in rifle shooting, and if they could be controlled, the ever varying weather conditions, the • unperceived air currents, the changeable light, the difference in the atmosphere, would prove insurmountable barriers. By years of careful observation the rifleman learns the effect of certain conditions, and trains himself in such a way that by his skill he is able to guard against many obstacles which prevent others from making fine scores. It is supposed to be within the reach of good mechanical skill to make rifles accurate enough to use in hunting or warfare ; but experts to-day believe that no one can pro- duce a rifle, with certainty, which is capable of shooting continuously into the 12, 1 1, or the 10 circle on the Stand- ard American rest target at 200 yards. As before stated there is an uncertainty about the metal of which the barrel is composed, and no one can tell at the outset whether a superior or inferior barrel can be made from a bar of steel ; the various processes are all uncertain and 194 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the shooting qualities of a rifle are determined by experts at the factory or on the range, by shooting. There are certain features which, if found in a rifle, indicate its probable good shooting qualities, but for various unknown reasons some rifles possess superior shooting qualities to others. The best rifle maker may construct two rifles which may be as near alike as possible to make them, but there is no certainty that one will shoot as well as the other ; and for some inexplicable reason one will shoot a bullet of a cer- tain alloy in a satisfactory manner while the other will not, but do good work with a bullet, harder or softer. Riflemen usually refer to the good or bad shooting qualities of a rifle as though the arm was the only factor. This illustrates the conceit of man, for, without a doubt, the rifle being a mechanical production, is nearer perfect and less variable than ammunition and man; but all the factors which help to make perfection in rifle shooting are uncertain and variable, and when one error has been dis- covered and corrected by a rifleman, another develops, and therefore the devotee who essays to secure perfection in this art is ever baffled, and when results indicate that perfection is about to be realized, the uncertainty before alluded to in rifle, ammunition, shooter, and weather pre- vents it, and therein largely makes the attraction in fine rifle shooting. With the exception of the .22- and .25-calibres, all rifles shooting modern rifle ammunition are considered suitable to shoot at a distance of 200 yards, and even the .22 and .25 are used at this range. Nearly all rifles shot at the target out-of-doors are shot at ranges from 200 yards upward, and a rifle which will not shoot well at 200 yards is of very little use to American riflemen for target shoot- ing, hunting, or warfare. The size of the object aimed at when shooting at 200 yards is generally a bullseye eight inches in diameter. This a majority of riflemen with \ MODERN AMERICAN NTFLES. 1 95 normal vision can see. The ratio of increase is at the same proportipn at 500 and 800 yards, and the decrease is upon the same ratio at distances below 200 yards. It is doubtful if the average rifleman could see an object smaller than eight inches distinctly enough to sight on, with non-magnifying sights, at a distance of 200 yards, and, as it is known that a modern American rifle will, if properly made, correctly charged, and handled by an expert, place a majority of shots in an eight inch bulls- eye at 200 yards, it is safe to say that a rifle should shoot well enough to hit nearly every time anything that can be seen distinctly enough to sight on without magnifying sights up to a distance of 200 yards. The hunter is generally satisfied with such a rifle, and the military arm possessing accuracy sufficient to hit the proportionately increased bullseye at the longer range, would, doubtless, be considered as containing sufficient accuracy. The target shooter demands a more accurate rifle; it is with such arms, and by those shooting them that the pos- sibilities of the rifle are better illustrated, for they are fitted with fine sights and every known device to aid in securing extreme accuracy. But let us sacrifice everything which is considered practical and military ; fit the rifle with such appliances as will aid in securing the best results, with the one object of learning what it is possible to do with a rifle. I have mentioned 200 yards as the distance at which rifles are generally shot at a target. No expert rifleman would view with any special interest a fine target made with any rifle over .25-calibre, at a distance under 200 yards, or containing less than ten shots. It is known that there are some rifles that shoot well at 150 yards that utterly fail to do fine work at 200 yards, and a person who offered a target of five shots at 200 yards as evidence of the fine shooting qualities of a rifle would be regarded as a novice by the expert, and the target as only a hint of 196 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. what possibly might be done. Turning to an old scrap- book, I can find many potent illustrations of the absurdity of five shots being taken as evidence of the reliable shoot- ing qualities of a rifle. I find record of a score counting 96 on the Standard American rest target, shot with a .25- calibre central-fire rifle, and in the score were four shots counting 11 and one counting 12, and these were consecu- tive shots. I have record of 9, 10, 12, 9, 11 in five con- secutive shots with an 18-inch Stevens' pocket rifle, .25-calibre, rim-fire ; another series of five consecutive shots with a .22-calibre Stevens' pocket rifle, counting 10, 10, 9, 10, II. No well-informed rifleman would accept these groups of shots as evidence that such rifles could be relied on for such work. Five consecutive shots, counting 12 each, have been made on the Standard American rest target at 200 yards, and the diameter of that circle is i ^^^^ inches. There are plenty of persons who would wager that the same rifleman and ammunition could not repeat the performance at a stated time, or place ten shots inside of the 10 circle (3t%% inches in diameter), or fifty shots inside the 9 circle (5tVo inches in diameter), or one hundred shots inside the 8-inch bullseye. The person who would make such a wager would probably know that rifle, shooter, ammunition, and weather conditions were likely to vary, and none of them could be positively depended upon, even with the heaviest rifle, telescopic sights, and a machine rest. I have witnessed a great deal of rifle shooting under various conditions. For over twenty years I have visited factories where rifles have been manufactured. I have witnessed the shooting of men who were selected for their expertness to test rifles. I have been present on rifle ranges when many of the best-known records have been made, have shot with the best-known amateurs and pro- fessionals, and for several years have received many of the best targets made in the rifle-shooting countries of the MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 97 world ; but, taking the Standard American rest target, by way of illustration, I never yet have seen, consecutively, fifteen shots placed in the 12 circle, twenty shots in the II, forty in the 10, sixty in the 9, or one hundred in the 8-inch bullseye. I believe there are but few^ if any, rifles which, combined with factory ammunition and the uncer- tainty of the shooter and weather conditions, that will shoot fifty consecutive shots into an 8-inch bullseye at 200 yards, shooting with rest and telescope, or any style of sights. It is now generally recognized that no group shot at less than 200 yards represents what the rifle will do at 200 yards. No series of less than ten shots is accepted as evidence of what can be done with that number of shots. I have had many of the best-known targets in my pos- session, and noted the effect on persons unacquainted with rifle shooting. A bullseye 36 inches in diameter, containing twenty shots at t,ooo yards, elicits little or no enthusiasm from them, while one of ten shots, at 75 feet, with all the shots broken into one hole, creates extravagant praise. A clean ten-shot score of bullseyes shot off-hand at 200 yards, is considered tame beside ten shots, which could be covered by a dollar coin, shot at rest at 50 yards. I have asked many riflemen for an explanation of the reason for the exaggerated stories of the work done with a rifle, and a majority believe it is the general inclination to magnify the distance at which the targets are shot, for the sake of telling a startling story. Up to the time of writing, there have been nearly a hundred ten-shot clean scores of bullseyes made in off-hand shooting at 200 yards, but no one has been able to place ten shots on or within the 10 circle, and in rest shooting no one has been able to place ten shots on or within the 12 circle on the Standard rest target in one score. It is considered brilliant shooting to place ten shots in the 1 1 IqS modern AMERICAN RIFLES. circle at rest, and the same number in the lo circle is very fine work. As before stated, five shots in the 12 circle have no special value ; seven shots are more difficult and wonderful; ten shots never yet attained, and beyond that Fig 152— CoDV of actual score, counting H8 out of a possible 120. Shot at 200 yards' rest, by Mr F J Rabbeth at Worcester, Mass , March 6, 1890 Target, full size. the difficulties of the task are rapidly multiplied, and seem at the present time almost among the impossibili- ties. Beyond 200 yards, the shooting at the present time in America is chiefly with military rifles. Five shots at the regulation bullseye, at 500, 600, or 800 yards, are common ; seven bullseyes are not so common ; ten are seldom made, and any number beyond that is considered remarkable. Riflemen remember, as a rule, only the best results MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 1 99 secured, and are prone to allude to them, consequently many who hear of these performances are inclined to measure the average work of rifles by occasional results. If a score consisted of a large number of shots, perfection, or making Fig. 153.— Copy of actual score, couniing 116 out of a possible 120. Shot by Mr. J. R. Munroe at Walnut Hill, Feb. 9, 1889. the possible, would probably never be attained. Ten shots have long been recognized as a good test of skill, and the results which have been attained on American rifle ranges, it is thought, represent all one can reasonably expect from rifle and man. Sportsmen are often shown marvellous targets, so fine they are almost incredible, but they are, perhaps, honestly 200 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. made at the distance named, but how? I will try and ex- plain. Frequently a man will shoot for several years, and in the course of time, by discontinuing shooting at a cer- tain group at the first wild or unsatisfactory shot, and commencing another group ; or withdrawing or suppress- ing a score with a bad shot, and laying before the public the best scores, we have presented only the very best scores or groups of shots out of thousands fired during many trials. This is really no deception, for every expert is expected to put forth his best work. In fact the rifle- shooting fraternity do not care to see how bad work a person can do, and the pleasure is derived from inspecting the finest targets and witnessing the most skilful shooting. I have seen targets of ten shots which could be touched or covered with a silver dollar, which were shot at a distance of 200 yards, and later the same rifle, ammunition, and man, shooting at the same distance and place, would not be able to shoot into an 8-inch bullseye ; and mark you well, brother riflemen, I have seen this with breech and muzzle-loading rifles ; rifles weighing twenty pounds, fitted with telescopic sights and shot from machine rest, as well as the ten-pound breech-loading rifle fitted with the usual target sights. Later these same rifles would shoot with astonishing fineness but intermittingly, that is, unless the rifleman had concluded the rifle had shot out and disposed of it. I have seen targets shot by experts of the rifle fac- tories which would take a circle 10 or 12 inches in diameter to enclose the shots, and the next group be in a 3-inch circle ; the latter would perhaps be sent to a customer with the rifle, and the value of the arm based on the best target. Ten shots usually constitute a score, and the fine work done indicates the excellent shooting qualities of Ameri- can rifles, perfection of ammunition, and skill of the marks- men. Several times, this number of shots have been placed on or in the eleven circle {^-^i-^ inches in diameter) of the Standard American target when shooting from a MODE AW A MEN /CAN RIELES. 20I rest, but this is no evidence that a rifle is capable of shoot- ing continuously into so small a space. Most intelligent and well-informed riflemen know that ten shots is a fair test of marksmanship, but not an infallible one. It re- quires a good rifle, perfect ammunition, and a fine marks- man to record a superior score, and conditions of matches where most of the best shots of America contest, are such that the possible is just beyond the reach of the best- knoAvn skill. The development of skill in both off-hand and rest shooting is well illustrated by the evolution of the tar- get. A few years ago the coarse 8-inch bullseye with no divisions was considered fine enough to shoot at ; then it was divided, later trisected, and finally for rest shooting the smallest circle on the Standard American target was made finer by two additional circles. At the time of writing no one has secured the possible in ten shots on either the rest or off-hand Standard target, at two hundred yards, and if this should be accomplished it is no evidence that -any great number of shots could be placed in the inner circles of the rest and off-hand targets in the re- spective styles of shooting. The finest targets made represent the possibilities of the rifle for a certain number of shots and not for contin- uous work. No living person can tell with certainty how many shots can be placed in the same spot ; the shorter the distance the more certain can one be of placing a series of shots exactly together ; but as you increase the dis- tance the uncertainty becomes greater, and a rifle, although the noblest of all weapons, an instrument of precision and marvellous accuracy to a wonderful distance, and although accurate and reliable enough for all practical service, is variable in its work, affected, to a greater or less extent, by unknown and unforeseen causes, and to this uncertainty is added the variation of ammunition, changes in weather condition, and the uncertain condition of the shooter, 202 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XVII. THE MANIPULATION AND CARE OF RIFLES. To secure fine work from a rifle, a person besides hav- ing a perfectly made arm, correct ammunition, and even superior ability to hold the weapon as near still as it is possible, must manipulate the rifle properly to secure even fair shooting from it. I have endeavored in previous chapters to show that rifles are made for various purposes ; chiefly for hunting, defence, and as instruments for testing skill in target shoot- ing. It is to be regretted that a majority of people in this world will insist upon a rifle being an instrument for one and all purposes equally. Such people hear of a fine- sighted long-range rifle placing a series of shots in the regulation bullseye at i,ooo yards, and they infer that a .44-calibre Winchester, model 1873, should do the same; they even apply this work to a revolver. It is no easy ta-sk to convince a person unfamiliar with rifles that he is in error when he claims the .45-125-300 rifle has a greater range than the .45-70-405, and it is quite as arduous a task to convince the person of his error who believes a rifle with an accurate range of 1,000 yards is superior for hunt- ing to one having accuracy only within 250 or 300 yards. Rifles are for different purposes and each style of rifle must be manipulated differently. There are also various ideas of the best way to manipulate a rifle to secure the finest results ; some considering a certain operation abso- lutely necessary while others ignore it entirely. I will MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 203 endeavor to give in this chapter, certain rules and ways of manipulating rifles which are employed by many rifle- men. It is generally thought desirable to test a rifle for accuracy and for the purpose of arranging the sights, by shooting it from a rest, soon after purchasing. If the rifle is a hunting arm it is desirable to shoot it at short range for the purpose of aligning the sights and arran- ging the elevation. I usually sight'tiiy hunting rifles so as to hit a spot I inch in diameter when shot at about 30 yards ; this enables me to shoot at the head of a grouse at short range, for they are often shot at as short a range as 12 or 15 yards. In testing the rifle, if it throws the ball high at 30 yards it is necessary to lower the rear sight, or raise the front sight. Frequently rifle barrels are tapered so as to be of much less diameter at muzzle than at the breech, and when shot with ordinary sights it will be found that the rifle shoots several inches over the spot aimed at when shot at 30 or 50 yards, and perhaps the rear sight cannot be lowered ; then the only recourse is to build up the front sight. It is often found that the rifle shoots one or more inches to the right or left which necessitates moving the sights laterally. Remember, when correcting vertical error, to move the rear sight in the direction you wish the bullet to go, and the front sight in the opposite direction. Do not move the front or rear sight so much as to cause it to appear to be fixed at the right or left of the centre of the bore, but try and move both so as to have them appear in line over the centre of the bore. When you move the sights, do it by means of a piece of brass placed on the sight, and the blow struck on the brass and not directly on the sights, as by the latter means you dent the sights and the barrel. In shooting the rifle be careful and hold it plumb, as by rolling it the shots will incline in the direction the rifle is rolled. 204 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. In testing a rifle or sighting it, always use the charge you would at the target or hunting. Always rest the rifle at one place on the barrel ; the best place is 2 to 5 inches from the end of the muzzle. Avoid resting for one shot there, and the next at a point on or near the fore- stock, if possible, rest the barrel on a cushion of some soft material. Press the butt to the shoulder firmly, and with a uniform pressure. Be careful not to press the butt to the shoulder lightly with one shot, and firmly with another, as such treatment is likely to cause variation in the shooting even if sighted correctly each time. There is no cushion to receive the recoil which is equal to the shoulder of a person. Do not screw a rifle in a vice, for you cannot make it shoot well in that way. After aligning and arranging the sights at the short- range, shoot the rifle at the different ranges, and make a memoranda of the elevations. If you are shooting a hunting rifle don't fire rapidly. I have seen men visit the rifle range to test a hunting rifle, open a box of cartridges and stand at the firing point, shoot fifty or more shots as rapidly as they could, and complain because the rifle did not shoot accurately. Rapidity of fire is generally at the expense of accuracy ; therefore, if the atmosphere is dry, shoot slowly, and keep the rifle as cool as possible. It often happens that a rifle is shot rapidly for a brief time, as with a repeating rifle when hunting. It is well to wipe out the rifle if possible after rapid firing, and you will at such times frequently perceive lead attached to the wiping rag. The presence of lead in a rifle barrel is detrimental to good shooting, therefore try and guard against leading the barrel, and, as soon as discovered, try and remove the lead. A person is less liable to do good shooting on very cold or extremely hot days. When the air is moist, the sun obscured by clouds, and the temperature even, is the most favorable time for rifle shooting. Changeable light affects MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. • 205 elevation. Wind causes the bullet to vary in its flight — a head wind causes the bullet to shoot low ; a rear wind accelerates its flight, and consequently the bullet does not drop so much ; a right or left wind influences the drift of the bullet in one or the other direction. The twist of the rifle has its influence on the drift of the bullet. I have frequently been surprised at the accu- racy secured by light bullets and heavy charges of powder in rifles with quick twist, — in fact, it was difficult for me to accept the results, — and would repeat the experiments, but as practically the same results could be secured, I finally formed the opinion that accuracy was not impaired with excess of twist and a powder charge up to a certain limit, but, although trajectory was lowered and accuracy maintained when a lighter bullet than intended for the rifle was employed, the drift with such rifles and ammu- nition was excessive. A rifle, whether for target or game shooting, should always be shot for alignment of sights before entering a match or seeking game. It is a fact that some rifles are not bored concentrically, or the sights are not properly arranged, and the arm will not shoot true to the aim, although the shots may bunch together. Most riflemen prefer to sight their rifles by shooting them from a rest ; for there is a positiveness about the result which is not felt when shooting off-hand. Shooting a rifle from a rest is more difficult than is accredited to the performance. A firm, steady rest is essential ; I prefer sighting a hunting rifle in the following manner : — Place a target at the shortest distance at which one is likely to shoot when hunting, and in front of a bank of earth large enough to catch the bullets. Secure a table or stand which rests firmly on the ground, and seat one's self by the side of the stand. Near by should be placed several files, among them a flat, a three-cornered, and one or two small rat-tail files. A piece of brass rod one or twQ 206 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. inches long, and quarter of an inch thick, a small hammer, two screw-drivers of different sizes, should be included in the tools for the work, and with such a kit of tools a rifle ought to be perfectly sighted. Load the rifle, and rest- ing both elbows on the table, grasp the rifle as you would when shooting off-hand, aim at the spot on the target. If using a rear open sight, have it lowered to the lowest point, and draw a very fine sight. If using a Lyman rear sight, have it lowered as much as possible ; take a careful aim, press the trigger slowly and carefully, without thinking of the rifle being fired or the recoil. When the rifle is dis- charged, inspect the target. If the shot is low, the remedy comes in lowering the front sight or raising the rear sight. But perhaps the front sight has an ivory tip, and it would spoil it to file it down, so the rifleman turns his attention to the rear sight. It is an easy matter to raise the sight, but it seems desirable to have the rear sight arranged so that it can be placed at its lowest point, and be ready for shooting at the shortest distance ; which enables the sports- man to place it at that point, and know it is at the desired place without ceasing to watch the game. In this predic- ament, the recourse is to raise the rear sight, and then arrange it so that it cannot be lowered below the desired point ; or, build up the rear sight. If the shot is high, the notch of the rear open sight must be cut down or the front sight raised or built up. I have often found that owing to the taper of the barrel there was no front sight in the market high enough to use with the rear sight. Often, too, the rifle is supplied with a Lyman sight on the tang, which cannot be lowered to the desired point. Or with a Maynard rifle with two barrels of different calibre, length, and taper, a rear Lyman sight may be lowered enough to shoot at 25 yards with one barrel, and the other barrel being of less diameter at muzzle, it may be found impossible to lower the sight as much as wanted. By building up the base of a front MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 20/ sight, this difference is remedied, and one can have barrels of different lengths and taper, so sighted that the Lyman rear sight can be run down to its lowest point and shoot with either barrel at 25 yards, and secure your elevation beyond that range with each barrel ; not agreeing, of course, only at the shortest range. It is true that Lyman rear sights of different heights can be obtained, but sometimes the changing of this sight -would mean weeks of delay. The collar and part of the Lyman rear sight can be cut down, also a pin placed in the sight to prevent lowering below a certain point. When it is apparent that there is quite a difference from the sights in the market and those desired, I find it a good plan to make a very high front sight, and by shooting and cutting it down until I have secured the right height and then having a sight made, or purchasing one of the style preferred, — to correspond in height to the one improvised, — I get the proper sight for the arm. If the shots from the rifle are the right elevation, but to the right or left, the usual way of correcting the fault is to knock the front or rear sight, or both, and to do this the piece of brass above referred to should be used. When using the rear Lyman sight and lateral error is found, when the front open sight appears to be in the centre of the slot, the fault is likely to be in the Lyman sight being canted to one side or the other. If the shots are to the right, loosen the screws which attach the sight, and place a piece of paper or thin card-board under the right side of the base. If the shots are to the left, place the paper or card-board under the left side. As a rule, the sights can, to use a rifleman's phrase, be " squared up " to a nicety. When the sights are correctly arranged, the card-board can be trimmed off so as not to show. If the rear sight be an open sight, it may be necessary to cut the notch deeper, and generally the abominable ears 208 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. or horns of the sight are cut off, then the notch cut to suit, bevelling the top-side nearest the front sight, as well as the notch. A V notch or U notch or a square notch U are the varieties used. The filing, of course, leaves the sights bright. A sim- ple way of bluing them is to remove the sights from the rifle, wipe them clean and free from oil, after which attach them to a wire and hold them in a flame until the desired color appears, then allow the metal to cool. In sighting a match rifle it is not essential to have the rear sight come to a stop at the lowest range used. It is desirable to " square up " the rear peep sight, and the usual way is as described. See that the rear sight has no back lash, which is hazardous to good shooting. If a front wind-gauge sight is used, see that the fitting of the wind- gauge hood is snug. When shooting a rifle without cleaning between shots, it is well to blow the breath into the barrel. Sometimics a rubber tube is used for this purpose, but the use of such an implement should be confined to the range. It seems almost superfluous to give a description of how to load a breech-loading match rifle, but the many requests received at the office of a sportsmen's paper for enlighten- ment, indicate there are many seeking such information. Most target shooters using a patched bullet, manipulate the rifle as follows : after firing, the action is opened and shell removed ; the rifle is tipped over so that the barrel is toward the ground ; a Fisher cleaning brush, with bristles at one end and rubber bands at another part, — the brush has been placed in a can or bottle of water, — is pushed through the barrel with a rod, and in the slots of the rod are pieces of flannel. The bristles of the cleaning brush scrub off the burnt powder, the rubber bands on the brush carry out most of the water, and the rag wipes out the remain- der of the water. Sometimes this is all the cleaning done, but often another cleaning rod with a rag in the slot, and MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 209 sometimes a third, is used, with the object of making the inside of the batrel perfectly clean and dry. Keep watch on the rags, and as they become damp, supply dry ones ; for, if the patch becomes wet, it is liable to tear easily and let the lead touch the barrel, and lead with- out lubrication leads the barrel and destroys accuracy. Very few riflemen oil the barrel between shots. If it is done, care must be used to lubricate the same each time. After cleaning, a patched bullet is placed in the barrel. Sometimes the patch is cut or slit with a pocket knife diagonally ; but often this is omitted. Some simply drop the bullet in the barrel through the chamber ; others place the bullet in a ball-seater, Fig. 106, and by aid of the ball-seater place the bullet in the barrel just ahead of the chamber in the rifling ; still others use a wooden plug, shaped like the chamber, to seat the bullet, and sometimes the bullet is seated in the mouth of the shell. Frequently shooters on rifle ranges use but one shell, reloading it for each shot ; or, if preferred, the shells can be loaded in quantity and carried to the range. Shells for target rifles are usually filled to the top, the powder shaken down by tapping, a wad of blotting-paper or card-board placed over the powder, nearly flush with the top of shell. The bullet is seated just beyond the end of shell, and the little space of about ^ inch between base of bullet and wad is called the air space, which is considered desirable, or certainly not objectionable. Most riflemen believe that a rifle loaded as just described shoots with the greatest accuracy ; but hunting and mili- tary arms are seldom shot in such a way, and, while I ad- Fig. 154.— A Bullet Seater. 210 MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. mit the chances are much in favor of the rifle loaded, as are most of those used for target shooting, possessing greater accuracy, I am sure that a hunting rifle — the arm I am more deeply interested in than all others — is capable of shooting far finer than any living man can sight or hold. Use your hunting rifle as you would a fine horse — never overheat the rifle by rapid firing unless an emergency calls for it ; then you can spurt it for all it is worth for rapidity and accuracy, but the moment opportunity offers, treat the rifle as you would the steed — cool it ; wipe it ; cover it ; and guard it from knocks or falling, or unnecessary exposure. I have been so greatly fatigued by an all-day's hunt that a moment after I rolled myself in my blanket, on the open Dakota plains, I have been sound asleep, but I have never yet fallen asleep for the night, when on a hunt, if I had shot my rifle during the day, without wiping and oiling the in- side of my rifle barrel. I do not care if the outside of the rifle is rusted and scarred, but I want the inside of the barrel free from rust and lead. Many riflemen complain of rifles rusting, especially in small bores like the .22-calibre. The liability of rust is greater with small calibres, but a very little attention at the proper time I have always found a preventive. I gen- erally wipe the inside of a barrel with a woollen rag placed in the slot of a wooden or brass rod ; never use an iron or steel rod. I wipe out the barrel thoroughly with two or three different dry rags, then use one saturated moderately with sperm oil or vaseline. Be sure your cleaning rags are dry, as, if wet with water, the oil will not prevent rust. Some riflemen choose to wipe the barrel dry after oiling. If lead accumulates in the barrels, procure some quick- silver, and, after corking one end of barrel, pour the mer- cury in, and roll it back and forth. The lead will MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 211 amalgamate with the quicksilver, and thus be largely or wholly removedv A large proportion of rifles which are considered imper- fect are spoiled by improper manipulation, and many which are considered ruined could be made to shoot well if handled by a well-informed rifleman. ^li MODE UN AMERICAN RIELES. CHAPTER XVIII. THE PROPER AND THE ABSURD USE OF THE RIFLE. The rifle is not only the noblest of all weapons, but is an instrument from which many find their greatest pleas- ure. It can be made a weapon which enables man to face the wildest and fiercest animals that walk the earth. Wild beasts, many times the size and strength of man, are fear- lessly met in their native lair, and man, a pygmy, when compared with certain beasts, coolly faces an animal, takes aim with his rifle, presses the trigger, and generally the wild beast falls dead from the bullet from his rifle. There is no other instrument known with which the sportsman would dare to meet such wild beasts face to face. There are many persons possessing sufficient wealth to enable them to indulge in almost every known luxury ; but the acme of pleasure is to hunt beasts of the greatest ferocity, and they will travel thousands of miles, seek the wildest regions to hunt the most ferocious animals, and their chief dependence is the rifle. While some find a pleasure in the use of the rifle as just described, others find it a necessity, and employ its use for food or profit. The perfection of the military rifle, and skill in its use make a mighty nation. Then there is rifle shooting at the target as a pleasure and pastime, the knowledge of which can be applied to any style of rifle shooting. With the numerous devotees to the various styles of rifle shooting there is much in the way of adventure and feats of skill which furnishes a fruit- ful source for writers, and the rifle has been conspicuous in tales of adventure and accounts of contests of skill. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 213 There are certain legitimate uses for the rifle which have been described- in previous chapters. Hunting with the rifle is to many the greatest of sports ; defence and v/ar- fare are sometimes necessities ; so is hunting for profit or food. Target shooting, whether with hunting, mihtary, or match rifle, off-hand or with rest, at long or short range, at stationary or moving objects, is instructive, beneficial, and, to many, a pleasant pastime. All of the above uses of the rifle are considered legitimate. There is a class of rifle shooting, however, which is held forth as requiring the greatest skill, which is senseless, of no practical value, and if by my efforts I can record any- thing that will prevent persons from cultivating it or applauding it, I shall be repaid for my labor. I refer to what is termed "fancy rifle shooting." As a rule, the fancy rifle shooter is a conspicuously poor rifle shot in regular and accepted legitimate uses of the rifle. I write advisedly on this subject, for my duties for many years have bought me in contact with many of the leading pro- fessional shots of the world, some of them magnificent shots; but, with the exception of a few, their skill lies in cultivating some absurd manner of shooting at short range, which no one familiar with the rifle recognizes as of any practical value, and then proclaiming themselves as champions of that special mode of manipulating a rifle. Riflemen of mature years, perhaps, having arrived at the age of discretion, are less liable to be influenced by the exhibitions of the "fancy rifle shooter" than those of tender years, so I would especially direct my remarks to the young. If a person acquires sufficient skill to place half his shots in the regulation bullseye from 25 to 1,000 yards, in the prescribed positions, he is acquiring a proficiency far beyond .what the average rifleman generally attains. If one by natural gifts or assiduous practice is able to occa- sionally place all of his shots in a score, in an 8-inch 214 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. bullseye at 200 yards off-hand, with a match rifle, he can rest assured that he is one of the best off-hand rifle shots, with match rifle, in America. If this can be done with a hunting rifle, sighted as such, or with a military rifle, he who accomplishes such a feat can properly consider him- self as possessing greater skill than the average rifleman can ever hope to attain in that style of shooting, is equal to any living shot, and at the highest point in that style of rifle shooting. Such proficiency, and the ability to shoot an occasional ten-shot clean score at 500 yards, — a not uncommon occurrence, — and score an occasional 46 to 48 out of 50, at 600 yards, with the same style of rifle, in my opinion would entitle a man to the reputation of being one of the best living rifle shots at the target. If, with such skill, a person could cultivate shooting accurately at moving objects, or shooting quickly, he would possess all the skill necessary for hunting or warfare, far beyond what some of the best-known riflemen of America possess. I have mingled among expert riflemen, pro- fessional and amateur, for many years, and have never yet known of one possessing such a high order of skill. With a target rifle, when shot at a rest at 200 yards, if one is able to occasionally score from no to 118 on the Standard American rest target, he can be well satisfied with his skill as a rest shooter. I should consider the rifleman who is able to frequently secure aggregates of 80 to 86 in ten shots off-hand at 200 yards, on Standard American target, and a majority of his scores aggregating in the eighties, a first-class off-hand target shot. From 47 to 50 out of 50 points on Creedmoor target would be about the same order of skill. I should rate the rifleman who made a total of from 75 to 80 fre- quently, under the same conditions on Standard target, or 44 to 47 on the Creedmoor target, as a second-class target shot. Scores below 75 on Standard target, or less than 41 on Creedmoor target, I should consider the work of a MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. 21$ third-class shot, if such scores represented his best work. It is much easier to gauge the skill of the target shot than that of the hunter, for, with the latter, no prescribed rules are followed, and other elements are to be taken into consideration. A third-class marksman on the rifle range may make the best hunter ; but chances, according to my way of thinking, are always in favor of the first-class ■^marksmen securing the most game if sufficient time is given for a full comparison of skill. In certain styles of hunting, such as still-hunting, the knowledge of woodcraft is more necessary than superior marksmanship ; and if some fine target rifle shot goes to the woods, and with the strange and unfamiliar surroundings gets flustrated at the sudden sight of game, it is not strange, but, however, sooner or later, when accustomed to such occurrences, his superior marksmanship will count heavily in his favor. I have endeavored to show what amount of skill I con- sider necessary in legitimate target rifle shooting to secure distinction. Such shooting is at prescribed distances and under rules specifying the way a rifle should be held. There are persons who seek to astonish the world by what they term "fancy rifle shooting," and the accounts sometimes published of their performances seem to indi- cate they have amazed many. There is no practical value to skill in shooting a rifle sideways, upside down, leaning over a chair, shooting be- tween the legs, with rifle on head, or in any such absurd positions. Be content to shoot the rifle like a man, with butt to shoulder, at regulation distances, and my word for it, you have quite as much of a task as you can accom- plish in a lifetime if you essay to become a first-class shot. One may practise continuously, acquire amazing profi- ciency, and he never will become so fine a rifle shot that he can, with absolute certainty, hit the regulation bulls- eye every time, shooting off-hand at the prescribed dis- 2l6 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. tances, or in the permitted positions at mid and long range in target shooting, and the same uncertainty will exist in the field. Shooting at objects thrown in the air is another useless style of shooting to cultivate. There is nothing like it in practical shooting. If the objects were thrown sideways or away from the shooter, the case would be different, for it would teach one to follow moving objects, which is an accomplishment of great practical value for those who hunt with the rifle ; in fact, it is the much neglected part of rifle practice in America, and I hope some day to see more provisions made for practicing with the hunting rifle on rifle ranges. This can be easily and safely done by providing a disappearing target, or a rolling target, and confining the practice to small calibres with light charges. There is no better practice than shooting at slow flying birds or jack-rabbits running. But objects thrown into the air are shot at generally when they come to a standstill, or nearly to that point. Whenever you meet a person who boasts of his skill in hitting objects thrown into the air, try and gain permission to throw the objects. If you succeed, throw them to right or left and see how many are hit with a rifle bullet. Nearly every professional shooter can hit objects tossed into the air with a bullet from a rifle, if the objects are large enough, shot at a dis- tance of a few yards, and tossed by one understanding just how to throw the objects. I have seen professional shots break many successive glass balls tossed into the air at ranges of 6 to lo yards, who could not be relied on to keep ten shots in the 4-ring of the Creedmoor target at 200 yards, shooting off-hand. I have seen an almost continuous stream of fire poured from a Winchester rifle by persons who would make misses at the regulation target. The shooting with a rifle and ball with certainty from horse- back and the animal running, is a myth, but recorded as a fact by writers describing frontier life. If one wishes to MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 21/ know the uncertainty of such shooting, try it ; they will probably find shooting when the horse is standing as diffi- cult a performance as they care to undertake ; also try shooting from a canoe when there is a little ripple on the water. There is no certainty about the former, and it is extremely difficult in the latter way. Shooting from horse- back with cartridges loaded with shot and fired from a .50-calibre Winchester rifle, or the same arm with a "smooth-bore barrel is quite as difficult a performance as any one desires, and it is the way such work is generally done. Splitting cards with a rifle bullet had better be eschewed ; driving nails, exploding cartridges, and such practices are useless, and the time and ammunition thus expended can much more advantageously be employed in shooting at a long distance, and at objects small enough to make the performance difficult. I think the practice of shooting at an object so large as to make hitting it every time almost a certainty, is calculated to do more harm than good. Some persons delight in indulging in trick shooting with a rifle, such as smashing clay pipes at 10 yards ; they are happy if they can devise some way no sensible person would ever think of shooting ; and if they can shoot at very short ranges and break something, they style themselves champion rifle shots of the world, exhibit their skill to admiring audiences, but somehow their names are never found among those who participate in international contests ; they don't go to Creedmoor and shoot the rifle, neither are they seen on the first-class rifle ranges, and I have rarely seen them in the field. 2l8 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XIX. CONSTRUCTING A RIFLE RANGE. LAYING OUT A RANGE. ARRANGEMENT OF THE BUTTS AND PITS. SYSTEMS FOR MARKING SHOTS. Most riflemen desire a rifle range which affords com- fort, and is favorably located for good shooting. Criti- cisms have often been made on the arrangements of modern rifle ranges, and claims put forth that the conditions are unlike what would be found in hunting or warfare. Much of the shooting done on American rifle ranges is with target rifles, and by persons who indulge in it for the love of rifle shooting as a sport. Many do not care to kill game, and have no interest in implements of war, but admire rifle shooting, and desire to make as fine scores as is possible, with every known appliance to aid them. The rifle to them is a fine instrument which requires great skill to handle dexterously, and it is only as a pastime that they shoot it. They require the finest rifle that can be procured, and will make considerable of a sacrifice to secure the best, and stop at no reasonable expense, if they can procure a device which will aid them in making better scores. There are others, who shoot hunting and military rifles, and desire every favorable condition they can se- cure when practicing or testing rifles and ammunition. Almost every person who shoots a rifle on a rifle range, desires the grounds located as free as possible from air currents, and where one will not be exposed to the ele- ments when shooting. A rifle range should be located, if AlODEkN' AMERICAN RIFLES. 210, possible, in a flat, open country, or where there are no ravines or gullies^ crossing the range, for currents of air to sweep through, which deflect bullets in their flight. It is desirable to have the targets located so that the shooting is toward the north ; for, if located east, the morning's sun will shine in the face of the shooter ; if located west, the afternoon's sun will prove troublesome. If possible, place the targets so as to have a natural backing ; a hill or rising ground will save building a bank. Some rifle ranges are built with the targets for 200 to 1,000 yards, side by side. I think this should be reversed, if possible, and all the firing points side by side, and the targets set back to the proper points ; this would prevent accidents, which might occur from passing from one range to another. Owing to the decline of long-range rifle shooting, there are but few ranges in America which include the 1,000 yards. In the opinion of most riflemen, there is no arrange- ment so safe and satisfactory for the market as a pit below the target. The targets generally used beyond 200 or 300 yards are the first and second class Creedmoor and the United States Army targets, and iron, paper, or can- vas are the materials from which they are usually con- structed. After selecting a site for a rifle range, clear away all shrubbery which would interfere with sighting, and meas- ure with great care the distances required. Do not resort to pacing the distance, but use a measuring line ; a steel tape is preferred. When the distances have been accu- rately measured, the pits can be dug. The fortifications thus erected are called the butts, and inside the butts, the pits. The butt at the top should be at least five feet wide and level at that point. If means permit, pave and wall the pit with brick or stone. It is not necessary to have fine masonry; stones similar to those used in build- ino- stone walls may be used. If such material is not 220 MObEKN AMERICAN RIFLES. procurable, use logs, as by the use of stone or logs the pit will keep its shape, and the sides will not be so likely to cave in and crumble away. When this is omitted it is less secure and always untidy. Arrange the bottom of a pit so the water can run off and not stand in the bottom, rendering it damp, uncomfortable, and unhealthy. Back of the pit it is desirable to have another embankment, which is to catch the bullets passing through the paper targets or missing those of iron. The length of the butts is governed by the number of targets ; the height, meas- ured from the bottom of the pit to the top of the butt, should be not less than eight feet. The butt should be watched, and any washing away by rain should be at once repaired. The distance between the butt and rear em- bankment should be about five feet, and the intervening space covered or roofed with boards, cutting away a place for the targets, and to enable the marker to watch for the shots, the width being determined by the size of the target. With the butts constructed and the pit covered, the arrangement of the targets can be commenced. If the targets are to be of iron, it is usual to procure slabs of the desired height and width. It is easy to secure the proper length, but generally two or more slabs are neces- sary to obtain the required width. The iron generally used for targets is about one inch in thickness. The slabs are erected by propping up with iron bars. After erecting the targets they are painted white, and the bulls- eye and lines drawn or chiselled on the target and the bullseye blackened. The iron target is rapidly disappearing in America, and it should have been abandoned long ago. It is more dan- gerous than the paper target, on account of flying lead ; and a trap must be placed in the cover of the pit, which it is necessary to close before each shot, raising afterward, and the shot signalled with a marking disk, one side of Modern American rifles. 521 which indicates the value of a shot, the other arranged with a brush to^paint out the shot. Whenever this trap is opened, the marker in the pit is in danger ; for, if a shot strikes the target, a shower of lead flies, and a portion of it will pass down through the trap, which is liable to cut the hands and face of the marker and perhaps destroy his Fig. 155. —Sectional View of Rifle Pit. eyesight. It matters not how great care is exercised by clubs, there is a liability for the best and most careful rifleman to shoot on the wrong target, and to shoot before the trap is closed, although a danger signal is used ; it has been done hundreds of times, and markers severely injured. Besides this, it is difficult to keep an iron target in good condition, especially when many are shooting, as in large tournaments. The bullseye will become irreg- ular in shape ; and it is quite difficult, and perhaps impossible, to tell whether a shot touches it or not. In rainy weather the black paint will run, and often oblige a cessation of the shooting. As all these faults became known, most American riflemen cast the iron target aside, and its place has been supplied by paper targets, which are now almost universally used, — so much so that a detailed description of the iron target seems unnecessary. The 222 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. arrangement for using paper targets, which has given the best satisfaction on the principal ranges, is as follows : — A frame of the width of a full target, and about two feet longer, is constructed. It is made of pine wood, one and a half or two inches in thickness and three inches wide. The object of making the frame longer than the Fig. 156. — Target Raised ready for Firing. target is in order that it may extend into the pit when the target is raised, making it easy for the marker to draw down to plug or paste the shots. A coarse, stout cloth, usually gunny cloth, is tacked tiglitly to the frame ; over this is tacked a covering of white cotton cloth, on which the paper target is pasted. Very thorough trials of the different modes of arranging targets have been made at Walnut Hill and elsewhere; and it has been decided that no arrangement is as desirable as the window-sash device. A frame similar to that used for windows is constructed, MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 223 enabling the marker to raise and lower the target as he would a window. A system of double targets was for some time in use, which was thought by some to expedite shooting; as when Fig. 157. —Target lowered into Rifle Pit. a shot was placed on one, another was raised, and while the shot was being clocked and the hole pasted, another marksman would be taking his place at the firing point, aiming or even firing. The chief objection to this plan was, it necessitated having two shooters on a target ; for, if one person was firing alone, he could not see the loca- tion of his shot until he or some other party had fired 224 Modern American rifles. another shot to throw down the second target and bring up the first. With the double arrangement of targets there is always one displayed, and consequently the danger of accident is greater; for whenever a target is shown, it is possible that some one may fire on it, even if danger signals are displayed : therefore a majority of rifle- men favor the single target arrangement. The sash arrangement to receive the target is placed in the pit ; and the illustration shows it with the target mounted, set in the sash and lowered into the pit. Another illustration shows the target raised from the pit to the position it is when shot on. Although the iron target is rapidly falling into disuse, especially at short range, 200 yards, the Creedmoor count is still used, though chiefly by military marksmen. There are two modes of marking shots by Creedmoor count, in general use. The first is by the disks, placing one where the shot strikes the target, and signalling the value at the same time; the white disk indicating a bullseye, counting 5; the red a centre, counting 4; the black and white an inner, counting 3 ; the black an outer, counting 2. The marking disks are arranged in the pit, as shown in the illustration (Fig. 161). If an iron target is used, a brush on the inner side of the disk paints out the shot at the time of signalling the value. If paper targets are used, and the disks employed, the proper one is placed upon the location of the shot, after which it is replaced in its rack, the target lowered, the shot pasted, a white one being used for shots outside the bullseye, a black one when in it. Well grounded objections have been raised to mark- ing by disks. The color is sometimes mistaken ; if used to paint out the shot on an iron target, it is necessary to be supplied with paint in the pit, which causes much dirt, and the brushes are stiffened and made unserviceable. The disks occupy space in the pit, and are unnecessary if the better mode of clocking the shots is employed. MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. 225 A device for registering the value of shots, which has given satisfaction at Walnut Hill, and is in use at many of the leading rifle ranges in America, was perfected by Mr. J. W. Soule, a practical rifleman and mechanic possessing a very high order of skill. His device is designed to accurately indicate on a dial the value of shots at rifle ranges, and its mechanism is as follows : A brass plate, supporting two bearings at right angles with each other (one horizontal for the hand spindle, the other vertical for the shaft), is fastened to the back side of the dial, the hand spindle bearing projecting through the dial, The index hand and shaft are connected by brass bevel cut gears. The shaft extends from the dial into the pit, and is there connected with a segment of metal, having numbers on its arc corresponding to the numbers on the target. The segment is provided with a series of holes to correspond with its num- bers. The shaft has firmly attached to it by a set screw, a spring lever, extending over the segment, said lever having a pro- jecting pin on its under side, which fits into the holes in the segment. In operation, the marker notes the value of the shot on the target, and covers the corresponding num- ber on the segment with the lever (which locks in that position), and the hand is moved to a like number on the dial. This can be seen in the accompanying illustra- tion. By using this device, the value of a shot remains in view until the next one is marked, which is quite an advantage. The target index here shown is very popular with Ameri- can riflemen, because it can be used to mark shots by %. 158. - Soule's Target Index. 226 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Creedmoor count, by Standard American target count, either on tlie off-hand or rest target, by Massachusetts tar- get, or, in fact, any target counting from one to twelve, or less. The somewhat primitive method of showing a card with a large figure thereon is employed by some clubs, as Fig. 159. — Indicator Plug. Fig. 160. — Indicator. well as a post with figures arranged, and a pointing indi- cator set opposite the figure representing the value of a shot. But no system has given such general satisfaction as the clock or dial indicator. Riflemen who shoot at tar- gets and are scored the results, desire to know the location of their shots which are pointed out by the disk system but quite unsatisfactorily, and is only proper for military or what might be termed coarse shooting. In connection with the target index is a plan which, wherever tried, seemingly gives satisfaction. It was originated at Walnut Hill by'^Mr. Geo. R. Russell. After a shot has been fired, the target is drawn down into a pit by the marker, who is supplied with an indicator plug, which is shown in the accompanying engraving. Fig. Ill represents a wooden plug. Fig. 112 represents an indicator; both are shown full size. This indicator is composed of card-board ; it has a black centre and a white outer. Through the centre of the indicator is a hole through which the right-hand end of the plug is inserted from the reverse or white side and carried to the groove MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES- 227 shown in the engraving, where it is held firmly. The left- hand end of th-e plug is placed in the bullet-hole, and the target raised out of the pit for the second shot. By aid of the telescope at the firing point, the rifleman who has fired Fig. 161. — Arrangement of marking Disks for Creedmoor or Elliptical Targets. his shot can distinctly see where his bullet struck. If in- side of the bullseye the white outer makes it seen, and the exact location spotted ; if outside of the bullseye the black centre makes it conspicuous and easily discerned. After the second shot is fired the target is again low- ered by the marker, who hears the spat of the bullet as it strikes the target. The indicator is removed from the 228 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. first bullet-hole and placed in the second ; the marker pastes a gummed paster over the first shot-hole ; if outside of the bullseye one of white, if inside of the black, one of that color. If the bullet cuts the edge of the bullseye a black paster is used up to the edge, and a white one for outside of the black. The target is then raised for Fig. 162. — White Paster— Full Size. Fig. 163. — Black Paster — Full Size. another shot. At the side of the target, over the pit, is the clock dial previously described, the hand of which is set to the figures representing the value of the shot by the marker from the pit ; this being readily seen with the naked eye by the rifleman and scorer at the firing point. With the pits properly constructed and the targets in good working order, attention can be given to arranging the firing points. If the plan of having but one line of firing points for the various ranges is adopted, a shooting- pavilion can be arranged, either extending down the entire line or part way. If the firing points are at different parts of the range, it is common to locate the shooting house near the 200-yard range. At Walnut Hill one steps from the club house to this firing point, and this plan pre- vails at the ranges of a majority of American rifle clubs. It is desirable to have a solid and substantial footing while aiming, preferably the ground. Many clubs permit the use of wind screens, and also cover the firing points by projecting eaves to keep off the rain. Early in the his- tory of rifle clubs many protested against these provisions for protectiori in inclerneiit weather, but it vyas found that MODERX AMERICAN RIFLES. 229 riflemen would not shoot except when the weather was favorable, unless the range was supplied with screens and other appliances, and one club after another added them until the custom has become almost universal. It is usual to have each target numbered or lettered, and correspond- ing figures at the firing points, to aid riflemen in shooting at the right targets; a fine is usually imposed for shooting on the wrong one. There should always be a flag of some striking color provided for the markers at the pit, and one for each firing point. Should a target get out of running order, or anything occur to call the markers from the pit to the front of the target, the flag ^ at the pit should be planted at the "2 end of the butt, targets should be Fig-i64.-combined Marking disks lowered if possible, and the scorers at the firing points should respond by planting flags in front of the firing points ; all firing should cease, rifles uncocked and actions opened. After repairing targets the marker should return to the pit and lower his flag, when all of the flags at the firing points from which shooting is being done should be re- moved. It is best to keep flags flying from such firing points as are not in use on shooting days, and only remove them when the targets are opened. It is customary to locate at different places on the range, flags or streamers, and a wind dial. Both are in- tended to indicate the direction and force of the wind. These flags and streamers are made of any suitable material. The wind dial is illustrated. It is so arranged that the wind will indicate on a clock dial the direction from which it blows, and riflemen speak of a wind which blows the indicator opposite the figure three, as a three o'clock wind ; when pointing to the figure six, as a six o'clock wind. It is sometimes difficult to provide a backing or rear embankment sufficiently large to catch stray bullets which 230 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. come from wild shooting, and if a range is situated in a thickly settled country it is necessary to provide a safe- guard. This is done by erecting a barrier about twenty yards from the firing point, with holes cut in it, through which the rifleman shoots. The barrier may be built of ordinary timber, two inches in thickness. Heavy posts should be driven in the ground to which two rows of plank are attached, leaving a space of two feet between, which should be filled with rocks or earth. The hole through the barrier should be of such size that shots passing through it will hit the target, and there- fore if an unsteady marksman flinches, or jerks the rifle so the bullet would fail to hit the tar- get, the shot would be caught in the safety guard. With the ranges measured, pits built, targets and target indexes erected, a wind dial set up, and firing points arranged, the outdoor part of the range is completed. The shooting house should be provided with racks for rifles, and shelves for the riflemen's kits. On visiting the grounds of a large rifle club, or where matches are being shot, one usually purchases entries, and is supplied with a double ticket ; this is handed to the scorer who places it in a score board and calls the name of the shooter in turn. On well-equipped ranges two telescopes are supplied at each firing point, one for the scorer, the other for the shooter. Upon firing, if the tar- get is hit, it is lowered into the pit, the shot plugged with Fig. 165.— Wind Dial. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 23 1 the indicator, the target raised from the pit where, by aid of the telescope, the shooter and marker see the location of the shot. It is the duty of the scorer to see that the marker clocks the shots on the target index, and if correctly done he calls the shot and records the value on the score card which, when completed, is aggregated, and one part of the ticket given to the shooter, while the other is held by the club for record, or determining the position of contestant in the match. There should always be an executive officer present, to whom all disputed shots or other questions should be re- ferred for final or temporary settlement. 232 , MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XX. TARGETS USED BY AMERICAN RIFLEMEN. Rifle targets are generally known as inanimate objects at which riflemen shoot for practice or trials of competitive skill. Thousands of matches have been shot on the crud- est forms of targets, such as a blaze on a tree, a conspicuous mark on a rock, a knot of a tree, or roughly marked spots of various sizes and shapes, and at distances from a few yards upward. Contests on such targets would probably be settled by the greatest number of hits. It is well known by riflemen that a target should be larger than the conspicuous object or point aimed at. A target consist- ing only of a spot of such size as to call forth any skill to hit or pleasure to shoot at, would give but little satisfac- tion ; for, if missed, and the rifleman was conscious of holding the arm properly, he would desire to know where his shots struck, in order that he might correct the fault. If the rifle was held right, the arm properly made, and the ammunition good, the chances would be that the error was in the sights being improperly set to correct the force of wind, or some similar cause. Therefore, nearly all targets are considerably larger than the conspicuous spot aimed at, and by this arrangement a marksman can learn where his bullets strike. If there were no contests of skill in rifle shooting, there would be less need of anything more than the crudest of targets, such as alluded to. From the time rifles were first made, until the present, those who shot them have MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 233 measured skill with each other. A target sufficiently large to catch all the shots which show skill in aiming and firing worthy of record, is generally employed, in the centre of which a spot, of a size suitable to the distance or kind of sights used, is placed. If two persons are shooting a match, the first may place six out of ten shots in the place aimed at, and miss the target entirely with the remaining four shots. The second may hit the object aimed at but three times, but place the remaining seven shots within an inch of the spot sighted on. It would not take much reasoning to determine that the second marksman dis- played greater skill than the first ; but, if the object aimed at constituted the whole of the target, or some of the crude forms alluded to which did not show the close shots, such as a bottle or rock set on a stump, then the first per- son would probably be voted the superior shot. Most in- telligent riflemen recognize the value of close shots, and claim their proper value. One of the oldest and best methods ever devised for determining the value of shots, one which never has or will outgrow its usefulness, is known as string measure- ment. If the marksman is shooting a score, and this sys- tem of scoring is employed, he will measure from the exact centre of an object aimed at, whether large or small, to the centre of each shot, add the results of the shots together, and the person securing the shortest string or the least number of inches has made the superior score. For many years this mode of scoring shots was followed, and is to some extent practiced to-day, especially in con- tests where muzzle-loading rifles are used. Every few months some writer to the sportsmen's journals advocates a return to this system, but it probably will never be used to any great extent again in any contests, except by the class referred to, or perhaps matches where there are but few contestants. The equity of the string measurement system is shown in Figs. 166 and 167. If shooting at a 234 MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. bullseye the size of these circles by Creedmoor count, the person making the target shown in Fig. i66 would make the better score ; but, if scoring by string measurement, the one making the Fig. 167 target would be the winner, Fig. 166. — A Score Exceeding Fig. 167, by Creedmoor Count. and he would actually do better shooting. Rifle shooting in America has become a very popular sport, and the number of rifle clubs is increasing ; the citizen soldiers in most of the States now pay considerable attention to rifle practice ; tournaments are held in various sections of the country, and men become wonderfully skilful in off-hand shooting, by constant practice. In fact, there are thou- sands of off-hand rifle shooters where there are dozens who shoot from a rest. The off-hand shooters meet at large tournaments, and it is nothing unusual for a contestant to fire a hundred shots a day. The expenses of shooting MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 235 festivals are large, and it is customary to encourage rapid firing, therefore it would entail an enormous amount of labor to employ the string measurement system of count- ing ; besides, in off-hand shooting, a mode of marking is employed which is speedier, generally accurate enough to Fig. 167.— A Score Exceeding Fig. 166, by String Measurement. correctly determine the value of shots, permits marksmen to shoot much more, and therefore enables a great number to participate in a match, and is cheaper. The plan chiefly employed is placing markers in pits, who signal the value of shots. The National Rifle Association of America was formed Nov. 24, 1 87 1, and prior to that time targets of various designs were used. Upon the organization of this asso- ciation, a set of targets was adopted which are shown in the accompanying illustrations, the sizes being: — A. — Up to 300 yards; target, 6x4 feet; buUseye, 8 inches square ; centre, 2 feet. B. — Over 300 to 600 yards ; 6 feet square ; bullseye, 2 feet square ; centre, 4 feet. C. — Over 600 to 1,000 yards; 6 x 12 feet; bullseye, 3 feet square ; centre, 6 feet. In all cases bullseyes to count 4, centres 3, outers 2. 236 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. This set of targets was used by the National Rifle Asso- ciation and other clubs. The square bullseye, however, did not give satisfaction to a majority of riflemen, and on April 6, 1875, the N. R. A. voted to substitute a round A Target. 4FT 1 FT 5^ IB 3 z Fig. 168. 4 FT 2FT CEWTftE z OUTI^R Fig. 169. C Target. fZ FT 3FT ■ z 3 ■ 6FT \ t3s 3N H Fig. 170. —Old Creedmoor Targets. bullseye and circles, also to add another circle and change the count to bullseye 5, centre 4, inner 3, and outer 2, the size of the original targets being retained. It is evident from the records of this association that riflemen were not very proficient in off-hand shooting as late as 1875, for in the annual report of that year is found the measurements of the new targets and the following comments : This change seemed to work well for comparative purposes, and also ne- cessitated finer shooting ; but the third-class, or short-range MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 237 target, having proved itself to be too difficult for our young military and other marksmen, requiring extraordinary skill to produce a first-class score, and acting upon some very valuable suggestions submitted by Gen. Shaler, it was de- cided to abolish one numerical count per shot, bullseye, centre, inner, and outer. The Creedmoor targets with the second measurements, however, became popular and were almost universally used by American rifle clubs for several years after their adop- tion. These targets are illustrated and have the following dimensions : — I v3 z Fig. 171. First-class, 6x12 feet. Bullseye, circular, 36 inches in diameter. Centre " 54 " " Inner, square, 6x6 feet. Outer, remainder of target. Fig. 172. Second-class, 6 x 6 ft. Bullseye, circular, 22 ins. in diam. Centre " 3S " " Inner " 54 " " Outer, remainder of target. Fig. 173. Third-class, 6 x 4 ft. Bullseye, circular, 8 ins. in diam. Centre " 26 " " Inner " 46 " " Outer, remainder of target. Present Creedmoor Targets. 238 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. An excellent target was designed and adopted by the Massachusetts Rifle Association early in its history. It has generally been known as the Massachusetts target, and is shown in the illustration. Its dimensions are as follows : — Count 12 II TARGET 4x6 FEET. Bullseye, circular, 4 in. diam. j " 8 " ( " ^2% " 1 « 17 Creedmoor Bullseye. Centre. 1 I \ Inner. 26 " 31 " 36 41 « 46 6x4 feet. Outer. Fig. 174. — Massachusetts Target. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 239 It is an excellent target, and is used to some extent to-day; but it^ never attained the popularity it deserved, probably because it recorded more accurately than the Creedmoor target, and was used at a period when the skill of American riflemen in off-hand shooting was much below what it was ten years later. Good rifle shots, as Fig. 175. — German Ring Target. a rule, preferred this target to the Creedmoor ; indifferent shots clamored for the latter, because a shot as wide of the bullseye as ten inches would count as high on the Creedmoor target as if within an inch. But if those shots were on the Massachusetts target, the former shot would count 10, and the latter 7. The Creedmoor targets being the ones adopted by the National Rifle Association, and the Massachusetts target being the same size as the third-class or off-hand target, and some of its rings corre- sponding with the lines on the third-class Creedmoor 240 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. target, permitting Creedmoor or Massachusetts count, rifle clubs frequently had the two targets on their ranges ; and for a period of about ten years these two targets were chiefly used by American rifle clubs following the National Rifle Association rules. There are many rifle clubs in America that do not- shoot under the rules and regulations of the National Rifle Association, and the targets used by them are gen- erally different from those authorized by that organization. Some of these clubs existed before the National Rifle Association was formed. Their members, as a rule, use fine-sighted rifles, — frequently set-triggers, palm-rests, and other devices, — which are not, or were not until recently, permitted by the National Rifle Association. The targets used vary, but they are generally made up of a series of rings. The German ring target is perhaps as popular as any of the old ring targets ; it has a bullseye 12 inches in diameter. The whole target, including bulls- eye, is divided into circles ^ inches apart, the centre circle being ij^ inches, and counting from 25 down. Another ring target, which was popular at one time in this country, had the following measurement : — Count 12 II RING TARGET, 2X2 FEET. Bullseye, circular, 2 inches diameter. "4 " 6 " 14 16 18 At many of the large shooting festivals, especially if the German-American riflemen are prominently connected with them, there are often a variety of targets used, with some of which the element of luck has something to do MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 24I with a person's score. The Man target is sometimes used, and the illusjtration shows it in a reduced form. The whole of the target is black, the lines are }^ inch apart, the centre counting 20, and the numbers run down to one on each side. The Eagle target has been used for years at German and Swiss festivals, and has been introduced into this Fig. 176. — Man Target. country. One is illustrated which has been used by the Rochester Schiitzen Gilde at Rochester, N. Y., at its tournaments. This organization is composed of German and American riflemen. The Eagle target is fastened to the top of a pole 40 feet from the ground. It is made of wood, handsomely painted, and is 9 feet high by 12 feet wide, and is composed of 18 parts or sections, firmly dowelled together. These parts are numbered, and con- testants endeavor to shoot them off. The single parts are of i-inch pine; one ^-inch dowel holds them in the 242 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. joint of the 3-inch body shield, which must be hit to drop. If the wrong piece drops, the piece falls back to the treasury. A dynamite cartridge is placed in centre of body, which is protected by an 8-inch iron plate, with ^-inch hole for centre, in which is a blank cartridge to ignite the dynamite for exploding the body. In order that the reader may clearly understand the modes of determining the value of successful shots on this target, I append an extract from a programme of the above organization showing the order in which the single parts shall be shot off : — I. Ball of centre crown. 10. Szepter. 2. Right small ball. II. Right head. 3- Left small ball. 12. Left head. 4- Right flag. 13- Right shank. 5- Left flag. 14. Left shank. 6. Crown itself. 15. Right wing. 7- Right ring. 16. Left wing. 8. Left ring. 17- Tail. 9- Reichsapfel. 18. Body. In Germany riflemen shoot at a body 2 feet in diame- ter, and weigh the splinters. The amount each bullet tears off calls for a stipulated amount per weight, and the rifleman knocking off the last splinter receives the king prize. This latter mode of shooting has not found much favor in America. There have been many targets in use before and since the Creedmoor targets were adopted, a majority of which are made up of series of rings, similar to the German ring target, but with varying widths of circles, and to which various names have been applied ; I will name and briefly describe some other targets of uncertain popularity. The Point target has a black of 12 inches diameter, divided into three parts ; the inner circle is 3 inches in diameter, counting 3 points ; the next circle, 6 inches in diameter, counting 2 points, and the balance of black, counting i point. Shots out of black do not count. MODEKiX AMERICAN RIFLES. 243 Off-hand, 25-ring target ; composed of 6-inch black and 24 rings, Yz inch apart from centre ; count i to 25. Premium off-hand target ; bullseye 4 inch, and black with a white ij^ inch centre. A prize for each time the white carton is struck. A target known as the Stich target has been used at some of the German-American festivals in this country. It possesses so little merit that it is generally avoided, and a desire for variety seems to be the only excuse for its existence. This target has a black of 12 inches diameter, in the centre of which is placed a bullseye of 6 inches diameter ; the balance of the target is white. None but bullseye shots count. Star target, off-hand ; a clay target 6 inches in diameter. There are various targets representing figures of persons, animals, and birds, which need only be men- tioned, for they savor of very short ranges, and Flobert or saloon rifles, and are far from inspiring to the true rifle- man. The Creedmoor target with a round bullseye was largely in use for off-hand shooting by American rifle clubs for about ten years. On Oct. 22, 1879, the first ten-shot clean score known was made in an off-hand match, and in the following year several were recorded. From that time forward they were made with great frequency, until finally two or more would be made in an afternoon's shoot- ing, and runs of 20 or more bullseyes consecutively. In contests where experts were numerous, especially if there were re-entries permitted, ties would be so frequent that much time was consumed in settling them by additional shooting. In fact, in certain matches one was obliged to secure all bullseyes to gain a position, and a centre shot would be no better than a miss. It was generally recog- nized that the Creedmoor target was altogether too coarse for the modern American match rifles in the hands of skilful marksmen. About 1882, riflemen demanded a 244 MODEkM AMERICAN RIFLES. target with a decimal count, and one which would give the advantage of close shots ; it was also urged that the lines of the Creedmoor target must be retained in order to count either decimally or as Creedmoor. With these demands there was nothing to do but increase the width of the circles as you receded from the bullseye, and acting on this plan a target was designed by Fig. 177. —Eagle Target. Major Charles W. Hinman, adopted by the Massachusetts Rifle Association in 1883, and called the Massachusetts Decimal Target-. When this target was designed it was known to the board of directors that accepted it, that the string meas- urement system was by far the most equitable known, but it also knew that such a mode of marking could not well be adopted at large tournaments. It was aware that MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 245 a majority of intelligent and skilful American riflemen recognized the fact that it required a greater amount of skill to place a shot in the centre of the bullseye than on the edge, and far better holding was necessary to plant a shot within an inch of the bullseye than eight inches away from it. It was familiar enough with the skill of American rifle shooters to know most of the shots not in Fig. 178. — Point Target. the bullseyes, especially when re-entry matches were shot, would be very near the bullseye, "Vhich indicated that the finer circles should be there. In addition to this was the demand for a decimal count, and a rapidly growing belief that as shots were placed farther away from the bullseye the penalty should be increased ; and finally, it was desir- able that the lines of the old Creedmoor target be re- tained, to permit shooting with match rifle, military rifle, or rest shooting. All these points were considered by the designer . and board which adopted the decimal target. This target is so similar in appearance to the Standard American target, that in its reduced size, suitable for illus- 246 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. trating in these pages, it could not be distinguished from that target. The dimensions of the target were 4x6 feet. Count. Diameter of Circle. 10 ) 3^ inches. 9 > BuUseyes. 5f " 8) 8 " 7 loir 6 I2f " 5 i6i « 4 20i 3 26 2 33 I 4r| " The Massachusetts Decimal Target was the first in America known to the writer, to include the decimal count, and the plan of increasing the width of rings from the one in the centre of the bullseye. It was used by the Massa- chusetts Rifle Association and other clubs for about two years. The principle of this target was new to American riflemen, but met with favor by a majority of the frater- nity. With the somewhat radical change, however, there were a number unprepared to indorse it, and freely criti- cised it. In 1884 a target was adopted by the Gardner Rifle Club at Gardner, Mass., a club famous for its excel- lent shots. It was used by a number of rifle clubs, and named the American Decimal target. Its count was i to 10, had an 8-inch bullseye counting 9 and 10. Diameter of 10 circle 4 inches; 9 circle 8 inches; each additional circle i}i inches apart. During the latter part of 1884 and through 1885, the target question was in a chaotic state in America. Designs were presented with great frequency, and individuals, confident that their plan would supply the long-felt want, published targets which were placed on trial at rifl.e ranges. Some clubs adopted certain targets, while others had a variety in use, that riflemen might shoot on the one pre- ferred. The result of this multiplicity of targets was an inability by riflemen to determine the correct value of MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 247 scores when reported in the sportsmen's journals. A comparison of scores was difficult, and only possible with one knowing the measurements of the numerous targets, which was well nigh impossible, owing to the increas- ing number, and little favor most of the new targets received. In 1885 The Rifle was first published, and the editor, by communicating with every known American rifle club, learned that the third-class Creedmoor target was no longer favored by a majority of clubs for 200-yard shooting, and there was a general desire for a Standard American target, in order that riflemen would, on glancing at a score, know its value. Clubs and individual riflemen were invited to submit designs for a Standard target. It should here be stated that some riflemen favored a departure from the Creedmoor lines, and submitted designs dis- regarding them, as well as the decimal count, but a major- ity seemed to favor the plan alluded to previously, of combining a decimal and Creedmoor count. For about a year The Rifle published meritorious designs and printed the views of all riflemen submitting them. The targets containing sufficient merit to receive consideration were the following : — Old targets, in use prior to discussion : Creedmoor tar- get ; German Ring target ; Blunt's U. S. Army Elliptical target ; Massachusetts target ; Massachusetts Decimal target ; American Decimal target. The new designs submitted were as follows : Ring tar- get, designed by Henry S. Harris, count i to 10 ; bullseye 9 inches in diameter, count 10, 9, 8 ; diameter of circles 3, 6, and 9 inches respectively ; diameter of other circles, 7, 12 inches; 6, 15 inches; 5, 18 inches; 4, 21 inches; 3, 24 inches ; 2, 27 inches ; i, 30 inches. Ring target, by Charles L. Holmes, count i to 20 ; outer circle 40 inches in diameter ; each additional ring i inch apart ; smallest ring 2 inches in diameter. 248 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Decimal target, by F. J. Rabbeth : — s II 15 Count 10 ) Diameter 31^ inches. " 9>Bullseye, " ^v, " " 8^ " 7 6 " 5 4 " 36 2 " 49 I "4x6 feet. This target was designed in July, 1885, and published in the August, 1885, issue of The Rifle. Decimal target, by Charles W. Hinman. The dimen- sions of this target were as follows : — DIAMETER OF CIRCLES. "Iseye. 10 circle, 3.36 inches. ) > Bulls 9 ' 8 ' '. l"" 7 ' 6 ' ' II ' 14.80 5 ' 4 ' ' 19.68 ' 26 3 ' 2 ' ' 34-22 44.96 WIDTH OF RINGS 9, 1.09 in 8, 1.23 ches. 7. 1-50 6, 1.90 5. 2.44 4, 3- 16 3. 4-" 2, 5-37 I Balance of target, 4x6 feet. The 8, 9, and 10 comprise the Creedmoor bullseye ; 4, 5, 6, and 7 the centre, counting 4. Farrow target, by W. Milton Farrow. Size 4 feet square ; count 10 down to 2; bullseye contains three circles, count- ing 10, 9, 8, the inner circle being three inches in diame- ter ; 7, 6, 5, and 4 circles represent the centre of Creedmoor target, the 4 circle corresponding to that line on Creed- moor target, as does also the 3 circle ; the 2 count repre- sented the balance of target. Decimal ring target, by W. T. Whitford ; size of target 4x6 feet ; count 10 to 2 ; diameter of rings 3, 5, 8, 12^, i8}4, 26, 35, and 46 respectively. Decimal ring target, by " White Carton ; " 48 inches square ; count 10 to i ; outer ring 46 inches, same as MODERX AMERICAN RIFLES. 249 Creedmoor three ring ; 10 ring, 3^ inches in diameter; width of other rings as follows : — 9, iX ; 8. 1 ; 7. I ; 6, ij4 ; S. i^ ; 4, ^-K ; 3. 2^; 2, 334: ; i, 6^. Bulls- eye 10 inches in diameter, with a 6-inch white centre. Byran target, by John M. Byran ; target 4x6 feet. Bullseye circular, 8 inches diameter, count 5 Inner centre circular, 16 " " "4 Centre " 28 " " " 3 Inner " 46 " " " 2 Outer " remainder of target. Decimal ring target, by Mat. Gindele ; similar to Hin- man and Rabbeth design, with slight difference in diameter of rings. After a full discussion of the merits of the above tar- gets, a circular was addressed to every known club in America, asking their choice for a 200-yard, off-hand tar- get, and if they would adopt the target chosen by a major- ity of the clubs, and notification given, to forward their votes before January i, 1886. The following responses were received. Arlington Heights Rifle Club, Arlington Heights, Mass. ; members, 18. Choice, the one designed by Chas. W. Hinman, and illustrated on page 8 of the August Rifle. Are willing to adopt any target chosen by the majority of American riflemen, provided the Creedmoor lines are retained as a basis. — Clarence T. Parsons, Sec'y. Ashburnham Rifle Club, Ashburnham, Mass. ; membership, 8. Choice, Hinman target. — F. H. Parker, .Sdr'j'. Baldwinsville Rifle Club, Baldwinsville, N. Y. ; membership, 15. Choice, the American Decimal target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — S. C. Snydam, .S^i^'j'. Bellevue Rifle Club, Bellevue, Ky. ; membership, 31. Choice, Massa- chusetts target. Expect to adopt the target chosen by the majorit}-. Chas. B. Scherrer, Sec^y. Bellevue Rifle Club, Bellevue, Ohio; membership, 9. Choice, Farrow target, on the Creedmoor target. — H. Eberthauser, Sec^y. Berdan Rifle Corps, Milton, Mass.; membership, 15. Choice, Hinman target, provided it is printed complete or in parts, otherwise the Farrow target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — M. A. King, Sec'y, 250 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Bismarck Gun Club, Bismarck, Dakota ; membership, 60. Are willing to cast their vote in favor of the target having the majority. — W. H. Williamson, Vice-Pres't. Brattleboro Rifle Club, Brattleboro, Vt. ; membership. 51. Choice, Farrow target, with an outer 4x6 feet. — A. E. Knight, Sec'y. Canton Rifle Club, Collinsville, Conn.; membership, 10. Choice, Massa- chusetts target. Not willing to say they will adopt the target chosen by the majority. — S. J. Lyon, ^'c.rjj'. Chautauqua Sportsmen's Association, Jamestown, N. Y. ; membership, 6. Choice, Massachusetts (modified) target. Commencing at the present time with lo, and ending with i. Will adopt the target chosen by the majority. — A. F. Ward, M.D., ^'^rjj'. Cincinnati Rifle Association, Cincinnati, Ohio; membership, 52 Choice, Massachusetts target. Bullseye count 11 and 12. 8 inches in diameter. Prefer the above ; but certainly must abide by the choice of the majority, as we wish to use the standard. — Al. Bandle, Sec^y. Cocheco Rifle and Gun Club, Dover, N. H. ; membership, 15. Choice, Hinman target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — W. S. Bradley, Sec'y. East Tennessee Rifle Association, Knoxville, Tenn. ; membership, 20. Choice, Massachusetts target. Are willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — Charles C. \Iy.v,'Rk^t>, Sec^y. Elgin National Rifle Club, Elgin, 111. ; membership, 44. Choice, Hinman target. We are willing to adopt the target receiving the largest number of votes. — H. A. Wyman, ^d't-y. Gardner Rifle Club, Gardner, Mass.; membership, 29. Choice, Hinman target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — G. C. Goo dale, Secy. Haverhill Rifle Club, Haverhill, Mass. ; membership, 30. Choice, Rab- beth target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — J. P. M. Green, Sec'y. Hillside Rifle Club, Waltham, Mass.; membership, 23. First choice, for the Hinman target; second choice, the Farrow target, or one including the Three-Ring or Creedmoor target. Willing to use the target chosen by a majority of American riflemen. — W. H. Stone, ^'if^'j. Irish Rifle Club, New Haven, Conn. ; membership, 25. Choice, Farrow target, excepting the height. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority if it corresponds to the size of the Creedmoor target, and has lines to correspond with the two, three, and four line, and an eight-inch circle in the black. — P. O'Connor, Sec'y. Lake View Rifle Club, Lake View, 111. ; membership, 36. Choice, Farrow target. — W. H. Bradley, i",?!:'/. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 25 I Lawrence Rifle Club, Lawrence* Mass. ; membership, 63. Choice, the Hinman target. This club will use target agreed upon if its use is general. — J. E. Shepherd, iiecy. Leominster Rifle Club, Leominster, Mass. ; membership, 8. Choice, Hinman target. Would recommend that the Creedmoor lines be retained. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — Charles A. Joslin, Sec^. Lockey Rifle Club, Leominster, Mass. ; membership, 10. Choice, Hin- man target; but would prefer retaining all the Creedmoor lines. Will adopt the target chosen by the majority. — H. R. Davis, Sec^y. Manchester Rifle Association, Manchester, N. H. ; membership, 50. Choice, first, Hinman target; second, Rabbeth target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — A. E. Knowlton, Sec'y. Massachusetts Rifle Association, Boston, Mass. ; membership, 177. Choice, Hinman target. Will adopt a target chosen by a majority of votes cast. — James E. Leach, Sec''y. Maynard Rifle Club, Chicopee Falls, Mass. ; membership, 38. Choice, Hinman target. Willing to adopt a target chosen by the majority. — W. S. Page, Sec'y. Merrimac Rifle Club, Merrimac, Mass. ; membership, 12. Choice, Hin- man target. Will adopt the target chosen by the majority. — F. Judkins, Sec'y. Minneapolis Rifle Club, Minneapolis, Minn. ; membership, 25. First choice, Hinman target; second choice, Rabbeth target. Will not say they will adopt the target chosen by the majority, unless it be one of the above named. — C. M. Skinner, Sec'y pro tern. Money Creek Rifle Club, Money Creek, Minn. ; membership, 12. Choice, Hinman target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — E. N. Berry, Sec'y. Moran Rifle Club, Morantown, Kansas ; membership, 10. Choice, first, Hinman ; second, Farrow ; third, Rabbeth. Will adopt the target chosen by the majority. — C. J. Norton, Sec'y. National Rifle Association, New York; membership, 450. Choice, Hin- man target, provided the outer ring shall be made to conform to the inner line upon the Creedmoor target. — John S. Shepherd, Sec'y. New York Rifle Club, New York, N.Y. ; membership, 42. Choice, Hinman target; second choice, Rabbeth target. We advocate an ii-inch bullseye. We are willing to adopt the target chosen, provided that the Creedmoor lines are retained. — James Duane, Capt. 252 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. Nimrod Rifle Club, Newark, N.J. ; membership, 32. Choice, Creed- moor target. Willing to adopt target chosen by the majority. — C. R. Brown, Sec'y. Pittsburgh Rifle Club, Pittsburgh, Pa. ; membership, 32. First choice, Hinman target ; second choice, Rabbeth target. Will use the target chosen by the majority. — J. B. Jones, Sec^y. Pontiac Rifle Club, Pontiac, Mich. ; membership, 26. Choice is unani- mous that a standard target should be adopted, and are willing to accept that designated by the majority. — W. G. Elliott, Sec^. Rod and Gun Club, Springfield, Mass. ; membership, 45. Choice, Far- row target. Are willing to abide by the decision of the majority of rifle- men for a standard target. Our second choice is the Massachusetts target. — T. T. Cartwright, Sec'y. Salem Independent Rifle Association, Salem, Mass. ; membership, 25. Choice, Hinman target. In all probability will adopt the target chosen by the majority. — C. F. Steele, Sec^. Saratoga Rifle Club, Saratoga, N.Y. ; membership, 34. Choice, Hinman target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — Wm. H. Gibes, Sec'y. Savannah Rifle Association, Savannah, Ga. ; membership, 139. Choice, Byran target. Do not care to commit themselves to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — Jno. M. Byran, Sec'y. Springfield Shooting and Fishing Club; rifle members, 20. Choice. Farrow target, as described in your issue of September, 1885. Will accept the target chosen by the majority. — E. E. Peters, Sec'y. Third Division Rifle Association, Albany, N.Y. ; membership, 128. Choice, Farrow target, adding the outer ring and making the target 6x 4 to correspond to the present Creedmoor. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — William E. Fitch, Sec'y. Topeka Rifle Club, Topeka, Kan. ; membership not given. Choice, Hin- man target. Willing to adopt the target chosen by the majority. — F. H. Martin, Sec'y. Wheeling Schiitzen-Verein, Wheeling, West Va. ; membership, 25. First choice, Farrow target; second choice, Hinman target, with the understand- ing that we are satisfied with the target the National Rifle Association adopts. — E. S. SCHEUFLER, Sec'y. Worcester Rifle Association, Worcester, Mass. ; membership, 21. Choice, Hinman target. Voted to adopt the target selected by the majority. — M. G. Fuller, Sec'y. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 253 In the January issue of TJic Rifle, the American rifle clubs recorded their votes for a Standard American target, the result being as follows : — Total number of votes cast 1,951 Number of votes for specified targets I1865 Hinman t,arget ......... 1,161 Farrow target . 339 Byrau target 139 Massachusetcs tai-get . . . . - . . . 113 Massachusetts (modified) target 36 Creedmoor target ........ 32 Rabbeth target 30 American Decimal target . ...... 15 Additional votes requested to be recorded with the favored target 86 One club voted for the Hinman target without giving its number of members. The vote by clubs : — Total number of clubs voting 43 Hinman target ......... 24 Farrow target ......... 8 Massachusetts target ........ 4 Massachusetts (modified) target ...... By ran target • . . . .- . Rabbeth target ......... Creedmoor target ... . . .... American Decimal target ....... Two clubs requested their votes to be recorded with the one receiving a majority of votes, and are not included in the above. The small number of votes for the Rabbeth target, which possessed great merit, was because the designer, in an article in The Rifle, admitted the superiority of Major Hinman's. After the above vote was announced, circulars were addressed to all of the known rifle clubs, asking if they fa- vored changing the outer circle of the chosen target from 22.48 to one of 23 inches radius, which would be retaining all the old Creedmoor lines, and also if they approved call- ing the chosen design the Standard American target. Every club replying approved of the changes, and the tar- get was published as illustrated, and ever since its adoption has been used by most American rifle clubs. As a result WIDTH OF RINGS, 9, 1.09 inches. 8, 1.23 7. 1-50 6, 1.90 5, 2.44 4, 3-i6 3 4- 1 1 2 5-89 254 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. of a majority of clubs using one target, members of the rifle shooting fraternity are able to correctly judge the value of each other's scores made in various sections of the country. The present dimensions of the Standard American tar- get are as follows : — DIAMETER OF CIRCLES. 10 circle, 3.36 inches. 9 " S-54 " 8 " 8 7 " II 6 " 14.80 " 5 " 19.6S " 4 " 26 " 3 " 34-22 " 2 " 46 I Balance of target, 4x6 feet. The 8, 9, and 10 comprise the Creedmoor bullseye ; 4, 5, 6, 7 the centre, counting 4 ; 2 and 3 the Creedmoor inner, counting 3. The i same as the outer, counting 2. After a year's discussion of the target question, and a vote of all the known American rifle clubs, and the final adoption of a standard target, the American Field issued a target almost similar to Mr. F. J. Rabbeth's design, there being but one or two lines in the bullseye differing, and embodying the principles orginated by Major Hin- man. The centre of this target has the following measure- ments : diameter of rings, ist ring, 2 inches, counting 11, used only for rest shooting ; 2d, 4 inches, counting 10 ; 3d, 6 inches, counting 91 ; 4th, 8 inches, counting 8 ; 5th, 11 inches, counting/; 6th, 15 inches, counting 6 ; 17th, 20 inches, counting 5 ; 8th, 26 inches, counting 4. It will be seen that the rings outside the bullseye are similar to Mr. Rabbeth's target, which was produced long before, so similar in fact, that it is known among riflemen as the Rabbeth-Field target. The American riflemen were apparently satisfied with the standard target, for, after it was adopted, it was used MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 255 exclusively by nearly all the American rifle clubs, and never before in the history of rifle shooting in America have so many clubs at one period shot on a similar target. Fig. 179. —The Standard American Target. Adopted by a majority of American Rifle Clubs, January, 1886. When the Standard American target was adopted, it was thought it would answer for off-hand and rest shooting ; but, when the latter style of shooting was practiced, the clubs permitted rifles of any weight and trigger pull, also any kind of sights ; besides this, the skill of 256 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. American riflemen developed so rapidly in rest shooting that the possible of 100 points was made so frequently as to make it somewhat uninteresting. Several scores of 100 were made at Walnut Hill in a single day (50 perfect scores are on record), and Mr. F. J. Rabbeth scored a run of 37 consecutive tens in a regular match at this place. In May, 1887, the Massachusetts Rifle Association made the target still finer by placing two circles inside of the ten circle, counting 11 and 12; they were 2.33 and 1.41 inches in diameter. A majority of riflemen seem to be satisfied with the 8-inch bullseye at 200 yards. A few, however, claim to prefer a smaller one, and a number call for a larger one. In some cases the 7 circle on the Stand- ard American target is blackened and the bullseye thus increased in size. In 1888, Mr. William Hayes, the well-known rifleman of Newark, N. J., designed and published a target which he named the American Champion target. This target has a round, black bullseye of 10 inches in diameter, containing circles i inch apart, counting from 15 down to ii ; the balance of target is white, containing circles i inch apart, counting from 10 down to i. Mr. Hayes, in submitting the target for approval to American riflemen, wrote to The Rifle as follows: "The reason for originating this target is simply this : I believe American riflemen have become so proficient with rifles under the National Rifle Association rules, that they need a target with a finer discrimination than even the Standard gives them, and realizing the fact that an 8-inch bullseye is too small, under many circumstances, to sight at readily, and know- ing that a lo-inch object to aim at is very satisfactory at 200 yards, I submit this target, trusting it will meet with their approbation. The carton, of 2 inches diameter, is small enough for the best of rifles, even from a rest, and the circles of i inch space give a shooter a relative value for each shot that a laro^er division does not ^ive. In MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 257 fact, it brings the shooting down to approximately string measurement, which undoubtedly is the correct test for all rifle shooting. In making this target I do not in any way wish to interfere with the Standard or the Rabbeth-Field targets, but trust it will at least make a pleasant variety for shooters who have heretofore been using no others." The targets previously described, as used by American riflemen, are those adopted by the National Rifle Associa- tion of America and clubs shooting under its rules, and for military rifles or match rifles ; also, targets used largely for match rifles in rest or off-hand shooting. There are innumerable designs used for gallery rifle shooting, which are only printed in small sizes, generally similar in con- struction to the ring targets, and are not sufficiently important to warrant illustration or description. In 1885, several targets for military rifles exclusively, were designed by Captain Stanhope E. Blunt, of the U. S. Ordnance Department, Inspector of Rifle Practice at Headquarters of the Army. They corresponded in size to the first, second, and third class Creedmoor targets ; but in place of the round bullseyes were ellipses, the centre and inner lines on the second and third class targets were also ellipses, as was the centre line on the first-class tar- get. The illustrations shows these targets : — When it was announced that the elliptical targets were to be used by the soldiers of the regular army in rifle practice, it caused some consternation among civilian rifle- men, and probably more among the volunteers, for many of the latter desired to follow the rules and regulations of the regular army in this branch of a soldier's duty, but were loath to adopt the elliptical bullseye and lines. A delegation from the National Rifle Association proceeded to Washington, with the object of urging the regular army officials to abandon the elliptical form and retain the circular one. It was found that the representatives of the regular army and those of the volunteers entertained 258 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. different ideas as to the best form, and as nothing could be gained by argument, the matter was dropped. The entire army commenced practicing on the new elliptical f\ 4^ ■;- .r 1 1 1 1 \^^^ Fig. ISO. Fig. 182. -U. S. Elliptical Targets.^ targets, followed by one or two States ; but the majority of the guardsmen continued the use of the Creedmoor targets. Captain Blunt, in his excellent manual, states that, " As targets used by the armies of different foreign nations are widely dissimilar, both in the shape and the number and * The illustrations are from Small-Arms Firing, Blunt, and published by permission of Captain Blunt and Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, publishers. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 259 size of their various divisions, it is not possible, even if it were considered desirable, to so arrange the targets for our service that any comparison can be instituted between the practice of our soldiers and those of any one foreign country." He therefore selected what he thought the best shape and proportions " suggested by the natural variation of the U. S. Springfield rifle, by the average degree and direction of the proficiency desired from and by the soldier and by the distance considered sufficient for his instruction." Those desiring an explanation of Captain Blunt's designs are referred to his work. The soldiers of the United States Army use these targets because they are compelled to. The States using them are those desiring to follow the example of the regulars, but the mass of American riflemen prefer the Creedmoor form. An elliptical bullseye is difficult to paint on an iron target, and almost impossible to keep in shape. The merits or demerits have been fully discussed in military and sportsmen's papers. Suffice to say they are the adopted targets of the United States Army, and strictly military targets. At the time of the introduction of the elliptical target, there was a series of silhouette targets devised and introduced by Captain Blunt, which reflect the highest credit upon the originator, and, in the opinion of the writer, should be adopted whenever the volunteers seek to acquire a practical proficiency with the national arm. It is creditable to the volunteer who acquires sufficient skill to enable him, with the Springfield rifle, to pit him- self against the civilian rifleman with a fine match rifle on the Standard American target, and surpass him. It has been repeatedly done at Springfield, Walnut Hill, Mass., and elsewhere. It excites admiration from all lovers of rifle shooting, to see the regular or militiaman so proficient as to be able to place nearly all his shots in the circular or elliptical bullseye at known distance. 26o MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. This skill is praiseworthy and desirable ; but when one witnesses a national or State rifle competition, and ob- serves a soldier taking aim several times before firing, consuming many minutes to a shot, it is likely to suggest the query : How much practical value is such practice to a soldier? Evidently Captain Blunt understands this. I consider his silhouette targets the greatest innovation in military rifle shooting this country has seen in the present Fig.l Fig.Z Fig. 183 and 184. — U. S. Army Man Targets. century, for they teach the soldier to shoot rapidly, which is generally necessary in warfare. Targets D, E, and F are usually iron skeleton frames representing a soldier standing, kneeling, or lying prone ; they are covered with cloth, colored black, and designed to be shot at by the soldier at unknown distance, the soldier firing as many shots as possible within a specified time. Target G is for company skirmish firing, and target H for volley firing. The silhouette targets, designed by Captain Blunt, appeal to all practical men, and have several times sug- MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 261 gested to the writer the desirability of somewhat similar targets for practice, by those who hunt with a rifle. With the exception of the silhouette army targets, nearly all shown in this series contain a black spot of varying size, at which the marksman aims, generally at a known TARGET G. Fig. 185. — Company Skirmish Firing. distance. Such targets have their uses, and will always be more popular than others. But many believe that if one desires to hunt, and wishes to be trained to shoot- ing at objects somewhat similar to game, they should select for a target objects similar to what they will be likely to find in the chase. In England, regular competitions are held at the National Rifle Association meetings, formerly at Wimble- don, now Bisley, shooting at moving objects resembling deer. A running deer target was presented to the National Rifle Association of America by the Winchester TARGET H. Fig. 186. —Volley and File Firing. Repeating Arms Company, and it was popular for a time, but the great army of American riflemen seemed to prefer a stationary object at which to shoot at a known distance. In an issue of Shooting and FisJiing, April 24, 1890, 262 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. there appeared an article by the writer, suggesting targets for hunters, which brought several letters of approval, which seemed to indicate that the idea was appreciated by many. It also met with some criticism, on the ground that the targets were unlike game, which would often be seen but for a second. The idea of those targets was not to place the shooter under similar conditions as when shooting game ; that would be well nigh impossible, but it would embody some of the conditions, and, to some extent, in teaching a sportsman how to place shots at a desired point. The article referred to is as follows : — A suggestion has been made by Mr. William Lyman that a target for hunting rifles is desirable. I quite agree with him, and believe if one was produced which gave satisfaction, it would increase the number of rifle shooters, and give an opportunity for many who shoot only the hunting rifle, to practice on a target, which to a certain extent resembles the game shot at in the field. At the present time we have in the Standard American target I believe, the best one ever used for small bore target rifle shooting ; but it is in no way similar to the game likely to be shot at, and while I would not like to see it abandoned, and there is not the slightest probability that it will, I would like to see the experiment of shooting at a target resembling game. I have for several years intermittingly thought of such a target, and wondered how it could be produced and give satisfaction. Mr. Lyman's suggestion has again aroused my interest to such an extent, that I will venture to offer my ideas, hoping they will meet the approval of riflemen who shoot hunting rifles, or bring forth sugo-estions for a better target. The United States Army uses silhouette targets of men standing and kneeling or sitting, which are well enough for military marksmen, and perhaps appropriate for soldiers to shoot at ; but the targets for sportsmen should MODERX AMERICAiV RIFLES. 263 represent some kind of game animal. I have sketched two figures, a deer and a jack-rabbit, which occur to me as appropriate subjects ; the first to be used at 200, the second at 100 yards with rifle. I would suggest the follow- ing : The divisions or counts to be as indicated in the accompanying sketches ; viz., i, 2, and 3, the latter being Fig. 187. — Target for Hunting Rifles. where a shot would be likely to be instantly fatal ; the 2 possibly fatal, and i not likely to be fatal. There might be a series of circles if desired, in the heart region, and the count increased, but if this were done, the argument could be made that a brain or spine shot would be equally as fatal as a heart shot ; on the other hand there is never the thrill of satisfaction to a sportsman who makes a brain shot as when the bullet is placed fairly through the heart, 264 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. and if the circles were placed in the heart region, count- ing say up to 10, the latter to indicate a shot in the centre of the heart, it would perhaps suit some sportsmen better. I would suggest a target with a background of white, of the regulation size at 100 and 200 yards. I would have the out- line of the deer or rabbit printed on a dark brown paper, Fig. 188. — Target for Hunting Rifles.. the outline being one-eighth inch wide, which would serve as a guide in cutting out the form of the animal ; inside of the figure have the dotted lines, as shown, with the addi- tional circles if desired. Cut out the figures, and paste them onto the white target so as to leave the figures of the animals standing out in contrast to the white back- ground, showing no lines, and nothing but the figures to aim at. I think such targets would closely resemble the MODERN AMERICAN RIELES. 265 living animals when presenting shots under favorable cir- cumstances, and suggest mounting on the square target of regulation size for convenience, and to facilitate marking. A simple silhouette with no background but the field, would be difficult to set up and keep in order, as well as mark the value of the shot. I would suggest the follow- ing mode of marking : After the shot is fired, the marker, stationed in a pit, shall pull dov/n the target, insert a plug in the shot-hole, throw up the target ready for the next shot, also for the inspection of the shooter, who will see the exact location of his shot by aid of the telescope ; the marker then to indicate the value of the shot by the clock or dial indicator. The next shot can then be fired, the target pulled down, the first shot pasted, and the last one plugged, and the target thrown up for another shot. The line of highest count touched by the bullet to deter- mine the value of the shot. Rifles permitted — Any rifle and no handicap allowed. Positions — Any the conditions of the match called for. Off-hand position shall mean standing erect on both feet with no artificial rest or support, and in matches where con- ditions specify off-hand position, no other position shall be permitted. Any position without artificial rest to mean, standing, kneeling, sitting, lying in the prone, a back posi- tion without artificial rest. Sights — Any kind of rear sight, but a front open sight. Tifue permitted — Aiming and Firing — A contestant not to occupy more than ^ of a minute in aiming and firing any single shot. No contestant shall remove the rifle from his shoulder to take second sight unless in case of a misfire. Any contestant consuming more than yi, minute for aiming or for firing any single shot, or who shall remove the gun from the shoulder for a second sight or other purposes, shall be scored a miss. It will be seen that I do not propose any bullseye or ob- ject but the animal at which to aim, as it is believed that 266 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the value of the shots will largely depend on the skill of the shooter, and the practice will be an aid to those who hunt with the rifle. A strictly hunting rifle could be used on this target, as an ivory-tipped front sight would be quite serviceable in sighting on the part which if hit would be fatal in a living animal, or bring the highest count if a hit on the target. I think one of these targets, especially the deer target, would be an ornament to any range and afford useful practice for sportsmen, and be a welcomed change for many who tire of constant shooting on the old regulation targets. It will not be convenient to provide for an artificial run- ning deer on most ranges, and I think the targets here de- scribed may satisfy many. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 26/ CHAPTER XXI. PREPARING RIFLE AMMUNITION, Every person who shoots a rifle, will be likely to some- time prepare ammunition. One rarely finds an expert rifleman who uses factory cartridges, especially if he shoots at target, or where extreme accuracy is desired. Factory, made cartridges are expensive, and, however excellent when leaving the factories, may rapidly deteriorate by be- ing stored in an unfavorable place. Tyros usually shoot factory cartridges; the old and skilful marksman rarely does. But, beside the questions of economy and more re- liability in properly reloaded cartridges, is the necessity of reloading when one is located away from the large cities, where it is impossible to procure the products of the fac- tories. If residing in a section where gun dealers are nu- merous, the great variety of cartridges make a very large stock necessary, if the dealer would keep a full line, and as many of the cartridges would be seldom called for, the stock would become old and deteriorate in quality ; therefore, only the most called for rim and central-fire car- tridges are found in the average gun store. Thus it seems necessary for a rifleman, if he desires to economize, to have reliable ammunition and be able to supply himself with such at will, to possess a knowledge of how to reload rifle cartridges. As in every art, there are various views enter- tained by different persons, as to the best mode of produ- cing good results ; and, not wishing to appear as didactic, I will preface my notes by stating that the following direc- 268 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. tions for reloading cartridges are the result of many years of observation and experiment, and, according to my views, are the best methods. Central-fire shells only should be reloaded ; and, if pos- sible, always use solid-head shells. Formerly the solid- head shells cost a little more than the folded-head, as there were patents on the former; but, the patents having ex- pired, the price of the two are now the same. But, as it costs less to produce the folded-head shell, the manufac- turers are likely to send them in preference to the solid- head, unless specified. Folded-head shells are much more liable to burst when reloaded than solid-head; therefore, always procure the latter if possible. The rifleman often purchases factory-loaded cartridges, solid-head, and, after shooting them, saves the shells to reload. It is presumed that one desiring to reload has purchased a set of reloading tools, and we will suppose that he has selected a set of the Ideal Manufacturing Company's, or the Winchester Company's, both of which are shown in the illustrations. The first operation is to re- move the exploded primer ; this operation is simple, and is as follows : place the decapping plug in the loading chamber of the tool, pin outward ; place the shell over it, and, by pressing the handles together, the exploded primer is removed. The exploded primer can also be re- moved by other styles of decappers if preferred. After removing primer, place the shells in a vessel, and wash thoroughly. Cold water will do, but warm water is better, and some use soapsuds or soda water. If desirable to re- move the stains from the shells, a little acid may be added to the water. If, in decapping, you find a cartridge unex- ploded by a misfire, do not attempt to extract the primer until you have removed the bullet and powder. After washing the shells thoroughly, dry them, but do so by a moderate heat, as, if overheated, the temper will be drawn from the metal and the strength of the shell impaired. It MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 269 is important to have the shells thoroughly dried before re- loading, especially in the primer pockets, which take the fresh primers. Water is likely to remain there, and care should be exercised in drying the shells in the pockets and inside the shells. The next operation is expanding the shell. Unless this is done, the tyro is likely to meet with an obstacle. The factory-loaded cartridges, especially in the past, were crimped, and the mouth of the shell generally reduced by the heavy machinery used in seating the bullet, which did the seating of the bullet and crimping by one operation. I well remember the difficulties I found in attempting to reload .cartridges for my hunting rifle, when hunting on the plains ; the almost inevitable obstacle encountered by every tyro. Firing did not expand the shells sufficiently to permit the bullet to enter the mouth of the shell ; neither did the decapping operation, which it was advertised to do in the old tools. I would attempt to seat the bullet in the shell by forcing it in with the tool, and the result would be the shaving off of one side of the bullet, or squeezing the lead over the shell, which would make about as bad looking a cartridge as one could imagine, and highly suggestive of inaccuracy. I was forced to de- vise a way of expanding the shells, and improvised an ex- pander out of one handle of the reloading tool. It did the work, but unsatisfactorily. The Ideal Company's tool has an arrangement on the outside of the resizing or ball- seating chamber, which does the work well, considering that all the operations are in one tool, which is what many desire for the sake of economy of space when on a hunt- ing trip. If a large number of shells are to be reloaded, a separate tool in the form of a swage is recommended, by the use of which and a blow of a mallet, the shell is expanded. After expanding the shells, comes the operation of recap- ping or repriming. Note on the box of factory cartridges 270 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. which you originally purchased, or the box containing the new empty shells, the number of the primer recommended for use, and, if possible, use no other. I have seen acci- dents caused by using a smaller sized primer than is recommended. Primers are made of brass and copper. The copper are more sensi- tive, or easier to explode, than the brass. In re- priming, the former fre- quently explode; sometimes the brass ones do so; there- fore, remember, never prime a loaded shell, and do not have powder about which is exposed, when priming shells. Owing to the sensitiveness of the copper primers, it is not advisible to use them in shells to be used in a magazine rifle, or a rifle shell using over 50 grains of powder. If Fig. 189. -Sectional Cuts of Die, Plunger, and Shell. Fig. 190. — Winchester Reloading Tool, Model 1891. copper primers are used in a shell taking a heavy charge, the firing-pin of the rifle is liable to puncture the primer (the copper being softer than brass), and an escape of gas is liable to occur, perhaps injuring the eyes of the rifleman, fouling the mechanism of the rifle, and, in some rifles, MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 271 preventing the opening of the action. Just here will be shown again the superiority of solid-head shells. It is necessary to seat the primer well down in the pocket of the shell, for, if not so seated, it is likely to cause mis- Fig. 191. — Winchester Reloading Tools. fires ; and if protruding beyond the head of the shell, is liable to cause a premature discharge when closing the action of the rifle. If folded-head shells are used, by seating the primer well down into the pocket there is in- sufficient support, and, after reloading a few times, the 272 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. pocket is liable to break away and cause a misfire, or a spitfire if the primer is exploded. In repriming, I have alluded to the desirability of seating the primer well down in the pocket. To do this, many prefer a special or sep- arate capper, but if economy of space, before mentioned, is desired, the Ideal and Winchester tools do the work well, but perhaps not so rapidly. A— Opening Month of Sbell. B— Bullet Mould. C— Ee-CappiDg. D— Loading Chamber. E— Bullet Slzer. Fig. 192. — Ideal No 4 Reloading Tool. The shells of the factory cartridges are now, restored to the condition of the new shells which perhaps some have purchased instead of the loaded cartridges. The next operation is to charge the shell with powder. Gener- ally the advice given on the cartridge box is good, and should be followed. As there is a difference in the brand- ing of powders by the several companies, I will state for the benefit of the uninitiated that fine-grained powders are used in cartridges for small calibre rifles and in pistol cartridges. In the first case, greater power is contained in small measured charges of fine than in coarse powder. In pistols, owing to the short barrels, it is desirable to secure quick combustion, which is gained in small-grained powders, and, therefore, greater power is secured from a charge of fine-grain powder during the time the bullet is passing out of the short barrel than would be if coarse powder were used. In a rifle with a large bore and long MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 273 Si barrel, slower combustion is desirable, and, therefore, coarser powder is preferred. But in powders, the strength is also varied by the ingredients ; and, as a rule, greater accuracy is obtained from the slower- burning powders ; but the investigating or experimental hunter or marksman sometimes departs from general rules. In charging the shells with powder, the scoop coming with the set of tools may be used, pouring a small quantity of powder into a receptacle which per- mits of its being readily scooped. Dip the scoop full of powder, scraping the top off even, and pour into each empty shell. If one is to reload many shells, a Wilkinson loader, or a similar device is recommended. It is desirable to have the tunnel or powder receptacle covered ; and, therefore, many riflemen using the Wilkinson loader discard the usual powder holder, and attach a flask or ordinary powder can in its place. The rifleman should be careful about permitting the charger to become empty, as an accident may result from this cause in the following manner : The charger becoming nearly empty, would deposit but a few grains of powder in the shell, or, perhaps, the charger being entirely empty, no powder would pass into the shell. Without noticing the absence of powder, a bullet would be placed in the shell and seated with the ball-seater. This shell, if placed in the magazine of a re- peating rifle, would be carried into the chamber, and the hammer falling and striking the primer, the gas would probably force the bullet part way up the barrel, and. H "H Fig. 193.— Ideal Flask. 274 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. lodging there, would, upon the discharge of a second cart- ridge, burst the barrel. If used in a single shot rifle, it might be thought that the marksman had forgotten to remove the old shell ; or, not thinking the bullet had lodged in the barrel, insert a fresh cartridge, which would burst the barrel. Cases such as described, and from this cause, have come under my observation. After charging each shell with powder, place a bullet in each shell, and, placing the shell containing the loosely- seated bullet in the seater of the tool, bring the handles of the tool together with a steady pressure, which is so arranged that the bullet can be seated to any desired point. I would advise any one desiring to secure as accurate shooting as possible, to seat the bullet, and crimp it as little as possible. When cartridges are to be used in magazine rifles, it is desirable to have the bullets well seated below all the cannelures, and crimped firmly. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 2/5 CHAPTER XXII. THE ART OF BULLET MAKING. In a former chapter I gave directions for reloading rifle ammunition, based upon my own experience and observa- tions. Some riflemen do not care to undertake the task of bullet making, but there are many who are obliged to, owing to their remoteness from the supply depots, or to the rifles they possess taking a bullet difficult to procure. In addition to this, there is a well-founded belief that different rifles, although of the same calibre and of the same make, and using the same charge, will shoot best a certain bullet of a special degree of hardness, taking a specified thickness of patch, and of a particular size. Bullets best adapted, and in general use to-day for target and game shooting, are chiefly composed of lead, with some alloy to harden them, the alloy being largely governed by the powder charge and purpose for which the cartridge is intended. The two kinds of bullets in general use are the patched or jacketed bullets, and the naked or cannelured bullets. Bullets, as a rule, are cast by riflemen who make them for their own use. Manufacturers of ammunition usually cast slugs, and, by heavy machinery, swage the bullets into shape, this being the case especially with small bullets. But swaging is difficult with bullets of a certain degree of hardness, and, with many, undesirable if not impossible ; and as this article is for the use of those desiring to make bullets in a limited number, I will not attempt anything but a description of bullet molding. 276 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. The molds supplied by rifle and tool makers are in- tended either for patched or cannelured bullets. For the former the mold is often in a solid piece ; for the latter, on account of the cannelures, the mold is pivoted together ; this form is also used for casting the patched bullet. Until recently, the molds to be found in American markets were inferior, and difficult to operate and secure good bullets from. Iron and steel molds were largely in use, but latterly brass or composition, although a little more expensive, have become popular. Iron molds will stand rougher usage, especially in the hands of novices, but they are liable to rust. Brass or composition molds will not rust, the lead flows into them better, but they are more likely to become injured, being softer. If a mold that opens is preferred, select one, if possible, that is joined together like a pair of pincers, or between the handles and molds, and not like a nut-cracker. It is necessary, in small molds, that the handles be protected by wooden handles, rubber tubing, or wound with cord or cloth, to prevent burning the hands. The Ideal Manufac- turing Co. manufactures a good mold in its combination tool, if one desires a cannelured bullet, and a set of re- loading tools in as compact a form as possible. This tool will serve the purpose, but a separate mold is generally considered preferable. Molds are often constructed for casting several bullets at one time, but the cut-off being in one piece, and acting on the several bullets at one motion. An amateur is recommended to use a mold casting a single bullet, as he will be likely to secure better results therefrom. After securing the mold it is necessary to procure a kettle or pot in which to melt the metal, and one of iron is recommended ; what is known as a plumber's kettle, is excellent, and should be found at almost any hardware store. The Ideal Manufacturing Co. also makes a vessel for melting lead. The next utensil necessary to procure MODERA- AMERICAN RIFLES. 277 is an iron ladle ; and what is known as the Ideal Dipper, which has just been placed on the market by the Ideal Manufacturing Co. of New Haven, Conn., bids fair to be superior to anything yet produced. If the rifleman has procured his mold, kettle, and Ideal Dipper, he can proceed to bullet making ; but his path to success will probably be beset with obstacles, some of which I will try to clear away. On the supposition that the beginner is to cast the bullets of pure lead, my advice would be to purchase lead Fig. 194.— Dipper for Bullet Molding. in small pigs. Some of the shot manufacturers, I believe, supply pure lead for casting bullets. I suggest purchas- ing the clean, pure lead, in preference to using old lead pipes or sheet lead, for these reasons : the manufactured lead is liable to contain more or less hardness or foreign matter, as it is claimed that every time lead is melted it hardens. The new lead is cleaner, better to handle, and more compact ; but, if you cannot procure the lead in pigs, which costs but little more, use what you can obtain. Being thus far equipped, the next operation is to melt the lead, a seemingly simple enough process, but good bul- lets and smoothness in running them depend largely upon keeping the molten lead at an even temperature, which 278 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. means your heat should be as uniform as possible ; there- fore, whenever convenient, use a gas stove, which not only- gives a uniform but a more powerful heat than can usually be obtained by other means. By attaching a flexible tube to a small gas stove, a seemingly perfect arrangement can be obtained. Of course where gas cannot be procured, seek to melt your lead by a uniform heat. The most ex- pert bullet makers I know of do not hasten to commence casting ; they let the lead melt and "cook," as they say. I have known them to leave the lead in a molten state for over an hour before commencing work. Lead can be heated too hot, or not hot enough. If too hot it will shrink too much and crystallize. If you observe a frosty appearance on your bullets it will indicate the lead is too hot. If not hot enough the bullets will contain flaws or seams, likely to cause irregular shooting, especially if the seams occur on the base. I will say here that a good bul- let must have a perfect base. Do not make bullets near an open window, or where a draught sweeps across the surface of the molten lead ; this will cause the surface to cool, and the lead will be unevenly heated. After the lead is well melted, stir with an iron spoon. This will bring the impurities to the surface. If there is a large accumulation of dross, a spoonful of oil (not kero- sene oil) poured into the molten lead will ignite and burn the dross. The matter which is not consumed can be skimmed off with the iron spoon. The lead having been brought to the supposed proper condition for molding, the next thing is to make ready the mold, a task sometimes by no means easy. Many a tyro has become discouraged at the first attempt to cast bullets, by the lead adhering to the mold, and his inability to drop or knock the bullet from the mold. A new bullet mold will often cause a good and calm man to ejaculate. If the interior surface of the mold is bright, it should be blued by holding it in a flame ; this will also MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 279 burn off the oil or grease on the mold, which is necessary. Some smok,e their molds, but this is objected to by others ; the mold is also plunged into the molten lead. But, really, all that is generally necessary is to oxidize the interior surface of the mold, and heat, as a rule, readily does it. Fig. 195. — The Ideal Kettle and Ideal Dipper. The mold should be heated to nearly the melting point of the lead, either by direct heat of the flame, or dipping into lead. With the lead properly melted and the mold in good working order, the task of bullet making can begin. Be- fore commencing, place a dish of water near you, and a mallet or stick of wood ; the first to plunge the mold into when it is growing too hot, which is determined by the frosted surface of the bullet. Always do this when a bul- let is in the mold, and not when the mold is empty, for, if a drop of water is left in the mold and hot lead poured into it, the lead will fly and endanger the eyes. The mal- let, or piece of wood, is to strike the cut-off and rap the bullets out, and should be used instead of a piece of iron. Commence operations at this stage as follows : Take mold in left and ladle in right hand ; dip the ladle part full of molten lead ; place the mold over the kettle ; place the nozzle of the Ideal Dipper in the countersink or sprew- hole of the cut-off on the mold, holding the mold in a 28o MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. horizontal position ; keep the nozzle of the Ideal Dipper in the sprew-hole, bringing the mold under the dipper as you pour the lead into it, and holding the dipper-nozzle in the sprew-hole for about two seconds. This gives the full pressure of the lead in the dipper on the bullet, and con- tributes to making it solid, and it is believed to largely prevent bubbles. The illustration (Fig. 142) shows the operation. Place the dipper back in the kettle ; take the mallet in the right hand, rap the cut-off, dropping the surplus lead into the kettle, and knock out the bullet by a blow on the mold, opening it if it is one pivoted together. This describes bullet making when pure lead is used, but most of the bullets used to-day for target and game shooting are hardened. If a bullet is to be used for shooting large and dangerous game which has a soft skin, such as a cougar or tiger, and is to be shot at short range, it would probably be best to use nearly pure lead, be- cause the bullet would flatten or spread when striking the animal and make a large, ragged wound. But when penetration and accuracy at long range are desired, it is necessary to harden the bullets, and to what extent is determined by the bore, powder charge, twist, and fit of bullet ; and it is just here that riflemen have various opin- ions as to the correct degree of hardness of bullets for various purposes. The alloy of bullets is always alluded to by mentioning the hardest metal first, i to 16 meaning one part hard metal, generally tin, and sixteen parts lead. Tin, which is alluded to as being generally used, can be purchased in sticks, and in preparing the metal for the kettle a hatchet or chisel is usually employed to cut off the re- quired amount. If bullets i to 16 are desired, the compo- nent parts would be 5 pounds of lead to which 5 ounces of tin would be added. I will repeat, it is believed by many that the longer the metal is kept molten, or the more Modern American rifles. 281 frequently it is melted, the harder it becomes ; therefore, if but few bullets were molded at one time, say 100, and a week hence another lot of 100 cast, and later another lot, the last batch would probably be harder than the first lot and this without adding tin. It is 3/ wise rifleman who learns what bullet shoots best in his rifle and sticks to that bullet. I mean by this, when one has found that a bullet i to 40 shoots as well as he thinks the arm is capable of shooting, and is content to accept that as the proper bullet. This being the case it is well to always keep one of the bullets to determine the alloy of those made in the future. The usual way to test the hardness of new bullets is to take one of the old and one of the new bullets when cold, and placing them side by side or across each other in a vice, squeeze them together. The one showing the greatest indentation is the softer ; therefore, if the new bullet is softer, add more tin to the mixture, or if harder, add more lead and test until they indicate a similar degree of hardness. Some riflemen take pride in the appearance of their bullets and enjoy the brightness of the leaden missiles. Any one can brighten and retain the lustre for a long time by dropping half or the whole of a silver dime in the molten fluid which melts and mixes with the metal. The ways of determining the correct alloy for accuracy are as follows : First by target shooting, which, if satis- factory, is generally accepted by the rifleman without fur- ther investigation. Second, if unsatisfactory shooting be obtained the marksman will desire to see his bullets after firing. If in winter, and snow abounds, one can shoot into a bank of wet snow, and by following the track of the bullets, generally find them in good condition, but showing the marks of the lands of the rifle. If the bul- let bears the mark of the lands its entire length, or be- yond the jacket, if a patched bullet is used, it indicates there was too much upset, and the bullet was too soft, and 282 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. requires more tin. A bullet showing this excessive up- set would be liable to lead the rifle. Perhaps the bullets will show very light marks of the lands, and have sharp cut lines on their sides. This would indicate gas cutting, or the gas escaping by the side of the bullet, caused by insufficient expansion of the bullet into the grooves, showing the bullet was too hard, and should be softened by adding more lead. I presume many riflemen have never given a thought to the matter of the deterioration of bullets. I am of the opinion that old bullets are much inferior to those freshly made. I believe that age oxidizes the surface of a bullet and deteriorates it. I do not think that a few months' age affects the bullets to any great extent ; and I do believe that bullets which have been made for three or four years, and exposed, are much inferior to those which have been made three months. The art of bullet making is easily acquired by any one with a moderate amount of perseverance ; and, with a little practice, one can become expert, molding a bullet perfectly and rapidly. One of the best bullet makers I know of has repeatedly molded twelve perfect .45-calibre bullets in one minute, and has run 505 in one hour, and 1,000 in two hours, using a single Ideal mold. Even if one does not care to undertake this work, there is inde- pendence in knowing how. Swaging bullets is generally confined to those used with a patch. If cannelured bullets are swaged, they must be lubricated first. The merit of those swaged and unswaged is a question upon which riflemen differ ; the practice is followed by some and omitted by others. The operation is simple : a swage is generally supplied by rifle and tool makers; the bullet is dropped into it, which is followed by a plunger ; a blow from a mallet forces the bullets to a uniform size if any variation exists. The bullet should be very slightly oiled, care being taken not MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 283 to get on too much ; the object of the oil is to prevent the bullet sticking in the swage. Lubrication is found necessary when shooting naked or unjacketed bullets, and generally when the rifle is not cleaned after each shot. Were it not for lubrication, a lead bullet brought in contact with the rifle barrel would lead it, and the accuracy of the rifle be impaired. In lubricating naked bullets, the most favored mode is to have several concave rings or grooves cast around the bullet, which are termed cannelures, — a word, by the way, of French origin, and, although in general use, I believe found in but one American dictionary. The cannelures serve the purpose of holding the lubricant, and by this means the grease is evenly and well distributed, which is essential to secure good shooting. This mode of using lubricants is generally followed when using naked bullets. When a patched' or jacketed bullet is used, and the rifle shot dirty, the cannelures are not used on the bullets, but a lubricating disk is generally supplied. A card-board wad is placed over the powder, the lubricating disk over the wad, and the patched bullet on top. The latter mode is not generally used by American hunters at present, the naked or cannelured bullet being almost wholly supplied by the cartridge companies, and is pre- ferred by most sportsmen who cast their own bullets for hunting purposes or military rifle shooting. I will at first record the results of my observations on lubricants for cannelured bullets, and modes of lubricating such bullets. The formulas for lubricants are numerous, and, although existing in such numbers, I believe that perfection under all conditions has not yet been attained. If naked bullets were used by the expert target shots, I think the rifle fraternity would know more about lubricants ; but as patched bullets are considered more reliable for such work, although less practical, comparatively little atten- 2^4 MODERN AMERICAN' klFLES. tion has been paid to perfecting this compound, and the work has been left ahiiost wholly to the manufacturer of cartridges. It is undoubtedly true that almost any kind of grease will, to a certain extent, serve the purpose of lubricating ; but it is also true that certain preparations are better than others, for weather conditions, especially heat and cold, affect lubricants. For a long time the producers of American cartridges would use different formulas for goods manufactured in summer and winter. This plan might possibly be well if the entire product were consumed in one season ; but as summer goods would be held over winter, and winter to summer, it can be seen that the consumer might be unfortunate enough to purchase just the wrong lot. The old absurd mode of outside lubrication for rifle and pistol cartridges made the deterioration certain, and the rubbing off of lubrication from one side of the exposed part of the bullet, which was an almost certain cause for inaccurate shooting. Manufacturers of rifle and pistol cartridges have, since commencing the manufacture of metallic cartridges, sought to obtain a lubricant which would answer the purpose in hot and cold weather and in various climates. From in- formation possessed by the writer, he has formed the impression that Japan wax is the best article manufac- turers have found for a lubricant for general purposes, and less affected by climatic changes than other com- pounds. It can be purchased in large cities, but is rather a scarce commodity. I have collected, during the past fifteen years, a number of formulas for lubricants, and my scrap-book shows a variety of opinions as to what consti- tutes the best mixture. I will give, for the benefit of brother riflemen, a number, in order that they may experi- ment with the various compounds. I do this, as I have found that several expert and reliable riflemen have differ- ent opinions as to the best lubricants. The following MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 285 formulas are recommended by American cartridge and arms manufacturers : — The Winchester Repeating Arms Company advise the use of Japan wax or beef tallow. The Marlin Firearms Company says : Make the lubricant of clear tallow, 4 parts ; bepswax, i part. Massachusetts Arms Company: i part beeswax to 3 parts tallow. Ideal Manufacturing Company : Beeswax and common cylinder oil, 3 parts wax to i of oil ; also, beef tallow with enough vaseline with it to soften it as desired. J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company : Make lubricant of clear tallow, 4 parts ; beeswax, i part. Sharps Rifle Company (out of existence) : i part beeswax to 2 parts of sperm oil, by weight. Smith & Wesson : Melted tallow. Bullard Repeating Arms Company: Fill grooves with beef tallow or Japan wax. Among the riflemen I have met during the past quar- ter of a century, I have obtained the following : — Three parts mutton tallow, one part wax. About a teaspoonful plum- bago to a pint of the melted compound ; cool a little of it, and, if it proves too hard, thin with a little sperm oil. The above formula was used for many years by riflemen at Walnut Hill, who shot lubricated bullets prior to the general adoption of the patched bullet for target shooting, and at the time was considered as good as any thing tried. J. G. B., of Staatsburgh, N.Y. : Vaseline and paraffine, putting in only enough of the paraffine to make the vaseline hard enough to work well on the bullet, — say, use a piece of paraffine about the size of a good-sized duck's egg to one pound of vaseline. There seems to be something about it, writes Mr. B., that suits the rifle barrel, so that you can vary it from soft to hard, more than any other mixture I have ever seen. Both being com- posed of mineral oils, it is also less affected by heat and cold. Col. H. Simpson, an intelligent and expert marksman, wrote to Shooting and Fishing, about a year ago, of the trouble he experienced with lubri- cants; and, by not finding the proper article, his rifle leaded badly. He says : " I tried evervthing I could think of, or that was suggested to me, and took the greatest care in molding my bullets and loading. Still there was no improvement. Being impressed with the thought that the fault lay in 286 ' MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. my lubricant, I resolved to make some experiments, and was advised by a friend to try some of his. After two or three shots my rifle was leaded worse than ever. His lubricant was composed of Japan wax and a small admixture of tallow; and the increased gritty or waxy feeling of the inside of the barrel after the bullet had passed through, strengthened my convic- tion that anything of that nature was not a lubricant, as it does not suffi- ciently reduce friction. I tried softening the wax by adding more and more tallow, until I became convinced that the latter was the true lubricant; so I threw aside the compound, and commenced using pure tallow, which is known among all branches of mechanics as one of the best and most dura- ble of lubricants. My rifle has not leaded since ; and while I clean every ten shots, more from force of habit than anything else, I haven't the least doubt that it would shoot a whole afternoon without cleaning, as every time I clean, the inside of the barrel has a soft, slippery feeling, exactly the opposite of the condition described above, and offers no resistance to the passage of a cleaning rag. " This experience set me to thinking of what caused the leading in the first place, as I had never been troubled with it before to any extent. I had always used the lubricant recommended by the Marlin Arms Co. ; viz., four parts pure tallow to one of beeswax, and when new always found it worked admirably, both winter and summer. Then I remembered that when in a hurry I'had often set the lul)ricant on a very hot part of the stove to melt, and had sometimes smelled a burning odor from it, and the thought flashed upon me that the repeated burning of" the lubricant had con- sumed the lubricating qualities of the tallow, and left the hard waxy sub- stance remaining. Opinions may vary as to the best substance for lubri- cants, but experience so far convinces me that plain tallow, with the addition of a small amount of beeswax in hot weather, is about as good as any. Not that there is much lubricating quality in wax of any kind, but mixture with it will prevent the tallow from running." The above article brought out the following suggestion from the late J. C. Purvis-Bruce : — " Some time ago, in Shooting and Fishing, I noticed a paper on ' lubri- cants ' by H. Simpson, in which he expresses his opinion that plain tallow, with the addition of a small amount of beeswax, is as good as any. It is, perhaps, but I think if he will add a little vaseline {pure, without any scent- ing or coloring or other foreign substance), he will find the lubricant par ex- cellence. It may not do in all guns, but it does splendidly in mine — a .400-bore no grains of powder, 270 grains of lead, hollow copper point express rifle, — and I think it should, in most others. Be sure not to add too much wax, and let it be as pure and as fresh as possible. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, I regard as the finest lubricant in the world." MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 287 Col. Simpson records the results of a trial, prompted by- Mr. Bruce's suggestion, as follows : — " His advice was to add a little vaseline to pure tallow, but I did not fol- low it strictly according to the letter ; for it occurred to me that cosmoline contained precisely the same lubricating qualities, but was firmer and re- tained its colisistency better, and would make a more desirable rifle lubricant. I was not so exact as to weigh the ingredients, but put five cents' worth of cosmoline in a small tin cup of pure tallow, and found it to work finely, 'setting ' quickly, and sticking to the bullet like grim death. Care should be taken not to have the lubricant too hot. I think this mistake is often made. The cup should be set upon the outer edge of the stove, where the lubricant will just melt. I have used this lubricant every week for two months, and often, when two or three friends would be shooting with me and using my rifle, the barrel would become very hot, but there was not the first sign of leading. As a precaution, I cleaned every twenty or thirty shots, but it was really unnecessary, as the inside of the barrel had a perfectly smooth, even greasy, feeling, that betokened absence from any crust or lead- ing. I also use this lubricant in reloading revolver ammunition, and agree with ' Jack ' that it is a lubricant/ar excellence." Mr. F. J. Rabbeth recommends beeswax and cylinder, or other heavy oil, one part oil to four of beeswax. The French Government formerly used a lubricant com- posed of three parts tallow to one part beeswax ; Switzer- land and America, four parts tallow to one of beeswax, and, later, the American metallic cartridges were lubri- cated with a mixture of tallow one part, beeswax eight parts ; finally the Government adopted Japan wax. A number of different mixtures were tried by the govern- ment officers ; namely, tallow and beeswax, Japan wax, and the one which has always given the best results when used at once, sperm oil and beeswax. A good lubricant is com- posed of three parts tallow and two parts beeswax, with enough spindle oil to give the whole a salve-like consist- ency, so that it will not run in hot weather. The use of graphite is good, provided it can be thoroughly mixed with the mass, but it is a dirty mixture and but little used. In 1873, the United States Government conducted a long series of experiments to determine the best calibre 288 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. for adoption for military use. A number of different ways of lubricating the bullet were tried. The best results were obtained by the use of a grooved bullet, lubri- cated in the cannelures with eight parts of bayberry wax and one part graphite ; but the growing scarcity of bay- berry wax led to the final adoption of Japan wax. I have drawn to considerable extent on my scrap-book, in order to exhibit the varied opinions of expert riflemen, and from which, no doubt, riflemen will find an excellent compound. Lubricant is often manufactured by a secret Fig. 196. — Ideal Bullet SIzer. formula and sold in packages. Mr. Reuben Harwood has compounded a mixture which is highly indorsed by those who have given it a trial. Mr. George R. Russell, the expert bullet maker of Boston, has as good a lubricant as I ever tried. When a lubricant has been secured, the rifleman can proceed to lubricate his bullets. One mode is as follows : Take a shallow tray or pan and melt the lubricant, keep- ing it at as even a temperature as possible. Procure a pair of cheap tweezers, with which seize the bullet and dip base forward into the lubricant to a point beyond the first cannelure from the point, after which set on a board to MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 289 cool. There will be a quantity of surplus lubricant on the bullet which it is desirable to remove ; an old way of doing this 'was to force the bullets through a piece of metal tubing, bat provision has been made for this by the Ideal Manufacturing Company in its excellent tool. The operation of sizing the bullet by forcing it through a hole of proper diameter also removes the sur- plus grease. It is particularly desirable to remove all the grease from the base of the bullet. Most riflemen who have a large number of bullets to lubricate, prefer to use a lubricating pump and cold lubricant. One is illustrated which can be made by any skilful me- chanic, and for those who make bullets in large quantities it is an excellent tool to possess. Lubricants deteriorate with age on account of oxidation, and therefore freshly lubricated bullets are superior to those which have been lubricated for a long time. A patched or jacketed bullet is used in Europe for both target and game shooting. In America it is sometimes used for game shooting, and for target shooting with a special military rifle, in which case a disk of lubricant is used, being placed between a thin card wad over the powder and the bullet. With such a load the rifle is not cleaned be- tween shots. The use of the patched bullet for game and military shooting is less each year in this country, but for target shooting with a match rifle, Fig. >97.— Mass. Arms Co.'s Lubricating Pump. 290 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. in most cases where fine shooting is done, the patched bullet is preferred. The object of the patch is to keep the leadirom contact with the barrel, a fact which most marksmen well know. Fig. t98. — Harwood's Bullet Lubricating Pump. Patched bullets for the standard makes and calibres of rifles can be purchased in most of the large cities, but so vari- able are the ideas of riflemen in regard to correctness of the fit of bullets, as well as the difficulty at times in pro- curing the size and weight, with the special thickness of patch, that the practice of making bullets is quite general among expert riflemen. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 29 1 The bullet intended to be covered with a patch is cast without cannelures, and, until recently, was patched almost wholly by wrapping the patch around the bullet. The material for patching bullets for American breech-loading target rifles is generally paper. The Union Metallic Cart- ridge Co,mpany and the Winchester Repeating Arms Com- pany use what is known as Bank Note Bullet Patch Paper, an American product of firm texture. It is usually sup- Fig. 199. — Form for cutting Patches for Bullets. plied in three thicknesses, and the bullets, when patched, are known as thick, medium, and thin patched. Some- times bullets are supplied patched with an extra thin patch. Assuming that a rifleman desires directions for patch- ing bullets, I will commence by describing the patch. The first thing to do is to fit a patch to the bullet ; and it should be shaped so as to go around the bullet twice and not lap over so as to make three thicknesses of paper. When the patch is properly fitted, a disk of metal can be made, which will serve the purpose of cutting out patches in quantity. The accompanying illustration (Fig. 199) shows a device, which often accompanies a first-class English express rifle, for cutting out patches, and which will also show the shape of the most popular form of paper patch. Some riflemen have an arrangement for cutting patches which I believe will be new to many, and which I will illustrate and describe (Fig. 200). Take a piece of clean pine board, about 18 inches long by 10 wide; nail two tacks or nails in this board about an inch from the edge, 292 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. about 12 inches apart, as shown in the illustration. Take a straight edge and draw a line from one nail to the other. Lay one end of the patch fitted to the bullet on this line, and mark the width and length, nailing two more tacks on the lower line. The space between the upper and lower lines represents the length of the patch, the cross extend- ing above the upper and below the lower lines represents the width of the patch. With such an arrangement the Fig. 200. — Device for cutting Patches for Bullets. rifleman can, in a short time, cut patches enough to last him a year or more, and to do this he should proceed as follows : — Take a number of sheets of the patch paper, and, if the edges come together evenly, place them against the two upper tacks ; place a rule against the two lov/er tacks, and with a sharp knife cut across, remove the strip, m^ove up the edge of the paper, and thus cut the patch paper of several sheets' thickness into strips, the width of which represents the length of the bullet patch. After cutting into strips, take a strip, placing it against the two upper tacks, or with the edges on the two horizontal lines ; take the rule, place it even with the first oblique line, and with the knife cut it ; then move the rule to the next line, cut, and so proceed until the entire strip of paper is cut. These pieces should conform to the shape of the single patch fitted to the bullet if the lines in the board are properly laid out and the directions followed. After cutting out the patches, either by the aid of a MOlDEKN AMERICAN RIFLES. 593 metal disk guide or the latter plan, the rifleman can pro- ceed to patch. In factories bullet patching is generally done by girls,- as their nimble fingers seem better adapted to this work than the stronger but less deft ones of the sterner sex. At one time a little paste was used to moisten the end of a patch and make it adhere to the bullet when starting to patch the bullet, but it was soon discovered by expert riflemen that anything which caused the patch to adhere to the bullet after leaving the rifle Fig. 201.— Mode of patching Bullets. was detrimental to good shooting, and paste was forever discarded by intelligent riflemen. Some place the patches in a saucer of water, the wet patch clinging to the bullet. This mode is questioned by some riflemen, as paper will sometimes cling to the bullet after leaving the rifle. Other riflemen wet the tip end of the patch with saliva, and claim to patch the bullet satis- factorily, and still others apply the patch perfectly dry. I know one rifleman who has a world-wide reputation as a marksman, who has twice shot on American teams in England, and whose record in some styles of legitimate shooting has never been equalled, who frequently casts his bullets an hour or two before starting for the rifle range. I have seen him repeatedly patch his bullets in 294 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the cars while travelling from Boston to Walnut Hill, but lately he has taken to patching on the range. He uses one shell which, after firing a shot, he decaps, applies a fresh primer, fills the shell, picks up a bullet, patches it, inserts it in the shell, and goes to the firing point. With Fig. 202.— The Chase System of Patching. three or four shooting on a target, he is able, without hurrying, to keep his place and fire in turn. I mention these facts to show that bullet making and patching bullets is not a very arduous task when the art is acquired. In patching bullets it is usual to place an end of the patch on a bullet, as shown in Fig. 201, and wrap the bullet by rolling the paper from you, or the bullet toward you. The patch extends below the base of the bullet, which is twisted thus holding it. The Chase system of patching, which is used by many expert target shots, is illustrated (Fig. 202). The patch is square, going once around the bullet. The plug in the ball-seater is drawn back, the patch placed in the ball-seater, the bullet inside MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 295 of the patch, after which the bullet with the patch is seated in the rifle-barrel in front of the chamber. This system of patching was originated chiefly to insure the patch parting" from the bullet the moment it left the muzzle of the rifle. It is employed only where one shell is used, reloading after each shot, or where the shells are carried to the range loaded with powder. Riflemen using the system of patching first described,' frequently cut the patch or slit it along the edge, the object being to facilitate its leaving the bullet. My fre- quent allusions to the efforts of the rifleman to insure the patch leaving the bullet will indicate how important a factor this is to secure fine shooting. Patches have been found clinging to the bullets after they have been shot into a bank at the back of paper targets. Factory-made bullets have been found to which the patch was attached so fast as to hold the weight of the bullet, and, in fact, so the patch would have to be torn from the bullet, and part of it left sticking fast to one side of the projectile. Shooting with such bullets is likely to be quite variable. 296 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CHAPTER XXIII. ROUND BULLETS IN MODERN RIFLES. It is astonishing how pertinaciously some individuals will cling to ancient and nearly obsolete ideas connected with rifles and rifle firing. Years ago rifles were made to shoot round bullets and short conical balls, and there are on record many statements as to their excellence. There is a limited range with such projectiles, and the most exhaustive experiments have shown that great care is necessary to secure even good results with a round bullet ; and the advantages of an elongated projectile are so much greater, that little or no attention is given by makers of rifles or ammunition to their manufacture. I have always believed that most of the advocates of the gain twist, and the use of the round bullet in rifles, formed their opinion more from writings of twenty-five to fifty years ago than from actual experiences at the present time. Occasionally, a modern rifleman desires to know the amount of accuracy which can be secured by the use of a round bullet in a modern breech-loading rifle, and if he be a practical rifleman, and essays to gain this infor- mation by actual experiments, according to my observa- tion, he soon becomes convinced that such projectiles had better be relegated to oblivion, and that the modern elon- gated projectile is vastly superior in range, accuracy, and penetration to the spherical ball. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 29/ It cannot be said that a round bullet will not shoot accurately in a rifle, for experiments show that they will ; but to secure satisfactory work they must be shot from a rifle with a very slow twist, and much more care taken in loading than with other forms of projectiles. Even then you cannot surpass the accuracy of an elongated bullet ; you would have only a very short range, and the rifle best suited for shooting round bullets would not shoot modern projectiles well. Very few riflemen of to-day would be willing to accept a rifle which is best suited for shooting round bullets ; in fact, according to my own experiments, the only modern rifles at all suitable for shooting round bullets are those with slow twists, and shooting short, conical bullets. The twist used in express rifles is con- sidered best for round bullets, but the depth of the grooves in such rifles is just the opposite of what most gun makers consider proper for the spherical projec- tiles. The only advantage I could ever see in the use of a round bullet was a low trajectory at short range; but to secure any accuracy a rifle must be used, according to my experiments, which would be quite unreliable with an elongated projectile at a distance most who hunt with a rifle desire to shoot. One can load a breech-loading rifle from the muzzle, if the rifle has a slow twist, and some- times secure very good work up to 150 yards, but I have no use for such an arm in hunting, for a modern rifle with a quick twist will shoot a light elongated bullet so accu- rately as to hit nearly every time an object as small as one can see to sight on with hunting sights, and far finer than a person can hold, besides shooting a heavier bullet with great accuracy. I consider the rifle best suited for shooting a round bullet as obsolete, whether breech or muzzle loader, and a spherical bullet much inferior to a modern elongated pro- jectile. It is evident that those who seek information on -298 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. this subject, recognize the superiority of the elongated projectile, but desire to know what amount of accuracy can be obtained from round bullets in modern rifles with quick twist, chiefly for practice with reduced charges in- doors, or where it is thought undesirable to shoot full charges. I have intermittingly given some attention to experimenting with round bullets in modern breech-loaders, but always came to the conclusion that the modern rifles had better be shot with the ammunition intended for them, and if practice was desired indoors, or at short range, the .22-calibre was much more desirable. I have alluded to loading with round bullets from the muzzle and securing fair results at short range, but most of my experiments were with the balls loaded in the shell, and selected for rifles — a Sharps-Borchardt .45-70 and a U. S. Springfield rifle. Both of these rifles were fine shooting arms, and groups of ten shots on or in a 6-inch circle, at 200 yards, shooting at rest, could be secured with- out much trouble. The Sharps rifle was fitted with a Remington Special Military sight, and the Springfield had the Buffington sight. The shooting was done by an expert rest shot, one who has distinguished himself by his excel- lent work in this style of rest shooting. Bullets were made of pure lead, and of different alloys. Various charges of powder were tried, and the mode of loading as follows : — The shells were primed, and the charges of powder poured into them ; the round bullet placed over the powder, the bullet fitting the shell "snugly, and lubricant distributed evenly around the outside of the bullet, precisely similar to the mode followed in loading shells for revolver ammu- nition for stage or indoor shooting. The target used was the centre of the Standard Ameri- can 200-yard target, and the distance 100 yards ; therefore, any shot outside the four circle would be scored a miss, Seven shots constituted a score. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 299 Following were the results rifle : — first test with Sharps VERTICAL HORIZONTAL POWDER. BULLET. DEVIATION. DEVIATION. REMARKS. INCHES. INCHES, I 20 Sirs. Rifle Ctg. No.'s- Hard. I7i 9 2 shots off target. 2 20 " " 18 8^ 3 20 " (( I9I 14 4 20 « Pure lead. \o\ 7 I shot off. 5 20 " (1 15 9 I " 6 30 " I to 20 12 13 2 " 7 30 " I to 20 I2i 15 2 " 8 30 " Pure lead. I I 10 9 50 " I to 20 7 15 10 50 " " 15 II II 50 " Pure lead. 4 shots on target ; very wild. 12 70 « I to 20 II 14 13 70 " " very wild. 14 70 " Pure lead. 9 II 15 70 " " i6| loi 50 yards, Sharps rifle : — 30 grs. Rifle Cartridge. 30 " 70 " 70 " 50 « 20 " Pure lead. I to 20 Pure lead. VERTICAL HORIZONTAL DEVIATION. DEVIATION. INCHES. INCHES. A\ 4 4f 5 2i 4i \\ If Si 4f 12 9 Note. — Light powder charges fouled at breech of rifle ; heavy charges at muzzle. Bullets extremely sensitive to wind and excessive fouling noticeable. A trial was made with a Springfield rifle, the charge being 70 grains of Rifle Cartridge Powder and a soft lead bullet. The first seven shots were in a 7 J^ -inch circle, four of the shots being in a 4-inch circle. The second series took a 13-inch circle to enclose the shots, but five of them were in a 5^ -inch circle. Third trial in a lo-inch 300 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. circle. Hard bullets were then tried with the same charge of powder, and it required a circle 1 1 J^ inches in diameter to enclose the shots, though six of the shots could be enclosed in a 9-inch circle. A second trial with the same charge required an ii-inch circle to enclose the seven shots. All the shooting with the Springfield rifle was at 100 yards. The only modern rifle I ever succeeded in getting any satisfactory work from was a Maynard .40-60 rifle. This arm had a 26-inch twist, and would shoot a round bullet quite well, but the short conical bullet did so much finer work with half the trouble in loading that I quickly aban- doned the round bullet. The result of my experiments left the impression that round bullets in modern American rifles, even when the bullet of proper size was procured and loaded with the greatest care, would shoot with only very moderate accu- racy up to about 60 yards, and it could not be relied on to do anything like the certainty an elongated projectile could. A round bullet in a modern rifle, according to my experience, will not shoot as accurately as a person can hold the rifle ; therefore, I some time ago concluded that I had no use for anything in the way of a bullet, except an elongated one. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 30I CHAPTER XXIV. MODERN MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING RIFLES. In previous chapters I have alluded to different processes of manufacturing rifles. There is a similarity in the processes, but the machinery employed to accomplish the same results is widely different. An excellent rifle can be produced entirely by hand-power machines ; and some of the machinery employed. at the present time possesses surprising primitiveness. In some establishments the necessary machinery is built by the manufacturers of rifles, and it varies very much. The only concern in the United States making a spe- cialty of building machinery for the manufacture of rifles is the Pratt and Whitney Company of Hartford, Conn. This company has a line of machinery which enables the company to equip an armory with despatch with the latest perfected machinery ; and the illustrations in this chapter show some of the most important machines which are used in a modern rifle factory. Fig. 203 shows a " Barrel Drilling Machine," which is employed to drill rifle and shotgun barrels, hollow spin- dles, etc., up to one-inch bore, and thirty-six inches long. The work revolves while the drills are fed in by the car- riage. Oil is forced through the drills, and carries the chips away from the cut to the pan under the bed. The work is drilled the whole length from one end, and the machine is made double with each half complete in itself, and independent of the other. 302 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. There is a power-feed to this machine, and an automatic knock-off for the carriage ; and the flow of oil can be easily regulated. The countershafts are arranged so that the work-head and oil pump of each half of the machine MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 303 can be operated independently ; and there are cones giving freer speeds for the work spindles. Fig. 204. — Smooth Boring Machine. The countershaft runs 390 revolutions per minute, mak- ing the speeds of work-head 510, 680, 870, and 1,190 Fig. 205. — Barrel Turning IVIachine. revolutions per minute. The capacity of the machine for ordinary rifle barrels is about twelve per day. The Smooth Boring Machine, shown in Fig. 204, is 304 Modern American rieles. designed to finish the bore of barrels after being drilled. The work is clamped in fixtures and reciprocating carriages, which feed the barrels, and square the reamers being driven by the head spindles. This machine is made double, both spindles being driven from the same driving shaft, but operated separately by clutches connected with treadles on the central leg. The carriages are driven from the head driving shaft by a system of racks and gears, the motion being reversed by means of hand levers on the front of the bed. The capacity ^ of the machine is about twenty \ barrels per day. The Pratt and i Whitney Company has, at the \ time of writing, in its works a ^ new model Smooth Boring I Machine, which will have sev- N M eral new features, and be auto- matic in its operation. The " Barrel Turning Ma- chine," Fig. 205, is designed for finishing the outside of gun barrels up to forty inches long. It is a special engine lathe, with former attach- ment, belt feed and carriage arranged to hold as many cross slides as can be used to advantage in each operation. The usual practice is to divide the finishing of the barrel into several distinct operations, each cut being taken on a separate machine set up for the purpose. The machine is very rigid and well built, so that the work is practically interchangeable. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 305 There are three speeds for the spindle, and three varia- tions of feed, and the tools are kept flooded with oil by an oil pump and a convenient system of piping. The rifling machine shown in Fig. 206 is known as the " No. 3 Rifling Machine." It is designed for rifling bar- rels up to .45-calibre and forty inches long, with rifling of any pitch down to one turn in ten inches, and this would 306 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. enable these machines to be used in the manufacture of the new mihtary rifles. The cutter-bar is made to revolve as it advances by a pinion meshing with a rack in a slide, the motion of which is governed by an adjustable angle bar. The carriage has an automatic reciprocating motion, and the cutters are fed out by an adjustable feeding de- vice. An oil pump supplies the cutters with a constant flow of oil, which keeps them cool, and carries away the chips. The machine is arranged so that the operator has full control of it without changing his position. The index provides for cutting three, four, or five grooves, or can be made for any number desired. The capacity of the ma- chine for ordinary rifle barrels is about twenty per day, and is automatic throughout. The " Gun Stock Turning Machine," Fig. 207, is de- signed to finish the outside of gun-stock to the desired form in one operation. There are two spindles geared from the same driving shaft, one for the work and the other for the former. The cutter and former roll are on a rocking frame, the roll being held against the former by a clock-spring arrangement. The driving and feed are both operated by clutches on the machine without stop- ping the countershafts. The carriage has an automatical reciprocating travel of nineteen inches. The feed screw and cutter spindle are driven from a shaft below, and the work and former spindles are driven directly from the countershaft. There are two countershafts. One runs sixty-five revolutions per minute, driving the work thirty revolutions per minute, the other two 'hundred and eight, driving the cutter three thousand revolutions per minute. RULES GOVERNING RIFLE SHOOTING. REGULATIONS OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA. I. — MANAGEMENT. ■ANNUAL MEETINGS. 1. Annual meetings for competition will be conducted by an Executive Officer, wearing a b-i-coloi-ed badge, aided by a Statis- tical Officer, wearing a blue badge, a Financial Officer, wearing a white badge, a Range Officer, wearing a red badge, and assist- ants, wearing badges corresponding in color to those worn by the chiefs of their respective departments. 2. The Executive Officer shall have control of the Range for the conduct of matches, and shall appoint an adjutant to assist him. 3. The Statistical Officer shall have charge of all statistics. 4. The Financial Officer shall have charge of all finances connected with these meetings. 5. The Range Officer shall have charge of all Firing Points, and of the shooting thereat. B. — OTHER COMPETITIONS. I. All other • Association competitions will be conducted by an Officer or Director of the Association, or other competent person previously designated as the Executive Officer. In the absence of the Officer, Director, or other person previously des- ignated, the Assistant Secretary or Superintendent of Range shall act as the Executive Officer. 309 3IO MODERN AMERICAN RIELES.] II. — GENERAL REGULATIONS. 1. During the progress of a match, no one, except the Offi- cers, Directors, and Employees of the Association, the competi- tors and the Scorelveepers, will be permitted within the ropes, without special permission of the Range Officer. 2. The squads of competitors will be stationed not less than four yards in rear of the firing points, where each competitor must remain until called by the Scorekeeper to take his posi- tion at the firing point, and until he has completed his score. The Scorekeepers will be seated close to and in rear of the firing point stakes. 3. Scorekeepers shall, as each shot is signalled, call in a loud voice the name of the competitor and the value of the shot, and at the conclusion of the score of each competitor, announce in like manner his name and total score. Competitors must pay attention to the scores as announced and recorded^ so that any error may be promptly investigated. Scorekeepers shall write upon the blackboard the names of the competitors in each squad or file, in the order in which they are to fire. They shall record each shot upon the blackboard before entering it upon the score card, and shall not erase from the blackboard the names or scores of competitors until a proper officer has verified the score cards with them. 4. All competitors will be allowed to examine the records of the Scorekeeper during the progress of any match upon appli- cation to the Range or Executive Officer. 5. All protests and objections must be made to the Executive Officer, or, in his absence, to the Range Officer in charge. In case a competitor is dissatisfied with the decision of the latter, he may appeal to the Executive Officer. All protests must be made in writing, in duplicate. These must be given to the Range Officer within two hours of the occurrence. One copy of the protest will be submitted to the party protested against, as soon as practicable. Except that when the protest charges fraud, it may be made at any time before the prizes for that competition have been awarded. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 3II 6. Any competitor feeling himself aggrieved by the ruling of an Executive Officer may make to the Secretary a statement of his grievance in writing, giving the names of two or more wit- nesses in the case, which shall be handed to the Executive Committee at its first meeting thereafter for its consideration. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final, sub- ject, however, to the discretion of said Committee, or any two members of it, to refer the matter to the Board of Directors for its decision. 7. All practice upon the Range is subordinate and must give way to matches of the Association, except as directed by the Executive Officer or Range Committee. 8. These regulations, and such special rules or directions as the Executive Officer may give, must be rigidly complied with by competitors and all other persons upon the Range grounds. III. — RIFLES. The rifles allowed in the competitions are — ist, Military rifles ; 2d, Special Military rifles ; 3d, Any rifles, and must com- ply with the following conditions ; viz. : — 1. Military Rifles to be such as have been adopted by the United States Government, for use in the army, or by any State or Territory for the use of its uniformed militia — except such rifles as have been specially issued to sharpshooters, or for ex- perimental purposes. Filing or altering the sights of such rifles, except as authorized by the proper military authorities, is strictly prohibited. 2. Special Military Rifles, to be fitted with an arrange- ment for fixing a bayonet, or such other device as may be employed to take the place of a bayonet. Stock to be suffi- ciently strong for service purposes, and to be fitted with a metal cleaning rod and swivels for a sling ; weight (without bayonet) not to exceed nine and one-quarter pounds. In all military rifles the minimum trigger pull shall be six pounds. Sights may be such as are allowed on military rifles or of such other pat- tern as may have been approved by the Board of Directors of 312 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. the National Rifle Association. The sight protector of the front sight may be used as a shade for the same. 3. Any Rifle, maximum weight ten pounds, minimum pull of trigger three pounds ; sights of any description, except tele- scope, magnifying and such front aperture sights as solid disks or bushes pierced in the centre, which cover the target so as to conceal the danger signal when displayed. No stirrup con- structed of metal or other substance, connected to the rifle by straps of any kind, for the purpose of taking up or lessening its recoil, will be allowed. 4. The usual military sling and swivels may be used. 5. Competitors shall submit their rifles and ammunition for inspection whenever required. 6. No hair or set trigger will be allowed. 7. No fixed or artificial rests will be allowed. IV. —AMMUNITION. For any military or special military rifle, any form of fixed ammunition may be used in which the bullet is securely in- serted in the shell to a depth not less than f the diameter of the bore, so that the cartridge may be carried in a belt, bullet down. For any rifle, any ammunition may be used. When a breech- loader is used it must not be loaded, or when a muzzle-loader is used it must not be capped until the competitor has taken up his position at the firing point. v. — TARGETS. The targets are divided into three classes, and shall be of the following sizes, unless otherwise stated in the terms of the match : — I. Third Class, to be used at all distances up to, and includ- ing, 300 yards — Target 4x6 feet. Bullseye, circular, 8 inches in diameter. Centre, " 26 " " Inner, '' 46 " " Outer, remainder of target. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 313 2. Second Class, to be used at all distances over 300, to, and including, 600 yards — Target 6x6 feet. Bullseye, circular, 22 inches in diameter. Centre, " 38 " " Inner, " 54 " " ' Outer, remainder of target. 3. Fij'st Class, to be used at all distances over 600 yards Target 6x12 feet. Bullseye, circular, 36 inches in diameter. Centre, " 54 " " Inner, square, 6x6 feet. Outer, remainder of target. VI. — MARKING, SCORING, & SIGNALLING. I, Bullseye, counts 5 ; signal, white circular disk. Centre, " 4;' " red " Inner, " 3 ; " white and black " Outer, " 2; " black Ricochet, scored R; " red flag waved twice, right and left, in front of the target. Ricochet hits will be marked out after the flag signal. 2. When a shot strikes the angle iron upon which the target stands, the marker will open the trap and raise and lower his flag three times in front of the target. 3. Any objection to the record of a shot as signalled or to one not signalled, must be made before another shot is fired. Any competitor challenging the marking of a shot, shall first deposit with the E.xecutive Officer, or his representative, the sum of $1.00. If his challenge is sustained the money shall be re- turned. In case the challenge is not sustained, the money shall be forfeited to the Association. The challenger shall not be permitted to inspect the target. 4. When two shots strike the target simultaneously, the shot having the higher value will be marked first, and the competitor whose proper turn it was to shoot will be credited with that value. 314 ' MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 5. Any alteration of a scoring ticket must be witnessed by the officer in chiarge of the firing point, and indorsed with his initials, VII. — BULLSEYE TARGETS. 1. Bullseye targets will be open all the time during the Annual Meetings. 2. Tickets (entitling the holder to one shot at any Bullseye target) will be sold at the office of the Financial Officer, upon the Range, at 10 cents each, or twelve for $1.00. 3. Each competitor making a Bullseye will receive a Bulls- eye ticket, provided he fires in the position authorized at that Range. 4. At the close of the firing each evening, the pool receipts (less one-half retained for expenses) will be divided pro rata among those making Bullseyes, on presentation of their tickets. 5. No person will be allowed to fire more than three shots consecutively at any Bullseye target, provided others are wait- ing to fire. VIIL — MATCHES. 1. The commencement of the Annual Meetings will be sig- nalled by the firing of a gun, or blowing a horn at intervals of fifteen minutes. The first will be the signal for competitors and scorekeepers to assemble at the firing points, and the sec- ond to commence firing. 2. The matches will take place, if possible, at the hour pre- viously named. Any deviation from the programmes will be posted upon the Bulletin-board as long beforehand as practi- cable. The posting upon such BuUethi-board will be considered sufficient fiotice to all competitors of evo'ything so posted. It should be examined by all competitors daily, both morning and after- noon, before the shooting commences. 3. In team matches, at Annual Meetings, an officer will be assigned to each of the firing points as Supervisor, and will, in connection with the Scorekeeper, keep a record of the firing ; and any disagreement between such Officer and Scorekeeper will MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 3 I 5 be decided by the Executive Officer, subject to appeal, as pro- vided for in the Regulations. 4. Each Team may appoint a responsible person to act as Supervisor, whose duty it shall be to see that the rules of the N. R. A. are strictly adhered to by the team at whose target he may be assigned. 5. No practice will be allowed upon the Range on any of the days of the Annual Meetings, unless specially authorized by the Executive Officer, This does not apply to days upon which special matches of the Association, or of affiliating associations or clubs, take place. IX. — ENTRIES. A. — ANNUAL MEETINGS. 1. In all cases competitors for prizes offered to military or- ganizations must be either officers or regularly enlisted mem- bers in good standing of the Regiment, Battalion, Company, or Troop which they represent, and shall have been such for at least three months prior to the match for which they are entered. 2. Entries must be made at the office of the Association, in New York Cit}', prior to the Sunday preceding the commence- ment of the meetings, and all subsequent entries shall be called Post Entries, and a charge of 25 per cent additional will be imposed upon all such Post Entries. This does not apply to re-entry matches. 3. Competitors who are prevented from being present at any meeting shall have the entrance fees they have paid returned after the meeting, provided that they send their tickets, and give written notice to the Secretary before the day on which the prize for which they have entered has been announced for competition. '4. Competitors prevented from competing by illness will receive back their entrance fees in full, on production of a medical certificate and their entry tickets. 5. The holders of post entry tickets may be ordered to fire whenever target accommodations can be provided, but should 3l6 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. they be precluded from competing by deficiency of target accommodation, their entrance fees will be returned to them, the Executive Officer not being able to guarantee accommoda- tion for all such entries. 6. All entries are received upon the express condition that the competitor is to appear at the firing point at the exact time named upon his score card, and complete his score within the limitation of time prescribed, regardless of weather or any other cause. 7. The same person shall not be a member of more than one team in the same match. 8. Competitors selected to shoot in team matches, or who are detailed to shoot off a tie, at a particular hour, and who find that such engagements will interfere with their shooting in other competitions, must at once communicate with the Executive Officer. These cases will be provided for, when possible^ by altering the hour ; and when that cannot be done, the entry will be cancelled and the entrance fee refunded, except in cases of ties, when he takes the next lowest prize. B. GENERAL REGULATIONS. I 1. A register ticket may be transferred at any time before the firing for the match has commenced, by exchanging it at the office of the Statistical Officer for one having the name of the new holder. It is available only for the hour and target for which it was originally issued. Any erasure or alteration of hour or target not initialed by the Executive Officer will render the ticket invalid. 2. No post entries shall be received for any competition after the firing in such competition has commenced, unless expressly permitted by the terms of a match. X.— SHOOTING. I. Competitors must be present at the firing points punctually at the time stated upon their tickets, or forfeit their right to shoot. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 317 2. After a competitor has joined a squad he shall not quit it until he has completed his firing, or retired. 3. No two competitors squadded to fire at the same time shall shoot with the same rifle. 4. In all competitions confined to members of military- organizations, competitors shall shoot in a uniform, to consist of a military head-dress, uniform jacket or coat, and a body belt, to be worn as is usual in their corps. 5. In each match of the Annual Meetings, except where otherwise stated, the squad or team assigned to each target will be required to commence firing at the time named on the score card, and to continue firing at the rate of one shot per minute until the completion of the score. 6. The time for each squad to commence and close, will be signalled by firing a gun or blowing a horn every thirty minutes, from 9 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. ; and no firing by any of its members will be permitted except between those signals. In case a competitor, without fault on his part, has been prevented from finishing his score within that time, he may apply to the Execu- tive Officer for further assignment, the granting of which will be in the discretion of that officer. 7. Competitors retiring from matches forfeit all claims therein. 8. No sighting shots will be allowed in any jnatch, but targets will be assigned as Bullseye Ta?'gets at which competitors may practice at any time, provided such practice does not interfere with their presence at the designated time at the firing point to which they may have been assigned, or in case of teams, after the hour named for the commencement of their shooting. 9. In all competitions restricted to military rifles, the com- petitors shall place themselves at the firing point by twos, and shall fire alternately until they have fired all their shots. 10. In other competitions the competitors shall fire their shots alternately throughout the squad. 11. No rifle shall be cleaned or wiped out, except between ranges, unless specially allowed by the terms of the match, 3l8 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 12. Whenever the danger signal is displayed, competitors about to fire will be required to open the breech block of their rifles (if breech-loaders). If they leave the firing point they must withdraw the cartridge. 13. Any competitor delaying his squad, will be passed by. In no case will the firing be delayed to enable a competitor to procure a rifle. 14. Competitors must shoot their scores at different distances, in the order named in the conditions of the competition. 15. In all competitions, unless otherwise provided by their terms, competitors will be allowed one minute to each shot. 16. Warming shots must be fired into the bank between the targets. XI. — POSITION. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THE TERMS OF THE MATCH, SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS : 1. In all matches (except those specially for carbines), the position up to and including 300 yards, shall be standing. The elbow may be rested against the body. 2. In carbine matches, the position at 200 yards shall be standing ; at 300 yards, kneeling or sitting ; over that distance, any position (as prescribed for infantry). 3. In all other matches, at distances above 300 yards, any position may be taken without artificial rest to the rifle or body. 4. One-armed competitors will be allowed to use false arms without extra support, in the standing, sitting, and kneeling positions. 5. In all cases the rifle shall be held clear of the ground. XII. — TIES. I. Ties shall be decided as follows ; — A. — IN INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING. I. When the firing takes place at more than one distance, by the total score made at the longest distance ; and if still a tie, MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 319 and there be three distances in the competition by the total score at the second distance. 2. By the fewest outers in the entire score. 3. By the fewest inners in tlie entire score. 4. In handicap matches (after the preceding), by the fewest CENTRES in the entire score. 5. li still a tie, by inverse order of shots, counting singly from the last to the first. 6. In matches where two or more scores added together count, if still a tie, by adding together the last shots of each single score, and if still a tie, by adding together the next to the last and so on. 7. By firing three shots at the longest range, and if still a tie, by firing single shots until the tie is decided. B. IN TEAM SHOOTING. 1. By the aggregate total scores made at the different dis- tances in inverse order. 2. By the fewest outers in the entire score. 3. By the fewest inners in the entire score. 4. By the total of each round in inverse order. 5. By the competitor on each side who has made the highest score, firing five rounds at the longest distance. c. — in handicap matches. I. In case of ties in handicap matches, the handicap shall be added to the first shot or shots scored below a bull. IT. The names of competitors who have to shoot off ties will be posted on the Bulletin-board as soon after each match as practicable. III. When the ties are shot off, one sighting shot shall be allowed without charge. IV. Competitors not present at the firing points at the hour named for shooting off ties, lose their right to shoot. 320 MODERN AMERICAN RTFLES. V. If, having forfeited their right to compete, they shall still be within the number of prize winners, they shall take any prize that may be allotted to them by the Executive Committee. XIII. — PRIZES. 1. Unless otherwise specified, no competitor will be allowed to take more than one prize in any competition. 2. Prize winners, upon application to the Statistical Officer on the Range, will receive certificates, which must be given up on receiving the prizes. 3. Prizes will be delivered on the Range at the close of the meeting, under direction of the Prize Committee, unless other- wise specified. 4. Any trophy competed for annually must be delivered to the Secretary of the National Rifle Association, by the organi- zation or individual holding it, at least one week before the opening of the meeting at which it is again to be competed for. 5. All prizes and Bullseye money not claimed within thirty days after the day on which the same was won, shall be for- feited to the Association. XIV. — PENALTIES. Competitors must make themselves acquainted with the regu- lations, as well as with the conditions of any match for which they may have entered, as the plea of ignorance of either of them will not be entertained. DISQUALIFICATION. Any competitor — {a) — Who shall fire in a name other than that under which he entered, or who shall fire twice for the same prize, unless permitted by the conditions of the competition to do so; or — (V) — Who shall be guilty of any conduct considered by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee as discreditable ; or — (r) — Who shall be guilty of falsifying his score or being accessory thereto ; or — ■ MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 32 1 (^) — Who shall offer a bribe of any kind to an employee — shall, upon the occurrence being proved to the satisfaction of the Board o! Directors or the Executive Committee, forfeit all his entrance fees, be forever disqualified from competing at any time upon the Range of the Association, and shall not be enti- tled to have any prize won by him at the time of meeting awarded to him. EXCLUSION FROM FURTHER COMPETITION. 1. Any competitor who shall be detected in an evasion of the conditions prescribed for the conduct of any match, shall be ruled out of such competition, 2. Any competitor, in any meeting or match, refusing to obey any instructions of the Executive Officer, or his assistants, or violating any of these regulations, or being guilty of disorderly conduct, or being intoxicated, will be immediately ruled out of all further competitions during such meeting or match, and for- feit his entrance fees ; and may also be reported to the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and be by them dis- qualified from the use of the Range. 3. Any competitor firing when the danger flag or trap disk is shown at the target or firing point, or knowingly discharging his rifle except at a target to which he has been assigned, or into the blowing-off pits, or as may be directed by an Officer, shall be debarred from all further competitions during the meeting, and shall forfeit his entrance fees. This shall not apply to a competitor accidentally firing at the wrong target, when no danger disk is up. 4. Any person discharging a rifle or snapping a cap within the enclosure, except in accordance with the regulations for shoot- ing, may, at the discretion of the Executive Officer, be required to leave the ground. 5. Any competitor or other person found with a loaded rifle, except at the firing points and when about to shoot, shall be debarred from further competition during that meeting or com- petition. 322 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 6. Any person, whether a competitor or not, interfering with any of the firing squads, or annoying them in any way, will be at once expelled from the ground, 7. Any competitor discharging his rifle accidentally, either by his own want of care, or by reason of any defect in the rifle, maybe disqualified from further competition in the match at the discretion of the Executive Ofiicer. 8. Should a competitor lose his register ticket, omit to take it to the firing point, fail to attend at the prescribed hour, or give a wrong ticket, and so by his own neglect miss the oppor- tunity given to him of competing for the prize for which his ticket was issued, his claim in regard to such competition shall be cancelled. 9. Any person firing on a wrong target will be reported by the scorer to the Executive or Range Ofiicer present, and will be fined $1.00, or be debarred from further competition; or both, in the discretion of the Executive Officer. 10. Any competitor, who, after taking up his position for shooting and in proceeding to adjust his sights or change his position, shall not hold his rifle vertically, or with the muzzle towards the target, will be fined $1.00. 11. Any person ruled out of any meeting or competition shall forfeit all entrance fees. XV, 1. All regulations heretofore adopted and inconsistent here- with, are hereby repealed. 2. Any of these regulations may be temporarily suspended or changed at any time by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee, 3. These regulations shall take effect immediately. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 323 BY-LAWS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS RIFLE ASSOCIATION. I. — NAME AND OBJECT. This Association shall be called The Massachusetts Rifle Association. Its object shall be to promote rifle practice in Massachusetts. II. — OFFICERS. The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and a Board of fifteen Directors. The officers shall be chosen annually by ballot by the members of the Association, — with the exception of the President, who shall be chosen by the Directors from their own number, — and shall hold their offices for one year, and until others are chosen in their stead. The Directors shall also choose a counsellor, executive officers, and statistical officers, to hold their offices during the pleasure of the Board. III. — MANAGEMENT. 1. The Board of Directors shall control the affairs of the Association, take cognizance of all infractions of the Charter and By-Laws, and fill vacancies which may occur in the offices of the Association, until the time of the next annual meeting. 2. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of five members. 3. The Board of Directors shall, for their government, from time to time, make by-laws, rules, and regulations, and shooting- 324 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. rules for the government of the Association, not inconsistent with these By-Laws. 4. The interpretation of the Rules and By-Laws shall rest with the Board of Directors. 5. Any Director may at any time examine the records of the Secretary, or inspect the accounts of the Treasurer. 6. The following Standing Committees, each to consist of three members, shall be elected by the Directors, during the month of January, in each year, or as soon thereafter as may be: — Finance Committee, Range Committee, Membership Com- mittee, Prize Committee, Team Match Committee, and Glass Ball Committee. The Directors shall also choose at the same time four mem- bers, who, with the President, shall constitute an Executive Committee. IV. — DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 1. The President of the Association, or, in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents, shall authorize the call of all meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall call special meetings of the Association at the request of four of the Board of Directors, or of ten members of the Association. He shall have the right, ex-officio, to be present at meetings of the committees. 2. The Secretary of the Association shall notify each mem- ber of the Board of Directors of all its meetings, and each member of the Association of every meeting of the Associa- tion ; issue all other authorized notices to members ; post on the Range a copy of all new rules made by the Directors ; make and keep a true record of all meetings of the Directors, and of the Association ; have custody of the books and papers, and the corporate seal of the Association, and conduct all correspondence. 3. The Treasurer shall collect and have charge of the funds of the Association, and pay such bills as shall have been approved by the Finance Committee. He shall keep account of his transactions, and make a detailed report thereof, with MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 325 vouchers annexed, when required by the Directors, and an annual report to the Association at its annual meeting. He shall give boirds in such sum as shall be fixed by the Directors, 4. The Statistical Officer shall keep a record of the statistics of the Association, and account and pay over to the Treasurer, weekly, all moneys received by him, less his disbursements in the various matches of the Association, with schedules giving an itemized account of the same, and shall be accountable to the Treasurer for all score cards and other tickets received by him for the use of the Association. He shall direct the ser- vices of the clerical employees at the meetings for competition. 5. The Finance Committee shall have the general supervision of the finances of the Association. They shall, from time to time, examine the accounts of the Treasurer and Statistical Officer, and recommend such methods in keeping the same as may seem for the interest of the Association. No obligations of the Association, beyond those necessary for current wants, shall be made until the Finance Committee shall have con- sidered and reported upon the necessity and propriety of the plan proposed. 6. The Range Committee shall have charge of the Range, and all the property of the Association connected therewith. They shall keep the Range supplied by the purchase of all necessary articles for the use of the Range-keeper and the Markers. They shall audit all claims and bills against the Association for labor on and supplies used at the Range. But this committee shall have no power to make contracts or pur- chases in the name of the Association, for anything more than the usual supplies, unless authorized by a formal vote of the Board of Directors. They shall appoint a Range-keeper, Markers, and such other assistants as may be necessary, and direct their services. They shall require the Range-keeper to make returns of the property in his charge, — which returns shall be examined and indorsed by the committee or its chair- man, and presented to the Board of Directors. They shall make such temporary rules and regulations for the use of the grounds and the targets as shall seem necessary. They shall generally do and perform everything needful to protect the 326 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. interests of the Association and secure a successful manage- ment of the Range. 7. The Executive Committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Association, not inconsistent with the powers and duties of other officers and committees as set forth, and shall report their action to the Directors for approval. They shall inquire into and report upon all infractions of the rules and regulations of the Association by any of its members, and recommend action thereon. v. — THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 1. The stated meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held on the first Tuesday of each month. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President, or, in his absence, by one of the Vice-Presidents, and shall be called by either of them upon the request of three members. 2. All special committees for any purpose shall be appointed by the presiding officer, unless otherwise ordered. 3. Any member of the Board, who shall, in its opinion, conduct himself in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Association, may be removed from the Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of all the members of the Board, at any stated meeting, provided the member accused shall have, at least ten days previously, been personally notified, in writing, of the charges against him, and a hearing given him thereon at a stated meeting therein specified. 4. Neglect on the part of any Director to attend six succes- sive meetings of the Board shall be deemed a tender of the resignation of his office. But the Board may excuse any mem- ber for such neglect, and, before his resignation is accepted, under this By-Law, the member in default must be specially notified of the same. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 327 VI. — MEMBERSHIP. Any person giving his name, age, and address, shall, upon paying the sum of ten dollars, become a member of the Asso- ciation, subject to the right of the Board of Directors to reject his name and return his fee, in case they shall deem it required by the interests of the Association. VII. — RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS. 1. All members of the Association shall be entitled to equal rights and privileges. 2. All members shall subscribe to the By-Laws. 3. The annual dues shall be three dollars, payable in advance on the first day of January in each year, and if the dues of any member shall remain unpaid for three months thereafter, said membership may be declared void by the Board of Directors. 4. Any member can become a member for life by the pay- ment, in one sum, of twent3^-five dollars, and shall thereafter be exempt from all dues and assessments. 5. Any member who may refuse to pay any indebtedness to the Association, on demand, shall forfeit his membership in the Association, and cannot be reinstated in such membership, except by vote of the Board of Directors, and payment of all arrears. 6. No member shall be allowed to transfer his rights of membership. 7. Any member whose conduct shall be pronounced, by vote of the Board of Directors, as endangering, or likely to endanger, the welfare, interest, or character of the Association, shall forfeit his membership. Such vote shall not be taken without giving two weeks' notice to the offender of the charges made against him, and affording him an opportunity of being heard in his defence. 8. Any member having complaints or suggestions to make as to the management of the Association must do so, in writ- ing, to the Directors. 328 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 9. No member shall take any property whatever, belonging to the Association, from its rooms or grounds, except on the authority of a resolution of the Directors. 10. Any member wishing to resign shall make his resigna- tion, in writing, to the Secretary. 11. All rights and interest of a member in the property and privileges of the Association shall cease with the termination of his membership. 12. The scores made by the members shall be recorded in such manner as the Board of Directors shall, from time to time, prescribe. In case of a challenge given to, or received from, other marksmen, the representatives of the Association shall be selected by the Team Committee. 13. Non-members may be permitted to use the Range under such restrictions, and on payment of such amount, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. The Range shall be free to members at such times as may be fixed by the Board ; at other times each shooting party must pay such rates of target hire as may be established by the Board of Directors. Provided, That no targets shall be let to shooting parties on match-days of the Association, except at the discretion of the Executive Officer. 14. No betting shall be allowed on the grounds of the Association. VIIL — MEETINGS. 1. The members of the Association shall hold an annual meeting on the second Tuesday of January in each year, and such special meetings as may be called pursuant to these By- Laws. If the annual meeting shall not take place at the time fixed, it shall be held as soon after as convenient, and the officers and Directors whose term of office shall have expired shall hold over until their successors shall have been appointed. 2. Fifteen members present at a general or special meeting shall form a quorum for the transaction of business. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 329 IX. — AMENDMENT OF THE BY-LAWS. Any proposition to amend these By-Laws shall be submitted in writing, with the signatures of the persons proposing the same, to the Board of Directors ; the Board shall consider it at their next meeting, and submit it to the Association at its next meeting, notice being given to all members of the purport of the proposition. A two-thirds vote of all members present shall then be required for the adoption of the proposed amendment. 330 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. RULES GOVERNING COMPETITIONS. I. — MANAGEMENT, 1. All meetings for competitions will be conducted by an Executive Officer, aided by a Statistical Officer and Assistants. 2. The Executive Officer shall have control of the Range for the conduct of matches, and shall give such directions to the employees of the Association as in his judgment are neces- sary for the proper management of the same, and for the pres- ervation of order. 3. The Executive Officer and his assistants are required to see that the regulations, and such directions as the Executive Officer may give, are rigidly complied with by competitors and all other persons upon the Range. 4. They will see that the squads of competitors are stationed in rear of firing points, and that each competitor remains there until called by the scorekeeper to take his position at the firing point. The scorekeepers will be seated in rear of the firing points. 5. Scorekeepers shall, as each shot is signalled, call in a loud voice the name of the competitor and the value of the shot, and, at the conclusion of the score of each competitor, announce in like manner his name and total score. 6. All competitors shall be allowed to examine the records of the scorekeeper during the progress of the match, but in such a manner as not to interfere with, or inconvenience, the score- keeper. 7. Any competitor feeling himself aggrieved by the ruling of the Executive Officer or of the Statistical Officer, may make the MODERN AMERICAN' RIFLES. 33 1 Secretary a statement of his grievance in writing, which shall be handed ai once to the Executive Committee for its consid- eration. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final, subject, however, to the discretion of said committee, or any two members of it, to refer the matter to the board of Directors'for its decision. IL — RIFLES. The rifles allowed in the competitions are : ist, Military rifles ; 2d, Special Military rifles; 3d, Any rifles, — and must comply with the following conditions, viz. : — 1. Military Rifles, to be such as have been adopted by the United States Government, for use in the army, or by any State or Territory for the use of its uniformed militia, except such rifles as have been specially issued to sharp-shooters or for experimental purposes. Filing or altering the sights of such rifles, except as authorized by the proper military authorities, is strictly prohibited. 2. Special Military Rifles, to be fitted with an arrangement for fixing a bayonet or such other device as may be employed to take the place of a bayonet. Stock to be sufficiently strong for service purposes, and to be fitted wtth a metal cleaning rod and swivels for a sling ; weight (without bayonet) not to exceed nine and one-quarter pounds. In all military rifles the minimum trigger pull shall be six pounds. Sights may be such as are allowed on military rifles, or of such other pattern as may have been approved by the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association. The sight protector of the front sight may be used as a shade for the same. 3. Any Rifle, maximum weight ten pounds, minimum pull of trigger three pounds ; sights of any description, except tele- scope, magnifying, and such front aperture sights as solid disks or bushes pierced in the centre, which cover the target so as to conceal the danger signal when displayed. No stirrup con- structed of metal or other substance, connected to the rifle by straps of any kind, for the purpose of taking up or lessening its recoil, will be allowed. 332 Modern American rifles. 4. The Usual military sling and swivels may be used. 5. Competitors shall submit their rifles and ammunition for inspection whenever required. 6. No hair or set trigger will be allowed. 7. No fixed or artificial rests will be allowed. 8. 3, 6, and 7 do not apply to rest-matches. III. — TARGETS. The targets, commonly known as Creedmoor targets, shall be divided into three classes, as follows : — 1. First Class, to be used at all distances over 600 yards. Target, 6 X 12 feet, Bullseye, circular, 36 inches in diameter. Centre, " 54 Inner, square, 6 feet X 6 feet. Outer, " 6 feet X 12 feet. 2. Second Class, to be used at all distances over 300 to and including 600 yards. Target, 6x6 feet. Bullseye, circular, 22 inches in diameter. Centre, " 38 " " Inner, " 54 " " Outer, the remainder of the target. 3. Third Class, to be used up to and including 300 yards. Target, 4X6 feet. Bullseye, circular, 8 inches in diameter. Centre, "26 " " Inner, " 46 " " Outer, square, 4X6 feet. The following described targets are recognized, and may be used on any occasion ordered by the Directors : — MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES, 333 Count 12. II. lO. 9- 8. 7- 6. 5- 4- 3- 2. MASSACHUSETTS TARGET, 4X6 FEET. Bullseye, circular, 4 in. diam. ) Cn " " 8 " " ) Bu Creedmoor llseye. I2>^ " 17 " " 2I>^ " " 26 " " 31 " " 36 " " 41 " " 46 " " 4X6 feet. Centre. Inner Outer. Count 12. II. 10. 9- 8. 7- 6. 5- 4- 3- 2. I. " RING TARGET," 2X2 FEET. Bullseye, circular, 2 inches diam. 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 ." . " GERMAN RING TARGET. Bullseye, 12 inches. The whole target, including bullseyes, divided into circles ^ inch apart, the centre circle being i^ inches and counting from 25 down to i. STANDARD AMERICAN TARGET, 4X6 FEET. Bullseye, circular, 3.36 inches diam. Count 10. 9- 8. 7- 6. 5- 4- 3- 2. I. 5-54 8 00 II 00 14 80 19 68 26. CO 34 22 46 00 4 X 6 feet 334 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. CARTONS FOR REST SHOOTING. Count 12. Circular 1.41 inches diam. " II. " 2.33 " " IV. — MARKING, SCORING, AND SIGNALLING. The value of shots on Massachusetts, Ring, and Standard American targets is shown on a clock-face dial placed near the target, and the location of shot by a small disk placed over the bullet-hole. 1. On Creedmoor target. Bullseye counts 5 ; signal, white circular disk. Centre counts 4 ; signal, red circular disk. Inner counts 3 ; white and black signal, disk. Outer counts 2 ; signal, black disk. Ricochet counts R ; signal, red flag waved twice, right and left, in front of the target. Ricochet hits will be marked out after the flag signal. Shots on the wrong target, if not scored, will be marked %. The carton (count 6) on first-class target is 22 inches ; on second-class targets 1 1 inches. 2. When a shot strikes any part of a target outside of the boundary of the " Outer," a square red disk will be raised and lowered in front of the bullseye twice. Such shot is termed an "Angle-iron," and will be marked A. 3. Challenges will only be permitted at the discretion of the Executive Officer, and the challenging party must deposit fifty cents, to be forfeited in case the challenge proves unfounded. The Executive Officer may, in his discretion, challenge the marking of any shot the allowance of which would be unjust to other competitors, and correct the score accordingly. 4. Any objection to the scoring of a shot as signalled, or to one not signalled, must be made before another shot shall have been fired on the same target. 5. Scorers will, in cases where two disks of differing value are shown for one shot, record the value of the one first shown ; but it shall be the right of the shooter to challenge the scoring (without being required to deposit), and the Executive Officer may decide upon the evidence the actual value of the shot. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 335 Where two shots strike the target simultaneously, the shooter shall have scored to him the shot of the higher value. 6. Any alteration of a scoring-ticket must be witnessed by an officer in charge of the firing point, and indorsed with his initials. 7. Double entries are prohibited, no shot being allowed to count in more than one match. 8. No sighting shots shall be allowed except on targets specially designated for that purpose by the Executive Officer, and in no case on targets on which a match is in progress, unless in an emergency, to be decided by the Executive Officer 9. Unfinished scores shall be considered worthless after hav- ing been withdrawn from the scorer, and no shots can be claimed under or by virtue of the same after having been so withdrawn. 10. No scorer is allowed to have at one time more than one score card for each shooter (except at trap-shooting), and no shooter is allowed to shoot without having an unfinished score card deposited with the scorer. v. — POSITION. 1. In all matches the position up to and including three hundred yards shall be standing. The elbow may be rested against the body. 2. At distances above three hundred yards any position may be taken without artificial rests to the rifle or body. VI. — TIES. Ties shall be decided as follows, viz. : — A. At more than one distance, whether by individuals or teams : — 1. By the score at the longest distance. 2. By the score at next longest distance. 3. By the fewest misses. 4. By the fewest outers. 336 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 5. By the fewest inners. 6. By the fewest centres. 7. By the inverse order of shots, from last to first, as actually fired. 8. In individual shooting, by firing single shots at the longest distance ; in team shooting, by firing one shot by each man at the longest distance. B. At one distance, whether by individuals or teams : — 1. By the fewest misses, outers, etc., as per foregoing Rule A, 3 to 7, inclusive. 2. In individual shooting, by firing three shots, the merit of which shall be decided by the above rule; if still a tie, by single shots. 3. In team shooting, by firing one shot by each man of the team, repeated until a team wins upon the aggregate of the same. C. At one or more distances, individual shooting, where two or more scores are required to win : — 1. By foregoing Rule A, 3 to 7, inclusive. 2. By inverse order of shots, treating the scores, in the order in which they are made, as one continuous score. 3. By shooting as per Rule B, 2. D. Ties in re-entry matches to be decided by the next highest score or scores. In single-score matches, on all targets, the score containing the lowest shot shall rank lowest; if still a tie, by inverse order of shots ; and, if still a tie, by each competitor shooting three shots, until decided. No scores with handicap shall exceed a perfect score. Competitors who have to shoot off ties will be notified as soon after each match as practicable. When the ties are shot off, one sighting-shot shall be allowed without charge. Com- petitors not present at the firing points at the hour named for shooting off the ties lose their right to shoot, and will be placed accordingly. MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. 337 VII. — GENERAL RULES. 1. Temporary discontinuance of matches, on account of bad weather, and the closing limit for receiving entries, shall be at the discretion of the Executive Officer. 2. An entry-ticket, except when sold in block, may be trans- ferred at any reasonable time, by presenting it to the Statisti- cal Officer for exchange. Any erasure or substitution of name by the holder will forfeit the ticket. 3. In single-entry matches no entry shall be made after the firing begins if any participant objects. 4. Bullseye certificates not presented within thirty days, and prizes not claimed within three months after having been won, shall be forfeited to the Association. Competitors will have choice of prizes unless otherwise stated. The Executive Officer shall have power to appoint assistant officers and supply Badges to same. Regular Shooting Days for Rifle shall be every Saturday and such other days as the Directors may order. VIIL — PENALTIES. 1. Competitors must make themselves acquainted with the regulations, as the plea of ignorance will not be entertained. 2. No competitor shall be allowed to use more than one name besides his own in any one match. 3. A competitor failing to report at the time and target to which he is assigned, or shooting at pool or practice after the hour set for the simultaneous opening of a match, shall forfeit his entry. (The last clause will not prevent pool shooting between scores in re-entry matches.) Any member shooting at pool or practice between shots of a score shall forfeit the score. 4. All competitors and other persons must preserve order and decorum, submit to the direction and decisions of the Executive Officer, and make all objections and protests, if 338 MODERN AMERICAN RIFLES. any, to the proper officials, in a manner which will not disturb others. 5. Rifles may be discharged only in firing at the target in pools or matches, when the danger flag is not exposed, or into such warming-pits as may be designated (in that case without bullet) and any competitor or other person discharging a rifle otherwise, or having a loaded shell inserted in his gun while elsewhere than upon the actual firing point, may be disqualified for the time being, or fined a sum not exceeding three dollars, at the discretion of the Executive Officer. 6. Any violation of rules or discreditable conduct which the Executive Officer may consider of such magnitude as to require it, shall be reported to the Directors for their action. 7. Any shooters firing upon the wrong iron target shall be fined one dollar, and on the wrong paper target fifty cents, to be paid before he proceeds with his score, and he shall be recorded a miss. WINCHESTER REPEATING RIFLES; SHOT GUNS; Single Shot Rifles. Ef Ammunition FOR ALL KINDS OF ARMS Paper and Brass Shot Shells ; Primers ; Gun Wads and Reloading Tools MANUFACTURED BY THE Winchester Repeating Arms Co., NEW HAVEN, CONN. ^^^ Send for 84-page Catalogue. COLT'S New Lightning Magazine Rifle. CALIBRES; .22 (R. F. Short and Long), .32-20, ,38-40, .38-56, .40-60, .40-65, .45-75,. 45-85 and .50-95 Express. SIMPLE, CAPABLE, DURABLE, BEST MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP. Hammerless Shot Guns. 10 and 12 Gauges. Unexcelled for Strength, Beauty of Finish and Shooting Qualities. COLT'S REVOLVERS .\RE WITHOUT EQUAL Colts Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Co. HARTFORD, CONN. L. N. MOGG, MARCELLUS, New York, MANUFACTURER OF RIFLE TELESCOPES. SEND FOR CIRCULAR. Tlie lelcolfii Rille Telescope Ifi. Co. wislies to inform all Elfle Scooters and Sportsmen at large wlio are In need of a good, rellalole Telescope, eitlier for Target Practice or Hunting, that the " Celebrated Wm. Malcolm Telescope" for Eifles is manufactured iDy this Company with the same accuracy and care, by competent workmen skilled in that line of work, as in former years under the supervision of the late Wm. Malcolm. We respectfully solicit your patronage, and guarantee good, honest work at the lowest possible figures. Send for Illustrated Catalogue and Price List. The Malcolm Telescope Manuf g Co. MALCOLM BLOCK, SYRACUSE, N. Y. THE MAYNARD RIFLE. IN ALL CALIBRES, FROM .22 TO .50 ONE STOCK TAKES RIFLE BARRELS OF DIFFERENT CALIBRE, AND A SHOT BARREL. Send your Stock and have one of the new .25-Calibre Barrels fitted, of 24. 26 or 28 INCHES IN LENGTH. WE ARE NOW PREPARED TO FILL ORDERS FOR BARRELS FOR THE .22-CA LIBRE U. M. C, LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE. After years of trial this Rifle remains the favorite arm of expert riflemen and hunters. For fine target shooting it is unsurpassed and used by the leading American shots. Its compactness, por- tability, and unusual wearing qualities are unequalled, and make it the chosen arm for all varieties of shooting. s:E:35rx^ iFOia c^t^XjOG-xje. MASS. ARMS CO., CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. TJ. ]V[. C. AMMUNITION IS ITOTEZD wo:r jlcctjir^cy. THE HIGHEST SCORES ON RECORD FOR RIFLES AND REVOLVERS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE Factory-made Cartridges OF The union metallic cartridge Co. PAPER SHOT SHELLS. Trap, First Quality, Star and Club Brands, Loaded or Empty. Always ask your dealer for the "U. 31. C." brand. FACTORY, BRIDGEPORT, CONN. Lyman's Patent Rifle Sights. • After years ol careful investigation under every variety of conditions, Riflemen Throughout the World unhesitatingly pronounce Lyman's Sights THE BEST YET PRODUCED. It has many times been proven that one accustomed to Lyman's Sights can shoot with them at the target as well as with special target sights. With Lyman's Sights on a hunting rifle much is gained which is found impossible to secure in other sights. Lyman's Sights prevent all blurring, and many who can no longer see ordinary sights can do excellent shooting with Lyman's Sights. These Sights can be speedily changed, and for quick snap shooting, or at moving objects, they have no equal. Lyman's Patent Combination Rear Sight on Rifle. The cut gives an approx'- mate idea of how the siaht appears when aiming. It\iill be noticed that the top of rifle barrel and front sight are sec n as distinctly as if no i-< ii Price, $3.00. sight was used. REDUCED CUT. hunting. Lyman's Patent Wind-Gauge Sight. The Best Rear Sight Made. Used without the large disk, the principle of this sight is the same as the Combina- tion Sight. For target shooting it is unequalled, and it is an improve- ment on the Com- bination Sight for Price, $5.00. Lyman's Patent Ivory Bead Front Sight. This Sight gives the sportsman a clear while bead, which can be seen distinctly against any ^object in the woods or in bright sunlight. Price, $1.00. Lyman's Patent Improved Ivory Hunting Front Sight. This Sight is better than the Bead Sight for a hunting rifle. The ivory is so well protected by the surrounding mttal that there is no danger of its being injured. Price, 50 Cents, LYMAN'S LEAF SIGHT. Spirit Level. Patent applied for. Price, $1.00. Price, $1.00. Anj' of the above can be used to replace the rear Crotch Sight which is usually on the barrel when the rifle is purchased. This sight should always be removed. Send for Catalogue, giving testimonials and full information regarding sights and rifles. Address WM. LYMAN, P.O. Box 10, Middlefield, Conn. The wurfflein ^reech - [ oading RIFLE FOR SAFETY, SPEED i" Loading, EFFECTIVENESS AND ACCURACY It Has No Equal. ^ Made with INTERCHANGEABLE SHOT-GUN AND RIFLE BARRELS, in ALL CALIBRES, RIM OR CENTRE- FIRE, TO FIT SAME STOCK AND ACTION. FOR PRICE-LIST, ADDRESS- WM. WURFFLEIN, 208 NORTH SECOND ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA., U. S. A. THE J. STEfENS ARMS AND TOOL CO. Manufacture a Special Line of Firearnns. RIFLES for Target Shooting. RIFLES for Hunting. LADIES' RIFLES, BOYS' RIFLES. POCKET RIFLES. All the above in various Calibres, Weights and Styles. Stevens' Rifles, Stevens' Pistols. Pistols for Target Shooting. LADIES' PISTOLS. BOYS' PISTOLS. Pistols for Game Shooting. The largest line of Pistols made in the world; for every purpose and in various Weights and Calibres. All interested in rifle and pistol shooting should send for Illustrated Catalogue and circulars describing the latest achievements in modern firearms. Sent free on application. The J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co., CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS., U. S. A. "WE HAVE NOTHING TO SAY" ABOUT THE IDEAL RE-LOADING TOOLS. THEY SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. THEIR POPULAEITY was gained by their SUPERIORITY. • 0^0»' WEIGHING THE POINTS OF SUPERIORITY. THE IDEAL "WEIGH" A-HEAD. .O^O" If you desire to ECONOMIZE, KE-LOAD your shells with the lOEAIv TOOLS, and have AMMUNITION that is Reliable and Cheap. The " IDEAL " HAND-BOOK and CATALOGUE, sent FREE, contains much valu- able information to shooters, and is a complete illustrated PRICE- LIST of all IDEAL TOOLS for Rifles, Pistols and Shot-guns. Address IDEAL M'F'G. CO., New Haven, - - - - Conn., U.S.A. 111^" PLEASE MENTION THIS BOOK WHEN YOU WRITE. United States Cartridge Co. ■MANUFACTURERS OF- Central-Fire Pistol AND Rifle Cartridges. MILITARY AND SPORTING CARTRIDGES. SOLID HEAD! RE-LOADING Special Cartridges for Springfield Rifles. Calibre 45. 45-64-405 GOV'T— REGULAR. 45-66-440 GOVT, WITH "OAKLAND SPECIAL" 5 GROOVED BULLET. 45-70-500 GOV'T— NEW. 45-5-140 GOV'T— FOR ARMORY USE, ROUND BALL. 45 BLANKS, FOR SKIRMISH FIRING. Oal. 22 U- S. Bullet Breech Caps, both Bound and Conical Ball, with New Explosive Filling. No Glass. Accurate and Clean. Sxtra Strength and Slight Report. Also manufacturers of the celebrated U. S. CLIMAX SHOT SHELL; the NEW PAPER SHOT SHELL, the result of long and careful experiments, and particularly adapted for Nitro Powders. The chosen shell of Expert Trap Shots. LOWELL, MASS. *«'■ '^ 0- H-^'. "tp.^^ ^0 C •K-.r^^ o5 -K, ■::^ ^ -^^ ^ 'O V' Ci » )k ^^A v^' ^°^. .^ c ^ *