The Use of Rifles for Game and GV 1177 .L2 Copy 1 .Target ... A Splendid Guide for Sports- men on the Selection, Sighting and Shoot- ing of Rifles. Sportsman's Digest is Published for YOU Read it EVERY month— enjoy the splendid hunting, fishing, camping and dog stories and news articles, written by many of the country's honest - to - goodness sportsmen. Each one is an actual experience that will fill your idle hours with- sunshine, and make you a better sportsman. Follow all the latest kennel news reported regularly by A. F. Hoch- walt, the famous dog authority. Every person interested in dogs will want to keep in close touch with this interesting department. If you want to increase your knowledge of life in the open, read SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST REGULARLY. Tell your friends about it — and send in your own subscription for a year — it's only a dollar. SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 7 Butler Building, CINCINNATI, OHIO ** Something of Interest for Eoery Sportsman" The Use of Rifles for Game and ...Target... By Q*s/Landis An indispensable Guide for Every Sportsman 11 II II 1922 Sportsman's Digest cincinnati Copyright, 1922 Sportsman's Digest All Rights Reserved JUN k6 IS22 ©CI.AI577297 1^© / Among the regular departments found each month in SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST are ALONG "ACK'S" TRAIL. Morris Acker- man is almost as well known in the sports- men's world as Babe Ruth, and has some- thing of unusual interest to tell you every month. THE BIG OUTDOORS. Conducted by Ben C. Robinson, the popular outdoor writer. "Robie's" colorful description of the whispering brooks and plunging mountain streams will delight you as it has thousands of others — he is a splendid type of the real American sportsman, and knows his subjects thoroughly. THE QUIZZ CABIN. Conducted in the interests of our subscribers by the Rod and Gun Editor. Any question relating to outdoor life will be fully and cheer- fully answered in its columns. SPORTMAN'S DIGEST 7 Butler Building, CINCINNATI, OHIO $1.00 a Year. Six Months Trial, 50 Cents Introduction THIS booklet has been prepared to help you choose, sight in, and shoot a rifle so that its possession and use may result in the maximum amount of satisfaction and pleasure. Methods of sighting, stocking, targeting, trigger-pull-adjustment, and rifle practice are described ; which if followed, will add greatly to the effectiveness and enjoyment with which any standard sporting or target rifle may be used. Each subject is discussed with as few tech- nical terms as possible so that both the be- ginner and the shooter of more matured ex- perience may grasp the information it contains and by following that portion of it best adapted to their needs, may sometime be enabled to more fully appreciate : A few hours in the woods or on the trail — Your favorite rifle on your shoulder or in your hand — And the love of the woods and range en- shrined in your breast — Add the finishing touches to a scene which will make you at peace with your sur- roundings. If you have ever been there you will surely go again. If not, you have missed one of the most wonderful experiences of life. C. S. Landis. ®tp> lm> txf ftfcs for (Same ant (Hargrt CHAPTER I. Choosing a Rifle THE all-around rifle has, at one time or another, been the dream and the hope of nearly every practical rifleman. But even so, the problem has never been solved. Shooting conditions, both in the hunting field and on the target range, and among dif- ferent classes of sportsmen; vary so greatly that one type, caliber, or power of weapon, could not possibly meet all demands. Big-game and small-game hunting, long- range and short-range target shooting, and modern warfare ; each demand separate classes of weapons. In addition, each nation or class of people seem to have different ideas regarding the design of each of these types of weapons. Consequently the man who is just taking up rifle shooting, or who is about to engage in another form of it; is confronted with an assortment of weapons, both as to type of action, caliber, and appearance; that is often quite puzzling to choose from. Our present day American rifles in common use are divided into five -general classes, usually known as : 5 The Use of Rifles. 1. Big-game rifles, 2. Small-game rifles, 3. Long-range, target or match rifles, 4. Short-range, target or match rifles, 5. Military rifles. These in turn are divided into several dif- ferent types, the most common of which are : semi-automatic, commonly known as auto- loading and self-loading rifles ; bolt-action, repeating; lever-action, repeating; trombone, slide, or pump-action, repeating ; and lever, rolling-block, or bolt-action, single-shot rifles. In a booklet of this size it is impossible to go very much into detail regarding the de- scription of each and every model of rifle now in common use in America, and still devote the proper amount of space to their sighting, adjustment and use. We will also be unable to freely discuss the relative advantages of using different types of action, or cartridges, for each form of game and target shooting. It is possible, however, to give these mat- ters enough consideration to point out the most striking advantages possessed by each of the different styles, and to state the uses to which they are best adapted. Nearly all of our present-day, American, sporting and target rifles are manufactured by the following firms — which should be ad- dressed as follows, when seeking catalogs or information : PRACTICAL WOODS TARGET PRACTICE. A good example of the offhand accuracy obtainable at 200 paces with a properly-fitted, sighted and ad- justed sporting-rifle. Ten shots inside the outline. Choosing a Rifle. Winchester Repeating Arms Company, New Haven, Conn. Remington Arms Company, Inc., Cunard Building, 25 Broadway, New York City. Savage Arms Corporation, Utica, N. Y. The Marlin Firearms Corporation, New Haven, Conn. J. Stevens Arms Company, Chicopee Falls, Mass. Chas. Newton Rifle Corporation, 1083 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y. An examination of the latest catalogs will give anyone a good idea of what is supplied by each commercial, manufacturer, and what it will cost. The Springfield rifles are manufactured by the United States Government, which also made the Krag. For particulars regarding their purchase, address : Director of Civilian Marksmanship, Woodward Building, Washington, D. C. They are sold only to members of the National Rifle Association, the annual dues of which are $2.00. A visit to any large sporting goods store will provide the opportunity to examine stock- fit, balance, finish, and relative desirability, and "feel" of many of the different types and makes of rifles. The trigger-pulls will vary with individual weapons. The Use of Rifles. The rifle experts who handle the "Guns and Ammunition" Departments of the various American sporting magazines which cater to riflemen, receive more first-hand information in regard to the manner in which various makes and calibers of rifles are regarded by riflemen as a class, than probably any other equal number of men. Their opinions are naturally influenced largely by the letters and suggestions which they receive. It is rather significant that almost to a man they use and recommend the .30-1906 cartridge, as the most generally-satisfactory big-game load. This cartridge develops sufficient recoil, however, to be annoying to those not accustomed to the use of the more powerful, high-power rifles. Rifles for it include the Springfield sporter, .30-1906 Cal. Model 1903, U. S. rifle; (con- verted to a sporting rifle) : Remington Model 30, bolt-action; Winchester Model 1895, lever- action ; and Newton and Mauser bolt-action repeaters. The .300 Savage, which is made in both bolt and lever actions, uses a shorter cartridge which develops the same muzzle velocity and energy as the .30-1906-150-2700 service charge. Among the most widely used and most popu- lar big-game cartridges at present are : .30-30 Winchester, .30-1906 Springfield, .32 Winchester Special, .250-3000 Savage, .30-40 Krag, Choosing a Rifle. .30 Remington Rimless, .35 Remington Rimless, .44-40 Winchester, .405 Winchester. The .30-30 is more widely used in the United States and Canada at present, than is any other high-power cartridge. It is accurate at hunting ranges, and is of moderate killing- power. It is sold at a reasonable price, and can be obtained practically anywhere in Amer- ica. The .30-30 is generally used for shooting deer and similar game. The .30-30 rifle, especially in carbine style, is very popular among trappers, backwoods- hunters, ranchmen, and others who use a high- power rifle very frequently and carry it almost constantly, but who are not high-velocity or big-bore cranks. This cartridge is used in the Model 1894 Winchester, Model 93 Marlin, and Model 1899 Savage, lever - action repeaters. The .30 Remington cartridge has the same ballistics and takes the place of the .30-30 in the Remington Model 14 slide or pump-action repeater, and the Model 8 auto-loading rifle. The .32 Special is a very similar cartridge but in .32 Caliber. It develops about 10 per cent more muzzle energy, and is sold for the same price. Rifles for it include the Model 1894 Winchester and Model 93 Marlin. The .32 Remington rimless, practically the .32 Special in Rimless form, is used in the iO The Use of Rifles. Remington Model 14 pump-action and Model 8 auto-loading repeaters. - The .250-3000 is a high-velocity, small-bore cartridge having good accuracy and very light recoil. The 87 grain bullet has a very flat trajectory over 300 yards, and kills well on shots where very deep penetration or bone- smashing qualities are not required. The Savage Lever-Action, Model 1899, and Bolt-Action Model 1920, are both made for it. The .25 Remington-rimless cartridge loaded with the 87 grain bullet, is very similar in bal- listics. It is used in the Models 14 and 8 Remington rifles. These weapons, and also the .25-35 Win- chester, are very popular among many hunters who require a big-game rifle of moderate power, fine accuracy, flat trajectory and neg- ligible recoil. They also make good small- game rifles when reloaded with short-range charges. The .30-40 is a .30 caliber cartridge midway in power between the .30-30 and the .30-1906. It is a fine big-game cartridge when loaded with either 180 or 220 grain soft-point bullets; Fifteen or twenty years ago it occupied the position the .30-1906 now holds. Rifles for it include the Model 1895 Winchester lever- action repeater and the U. S. Model 1898, or Krag, bolt-action. The .35 Remington Rimless is a .35 caliber cartridge of good killing qualities, and mod- Thirty consecutive shots from a .22 target-rifle were fired at this 50-yard target. They scored 100, The center, or 10 ring, is one inch in 99 and 99. diameter. Target shooting at 1,000 yards is very fascinating sport with a Springfield. The white spotter locates the bullet hole in the bullseye. Choosing a Rifle. 11 erate power and range. It is used in the .35 caliber Remington Model 8 auto-loading, and Model 14, pump-action, rifles, and is adapted to use on the heavier varieties of big game. The nearest Winchester cartridges are the .351 self-loading, used in the Winchester Model '07, self-loading rifle, and the .35 W. C. F., used in the Model 1895 lever-action repeater. The .35 W. C. F. has twice the muzzle energy of the .351 cartridge, while the .35 Remington Auto is almost midway between. The .33 W. C. F. used in the Model 188G Winchester, is a very fine big-game cartridge of almost exactly the same ballistics as the .35 Remington Auto. When used in the 1886 Winchester it makes a most excellent combina- tion to choose for deer, elk, bear and moose. The .44-40 cartridge, like the .38-40 and .3*2-20, first became famous in the Model 1873 Winchester. It is still very popular for big- game shooting in wooded country, as hundreds of thousands of the Model 1873 and 1892 Winchester, 1894 Marlin and Model 14 Remington' rifles were made for it. It is distinctly a short-range cartridge and is greatly outclassed ballistically by many modern cartridges, but it is very cheap to use and kills cleanly within its range. The .405 Winchester is factory-made only in the Model 1895 lever-action Winchester. A few .405 barrels have been mounted on Spring- field bolt-actions and make very effective weapons. The .405 is used by many who prefer 12 The Use of Riiies. a very powerful, large-caliber cartridge shoot- ing a heavy bullet, for big-game shooting. It is splendid for use on large bear, moose, elk, and similar game. Its recoil is heavy and may prove troublesome to those unused to the recoil of large - caliber, high - power rifles. Many other calibers of high-power cartridges are in use which will prove to be very satis- factory, but limited space does not allow a discussion of them here. Consult the catalogs of the ammunition manufacturers for ballistic tables and for prices. Small Game Rifles The vast majority of the small-game shoot- ing with rifles, that is enjoyed in this country, is done with the .22 caliber weapons. A large percentage of it is with the smallest, lightest, and cheapest styles of .22's, many of which are fitted with very crude and non-elevating sights. Consequently the .22 in many quarters has acquired the reputation of being rather a piffling and inconsequential weapon — es- pecially for game shooting. When the .22 long-rifle, hollow-point cart- ridge is used in a fine, heavy, target-rifle like the Model 52 Winchester or Stevens 414, or in one of the best grades of five to six-pound re- peaters like the Model 12-C Remington, 39 or 38 Marlin, 1890 Winchester, or 1914 Savage, which is equipped with a good set of Lyman or Marble sights, or a telescope, there is a Choosing a Rifle. 13 far different tale to tell. Squirrels, rabbits, ducks, crows, hawks, and the like will be killed nearly every shot up to 60 to 75 yards. From 75 to 125 yards a fair percentage will be dropped. Over that, hits on game will nearly always be accidental. At the target the .22 long-rifle, match-cart- ridge is almost in a class by itself among lead-bullet, commercial ammunition, for accu- racy up to and including 100 yards. At 250 yards it is very accurate. The long-rifle cart- ridge is much superior to, and should be chosen over, all other .22' s for small-game or target shooting. It combines cheapness, accuracy and reasonable killing power. For the larger varieties of small-game many shooters prefer a .25-20 or a .32-20 such as may be obtained in the Model 1892 Winchester, the Model 27 or 92 Marlin, or the Stevens Single-Shot. The .25-20 single-shot cartridge is a longer, but not more powerful, cartridge than the one used in the repeaters. Many who use these calibers reload their ammuni- tion. Many experimental riflemen and others who like to secure the most accurate results possi- ble, and who load their ammunition, have a .25 caliber, high-power Niedner barrel fitted to a Springfield, a Mauser, or to a Winchester single-shot action, by the Niedner Rifle Corpo- ration, of Dowagiac, Michigan. These weapons are very accurate, and when loaded with full-charge ammunition, are quite pow- 14 The Use of Rifles. erful. Groups of two to three inches in di- ameter may be secured at 200 yards when using an 87 grain bullet at 3100 to 3300-foot seconds velocity. They make most excellent wood- chuck or coyote rifles. When loaded with a reduced charge, they are fine for squirrel shooting. Factory-loaded ammunition for the .25 H. P. Niedners is not obtainable at this time. Small-Bore Target or Match Rifles Small-bore or .22 caliber, target shooting is rapidly increasing in popularity in America. Regular, annual series of matches are pro- vided at 50 and 75-feet indoors, and at 50, 100 and 200-yards, outdoors, by the National Rifle Association. Small-bore, outdoor-shooting is especially fascinating and is well worth the at- tention of any rifleman. Write for additional details to Woodward Building, Washington, D. C. Small-bore shooting requires good equip- ment and careful practice, as the 50 and 100- yard bullseyes contain 10 rings which are only one inch and two inches, respectively, in di- ameter. Among the most satisfactory American rifles for this form of target-shooting are the bolt-action, Model 52 Winchester; the Spring- field bolt-action .22; B. S. A. No. 12 single- shot ; Savage N. R. A. bolt-action ; the Win- chester single-shot musket ; and the Stevens Single-Shot Model 414. Choosing a Rifle. 15 Many riflemen do a large amount of target- shooting of various kinds with the lighter re- peaters and the smaller and lighter single-shots. For general shooting they are quite satisfac- tory, but they lack the weight, adaptability to fine-sight equipment, and in some measure the close grouping and hair-splitting accuracy of the Special .22 match-rifles. Long-Range Target Rifles The .30-1906 Springfield service-rifle with 180 or 170 grain match-ammunition is so superior as a long-range target-rifle, to other combi- nations, that it should always be chosen for this purpose. The .3Q-40 Krag is an accurate rifle, especially when shot with 180 grain match-ammunition, but is inferior in both ac- curacy and handiness, to the Springfield. Special heavy-barreled Springfields are also obtainable from the National Rifle Associa- tion for use in certain competitions at the National Matches. Choosing the Rifle Whether to choose a bolt-action, a lever- action, a pump-action, or a self-loading or auto-loading repeating rifle, depends very largely upon the past experience of the shooter, the type of country in which he will hunt, and the kind of game to be shot. The bolt-action is the most satisfactory for use with high-velocity, high-pressure cart- ridges like the .30-1906, .30-40, .303 British, 16 . The Use of Rifles. .250-3000, and .300 Savage, .256 Newton, etc., as it develops less spring in the action than other types. This results in less expansion of the shells, which if stretched, are very difficult to reload — if that is desired. It is easier to clean from the breech than any other form of solid-frame rifle. On the average it is more accurate than other styles and is also well adapted to the use of receiver sights. On the other hand, the average hunter will find the bolt-action slower in operation than any other type of repeating rifle. The bolt handle often becomes partly raised when hunt- ing jn brush. This causes a hang-fire or a - misfire, unless the bolt is again fully closed before pulling the trigger. The breech-mechanism of the bolt-action is open and exposed to snow, rain, sand, and pine needles, and must be kept cleaned or it may freeze up or clog. It is also unhandy for the use of anyone who shoots from the left shoulder. The lever-action is well adapted to the use of all short-range cartridges and those of medium power. It is splendidly adapted to the fitting of peep sights on the tang, and to all styles of open-barrel sights, both front and rear. In the take-down form it can readily be cleaned from the breech, but the solid-frame lever-actions are rather hard to clean properly. Choosing a Rifle. 17 The trigger-pun of the lever-action is by long- odds the best, on the average, of that of any type of repeating rifle. The lever-action is not well adapted to use in target-rifles of over .22 caliber nor to use in the prone or lying-down position. The pump-action or slide-action appeals to many people who use slide-action repeating shotguns and who do not wish to change when shooting a rifle. It is the fastest type of action to use except the semi-automatic. For snap-shooting on a .22, it is ideal. It is not well adapted to use on a fine target-rifle, nor at present for use with cartridges of higher power than those used in the slide- action, Remington rifles. The auto-loading and self-loading rifles are well adapted for brush shooting at short range, for snap-shooting of all kinds, and for the use of the man who does so little rifle shooting that he is not proficient in the rapid and cer- tain operation of the different forms of hand- operated rifle-actions. These weapons are short and rather stubby in appearance and seldom appeal to the dyed-in-the-wool crank, but they do give the novice a faster and often a more sure-working weapon. It is a question, however, whether the so- called "green-horn" doesn't miss three-fourths of his game because he becomes excited and shoots too fast. In such cases he would do better to use a slower-operating weapon. 18 The Use of Ritics. The final selection of a rifle should depend : first, upon the cartridge it uses ; second, upon a proper trigger-pull, or one which may be readily adjusted; next, the sights with which it is, or may be, fitted ; fourth, the stock fit and balance (a special stock can be fitted to any poorly-fitting rifle which will make it fit better); fifth, the type of action; and lastly, the fancy finish and general appear- ance which actually sells most sporting-weap- ons. A properly-fitting, accurately-sighted rifle of any standard make, and of any one of the calibers and types adapted to the work at hand, should be satisfactory. CHAPTER II. Choosing Rifle Ammunition RIFLE ammunition is divided into three general classes, commonly known as high - power, central - fire ammunition ; low-power, central-fire ammunition, and rim- fire ammunition. High-power ammunition is usually conceded to include all charges developing 2,000 to 2,200-foot seconds velocity or over. This in- cludes such cartridges as the .30-1906, .30-30, .32 Special, and .250-3000. They are nearly all adapted to big-game shooting of various kinds. Low-power, central-fire ammunition includes cartridges like the .44-40 Winchester, .38-40 H. V., .38-55 and .25-20. It includes cartridges loaded with black and smokeless powder and both cast and metal-cased bullets. The larger-calibered and more powerful of them are adapted to big-game shooting at short ranges, the others, to small-game shoot- ing. They are cheaper than the high-power, high-velocity cartridges and are still used in large numbers, principally by those who do a great amount of hunting and who do not reload, and must very carefully consider the matter of ammunition "expense. Rim Fire ammunition is all of comparatively low-power, low-velocity, and short range. It is by far the cheapest of any and is, therefore, 19 20 The Use of Rifics. selected when neither range, high-power nor high-velocity is required, or desired. Its accuracy, in calibers, like the .22 long- rifle and .22 short, is splendid, and in special target-brands is often really astonishing. The choosing of the rifle-cartridge, and the selection of the ammunition of that caliber to use, are among the most important and difficult problems a rifleman must solve. By choosing either a .30 or a .25 caliber, high- power cartridge the matter is greatly simpli- fied — particularly if the shooter reloads all, or a part of his ammunition. .The large number of factory-loads which are available in each of the more popular cartridges of these calibers, and the great va- riety of bullets for both target and game shooting, which may be obtained very reason- ably, enable the shooter to buy or load a variety of charges which are adapted to every type of American game or target-shooting, except small-bore or .22-caliber shooting. The .25 caliber, 86 grain metal-cased bullets may be used in any .25 caliber American rifle cartridge like the .25-20 Repeater, .25-20 single- shot, .25-35, .250-3000, or .25 Niedner H." P. Proper powder charges must, of course, be used in every case. The various 150, 170, and 180-g'rain .30 caliber bullets may be used in the .30-30, .30 Remington Rimless, .30-40 Krag, .30-1906, .30-1903, and .30 Newton. The 220-grain Krag bullet may be used in the .30-40 or .30-1903 Choosing Ammunition. 21 cartridges, but not in the .30-1906-220 as the contours of the .30-40 and .30-1906-220-grain bullets are made differently — the two styles to suit different types of chambering. No steel-jacketed hunting or target, rifle- ammunition is manufactured in this country in spite of countless silly newspaper reports to the contrary. Cupro-nickel jacketed bullets are jacketed with an alloy composed of ap- proximately 85 per cent copper and 15 per cent nickel. Copper or gilding-metal jacketed bullets are covered with an alloy of approximately 90 per cent copper and 10 per cent zinc. The center-fire brass cartridge-cases are made of an alloy of approximately 70 per . cent copper and 30 per cent zinc. Metal jackets are placed on the bullets used for full-charges in all cartridges de- veloping over approximately 1,500 feet-per- second muzzle-velocity to prevent the fusing or melting of the base of the bullet by the heat of the powder gases. Higher velocity results in flatter trajectory (or path of the bullet), longer range, greater energy and tearing power, and less wind- drift. The user of a high-velocity cartridge, therefore, must worry less about shooting- above or below the object he wishes to hit; he must allow less for bullet-drift caused by the wind, and he will lose fewer cripples. On the other hand, high-power ammunition is more expensive than other styles; if cupro- The Use of Rifles. nickel-jacketed bullets are used, there is more trouble from metal-fouling in the barrel ; the rifle will kick harder unless the bullet is lightened; and if it is lightened excessively, the projectile is more likely to glance off small trees or brush in woods-shooting. The very light, high-velocity bullet will sometimes give trouble by making large and superficial, rather than deep and deadly wounds. Good killing power in a bullet is the result of a careful combination of good accuracy at hunting-ranges (usually 50 to 300 yards) ; high-velocity, at the point at which the game is struck; sufficient mass and weight of pro- jectile; flat trajectory (to make hitting at unknown ranges possible) ; and a form, size and type of bullet that will deliver the energy it possesses, most effectively. If any one of these points is neglected, the cartridge will not prove thoroughly satisfactory for game shoot- ing. The prices of different cartridges are of no particular consequence to a big-game hunter who lives in a city and who must spend $50.00 to $500.00 or more in carfare, clothing, license, and guide fees, and board, to every $5.00 he spends for ammunition. The most expensive cartridge is by far the most economical if it enables him to kill on a shot that otherwise would be missed or lost. On the other hand, the trapper, or the back- woods homesteader, farmer or rifleman, who has very numerous opportunities for shooting, This design of stock looks and fits splendidly when used on a big-game sporting rifle. Choosing Ammunition. 23 and quite often very limited resources to en- able him to do it, will do well to avoid the most expensive styles. A whole cabinet full of rifles are of absolutely no use and very little pleasure to anyone unless they are being shot, not once or twice a year, but on every available opportunity. Cartridge prices vary with the cost of dif- ferent commodities that enter into their manu- facture ; the price of expert labor, the cost of machinery and other items at that time, so that no set price guide may be used that will be accurate for any considerable length of time except the relative prices of the dif- ferent calibers. A few of the most commonly used cartridges, not necessarily the latest or most satisfactory for specialized purposes, are listed. This will serve as a ready reference when you choose your rifle cartridge. Relative Prices per 100 or 1000 Cartridges .22 L.R. .25-20 .44-40 H.V. .25-35 .30-30 .32 Win. Spec. 7 35 47 62 72 72 .35 Rem. .250-3000 .30-40 .30-1906-180 .405 Win. 79 80 95 104 114 This comparison, however, is approximately accurate only when purchasing full-charge, factory-loaded, hunting ammunition. Reduced charges in the high-powers, government am- munition, or reloaded ammunition would all have different relative values. The ammunition question is a problem of selecting a cartridge that you can afford to 24 The Use of Rifles. shoot and which at the same time will do the work. It is much more fun and usually more profitable, to shoot 1,000 shots a year with a reasonably cheap cartridge than fifty with some new and wonderfully exploited ballistic wonder that is expensive to produce, hard to obtain, and which is normally only sold in very small quantities. Target shots must always have the finest obtainable accuracy, irrespective of all . other qualities. Therefore, they select their ammu- nition from those styles and lots which de- velop the most accurate results in the rifle or rifles they are using, when tested at the distances at which they will usually shoot. Many special target-loads in .22 long-rifle, .30-40, and .30-1906 calibers are manufactured which are remarkably accurate and uniform. More detailed information regarding am- munition is always obtainable from the Na- tional Rifle Association, or from the com- mercial ammunition manufacturers who should be addressed as follows : Remington Arms Company, Inc., Cunard Building, 25 Broadway, New York City. Winchester Repeating Arms Company, New Haven, Conn. Western Cartridge Company, East Alton, 111. Peters Cartridge Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. United States Cartridge Company, 111 Broadway, New York City. Savage Arms Corporation, Utica, N. Y. Note how the cheek fits against a made-to-measure stock. The eye is directly in line with the rear sight. Choosing Ammunition. 25 Charles Newton Rifle Corporation, 1083 El/licott Square, Buffalo, N. Y. Dominion Cartridge Co., Limited, Montreal, Canada Most manufacturers make a wide variety of loaded ammunition in nearly every com- monly-used caliber and can usually supply empty cartridges, primers, and bullets for re- loading. Requests for information about powders, powder charges, or special loads, should be addressed to: Sporting Powder Division, Hercules Powder Co., Wilmington, Delaware, Sporting Powder Division, E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Delaware. CHAPTER III. Details of Rifle Adjustment, Sighting, and Use The Trigger-Pull OUR sporting magazines are filled with endless arguments about the relative ad- vantages possessed by different calibers of cartridges and by various styles of rifle- actions, but hardly a word is said about what is probably the most important detail about any rifle — its trigger-pull. Upon the weight, smoothness and uniformity of pull or let-off, depends fully 50 per cent of the accuracy attainable in offhand rifle- shooting. With those who are inclined to flinch badly, probably 75 per cent of the ac- curacy depends upon the smoothness of the trigger-pull. It is of no value to any hunter to purchase a very accurate weapon, select his ammuni- tion with great care, have the rifle fitted with a made-to-order stock and special sights, and then find that he cannot keep five consecutive shots on a three-foot mark at 200 yards, even though the rifle shoots three-inch groups from machine rest at that distance. The trigger-pull may need lightening, smoothing up to eliminate creep or drag, or in a few cases it may be necessary to make it both harder and smoother. The pull is best tested by hooking a small 26 Adjustments and Sighting. pair of scales (not fishermen's scales, for so many of them have the reputation of weigh- ing too heavily), to both ends of a wire or rod laid across the trigger. If the hammer or striker drops when 2 l / 2 to 4 pounds pull is applied, the adjustment is about correct for weight of pull on a sporting, and on most target rifles. If too draggy and uneven, the angle between the sear and nose of the ham- mer on the cocking piece must be changed. If too heavy, the depth of bite which the sear obtains upon the hammer notch or cocking piece must be decreased by carefully grinding off the bearing surfaces. This job should only be undertaken by a mechanic who understands the careful fitting of steel surfaces. If the shooter does not possess this ability, the rifle should be sent back to the factory or to some gunsmith who is a credit to his profession. On small-caliber target rifles, a set-trigger, of which the Schuetzen double-set trigger is by far the best type, or a very lightly adjusted single trigger is a very great help in obtaining accurate shooting. On a high-power hunting- rifle the set-trigger has no place, in my es- timation. A smooth three or four-pound pull is much to be preferred, especially in cold weather, when the shooter must often wear gloves. The main consideration is that the pull be smooth and uniform; not how much weight it takes to release the hammer. 28 The Use of Rifles. The Fit of the Stock The comb of the rifle-stock should provide a secure and comfortable place to rest the shooter's cheek, so that the rifle may be held more steadily, especially in off-hand, snap- shooting. If the stock fits the face properly the eye will look directly through the sights as soon as the rifle is thrown to the shoulder and it will not be necessary to hunt around for them while trying to aim at game. Any woods-hunter will realize how difficult it is to align rifle-sights at game, either late in the evening or early in the morning, when the light is dim, and when . a very large per- centage of the biggest heads and the best chances present themselves. The advantages of a perfectly-fitting stock that will auto- matically help to align the sights on the mark, is obvious. The best plan to follow is to try out each of the rifles "and shotguns that can be obtained, to measure the drop at comib and heel, the length, width and pitch of the butt-plate, the length of pull, width, depth and circumference of the grip, and the distance through stock, or stock and cheekpiece, where it touches the face. Then choose those dimensions which fit you the best. You will also want to know the distance in front of the trigger where the left hand grips the fore-end, the shape and size of the fore-end at that point, and the distance from the trigger to the front end of the fore-end. (Photo Courtesy U. P. R. R.) Big game looks like this when viewed through a telescope rifle-sight. Hold the intersection of the cross-hairs on the spot to be hit. Adjustments and Sighting. 29 You should examine the different combs, both the full, rounded ones and the sharp, thin ones, and see how far they extend up on the tang and note which type feels more com- fortable to your face, also whether to use a cast-off or a pistol-grip, and the amount, style and position of the checkering. Then there is the butt plate. Just as the effectiveness of a soldier or a hunter depends largely upon the type and fit of his footwear, so does the speed and effectiveness with which a rifle may be gotten into action depend largely upon the shape, size, pitch and degree-of- roughness of its butt-plate. Your whole hunt- ing trip may be a success or a failure by the fraction of a second needed to make the snap-shot at a rapidly-disappearing buck. On such occasions you have no time to waste in adjusting a slippery, sticky or uncomfortable butt-plate. The time to guard against this is when you make the design. In obtaining these measurements there are two important things to be taken into con- sideration. One is to wear the maximum amount of clothing that will be worn when using the rifle. If it is a big-game rifle, dress as you would on a big-game hunting trip — heavy underwear and all. Clothing makes a big difference in the fit of the stock. If it is a target-rifle, put on your shooting- coat, get down in the prone position, and then be measured. Take nothing for granted while listening to the ideas of other people, but get 30 The Use of Riiies. suited yourself. No rifle stock can be ex- pected to fit everyone any more than a certain size of shoes, hat or coat, could do so. Men differ in width of face, length of neck and arms, and length and size of fingers and hand. They also place the butt-plate to dif- ferent positions on their shoulder or upper arm, while shooting. All of these differences of build and posi- tion make it impossible for any one set of measurements to fit us all, but different details have been worked out that will usually satisfy most anyone. If your rifle-stock does not fit, and the weapon handles awkwardly, uncertainly and slowly, the first thing to do is to obtain the measurements of a stock that will correct these details. For a big-game rifle, whether it be a bolt- action, a lever, a pump, or an automatic, the following dimensions will be found to suit the majority. For men with short arms, wide chests and short necks, choose a drop of l}i to \% inches at comb, 2*4 to 2 l / 2 inches at heel, measure- ments taken from the point-blank sighting of the rifle. Length of pull 13% to 14^ inches, center of trigger to center of butt-plate. A shotgun butt-plate 5 inches long by 1^ to 2 inches wide, depending upon the overall size of rifle, should be chosen. The pistol-grip should be 4<)4 to 5^4 inches in circumference, and 3% to 3>{> inches from trigger to grip cap. Adjustments and Sighting. 31 Men having long arms, long necks, rather narrow chests and long hands and fingers, should choose a drop at comb of 1^ to 2 inches, and 2]/ 2 to, 3^2 inches at the heel, with a stock length of 14 to 14^4 inches. Make the grip 5^4 to h l / 2 inches in circumference and have the length from trigger to cap 3^2 to 4 inches. Beautiful examples of special stocks made to these or other reasonable di- mensions, in both rifle and shotgun style, may be obtained for any make of rifle, either bolt, lever, or slide-action, from any one of several gunsmiths specializing in this work. Among those who make very satisfactory special rifle stocks and whose work I know is good, are Frank L. Hoffman, Box 251, Fredericksburg, Va. ; and James Webb, West Fairview, Pa. Webb does his best work on the shotgun style of rifles, while Hoffman is more versatile and makes both with the addition .of a very beautiful model combining the heavy comb and butt-plate of the trap- shotgun with the graceful lines of the rifle. He also does fine blueing. The rifle factories can nearly all supply stocks made to special dimensions, but in regular models, at special prices. The private gunsmith can provide most anything. The cost is in proportion to the quality of work- manship desired. A perfectly-fitting stock is not only a rifle crank's freak idea. It is the real dope on a rifle, especially on one that is used for off- hand, snap-shooting. 32 The Use of Riiics. Rifle Sights and Sighting Sights are placed on a rifle so that each bullet may be directed where it will prove to be most effective. The front sight is held on, below, above, or to one side of the object to be hit. It is then centered in the aperture of a peep rear sight, or in the notch of an open barrel sight, and when both seem to be properly aligned, the trigger is squeezed, pulled, or yanked, as the case may be, and the shot is fired. If the shot was correctly held and pulled, and the sights properly adjusted for the range and existing conditions, a bullseye should be the result. In spite of this information being available a good many of us can't keep them all in the bullseye and, therefore, it is necessary to move the sight or sights to bring this to pass. By following a few simple rules we will save ammunition, time and temper and eventually get the sights properly adjusted. Rules of Sighting (1) Moving the rear sight to the left makes the rifle shoot farther to the left. (2) Moving the rear sight to the right makes the rifle shoot farther to the right. (3) Raising the rear sight makes the rifle shoot higher. ^4) Lowering the rear sight makes the rifle shoot lower. Adjustments and Sighting. 33 ' (5) Moving the front sight to the left makes the rifle shoot farther to the right. (6) Moving the front sight to the right makes the rifle shoot farther to the left. (7) Filing off the front sight or putting on a lower one makes the rifle shoot higher. (8) Substituting a higher front sight makes the rifle shoot lower. (9) The higher the sights are above the bore of the barrel, the flatter the trajectory or path of the bullet will appear to be. Rifle sights are divided into two general classes, hunting sights and target sights. These are both included in the three radically dif- ferent sighting systems : open sights, peep sights and telescope sights. Hunting Sights In both big-game and small-game' shooting the front sight must contrast most strongly with browns, grays, reds, blacks and very occasionally with white. This immediately eliminates all black or iron front-sights such as are frequently seen on sporting-rifles as they come from the factory. Alloy or com- position beads, known as "gold" beads, and ivory, or white enamel beads, show up most distinctly against these colors, blended as they are in the hunting field, and as a result, ex- perienced hunters usually operate on the iron front-sight with a hammer and brass slug and substitute an ivory or "gold" head. A black front-sight in the woods is usually a 34 The Use of Rities. sure sign of a "green-horn" or a target-shot, gone wrong. As white shows up more sharply against greens or reds than does "gold," the ivory sight is most popular among moose and deer hunters of the East, while the "gold" bead is more frequently seen where there is more open shooting with fewer green, red, or brown trees for a background, and where more snow is visible under average hunting conditions. A "gold" bead shows up black against snow or ice, while the ivory sight looks white or yel- low. The open rear sight, especially if it has a diamond, inverted V, or vertical line of ivory in its center, is fine for snap-shooting at moose and deer, when used with a large-size front- sight for brush-shooting, but on long shots at goats or sheep this combination is hopelessly outclassed for accuracy by the receiver or tang-peep with a smaller, "gold" bead front. Unless the rear sight is set unusually far forward on the barrel, it will always blur badly, for most men over thirty or forty years of age, and all those who are far-sighted. The receiver sights, like the Lyman No. 48, are far preferable to the tang sights for most game shooting when used on hard-kicking, high-power rifles of .30-40 caliber and over. The 1-A or No. 103 Lyman, with large aper- ture, and the Marble flexible rear, are the best for use on .25-35's, .30-30's and the like. Adjustments and Sighting. 35 One thing should always be borne in mind and that is, in game shooting, a very large percentage of the shots are fired when the light is poor and when it is raining, and are at rapidly-moving, and large objects. There- fore, the sights must be large, distinct, and easily seen. Jack sights will make a rather poor showing on a two-inch bullseye at 100 yards on a target range, but most big game, and especially deer and moose, have a decided aversion to posing in front of bullseyes, or on peaks or bare rocks — as some artists like to show them — and a 1/16-inch bead or a pin- head is hard to see in a hurry. I have stood on the top of a dead pine stub and have tried to draw a bead on the shoulder of a deer that was standing not over 60 yards off, when using a rifle fitted with a large-size "gold" bead front, and a Lyman 48, with large aperture, and had great difficulty in seeing either deer or front sight as it was raining in sheets and blowing a 30 or 40-mile gale. A black-bar front sight would have been ab- solutely invisible under those conditions. The same combination was successfully used in smashing small rocks at 300 yards in clear weather, even if the big front sight did seem to cover all, out-doors. Target Sights In target shooting, "gold" and ivory beads, pinheads, German silver blades and the like are all hopelessly outclassed by the flat-bar and aperture, iron front sights. 86 The Use of Riies. Nothing but these two styles of iron sights should be used against a black bullseye on a white background. Men with defective eyes or those who wear glasses will usually prefer the flat bar. Those more fortunate will favor the aperture. In rear sights nothing but a double mi- crometer or a vernier iron sight need be seri- ously considered unless it be one like the Springfield sight which may be adjusted by a micrometer. Beware of those sights having no wind-gauge. Modern military and small-bore target shoot- ing is such a highly specialized sport that all hunting-rifles or sights are hopelessly out- classed on the target-range. The Telescope The telescope sight is the nearest thing we have to an ideal sight for use in shooting squirrels, woodchucks, crows, coyotes, geese and the like, for most men to use in indoor small-bore shooting, and for everyone having defective eyesight to use in outdoor small- bore shooting, especially when the light is poor. It is also very effective for use in long- range military rifle target-shooting by those who have become accustomed to it. Sometimes the mountings are moved so that the marks- man has difficulty in getting a shot on the target and then there is trouble as a scope is not as fool-proof as a peep-sight, nor are its graduations as easy to record or to re- member. Adjustments and Sighting. 37 A scope of 3 to 5 power is often of much help in shooting sheep, goats, or other game in open country, but on a deer drive it is nothing but a nuisance as it is always becom- ing entangled in the brush, the lenses become wet or fogged, and the field is usually too narrow for use at running deer. For picking up game on rock-slides, or when partly con- cealed in grass, leaves, or brush, it is splendid. A good many hunters do not seem to know how to sight-in a rifle and are continually missing game because they cannot get the group located at the spot they wish to hit. Many recommend that rifles for off-hand shooting be sighted in from the military prone position. This is the easiest and surest way to locate the group, but in many cases the rifle, especially if it is a light-barreled, high-power weapon, will shoot considerably lower or higher when shot off-hand with the prone ele- vation. I much prefer to shoot standing and to rest the elbows on a barrel, box, table or fence rail, if necessary, to make the final adjustment, as then the weapon will actually shoot where it is aimed as the arms and body will absorb the recoil almost exactly the same as in off- hand shooting. When shooting at a bullseye target to sight in a hunting-rifle, don't be afraid to have the bullseye too large. A medium or large- sized "gold" or ivory bead front sight will cover a surprisingly large amount of space on a target at a range of 200 yards. 38 The Use of Rides. Aim right in the middle of the bullseye — or cover it entirely — and shoot five to ten shots before changing the sights. Make the correc- tions from the three or four, or seven or eight shots grouped closest together, for they will be the normal group. Another thing to bear in mind is to set the point-blank sighting for the closest range at which you will probably do one-half or more of your snap-shooting. There is nearly al- ways plenty of time to hold over or to raise the rear sight on a long shot, but I have never seen the man who was fast enough to lower his sights and then stop a deer on a snap- shot in thick brush, at 30 to 70 yards. . If you doubt the correctness of this advice, hang a bean or tomato can, or a large bottle, on a twig ten feet or so above the ground so that no one can see his bullets strike— near the can— and then dare your deer-crew to hit it at 50 yards. If it is struck twice in every five shots your crowd have their rifles sighted better than the average. The average hunter has visions of : killing a deer at a quarter of a mile and sights his rifle accordingly. Consequently he never knows where he is shooting at short range until he misses a couple of easy shots and spends half an hour shooting at stones and stumps trying to Correct the trouble. Theory is a fine thing in rifle shooting, and a high-velocity cartridge cuts out a large amount of guess work on long shots, .but just Adjustments and Sighting. 39 the same it pays to sight in every rifle very carefully for short-range snap-shooting as well as for the long-range work. For practical woods-shooting practice I never found anything equal to snap-shooting at thin rocks, small pieces of board and bunches of grass, and similar marks, partly camouflaged by natural surroundings. If the country is at all hilly, get on one hillside and break every stone within range on the other. Mix up the shots, shoot at 50 yards on one, 200 on the next, 125 on the third, and shoot fast and empty the magazine. Shoot several "rallies" and you will learn things about your holding, the trajectory of your cartridge, and the appearance of the front sight on marks located at different ranges that will surprise you. Much of this would never have been discovered by shoot- ing from the prone position at bullseye tar- gets. You can't do this legally in Pennsyl- vania, however, as they have a Sullivan law for riflemen that provides a penalty of $25.00 per shot for each bullet fired at anything other than game which accidentally or otherwise hits a live tree, or travels more than 15 yards beyond the target. Ten shots, even with a .22 long rifle, will stand you $250.00 and costs. Every sensible rifleman will provide a back- stop for the bullets before he shoots at any target, but in Pennsylvania it will pay you to do so. In sighting-in a rifle for target shooting, split the bullseye, or hold at six o'clock, as 40 The Use of Riiies. you prefer, and change the sights after each three shots unless the range is short and you are a particularly close holder. The first two shots will usually be wild, especially with a small caliber, low-power rifle. Three ten-shot groups should be enough to test not only the sighting, but the approximate accuracy of the ammunition and rifle. A small tag or name-plate, clearly marked with the average elevations for different ranges is a handy thing to add to the stock of any rifle. Stick to one lot of full-charge ammunition on. a hunting trip, have the weapon accurately sighted for that lot and you will seldom have reason to explain unaccountable, easy misses. The Sling The sling, or sling-strap, is a leather or webbing strap which is fastened to swivels located at the front end of the fore-end and just in front of the toe of the butt. It has two uses: to carry the rifle on the back, and to steady the weapon while aiming. It is the greatest aid I know of to help hold a target rifle rigidly, if it is properly adjusted. It is also the worst nuisance that may be attached to a rifle for deer or bear shooting in thick brush. For open shooting, either on the range or in hunting, it is a great help either in the prone or sitting position, a fair help while kneeling, but of very little aid while shooting off-hand, except in a high wind. The Working Dog and His Education By A. F. Hochwalt Are you training a dog? Is he responding to your methods? Are you satisfied with the results ? Would you like to compare your methods with those of famous trainers? Do you want to learn about their methods? — If you do — GET THIS BOOK Interesting chapters on the training of pointers, setters, foxhounds, beagles, Aire- dales, spaniels, and police dogs. Various systems are described, the best method of breaking faults and correcting bad habits are explained. It is the work of an expert written so that the amateur may understand. Every rule in it has been tried and proven. You can rely on the directions given to always pro- duce results. This splendid book is FREE with TWO annual subscriptions to SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST at $1.00 each. Send in your own subscription and that of an outdoor friend TODAY. You'll get your free copy of this valuable book by return mail. Sportsman's Digest 7 Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio Adjustments and Sighting. 41 The great drawback to its use in hunting is that the rifleman becomes so accustomed to its help that he eventually becomes a very poor off-hand shot when obliged to shoot without it. To adjust the sling, turn the loop half-way around to the side, run the arm through it, and pull the leather up near the shoulder and fasten with the keeper. Then grasp the fore- end, with the leather on the right side of the wrist. Keep the sling tight. It will seem very uncomfortable at first, but afterwards it is as comfortable as an old shoe. Gleaning the Rifle The main idea in cleaning a rifle is to make the barrel chemically clean and to do it as soon as possible after it is fired. Hot water, or even cold water should be poured through the barrel for two or three minutes. Then dry it thoroughly and apply one of the heavy com- mercial gun-greases. Oil is too thin and is likely to run out of the barrel and leave it exposed to the action of moisture which will rust it. If a heavy, sticky deposit is left in the barrel that is not easily removed by the water, the brisk use of a brass scratch-brush will take it out. Cupro-nickel metal-fouling is removed with a stiff scratch-brush or by the use of ammonia, metal-fouling solution. The hot-water method of cleaning is avail- able almost anywhere and is usually very effective — and cheap. Many prefer to swab out the bore with several patches soaked in 42 The Use of Rifies. 28 per cent ammonia. The barrel is then thor- oughly dried by pushing dry patches through it. It is then greased with a commercial gun grease. I have used the latter method for at least fifteen years and never had a bit of trouble from pitting when cleaning in this manner. The method is hardly available on long- distance hunting trips, as the ammonia gener- ates enough gas from shaking to blow out the .cork or burst the bottle, unless a rubber cork is used, and is tied in ; and the bottle is only about one-third full. Even so, beware when the cork is removed, lest the liquid be dashed up into your eyes. There is no royal road to proficiency in rifle shooting. Suggestions will help ; ballistic in- formation will frequently be valuable ; watch- ing others will give you plenty of ideas ; but there is only one practical method of learning to hit the bull's-eye. 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