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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hints on the Use and Handling of Firearms
+Generally, and the Revolver in Particular, by Lieut. H. Onslow Curling
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hints on the Use and Handling of Firearms Generally, and the Revolver in Particular
+
+Author: Lieut. H. Onslow Curling
+
+Release Date: July 29, 2010 [EBook #33287]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HINTS OF THE USE AND HANDLING OF FIREARMS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading
+Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet
+Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HINTS ON THE USE AND HANDLING OF FIREARMS GENERALLY, AND THE REVOLVER IN
+PARTICULAR.
+
+BY LIEUT. H. ONSLOW CURLING, C. L. A. B.
+
+_'Nunquam non paratus.'_
+
+          LONDON:
+          DULAU & CO., 37 SOHO SQUARE.
+          _All Rights Reserved._
+
+          1885.
+
+
+
+
+          LONDON:
+          PRINTED BY STRANGEWAYS AND SONS,
+          Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane.
+
+
+
+
+HINTS ON THE USE AND HANDLING OF FIREARMS, _&c._ _&c._
+
+          'He, that rides at high speed, and with
+           His pistol kills a sparrow flying.'
+                                SHAKESPEARE: _Henry IV._
+
+
+THE National Rifle Association may fairly claim the honour of
+introducing, at their meeting in July 1885, the subject of Military
+Revolver practice in this country. For years past the want of such a
+movement has been felt, but the many obstacles to be overcome have been
+so vast that no one seems to have cared to venture upon the matter, and
+so it has slept.
+
+The great drawback has been, and is now, to find suitable ranges
+anywhere near London. Such ranges, the use of which is enjoyed by our
+Citizen Army, are insufficient, and the expense of keeping them up is
+considerable, falling heavily upon the corps to whom they belong.
+
+The National Rifle Association, although they offered some 40_l._ in
+prizes, and provided not only revolvers but ammunition, for a small
+consideration, or entrance fee, met with but poor support; but it should
+be borne in mind that this was the first year of such a competition, and
+it was in consequence not generally known of. Very little was known of
+the movement till it actually took place, and then only when noticed by
+the press the day after its introduction.
+
+Again, it should be remembered that the entries were restricted to
+officers, warrant officers, and petty officers, of her Majesty's land
+and sea forces, and doubtless this restriction accounted for the spare
+attendance. Every Englishman belonging to the auxiliary forces should
+hail with pleasure the opportunity offered of making himself master of
+this useful weapon; one that in skilled hands is most deadly at long or
+short ranges, and a thorough knowledge of the use of which might at any
+moment be the means of saving another's life from an opposing force when
+no other weapon was at hand.
+
+The difficulty in using even an ordinary pistol with accuracy is, and
+always has been, an acknowledged fact, as it requires great practice to
+enable a man to make his mark as a crack shot. Some men would perhaps
+miss a haystack at twenty yards, while others, with little practice,
+soon become excellent shots at very small objects. It is marvellous the
+accuracy with which the professional burglar has of late years used his
+revolver against the police and others; but it may be accounted for by
+the fact that these men use a small, light weapon, easily carried and
+much easier wielded than the military regulation revolver, which weighs
+2 lbs. 8 oz.; that they invariably take what may be termed flying
+shots--and it should be remembered that a full-sized man at
+comparatively close quarters presents a very large target. I venture to
+affirm that if these burglarious minions of the moon, who make night
+hideous, were compelled to stand before a Martini-Smith target (a foot
+square) at twenty yards, with a military regulation revolver, they would
+make but sorry marksmen.
+
+The use of the military revolver is acknowledged to be a question of
+great importance, as one not only affecting those who embrace the
+profession of arms, but those who travel; and as no one knows when he
+may be called upon, or where he may be, it is imperative that he should
+gain a thorough knowledge of every minor detail, most useful in the hour
+of need, and which will enable him not only to protect himself with
+confidence, but to come to the assistance of the weak should occasion
+require.
+
+It is to be deplored that what once formed part of the education of a
+gentleman--_i.e._ the use of the small sword and broadsword--should have
+been so thoroughly neglected of late years in this country. That part of
+the education of youth seems to have become quite a secondary
+consideration.
+
+General Sir Charles Napier has truly said, 'Young men have all the
+temptations in the world to pleasure, none to study; consequently, they
+some day find themselves conspicuous for want of knowledge, not of
+talent.'
+
+The introduction of the Breech-loader has revolutionised firearms. When
+we look back upon the extraordinary achievements of arms during the
+present century, with the comparatively crude weapons then in use as
+compared with the marvellous inventions of the present moment, it is
+simply astounding what results were obtained.
+
+The terrible work done by the old Brown Bess, with its unique
+flint-and-steel lock of its day, at Waterloo and elsewhere, is now
+matter of history. In those days artillery and cavalry had a chance of
+existence in the field, they have scarcely any now. The old flint lock,
+although it has had its day, has done its work well, and is entitled to
+veneration. Many a noble fellow has bit the dust from its spark, and
+England's first and greatest battles were fought and won by its aid. The
+Nipple and Percussion Cap came next into use, and subsequently the
+Breech-loader; but since Rifles have superseded military smooth-bore
+weapons, the old spherical ball has been condemned.
+
+The breech-loading rifled arm of the present day may be looked upon as a
+marvel of modern ingenuity; as combining exquisite manufacture,
+extraordinary precision, and unequalled range. The latter may be
+accounted for by the conical shape of the bullet, and the rotary motion
+given thereto by the grooving of the barrel; and lastly, from the full
+force of the evolution of gas consequent upon the powder being enclosed
+in a copper tube which is inserted in the breech when loading the piece.
+
+The barrel of the Breech-loading Rifle is by its own action of firing
+kept comparatively clean, as compared with the old Muzzle-loader; for
+with the breech-loader any fouling of the barrel is driven out by the
+discharge, and the powder in the cartridge is kept perfectly free from
+any contamination with the moisture adhering to the barrel by its copper
+case and being inserted in the breech; whereas in the old muzzle-loading
+weapon the barrel, after the first discharge, becomes lubricated, and
+consequently a portion of the powder poured down the barrel adhered to
+its moist sides, thereby becoming deteriorated and decreasing the
+explosive force. As a weapon of precision the Snider is perhaps
+preferable to the Martini-Henry; but, of course, this is matter of
+opinion.
+
+The sportsman of the good old school would be somewhat astonished, and
+would perhaps feel uncomfortable, upon finding himself armed with a
+breech-loading fowling-piece of the present day, particularly as
+prejudices are strong and obstinacy very prevalent among some people,
+and the keen eye of the old sportsman would view the modern innovation
+upon his rights--as he would probably call them--with dread, suspicion,
+and distrust.
+
+It is a fact, even at the present time, that there are many old farmers
+in England who use their ancient flint-and-steel fowling-pieces from
+choice in preference to modern weapons.
+
+The cool old sportsman of days gone by would sally forth in quest of
+game, having previously overhauled his lock, and, if necessary,
+adjusted a new flint, with as much care as an angler would examine his
+tackle previous to a day's sport, as he well knew that success depended
+upon vigilance and care. There was no blustering and banging away in
+those days, as soon as a bird rose, as is unhappily too often the case
+now-a-days, resulting in either blowing the bird all to pieces or
+probably missing it altogether. No, the keen eye of the old school would
+coolly watch his bird rise, take a pinch of snuff, cock his piece, cover
+his bird, and then bring it down, allowing it to get well away before
+drawing the trigger.
+
+Many a young gentleman calling himself a sportsman knows little of the
+capabilities of the weapon he wields, and cares less; his whole aim is
+to see how many head of game he can bag, and to blaze away is the order
+of the day, to the astonishment of poor Ponto, who, if he chance to run
+within range, sometimes gets a charge of shot in his tail.
+
+In the Royal Navy the use and practice of the pistol, and latterly of
+the revolver, has always been kept up. Consequently the Jack Tar knows
+more about the pistol and the military revolver than most men give him
+credit for. In boarding vessels, for instance, the pistol was one of the
+arms used. The importance of the revolver movement as inaugurated by the
+National Rifle Association has resulted in the formation of a club
+called 'The Metropolitan Revolver Club.' This Club, which is in its
+infancy, has many obstacles to surmount, but it is to be hoped that the
+Provisional Committee will be able to carry out the object in view,
+which is, according to the programme, as follows:--
+
+      'That this Club be formed, having for its object
+          the provision of facilities for acquiring a
+          thorough knowledge of and proficiency in the use
+          of the Military Revolver.'
+
+DUDLEY WILSON, Esq., 2 Pall Mall, is the Honorary Secretary, and may
+success attend him.
+
+To the inexperienced, the revolver is, perhaps, as deadly a weapon as
+can well be handled; and to no class is this fact so well known as to
+naval and military men. The many deplorable accidents resulting from the
+incautious handling of firearms is terrible to contemplate; and
+sportsmen and military men have frequently fallen victims to
+carelessness, to say nothing of novices. The unfortunate part is, that
+foolish and inexperienced people often inflict misery upon innocent
+persons; unintentionally, it is true: but they are none the less guilty.
+Firearms should be looked upon as a kind of machinery, which no one in
+his senses would attempt to handle unless he knew the use of them.
+
+The abominable practice of those to whom firearms belong, or those in
+the charge or care thereof, of keeping or leaving such weapons loaded,
+so that they may at any moment fall into the hands of children, or
+perhaps, what is worse still, inexperienced adults, is most seriously to
+be condemned, and may be designated really as a criminal act, which
+ought to be summarily punished.
+
+It is an act which has no real motive, no real _bonâ fide_ object, and
+is lawless and idle in the extreme,--an act which has resulted in the
+death of its thousands, and the maiming of even more.
+
+A weapon should never be brought within the portals of a man's house
+loaded; the breech-loading cartridge can be easily withdrawn. If the
+piece is a muzzle-loader it should be discharged after the day's sport
+is over; ammunition is really not so very costly as to require to be
+husbanded at the probable cost of a serious accident, or perhaps a
+fellow-creature's life. This rule cannot be too strictly adhered to.
+Some years ago it was my lot to be staying with a gentleman of eccentric
+habits, a man of violent temper, and when in one of these fits really
+not answerable for his actions. I was aware that he kept a full-sized
+revolver loaded with ball, and capped, in his dressing-room. I confess I
+was coward enough to let this matter trouble me. I felt I could stand up
+and face death with any one in the field, fighting in a good cause and
+armed as others; but to be taken advantage of at any moment, and
+perhaps shot down like a dog, was rather too much. I therefore resolved
+in my own mind, not only to disarm my friend but to render his weapon
+useless; but how to accomplish this was the question, as to raise any
+suspicion would perhaps bring down wrath upon my own head. I therefore
+resolved to leave everything precisely intact till an opportunity should
+present itself. The very next day the time arrived, and during this
+Grand Turk's absence I hastily removed the caps from off the nipples of
+the revolver, and having exploded them upon the nipples of his
+double-barrelled gun, I pinched them back into their original shape and
+replaced them on the revolver. I then put the box of caps into my pocket
+and felt perfectly secure, and could have sat and been fired at without
+the slightest fear. This gentleman shortly afterwards was seized with
+paralysis of the brain, and ended his days in a madhouse. No one, I
+believe, ever suffered any inconvenience from the revolver, and what
+became of it I know not.
+
+If leaving weapons about is necessary (which I do not for a moment
+admit), then most assuredly they should be rendered harmless by being
+left unloaded, and thus the means of rendering them destructive would be
+kept out of the way of meddlers. All ammunition should, as a rule, be
+kept in some secret and safe place, and always under lock and key. Every
+man knows that edged tools are dangerous, consequently that the leaving
+loaded firearms within the reach of anybody who may chance to come
+across them is simply leaving means of destruction unprotected, and he
+should bear in mind that this mischief of his own neglect might
+accidentally at any moment be wielded against himself.
+
+          'How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds,
+           Makes deeds ill done.
+                                 SHAKESPEARE: _King John._
+
+The responsibility of those possessing firearms is great, and proper
+precautions and proper care cannot be too strictly enforced. Care costs
+nothing, and may be the means of preventing loss of life and many a
+deplorable accident. The precautions necessary to be borne in mind in
+the safe use of firearms for one's own protection, as well as the
+protection of others, are voluminous, and so varied are they that it is
+with difficulty they can be all dealt with in this little treatise; it
+is only therefore proposed to mention some of them, and detail a few
+important hints for the guidance of the unwary. Generally speaking, if a
+man will not exercise a little gumption, care, and discretion, when in
+the society of a shooting-party similarly armed as he is himself, he
+must put up with the consequences. Accidents in properly regulated
+families should never happen. Since the introduction of the
+breech-loader there is no excuse for any man carrying a loaded weapon
+and swinging the muzzle of it about when carrying it on his shoulder
+(which is often done), bringing every one in his rear in the line of
+fire of the piece. A man can load his piece now when he arrives upon the
+ground in a moment; and should a bird rise, with the present facilities
+given by the breech-loader, there is ample time to load and bring the
+bird down without the slightest difficulty. For any man therefore, when
+not in the field, to strut about with a loaded weapon in his possession
+now-a-days is simply bombastic tomfoolery.
+
+To carry a gun gracefully and properly is an art. It should never be so
+carried or wielded as to be a risk to the possessor, or any one. The
+following are a few ways how a gun should be carried:--For safety, when
+commencing sport, the right hand grasping the piece at the small of the
+butt, the butt resting on the right hip or thigh, muzzle up. The weapon
+can then, on the rising of game, be at once safely presented.
+
+When carried on the shoulder it should be always with _lock down_: this
+mode will so elevate the barrels that the muzzles are far above the
+heads of any one; even when at close quarters, on the march, or when
+approaching or returning from cover, this way will be found easiest and
+with the least possible fatigue, as the weight of the weapon is centered
+in the stock held in the right hand. To relieve the shoulder pass the
+hand up to the small, or neck of the butt; at the same time seize the
+butt with the left hand, then raise your gun to a perpendicular
+position, carry it across the body, and place it on the left shoulder.
+The left shoulder can be relieved in a similar manner, _i.e._, pass the
+left hand to the small or neck of the butt, at the same time seize the
+butt with the right hand, raise the gun to a perpendicular position, and
+carry it across the body and place it on the right shoulder. Never
+present, much less fire, when any person, whether keeper or beater,
+intervenes or is near the bird. Never fire over any one, even if he what
+is called 'ducks,' or stoops to allow of your doing so. A keeper or
+beater should never be encouraged in, or allowed to 'duck' or stoop; the
+practice is a bad one, and should be for ever discountenanced. If no one
+fired over a ducked body the habit would soon fall into disuse.
+Sportsmen and others would do well to bear in mind that an accident
+deprives the injured man from earning his livelihood, and the poor wife
+and children suffer: better to forego taking a shot for safety sake and
+let the bird escape for another day than run any risk. This should be
+made a hard-and-fast rule among sportsmen, and a law of sport.
+
+The left hand should never be placed upon the gun till the bird has
+risen and _all is clear_ ahead. Coolness in the field is everything;
+there should be no blundering, no hurry; a man who knows the
+capabilities of his gun can afford to be cool. He knows but too well
+there is no occasion for haste; the cool hand would pause after the bird
+rose, and give it time to get fairly away before presenting.
+
+A gun should never be so wielded as to bring its barrels in line with
+any one, or the barrels athwart any one. When quite a youth I remember
+being in the field, when one of the party becoming fatigued from the
+effects of a tight boot handed me his gun; the friend, who evidently did
+not appreciate the confidence placed in the youngster, kept aloof--well
+to the right; presently a bird rose, I hesitated; looking at the bird.
+'Fire! Fire! why don't you fire, sir?' exclaimed the old gentleman with
+some warmth. 'How can I,' cried I, 'with those peasants at work right in
+front?' The effect was marvellous. The old gentleman, thoroughly
+appreciating the caution, at once joined me, and I had the benefit of my
+full share of the sport.
+
+Firing when in thick cover and from behind hedges should be conducted
+with caution, and with a knowledge that all is clear on the other side.
+
+Little observation will show whether your companion has been accustomed
+to the use of firearms. A man of reckless temperament, one who would
+blaze away blindly, a devil-may-care sort of fellow, should be avoided;
+give him a very wide berth, and keep the gentleman well on your extreme
+left. If you can shunt him altogether so much the better. A gun should
+never be carried in the field at the trail; should never be carried
+under the arm, hugging the lock; should never be carried muzzle down, so
+that by an accidental slip, or stumble, or fall, the barrels may become
+choked with earth (which would burst the muzzle if not removed before
+firing); should never be carried transversely across the body with
+barrels pointing left. When shooting, a man should be as much upon his
+etiquette as he would be in my lady's drawing-room; should mind his P's
+and Q's, and remember that when in a china-shop he should refrain from
+carrying his umbrella under his arm.
+
+As a fact, the closing of one eye in taking aim is unnecessary. The
+complete angle of sight upon a given object can only be obtained by the
+use of both eyes. Consequently two objects cannot be seen distinctly or
+clearly at the same instant, one is clear while the others are blurred
+or misty; hence it stands to reason, that in laying a gun the top of the
+notch of the hindsight, the apex of the foresight, and the object, can
+be brought into line as accurately with both eyes open as with one
+closed.
+
+An artilleryman can lay a gun perfectly without closing one eye. The
+eyes should not be less than 12 inches from the hindsight, if from 2 to
+3 feet so much the better, and a more accurate aim will be the result.
+
+Upon the principle that the hand follows the eye, a sportsman fixing
+both eyes upon his bird can take as perfect an aim as he could with one
+eye closed.
+
+This rule applies equally to all arms.
+
+A man when in the field or at practice should keep his eyes about him;
+he should remember whom he is with; that he may be covered by a friend's
+gun or rifle at any moment, and that as the abominable and unnecessary
+proceeding of carrying weapons loaded, when not actually in the field,
+is the rule rather than the exception, he may perhaps find himself
+accidentally pinked at any moment, and when he little expects it.
+
+I remember some years ago the magnificent solemnity of a military
+funeral was brought to a somewhat ludicrous termination by one of the
+firing party shooting his comrade in the stern. How the accident really
+occurred I never could learn; but it was a fact that the rear-rank man
+managed somehow to discharge his rifle, and pretty nearly blow off the
+tail of his comrade's tunic.
+
+The wounded man, who was more frightened than hurt, seemed not at all to
+relish the joke. An old lady came to the rescue.
+
+This good old soul seems to have been in the habit of carrying a flask,
+and, graciously offering the 'pocket pistol,' suggested a drop of the
+creature. The offer was most readily accepted, but, I regret to say, the
+terror of the injured man was so great that he emptied the flask. He had
+evidently had enough of soldiering and 'villainous saltpetre,' for the
+very next day he sent in his resignation.
+
+At ball practice men should refrain from talking, joking, and that
+ungentlemanly pastime known as _horse-play_. Their attention should be
+directed to what they are about to do and what others are doing, and
+they should leave frivolities for some other time.
+
+Many accidents in the field have occurred when getting over stiles,
+gates, hurdles, stone walls, and even through hedges.
+
+Within the beautiful glades of Kensington Gardens stands a lasting
+memorial.
+
+          IN MEMORY OF
+          SPEKE.
+          VICTORIA, NYANZA,
+          AND THE NILE.
+          1864.
+
+Here is a terrible record of an awful death through carelessness. A
+noble life lost, sacrificed in a moment. Poor Speke, who had faced death
+often in many forms, met it at last by his own hand.
+
+While out shooting, in getting through a hedge he dragged his
+fowling-piece after him, the muzzle towards his own body, when, the lock
+becoming entangled in the brambles, his immediate death was the result.
+Such a piece of foolhardiness on the part of a man accustomed to the use
+of firearms is astounding.
+
+Use dulls the edge of caution, and some men, unhappily, who are
+accustomed to deal constantly with weapons and ingredients of
+destruction, become not only careless but indifferent and callous.
+
+There is a class of men who, if not kept under surveillance, would
+probably be found smoking their pipes in a powder-magazine, or while
+sitting upon a barrel of gunpowder.
+
+Men are too prone to carry their weapons at full-cock. This should never
+be done. If alone, when getting through a hedge or over any
+_impedimenta_ the weapon should be laid on the ground, parallel with the
+hedge, if possible. After getting upon the other side, the weapon should
+be drawn through with the butt end towards the person.
+
+If you have a comrade or keeper with you, hand him the weapon, muzzle
+up; get through yourself, and then take the weapons from him, _muzzle
+up_, and he can follow you with safety. Always place your weapon upon
+half-cock (it should never be at full-cock) before attempting to go
+through a hedge or over a stile.
+
+When two or more gentlemen take the field together, it is advantageous
+to work the ground in the formation of échelon.
+
+The whole field will by this means be thoroughly searched for game, and
+each man can fire clear of the other, commanding his own ground and the
+whole field within the range of the respective guns.
+
+When about to commence practice with the rifle or revolver the firing
+party should be placed well to the front, and should never load, or be
+allowed to load, until all preliminaries are arranged, and the words,
+'Ready! go on!' are given.
+
+This command or caution will, of necessity, place every one upon his
+guard.
+
+When the piece is loaded, the finger with which the trigger is drawn
+should on no account be placed within the trigger-guard till the weapon
+is raised and the aim about to be taken; and with the rifle until the
+weapon is presented, after being put upon full-cock.
+
+In firing with a pistol, or revolver, the proper finger with which to
+draw the trigger is the second finger, not the index finger, as
+generally used. The index finger should be placed horizontally along the
+barrel, on the side of the weapon, which is most important--which, as a
+means of securing steadiness and leverage, tends not only to reduce the
+difficulty of the pull, but also tends to prevent depression of the
+muzzle, which is sure to take place if the forefinger is used,
+particularly when the trigger has the minimum five-pounds' pull.
+
+When a gun, rifle, pistol, or revolver, is at full-cock, and it is
+desired to place it upon half-cock, as is often done, it should be so
+altered, with great care, as follows:--
+
+The hammer should be lowered gently to the full extent of the spring,
+and should then be carefully drawn back till the distinct _click_ of the
+half-cock is heard; then the weapon is as safe as an arm can be when
+loaded, and cannot be accidentally discharged.
+
+To place a weapon from full to half-cock, by not lowering the hammer to
+the full extent of the spring, and then drawing it back to half-cock as
+before described, is a most dangerous practice, as the hammer may not be
+properly inserted in the clip, and an accident might be the result. A
+man once having taken up his position at the firing-point, and having
+loaded his piece, should never return into the company of his comrades
+till his piece (particularly if a pistol or revolver) is discharged, or
+till all its chambers have been expended. If it is necessary for him to
+rejoin his comrades after his piece is loaded, or after any of the
+chambers have been expended, he should leave the weapon behind him at
+the firing-point, and should place it, _muzzle down_, in a hole or slot
+purposely made in the table before him to receive it, which hole in the
+table should have the word 'LOADED' written legibly near it.
+
+If there is no table, then the weapon should, if at full-cock, be placed
+upon half-cock, as before described, and then laid carefully upon the
+ground, muzzle pointing towards the target, and slightly inclined to the
+left thereof, so as to be clear of it, which will allow of the target
+being examined, if necessary, without the examiner coming within the
+direct line of fire of the weapon; but the table with a hole in it is
+the safest method, and is recommended.
+
+A couple of stakes with a rope from the firing-point to the target
+should be used, as a precaution to keep back idle curiosity-seekers from
+placing themselves within danger on the firing party's left.
+
+No one should, upon any pretence whatever, place himself, or be allowed
+to place himself, on, or even near, the firing party's left side. The
+reason is obvious, as it will be found invariably in practice that a
+man, when loading with a breech-loader, will naturally incline the
+muzzle of his piece, and so innocently place those immediately upon his
+left within its range.
+
+If it is necessary to address a man when at the firing-point all
+interlocution should be addressed to him on his right; so the Instructor
+should place himself on the right and rather behind the practitioner,
+and as close to him as convenient, so as not to incommode his freedom.
+
+Some men are naturally nervous, particularly when at ball practice, and
+for this reason all but novices should be left alone, as they will
+perhaps make better scoring if not interfered with.
+
+All spectators should take ground well in rear of the alignment of the
+firing-point, and on its right flank. The practice of taking up weapons
+and going through the pantomime of pointing them at the target, or
+pointing a weapon at anything when not at actual practice, is idle, and
+is to be condemned.
+
+Weapons set aside for practice should never be meddled with.
+
+The party who takes his turn (if firing with revolvers) should receive
+his weapon unloaded, _muzzle up_, with the necessary amount of
+ammunition, from the Instructor or Superintendent in charge; he should
+then step to the front or firing-point, load his piece himself, and get
+rid of his cartridges as quickly as a due regard to careful aim, &c.,
+will admit; then return his piece, _muzzle up_, to the Instructor, who
+will carefully examine it and satisfy himself that all the chambers have
+been expended.
+
+Should a revolver miss fire, it is most important that great caution
+should be used, as it will sometimes '_hang fire_,' which the cartridges
+of all weapons are liable to do at times.[A] When a cartridge does not
+explode the revolver should be held in the same position as much as
+possible, muzzle to the front, or downwards, for a few seconds; should
+it not then explode it may be examined, the non-exploded cartridge
+removed and condemned, and a new cartridge put in its place. On no
+account should the condemned cartridge be placed with or near live
+cartridges.
+
+Firearms should never, under any pretence, be pointed at anybody; even
+if unloaded, such a practice is foolish and unpardonable. No soldier
+except in action would ever think of doing so, and no gentleman could.
+
+The thoughtless practice of relinquishing one's weapon into the hands of
+a friend, or, even worse, a stranger, is against all military rules, and
+in any case is strongly to be condemned, and no excuse will palliate
+such an offence; not even the assurance that the piece is unloaded. A
+brother-comrade in the same regiment is, perhaps, the only exception;
+but even this is objectionable, except in extreme cases. As a rule, a
+soldier should never _relinquish_ his piece, even to a General or a
+Field Officer.
+
+Firearms generally, and particularly revolvers, when loaded or unloaded,
+should never be laid upon a table so that the muzzle can accidentally
+cover any one. If they must be relinquished by the owner they should be
+placed in a corner of the room farthest from the door, leaning against
+the wall, muzzle down, so that they cannot fall. If loaded they may,
+when practicable, be laid upon a side-table, muzzle towards the wall.
+Guns or rifles should be stood muzzle up in their place in the rack, or,
+if there is no rack, then in a corner of the room farthest from the
+door, to prevent surprise. No weapon of any kind should be carried or
+put down, or left at full-cock, and no loaded weapon should be left
+unprotected. They should, if loaded, be in the charge of some
+trustworthy and responsible person; but in the time of war no man would
+be so foolish as to relinquish his piece, either by night or by day.
+
+To sportsmen and others, with the great facilities for loading and
+unloading afforded by the breech-loading system, there can be no excuse
+for leaving a weapon charged when it can so easily be rendered harmless.
+
+There are many theories as to the proper way to present a pistol or
+revolver.
+
+Every man has some idea upon the subject, and perhaps it would be well
+to leave every one to his own devices; but at the same time a suggestion
+here, as we are upon the subject, may not be out of place.
+
+The French carry the weapon muzzle up, the lock of the piece in line
+with the ear. Upon taking aim, the muzzle is gradually depressed till
+the object it is desired to hit is covered. This is no doubt a very good
+way; but when firing at any distance beyond a point-blank range it
+necessitates, firstly, the depression of the muzzle to cover the object,
+and secondly, the necessary elevation must be taken so that the ball may
+be carried the required distance, and so _hit_ the object.
+
+This position of holding the weapon when at practice commends itself on
+the ground of safety.
+
+The preferable way, perhaps, is the old duelling style; that is, to hold
+the weapon muzzle down at the full extent of the right arm, standing
+sideways or three-quarters left, showing as small a front as possible,
+the eye to be fixed steadily upon the bull's eye or centre of the target
+or object, then gradually raising the arm to the required elevation.
+Should the distance be beyond the point-blank range, after covering the
+bull's eye continue to elevate till the required elevation is reached:
+by then steadily and firmly increasing the pressure of the second finger
+on the trigger the desired result will be obtained. Suddenly drawing or
+jerking the trigger should be avoided.
+
+By the latter means the object is covered at the same time as the foot
+of the target is covered, so that in the event of the trigger being
+drawn before the bull's eye is reached the target will be hit, and
+assuming the target to be a man he would be disabled and the object
+gained. Another important reason for advocating the use of the second
+finger in drawing the trigger is the fact that the weight of the
+military revolver (2 lbs. 8 oz.), together with the power required to
+draw the trigger (5 lbs. pull), by the long tension of the muscles of
+the arm, in aiming, causes a vibration, so that the farther the bullet
+has to travel the farther it is thrown off the centre of the objective.
+The first finger, therefore, placed along the barrel or side of the
+pistol, acting as a lever, tends to reduce almost to a minimum the
+spasmodic muscular vibration; again, in drawing the trigger with the
+forefinger the hardness of the pull tends to depress the muzzle, while
+with using the second finger as before described this depression is
+almost impossible.
+
+In rifle-shooting, as also in that of the pistol and revolver, the
+ordinary method should be reversed; that is, instead of commencing at
+100 yards from the target, the practice should commence at the longest
+range, and the target should be gradually approached as if it were an
+actual enemy.
+
+In revolver practice I would recommend all who desire to become
+thoroughly efficient to commence at say 100 yards from the target, and
+to gradually reduce the range to not less than 20 yards. This would
+accustom the practitioner to get a thorough knowledge of the
+capabilities of the weapon, and to learn the required amount of
+elevation necessary. It must be remembered that the Military Regulation
+Revolver will kill at 300 yards.
+
+I have myself shot with a 320-bore revolver, eight grains of powder,
+bullet eighty grains, at a regulation target at 200 yards, and have made
+very fair practice: in fact, the long range is far preferable for
+practice, as being not only beneficial, but a more exciting pastime than
+the ordinary range.
+
+To those who do not possess a regulation iron target, I would recommend
+one similar to that which I have sometimes used. (_Vide_ diagram.) This
+target is made of a simple framework of wood, covered with canvas and
+layers of paper pasted thereon. It has the double advantage of having
+the Martini-Smith target in the centre, and the remaining portion,
+having the exact size of a man traced thereon, has one other advantage
+in at once showing the result of the practice. This target can be used
+over and over again, as, after use, the perforations can be pasted over
+with small pieces of paper, and when well riddled, it can be re-covered;
+and the thicker it becomes the better.
+
+No one should attempt to fire ball-cartridge anywhere but at a proper
+range. Firing in small back-gardens, against brick or stone walls and
+trunks of trees, should never be allowed. Bullets will rebound or go off
+at a tangent, and do serious mischief.
+
+When a bullet once leaves the muzzle of a rifle, pistol, or revolver, by
+the evolution of gunpowder-gas, there is no dependence upon it as to
+where it may stop, or what damage it may do, and bullets upon hitting
+hard ground will ricochet; therefore, to those who wish to enjoy
+security at practice, I would advise the selection of ground free from
+habitation, or where no people are at work--some secluded spot where
+there is ample range, and, if possible, a natural hill or mound to
+receive the bullets.
+
+The military revolver will kill at 300 yards, the Snider artillery
+carbine at 1800 yards, and the Martini-Henry rifle at 3000 yards.[B] Too
+much dependence upon the use of the slide of the back-sight for
+elevation in rifle practice should be deprecated for more than one
+reason: _e.g._, assuming that a man has been firing at 300 yards with
+his back-sight adjusted to that range, and he is suddenly ordered to
+advance at the double; if, at the spur of the moment, he neglects to
+reduce his sight, the result will follow that every shot will go over
+the enemy. It is simply idle to suppose for one moment that in the heat
+of action a soldier could afford to fritter away valuable time, or even
+be allowed to do so, in adjusting back-sights. He would, if he were
+properly instructed, when within 300 yards place his back-sight level,
+and rely upon his own skill in judging what elevation he should use.
+
+It is better to fire low than high. A low shot will usually ricochet,
+particularly upon striking hard ground, greensward, or a wet clay soil,
+and, consequently, will do damage. Very nearly two thirds of the bullets
+in action are lost by going over the heads of the enemy.
+
+In the instruction of men in the use of the rifle valuable time is
+wasted, and too much importance is attached to useless detail. Let a man
+be placed before the ordinary regimental target, at an unknown distance,
+with the figure of a man traced thereon, assuming the target to be an
+enemy similarly armed with himself; let him understand that he must take
+his chance of hitting his man or being hit himself; and let him fire at
+this target with the back-sight level, judging his own distance and the
+necessary elevation required: this calculation (not a very difficult
+one, after a little practice) could easily be come to while in the act
+of loading. The result of the first shot would determine the required
+elevation, and by taking pains, bull's eyes and centres would soon be
+obtained.
+
+It is submitted that this mode of procedure would create an interest in
+the practice of the soldier, tending to cause a healthy reaction; men
+would take more pains, and try to beat their comrades, as there would be
+a greater stimulus to do so than by the present system. Men, as it is,
+go to their practice without the slightest interest therein, and get rid
+of the ammunition as soon as possible, in order to get off duty. The
+real reason why we have such excellent shots in the Volunteers is
+accounted for by the fact that they not only take an interest in the
+work, but take pains in everything they do, the result being success.
+
+Much significance is attached to the bull's-eye mania. It should be
+borne in mind that a man is a large object at which to aim; that so long
+as he can be crippled there is no necessity to kill. To disable a man so
+that he can do no more mischief is sufficient.
+
+Any man can make a scale of elevation in his own mind, and, with
+practice, fire at any range without putting up the sight, and can fire
+standing. My theory is as follows:--
+
+Up to 100 yards the range is point-blank, that is, aim direct on the
+bull's eye; for 200 yards, raise the muzzle, say one foot above the
+bull's eye; for 300 yards, two feet above the bull's eye, and so on. A
+few trial-shots will soon settle the question, and practice makes
+perfect. A man will thus be independent of the back-sight of his rifle.
+This refers to shooting in the open. Of course, under cover, when time
+and circumstances admit, the back-sight can be used with great
+advantage.
+
+A man in shooting with a pistol or revolver has to judge his own
+distance and the necessary elevation. Why should not the same rule apply
+directly to the rifle? I have seen excellent practice at 400 yards with
+a Snider carbine, back-sight level, the man judging his own elevation,
+and have been very successful myself, and have found the above rule
+apply, with slight variations.
+
+In rifle contests all artificial nonsense, such as coloured glasses,
+eye-shades, kneeling upon eider-down quilts, firing from shaded tents,
+blackening sights, &c., should be discouraged. Let a man leave all such
+effeminacy and tomfoolery at home, and shoot like a man, taking
+circumstances as he would find them in the open field _with an enemy_
+before him, using such cover only as nature and circumstances provide.
+
+There is infinite satisfaction attached to the winning of an honour,
+when that honour has to be obtained under difficulties which must be
+surmounted. The more difficult the task is, the more merit in overcoming
+it.
+
+Lastly. All firearms require constant attention, and should be kept
+clean. After use they should be immediately attended to, and never put
+away dirty; should be kept in some dry corner where rust cannot destroy,
+and they should be occasionally overhauled and oiled when necessary.
+Really valuable weapons are sometimes ruined by neglect. The man who
+takes no pride in his gun is no sportsman.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[A] I have known instances of pistols and fowling-pieces hanging fire
+for two or three seconds after the hammer has fallen, and then suddenly
+go off.
+
+
+[B] Vide _Minor Tactics_, by Lieut.-Colonel Clery, 1883.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  LONDON:
+  Printed by STRANGEWAYS AND SONS, Tower Street, Upper St. Martin's Lane
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Page 38, "The" changed to "the" (the Snider artillery carbine)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hints on the Use and Handling of
+Firearms Generally, and the Revolver in Particular, by Lieut. H. Onslow Curling
+
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