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diff --git a/41535-0.txt b/41535-0.txt index 905bf86..0f16977 100644 --- a/41535-0.txt +++ b/41535-0.txt @@ -1,37 +1,4 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Pistol and Revolver Shooting, by A. L. A. Himmelwright - -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: Pistol and Revolver Shooting - -Author: A. L. A. 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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: Pistol and Revolver Shooting - -Author: A. L. A. Himmelwright - -Release Date: December 1, 2012 [EBook #41535] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive.) - - - - - - - - - -PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING - - - - - Pistol and Revolver Shooting - - - BY A. L. A. HIMMELWRIGHT - - - _Illustrated_ - - - OUTING HANDBOOKS - - _Number 34_ - - - NEW YORK - OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY - MCMXVI - - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY The Macmillan Co. - -COPYRIGHT, 1908, BY A. L. A. Himmelwright - -COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY - -All rights reserved - -Fully Revised - - - - -PREFACE - - -Interest in pistol and revolver shooting has increased very rapidly in -recent years and particularly since smokeless powder has been introduced. - -The revolver and the magazine pistol now constitute part of the regular -equipment of army and navy officers and cavalry troops. Regulations -governing practice shooting with these arms have been issued and adopted -by both branches of the service and by the National Guard of the various -States. In the National Rifle Association and in the various State rifle -associations that have recently been organized, pistol and revolver -shooting has an important place, and the matches provided are largely -patronized. In the numerous civilian shooting clubs scattered throughout -the country pistol and revolver shooting has become extremely popular, and -in many cases the majority of the members practice more frequently with -the smaller arms than with the rifle. - -Practice with the pistol and revolver affords training in sighting, steady -holding, and pulling the trigger, which are the essential features of -rifle shooting also. On account of this relation, and the fact that skill -with these arms can be instantly utilized in rifle shooting, the -development of marksmanship with the pistol and revolver assumes national -importance. - -While numerous standard works have been written on the subject of rifle -shooting, there is comparatively little information available on pistol -and revolver shooting. The object of this volume is to supply practical -information on this subject. The author has attempted to treat the subject -in a clear and concise manner, keeping the size of the volume as small as -practicable and so as to be conveniently carried in the pocket. Particular -pains have been taken to give sound advice and elementary instruction to -beginners. - -The author extends his grateful acknowledgments to Baron Speck von -Sternburg, Messrsr. J. B. Crabtree, John T. Humphrey, William E. Carlin, -Chas. S. Axtell, Walter Winans, Walter G. Hudson, Ed. Taylor, J. E. -Silliman, M. Hays, and the various arms and ammunition manufacturers -referred to herein, for valuable assistance, suggestions, information and -_data_ in preparing this volume. - -A. L. A. HIMMELWRIGHT. - -_Stockholm, N. J._ - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. INTRODUCTORY AND HISTORICAL 13 - - II. ARMS 17 - - III. AMMUNITION 37 - - IV. SIGHTS 62 - - V. SHOOTING POSITION 67 - - VI. TARGET-SHOOTING 70 - - VII. TARGETS 86 - - VIII. TARGET PRACTICE 94 - - IX. REVOLVER PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE 99 - - X. PISTOL SHOOTING FOR LADIES 107 - - XI. CLUBS AND RANGES 111 - - XII. HINTS TO BEGINNERS 122 - - XIII. RELOADING AMMUNITION 147 - - APPENDIX 167 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - Smith & Wesson .38-Caliber Revolver} - Colt Army Special Revolver } FACING PAGE 22 - Smith & Wesson .44-Caliber Revolver} - - Colt New Service Revolver } - Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver} " " 24 - Colt Single Action Revolver } - - Webley & Scott "W. S." Model Revolver} - Webley & Fosbury Automatic Revolver } " " 26 - Colt Automatic Pistol } - - Parabellum or "Luger" Automatic Pistol} - Webley & Scott Automatic Pistol } " " 28 - Mauser Automatic Pistol } - - Smith & Wesson Pistol } - Remington Pistol } " " 30 - Stevens Pistol, Gould Model} - - Adolph Weber Pistol } - Gastinne-Renette Pistol } " " 32 - Colt Automatic Target Pistol } - Colt Police Positive Revolver} - - Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Revolver } - Smith & Wesson Double Action Perfected } - Revolver } " " 34 - Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless Revolver} - Smith & Wesson Pocket Revolver } - - Colt Police Positive Target Revolver} - Stevens Diamond Model Pistol } " " 36 - Colt Automatic Pocket Pistol } - - Colt Automatic Pocket Pistol } - Savage Automatic Pocket Pistol } " " 38 - Smith & Wesson Automatic Pocket Pistol} - - Military Sights PAGE 62 - - Paine Sights } FACING PAGE 63 - Patridge Sights} - - Lyman Sights } " " 64 - The Wespi Searchlight Sight} - - Walter Winans, C. S. Axtell, Thomas - Anderton " " 68 - - John A. Dietz, E. E. Patridge, Sergt. W. - E. Petty " " 72 - - J. E. Gorman, R. H. Sayre, A. P. Lane " " 76 - - J. H. Snook, George Armstrong, P. J. - Dolfen " " 78 - - Standard American Target PAGE 87 - - U. S. R. A. Combination Target " 88 - - The International Union Target " 89 - - Target L. (U. S. Army) " 91 - - Combination Set: Revolver, Pistol, Utensils, - and Case " 109 - - Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for - 50-yard Range " 114 - - Details of Booths at Firing Line, "Trolleys," - and Butts for Gallery Ranges " 117 - - Shooting Gallery of the Crescent Athletic - Club, Brooklyn, N. Y. FACING PAGE 120 - - Correct Manner of Holding the Revolver " " 124 - - Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at - the Target PAGE 128 - - Showing the Travel of the Line of the Sights - About the Bullseye in Aiming " 130 - - Moulding Bullets " 151 - - - - -PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING - - - - -CHAPTER I - -INTRODUCTORY AND HISTORICAL - - -Pistol shooting has been practiced ever since "grained" gunpowder came -into general use. It is only recently, however, that it has developed into -a popular pastime and has been recognized as a legitimate sport.[1] - -The useful and practical qualities of the pistol and revolver have been -developed almost wholly during the last half-century. Before this period -the small arms designed to be fired with one hand were crude and -inaccurate, and were intended to be used only at short range as weapons of -defense. The single-barreled muzzle-loading pistol has, nevertheless, been -part of the army and navy officer's equipment since the sixteenth century. -These pistols were of large caliber, smooth-bored, heavy, and unwieldy. -The load was a spherical bullet and a large charge of powder. Enough -accuracy was obtained to hit a man at 15 to 20 paces, which was deemed -sufficient. The usefulness of these arms in action was limited to the -firing of a single shot, and then using them as missiles or clubs. - -The pistol in early days was considered a gentleman's arm--a luxury. It -was the arm generally selected for duelling when that code was in vogue, -the contestants standing 10 to 20 paces apart and firing at the word of -command. - -The development of the pistol has been contemporaneous and closely -identified with that of the rifle. With the grooving or rifling of the -barrel, the accuracy was greatly improved and the arm adapted to conical -bullets. Although numerous attempts were made to devise a multishot arm -with flint, wheel, and match locks, it was not until the percussion cap -was invented that a practicable arm of this character was produced. This -was a "revolver" invented by Colonel Colt of Hartford, Conn., in 1835, and -consisted of a single barrel with a revolving cylinder at the breech -containing the charges, the mechanism being such that the cocking of the -piece after each discharge revolved the cylinder sufficiently to bring a -loaded chamber in line with the barrel. - -The greatest advance in the development of firearms was the introduction -of the system of breech-loading, employing ammunition in the form of -cartridges. This principle rendered the operation of loading much simpler -and quicker, and vastly improved the efficiency and general utility of the -arms.[2] - -The present popularity of pistol and revolver shooting is due, no doubt, -to recent improvements in the arms and ammunition. The arms are now -marvels of fine workmanship, easy to manipulate, durable, and extremely -accurate. With the introduction of smokeless powders, the smoke, fouling, -and noise have been reduced to a minimum. The effect of these improvements -has been, not only to increase the efficiency of the arms, but also the -pleasure of shooting them. - -As a sport, pistol shooting has much to commend it. It is a healthful -exercise, being practiced out-of-doors in the open air. There are no -undesirable concomitants, such as gambling, coarseness, and rough and -dangerous play. In order to excel, regular and temperate habits of life -must be formed and maintained. It renders the senses more alert and trains -them to act in unison and in harmony. But, above all, skill in shooting is -a useful accomplishment. - -Anyone possessing ordinary health and good sight may, by practice, become -a good pistol shot. Persons who are richly endowed by nature with those -physical qualities which specially fit them for expert shooting will, of -course, master the art sooner than those less favored; but it has been -conclusively shown that excellence is more a question of training and -practice than of natural gift. Some of the most brilliant shooting has -been done by persons possessing a decidedly nervous temperament; but those -of phlegmatic temperament will generally make more uniform and reliable -marksmen. - -It is much more difficult to shoot well with the pistol or revolver than -with the rifle. The latter, having a stock to rest against the shoulder -and steady one end of the piece, has a decided advantage in quick aiming -and in pulling the trigger. The former, without a stock and being held in -one hand with the arm extended so as to be free from the body, is without -any anchor or support whatever, and is free to move in all directions. -Consequently the least jar, jerk in pulling the trigger, puff of wind, or -unsteadiness of the hand greatly disturbs the aim. Intelligent practice -will, however, overcome these difficulties and disadvantages to such a -degree that an expert shot with a pistol or revolver under favorable -conditions can equal a fair shot with a rifle at the target up to 200 -yards. When the novice essays to shoot the pistol or revolver, the results -are generally disappointing and discouraging; but rapid progress -invariably rewards the efforts of those who persevere, and when once -thoroughly interested in this style of shooting, there comes a fascination -for it that frequently endures throughout a lifetime. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -ARMS - - -The term "pistol" is frequently applied indiscriminately to the -single-shot pistol and the revolver. A marked distinction between these -arms has gradually been developed. - -The pistol is now recognized as a single-shot arm, adapted for a light -charge and designed to secure extreme accuracy. Its use is limited almost -exclusively to target and exhibition shooting. - -The modern revolver is an arm with a revolving cylinder holding five or -six cartridges, which are at the instant command of the shooter before it -is necessary to reload. It is designed for heavy charges, and is a -practical and formidable weapon. Revolvers are made in great variety, and -adapted for various purposes, such as military service, target shooting, -pocket weapons, etc. The best grades of pistols and revolvers may be had -at a reasonable price. The cheap grades with which the market is at all -times flooded should be avoided. They are incapable of doing good work, -and frequently are positively dangerous, on account of being made of -inferior materials. - -The magazine or automatic pistol is the latest type of hand firearm. It is -a multishot pistol in which the mechanism is operated automatically by the -recoil. Pulling the trigger is the only manual operation necessary to fire -successive shots until the supply of cartridges in the magazine (usually -six to ten) is exhausted. The first models were introduced about 1898. -These had many defects and objections, such as failure to function -regularly, danger in manipulation due to insufficient safety devices, poor -balance, unsightly lines, etc. Nevertheless the advantages of this type of -arm over the revolver for military purposes in effective range, rapidity -of fire, accuracy, interchangeability, etc., were soon recognized and -manufacturers were encouraged to improve and perfect them. - -Practically all the mechanical defects referred to have been corrected, -the balance and the lines improved, and safety devices introduced so that -these arms are now well adapted for military use and are rapidly -superseding the revolver as service weapons in the United States army and -navy. A synopsis of the severe tests leading to the adoption of a magazine -pistol by the War Department of the United States government may be found -in the Appendix. - -_Military Arms._--The revolver and the magazine pistol are used for -military service. To fulfill the requirements these arms must be strong, -very durable, and withstand a great amount of hard usage without becoming -disabled. The effectiveness, or "stopping power," is of prime importance. -The caliber should be large, the bullet should have a blunt point, and the -powder charge should be sufficiently powerful to give a penetration of at -least six inches in pine. There was a tendency some years ago to reduce -the caliber of military revolvers. While this resulted in increased -velocity and penetration, and reduced the weight of the ammunition, it did -not improve the stopping power of the arms. - -The ineffectiveness of the .38-caliber service revolver charge was -frequently complained of by the officers and men serving in the Philippine -Islands. This was due to the light powder charge and the conoidal shaped -point of the bullet. To remedy this weakness .45-caliber revolvers were -issued for the Philippine service, and a new .45-caliber cartridge -designed to which magazine pistol manufacturers were invited to adapt an -arm. Unfortunately this new cartridge, which is now the service -ammunition, has also a conoidal pointed bullet, is not well proportioned, -and consequently develops only a part of its stopping power possibilities. - -The sights must in all cases be very substantial, and solidly fixed to the -frame or barrel. The trigger pull varies from 4 to 8 pounds, the barrel -from 4 to 7 inches in length, and the weight from 2 to 2 pounds. -Ammunition loaded with smokeless powder is now invariably used for -military service. - -The service revolvers still in use in the United States army and navy are -the Smith & Wesson and Colt, both .38 caliber, and taking the same -ammunition. They have passed the prescribed series of tests as established -by the United States government,[3] and as improved and perfected -represent, without doubt, the highest development of the military -revolver. - -These arms, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, have solid frames, and the actions are -almost identical, the cylinder swinging out to the left, on a hinge, when -released by a catch. The shells may then be extracted simultaneously by -pushing back the extractor rod. The Smith & Wesson has an additional -hinge-locking device in front of the cylinder. The Colt has an automatic -safety lock between the hammer and the frame, permitting discharge only -when the trigger is pulled. Apart from these features there is very little -difference between these arms. - -The Smith & Wesson .44-caliber Military Revolver is the latest model of -the large caliber revolvers. Its action and general lines are the same as -the .38-caliber military, but it is a larger, heavier, and more powerful -weapon. - -Other excellent military revolvers are the Colt New Service and the Smith -& Wesson Russian model, usually in .45 caliber and .44 caliber, -respectively. The ammunition for these arms was formerly loaded with black -powder; but smokeless cartridges have been adapted to them, which give -slightly increased velocity and the same accuracy. (See Fig. 4, facing p. -24.) - -The Smith & Wesson Russian model has a hinge "tip-up" action, with an -automatic ejecting device. The action is operated by raising a catch in -front of the hammer. It is easy to manipulate and, on account of the -accessibility of the breech, the barrel can be readily inspected and -cleaned. This arm is single action. (See Fig. 5, facing p. 24.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 1.--SMITH & WESSON 38 cal. MILITARY REVOLVER Six -shots; 6 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 15 oz.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 2.--COLT ARMY SPECIAL REVOLVER Six shots; 6 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs. 3 oz., .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig 3.--SMITH & WESSON .44 cal. MILITARY REVOLVER. Six -shots; 6 inch barrel; weight 2 lbs. 6 oz.] - -The action of the Colt New Service is similar to that of the .38-caliber -revolver shown in Fig. 2, with a solid frame. It is double action. - -The Colt Officer's Model is identical in every respect with the Army -Special except that it is fitted with adjustable target sights and may be -had with lengths of barrel up to 7 inches. - -The foregoing arms, with good ammunition, are capable of making groups of -ten shots on a 3-inch circle at 50 yards. - -The Colt single action Army is the most popular belt or holster weapon -among ranchmen, cowboys, prospectors, and others. It has a solid frame, -simple mechanism, and is exceedingly durable and reliable. The arm is -operated by opening a gate on the right-hand side, back of the cylinder. -The cartridges are inserted in the cylinder through the gate, the cylinder -being revolved by hand until the respective chambers come opposite the -gate. In the same manner the shells are ejected by pushing the extractor -rod back into each of the chambers. (See Fig. 6, facing p. 24.) - -The Smith & Wesson Schofield Model, .45 caliber, was formerly a United -States service weapon. The ammunition for this arm, while less powerful -than the .45 Colt, was admirably adapted for military service, and had -much less recoil. - -The Webley & Scott W. S. Model revolver is an English arm of much merit. -The caliber is .455. It has a hinge "tip-up" action, with an automatic -extractor very similar to the Smith & Wesson. (See Fig. 7, facing p. 26.) - -The service weapon adopted by the Joint War Office and Admiralty Committee -for the British army and navy is the Webley & Scott "Mark IV," or "Service -Model," revolver. This model is almost identical with the W. S. Model, -except that the barrel is 4 inches long and the weight is 2 lbs. 3 oz. On -account of the short barrel, the accuracy of this weapon does not equal -that of the W. S. Model. - -Another English arm is the "Webley-Fosbury" automatic revolver. The recoil -revolving the cylinder and cocking the hammer, it can be fired as rapidly -as the automatic pistols. It is chambered for the .455 service cartridge -loaded with 5 grains of cordite. This arm has been introduced since -1900. (See Fig. 8, facing p. 26.) - -Among the leading magazine or automatic pistols used for military service -are the Colt, Luger, Webley & Scott, Savage, Mauser, Knoble, Bergmann, -White-Merrill, Steyr, Mannlicher, Mors and Bayard. Most of these arms were -tested by the United States government[4] previous to the adoption of the -Colt as the service weapon of the U. S. Army and Navy. (See Fig. 9, facing -p. 26.) - -The Luger has been adopted as the service weapon by Germany, Switzerland, -Portugal, Bulgaria, Holland, and Brazil. (See Fig. 10, facing p. 28.) - -The Webley-Scott (.455 caliber) was adopted as the service arm by the -British navy in 1911, and the .32-caliber (weight 1 lb. 2 oz.) is now the -adopted arm of the London City and Metropolitan police forces. (See Fig. -11, facing p. 28.) - -In most of these weapons, including the Colt, Webley & Scott, Luger, and -Steyr pistols, the cartridges are inserted in magazines which feed them -into the breech through the handle. In the Mauser pistol the cartridges -are supplied through clips from the top and forced into a magazine located -in front of the trigger. (See Fig. 12, facing p. 28.) - -The magazine pistols can be fired at the rate of about five shots per -second. These arms equal the best military revolvers in accuracy. - -Many persons believe that the magazine pistol will soon supersede the -revolver for general use. While this may be the case eventually, it is not -likely to occur within the next few years. The magazine pistol is more -complicated, and consequently more difficult to learn to shoot with and -care for, than the revolver. On account of the special problems to be -solved in the mechanism, many of them balance poorly and the trigger pull -is almost invariably long and creeping. The novice will also find it -difficult to avoid flinching in shooting these arms, on account of the -recoil mechanism, louder report, etc. The line of sight being considerably -higher than the grip, if they are not held perfectly plumb, or in the same -position at each shot, the shooting is liable to be irregular. The cost is -more than that of a good revolver. Until these undesirable features can be -remedied or eliminated, the revolver will probably remain a popular arm. - -_Target Arms._--For target purposes the greatest possible accuracy is -desirable. To obtain this, many features essential in a military arm are -sacrificed. Delicate adjustable sights are employed, the trigger pull is -reduced, the length of the barrel is increased, the charge reduced, etc. - -[Illustration: Fig. 4.--COLT NEW SERVICE REVOLVER Six shots; 5 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 8 oz.; .45 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 5.--SMITH & WESSON RUSSIAN MODEL REVOLVER Six shots; -6 inch barrel; weight, 39 oz.; .44 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 6.--COLT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER Six shots; 5 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs. 6 oz.; .45 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 7.--WEBLEY & SCOTT "W. S." MODEL REVOLVER Six shots; -7 inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7 oz.; .455 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 8.--WEBLEY & FOSBURY AUTOMATIC REVOLVER. Six shots; 6 -inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 10 oz.; .455 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 9.--COLT AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Seven shots; 5 inch barrel; -weight, 2 lbs. 7 oz.; .45 cal.] - -The most accurate arms available at the present time are the single-shot -pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., The J. Stevens -Arms & Tool Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass.; Fred Adolph, Genoa, N. Y. These -pistols are furnished in calibers from .22 rim-fire to .38 central-fire. -The barrels are generally 10 inches in length and the trigger pull 2 -pounds. In the latest approved form these pistols are of .22 caliber -specially bored and chambered for the rim-fire, .22 caliber long rifle -cartridge. This is a light, clean, pleasant shooting charge, and may be -fired many times with very little fatigue. Pistol shooting with arms of -this caliber is rapidly becoming a popular pastime for ladies as well as -gentlemen. - -The Smith & Wesson pistol has a tip-up action and an automatic extractor. -It is made of the best materials and with the greatest care. The fitting -and workmanship are superior to that of any other machine-made pistol. The -action is similar to that of the Russian Model revolver. (See Fig. 13, -facing p. 30.) - -The Stevens pistols were formerly furnished in three models and for many -years they have enjoyed merited popularity for target shooting among the -leading marksmen. This pistol is now supplied only in the No. 35 or -"Offhand Target Model," which like the earlier models has a tip-up action -and an automatic extractor. A small knob on the left side is pressed to -release the barrel and operate the action. (See Fig. 14, facing p. 30.) - -The Remington pistol has an exceedingly strong action, and is the only -machine-made pistol with an action adapted for regulation .44, .45, and -.50 caliber cartridges. It has a large handle and a heavy barrel. The -action is operated when the hammer is at full-cock by throwing back the -breech-block with the thumb, simultaneously ejecting the empty shell. -Unfortunately the manufacture of these weapons has recently been -discontinued. (See Fig. 15, facing p. 30.) - -The Adolph-Weber pistol designed by M. Casimir Weber, of Zurich, -Switzerland, is a high grade hand-made arm that can be supplied by Mr. -Fred Adolph in accordance with any specifications that the marksman may -desire. Fig. 16 illustrates it conforming to the rules and regulations of -the U. S. Revolver Association. It has a strong, durable, tip-up action -resembling in principle that of the Stevens, and when closed the barrel is -securely locked in position by a cross bolt, actuated by a button on the -left side. (See Fig. 16, facing p. 32.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 10.--THE PARABELLUM OR "LUGER" AUTOMATIC PISTOL Eight -shots; 4-5/8 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 13.4 oz.; .30 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 11.--WEBLEY & SCOTT AUTOMATIC PISTOL Eight shots; 5 -inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7 oz.; .455 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 12.--MAUSER AUTOMATIC PISTOL Ten shots; 5 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7 oz.; .30 cal.] - -The Adolph-Martini is a weapon _de luxe_ that has been produced in the -same manner as the Adolph-Weber, in which the action of the Martini rifle -has been employed. It has double set triggers and is highly ornate. - -The Adolph "H. V." is a .22 caliber pistol adapted for a special high -velocity cartridge developing a muzzle velocity of 2,000 ft. per second -and an energy of 623 foot-pounds. - -With good ammunition all these pistols are capable of placing ten shots -within a 2-inch circle at 50 yards. - -A very accurate pistol for gallery and short-range shooting is made by M. -Gastinne-Renette of Paris and used in his gallery in that city. These are -muzzle-loading and are very tedious and inconvenient to manipulate. For -this reason they have not become popular. A few of these arms have been -made up as breech-loaders, with a tip-up action similar to the Stevens, -but operated by a side lever under the hammer and chambered for the .44 -Russian cartridge. In this form with gallery charges the pistol has given -very good results. (See Fig. 17, facing p. 32.) - -The revolver is not quite as accurate as the pistol, on account of the -necessity of having the cylinder detached from the barrel. If the pin on -which the cylinder revolves is not at right angles with the end of the -cylinder, there will be more space between the cylinder and the breech -end of the barrel in some positions of the cylinder than in others. The -result will be varying amounts of gas escaping from the different chambers -of the cylinder, and consequently irregular shooting. The accuracy of the -revolver depends largely, too, upon the degree of perfection in which all -the chambers of the cylinder align with the bore of the barrel at the -instant of discharge. When the chambers do not align perfectly, the bullet -enters the barrel eccentrically and a portion of it is shaved off. This is -fatal to accuracy, especially when smokeless powder is used. Imperfect -alignment of chamber and barrel is also a frequent cause of the "leading" -of the barrel. Some very ingenious mechanical expedients are used in the -best revolvers to reduce to a minimum the wear of those parts which -operate and hold the cylinder in position. - -The revolvers generally used for target shooting are the military arms -already described, with longer barrels, chambered for special cartridges, -fitted with target sights, special handles, and other modifications to -suit the whims and tastes of individuals. - -Some of these modifications are distinctly advantageous. One of the most -recent fads is to skeletonize the hammer by boring away as much metal -as possible and to increase the tension of the main spring. The combined -effect is almost instant response to the trigger pull. - -[Illustration: Fig. 13.--SMITH & WESSON PISTOL Ten-inch barrel; weight, 1 -lb., 8 oz., .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 14--STEVENS PISTOL, GOULD MODEL Ten-inch barrel; -weight, 1 lb., 10 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 15.--REMINGTON PISTOL Ten-inch barrel, weight, 2 lbs., -8 oz.; .44 cal.] - -The best and most experienced shots are careful to keep the modifications -of all their arms within the rules and regulations of the various national -organizations,[5] in order that they may be used in the annual -competitions and other important events. These organizations control the -pistol and revolver shooting, and conduct annual competitions. "Freak" -arms which do not comply with the rules are not allowed in the -competitions, are seldom practical, and have little or no value other than -for experimental purposes. Target arms are generally used for trick and -exhibition shooting.[6] - -_Pocket Arms._--The most extensive use of the revolver as a pocket weapon -is for police service. Special arms are manufactured to meet the -requirements. These weapons are generally similar to the military -revolvers, but smaller in size and adapted for lighter charges. All -projections, such as sights, hammer, etc., must be eliminated or minimized -so as not to catch in drawing the arm from the pocket or holster. The -barrels are usually from 3 to 5 inches in length, the trigger pull 4 -pounds and the caliber .22 to .38. The larger calibers are much preferable -for the general purposes of an arm of this character. The difference in -weight is slight, while the power and effectiveness of the large calibers -is important and a great advantage. - -The pocket arms shown in Figs. 18 and 19 are practically reduced sizes of -the military arms shown in Figs. 1 and 2. They have solid frames and -actions identical with those of the military arms. The Smith & Wesson is -made only in .32 caliber but the Colt may be had in .32 or .38. Both are -double action. - -The Colt Police Special is similar in model to Fig. 18 but is slightly -larger and heavier and can be had chambered for the powerful .38 caliber -Special, or the .32 caliber Winchester cartridges. - -The Smith & Wesson Double Action, Perfected, is an improved model of this -popular pocket weapon, having a double locking action. (See Fig. 20, -facing p. 34.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 16--ADOLPH WEBER PISTOL Ten-inch barrel; weight, 2 -lbs. 2 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 17--GASTINNE-RENETTE PISTOL 10-3/16 inch barrel; -weight, 2 lbs. 6 oz.; .44 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 17a--COLT AUTOMATIC TARGET PISTOL Ten shots; 6 -inch barrel; weight, 28 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 18--COLT POLICE POSITIVE REVOLVER Six shots; 4 inch -barrel; weight, 1 lb., 4 oz.; .32 cal.] - -One of the most popular pocket revolvers is the Smith & Wesson Safety -Hammerless. This arm has a safety latch in the back of the handle, so -designed that unless the piece is properly held it is impossible to -operate it. It has many valuable and desirable features to commend it as a -practical pocket weapon and for home protection. The standard length of -barrel is 4 inches. This arm is also furnished in .32 caliber. (See Fig. -21, facing p. 34.) - -With 4-inch barrels, the foregoing pocket weapons are capable of shooting -regularly within a 2-inch circle at 20 yards. - -A heavier and correspondingly more powerful Pocket revolver is the Colt -"Double Action" revolver. This arm is chambered for the Colt .41 caliber -short and long cartridges. It has a solid frame, and is operated exactly -like the Colt Single Action Army Model (Fig 6). It is compact, strong, -durable, and accurate. - -For many years there was no high grade .22 caliber revolver on the market. -Within the last few years two excellent arms in this caliber have been -produced. The Smith & Wesson is supplied chambered only for the S. & W. -long cartridges, but in two lengths of barrels; 3 inches with fixed sights -and 6 inches with target sights. The Colt is furnished only in one length -of barrel, 6 inches, but chambered for any of the rim-fire cartridges, -and the .32 caliber short and long Colt, central-fire cartridges. These -arms with 6-inch barrels are extremely accurate, pleasant to shoot on -account of the light recoil and the ammunition is inexpensive. They are -well adapted for target shooting for ladies and excellent for small game -shooting. (See Figs. 22 and 23.) - -A very handy little arm to carry in the pocket on hunting and fishing -trips is the Stevens Diamond Model single-shot pistol. It is light in -weight, very accurate, and low in cost. (See Fig. 24, facing p. 36.) - -All these .22 caliber arms can be depended on to kill grouse, ducks, -rabbits, and other small game. The hollow-pointed bullet ammunition should -be used, or the regular cartridge, with the front of the bullet cut off -square, so as to leave a flat point. This will increase the killing effect -of the bullet considerably. - -Magazine pistols of smaller size than the military arms have in recent -years become popular as pocket weapons. Such types as have safety devices -to prevent discharge when the arm is not properly held for firing, are -well adapted for this purpose. - -The Colt Pocket Models are made in .38 caliber and .32 caliber as shown in -Fig. 25, and in .25 caliber as illustrated in Fig. 26 (facing pp. 36 -and 38.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 19--SMITH & WESSON HAND EJECTOR REVOLVER Six shots; -4 inch barrel; weight, 18 oz.; .32 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 20.--SMITH & WESSON DOUBLE ACTION PERFECTED REVOLVER -Five shots; 4 inch barrel; weight, 17 oz.; .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 21.--SMITH & WESSON SAFETY HAMMERLESS REVOLVER Five -shots; 4 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 1 oz.; .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 22.--SMITH & WESSON POCKET REVOLVER Seven shots; 3 -inch barrel; weight, 10 oz.; .22 cal.] - -The Savage Pocket Model is made in .38 and .32 caliber using the same -cartridge as the Colt. It has an automatic indicator showing when the arm -is loaded. A recent improvement in this arm is a spur cocking lever which -permits cocking with the thumb of the hand holding the weapon. (See Fig. -27, facing p. 38.) - -The Smith & Wesson automatic is furnished only in .35 caliber. It has a -wood stock backed by steel plates. The automatic safety in this arm is -located in front of the trigger guard and is operated by the second -finger. (See Fig. 28, facing p. 38.) - -As in the case of pocket revolvers, the larger calibers of the pocket -automatic pistols will be found to have better stopping power and as -practical weapons for use in case of emergency are to be preferred to the -smaller calibers. - -Persons who have very limited use for a weapon as for home protection and -occasional pocket use, especially when they do not expect to practice -shooting with it regularly will find a suitable revolver much more -serviceable, safer, and generally more satisfactory than a magazine -pistol. The latter on account of its more complicated and concealed -mechanism is liable to be left in an unserviceable condition for safety in -the home (unloaded, magazines misplaced, etc.) and when needed, -unfamiliarity with its manipulation not only causes delay in getting it in -action but also is a fruitful source of accident. For the purpose referred -to in this paragraph a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless, a .38 -or .32 caliber Colt Police Positive, or a .32 caliber Smith & Wesson Hand -Ejector with a 4-inch barrel and a 4-pound trigger pull in each case is -recommended. Owners of such weapons for home or personal protection should -practice with them occasionally, firing at least 20 or 25 shots. A good -range for such practice is 20 to 30 feet. After using the arm it should in -all cases be carefully cleaned and oiled as described under "Cleaning and -Care of Arms." - -[Illustration: Fig. 23--COLT POLICE POSITIVE TARGET REVOLVER Seven shots; -6 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 6 oz.; .22 and .32 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 24.--STEVENS DIAMOND MODEL PISTOL Six inch barrel; -weight, 8 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 25.--COLT AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Eight shots; 3 -inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 7 oz.; .32 and .38 cal.] - - - - -CHAPTER III - -AMMUNITION - - -The degree of perfection that has been attained in the manufacture of -ammunition is remarkable. Generally speaking, the smaller the charge the -more difficult it is to make it accurate. Notwithstanding this, we have in -the .22 caliber ammunition a tiny cartridge the accuracy of which falls -little short of marvellous. - -Until 1907 black powder ammunition was used almost exclusively for pistol -and revolver shooting. In central-fire ammunition smokeless powders are -now invariably used, especially in military shooting, where the regulation -full charge is required. In the .22 caliber pistols, the fouling of the -black powder is not a very serious matter, and it is not uncommon to shoot -fifty or a hundred rounds without the necessity of cleaning. In the larger -calibers, however, the fouling is frequently so excessive that it affects -the accuracy after the fifth shot. The incessant cleaning that is -necessary in order to get good results with black powder ammunition was a -great drawback, and detracted much from the pleasure of revolver shooting. -Fortunately this objection is now entirely eliminated by the use of -smokeless powders. - -Nearly all the cartridges referred to in this chapter were originally -designed for black powder. The various manufacturers now supply them -loaded with smokeless powder at a very slight advance in price. The -cartridges are loaded so as to give approximately the same velocity as the -former black powder charges but the new charges are rarely the exact -equivalent of the old ones. - -The accuracy and uniformity with the smokeless powder was not at first -equal to that of the black, but with a better knowledge of the action and -behavior of the smokeless powders, these difficulties have been overcome -and the smokeless ammunition now gives not only superior accuracy and -reliability, but also causes much less fouling and smoke and has a lighter -report. In "gallery" ammunition light conical bullets have entirely -superseded spherical bullets and smokeless powder is almost invariably -used. - -To obtain the best results, the proportions of any charge must be adapted -to the caliber, length of barrel, and weight of the arm in which it is -to be used. These proportions are generally determined by experiment. - -[Illustration: Fig 26 COLT AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Seven shots; 2 inch -barrel; weight, 13 oz.: 25 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 27--SAVAGE AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Ten shots; 4 -inch barrel; weight, 1 lb. 5 oz.; .32 and .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 28.--SMITH & WESSON AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Eight -shots; 3 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 7 oz.; .35 cal.] - -The accuracy of the cartridge depends largely upon the uniformity -exercised in the operations of loading, the fit of the bullet, its shape, -and the reliability and uniformity of the powder. The primer must be of -uniform strength also, especially in reduced charges. In ammunition for -military service the shells are crimped on the bullets to hold them in -place. This does not increase the accuracy in black powder ammunition, but -it is necessary and advantageous in all smokeless ammunition including -gallery charges, in order to confine the powder and produce uniform -results. - -The following is a digest of the principal pistol and revolver cartridges -in use at the present time. - -_Rim-fire Cartridges._--These are primed with a fulminate of mercury -mixture around the outer edge of the rim, or base of the shell, and are -generally loaded with Lesmok, semi-smokeless, or black powder. - -[Illustration: Figure 29.] - -The smallest and lightest charged ammunition in general use is the .22 -caliber. In this caliber the "C. B." or Conical Ball Cap loaded with -black powder is the smallest practicable cartridge. The charge is 1 -grains of powder and a lubricated conical bullet weighing 29 grains. - -[Illustration: Figure 30.] - -An excellent cartridge in this caliber is the .22 short, (Fig. 30). This -cartridge fouls very little and is almost equal in accuracy to the .22 -"long rifle" up to 50 yards. On account of its lighter report it is -preferred by many for gallery shooting. - -[Illustration: Figure 31.] - -The .22 caliber "long rifle" cartridge is more extensively used for pistol -shooting than any other. It is the most accurate of the .22-caliber -cartridges, being well proportioned, the bullet well lubricated, and the -shell uncrimped. In addition to this, the ammunition is inexpensive and -has very clean shooting qualities. It is, therefore, particularly well -adapted for pistol shooting. This cartridge, fired from a 10-inch barrel, -will shoot regularly inside of a 2-inch circle, at 50 yards, and inside a -5-inch circle at 100 yards. - -The .22-caliber Long Rifle "Armory" and the .22-caliber Smith & Wesson -Long are special makes of the long rifle cartridge that are furnished with -a crimped shell, preventing the bullet from becoming dislodged and thus -adapting this popular cartridge for use in revolvers of this caliber. - -In all of the foregoing cartridges only the surface of the bullet outside -the shell is lubricated. Exposed in this way, the lubricant is easily -rubbed off, or melted if allowed to stand in the sunlight on a warm day. -Great care should be taken to prevent this, as, without lubrication, the -bullets will lead the barrel and cause inaccurate shooting. - -[Illustration: Figure 32.] - -The .22-caliber Winchester is a cartridge with inside lubrication. It is -more powerful than the .22 long rifle, and gives good results in the -pistol. The bullet has a flat point, making it suitable for game shooting, -and the lubrication being within the shell, these cartridges may be -carried loose in the pocket. - -All of the .22 caliber cartridges can be had with hollow-pointed bullets, -which are to be preferred for game shooting. They are also furnished -loaded with smokeless powder. When this powder was first used in -.22-caliber ammunition the results were far from satisfactory, but as now -manufactured the smokeless ammunition approximates very closely in -uniformity and accuracy to that loaded with black powder. - -There still remains, however, considerable difficulty with the rim-fire -smokeless cartridges on account of their liability to rust the inside of -the barrel.[7] The novice is therefore cautioned not to use this -ammunition until the difficulty of rusting is overcome. - -The .25-cal. Stevens is a much more powerful cartridge than any of the -preceding, and gives excellent results in the pistol. It is selected by -those who wish a more powerful rim-fire cartridge than is furnished in .22 -caliber. - -[Illustration: Figure 33.] - -Rim-fire cartridges in larger caliber than .25 are used for derringers -(large-bore, single-shot pocket pistols now seldom used) and inferior -grades of revolvers. These cartridges sometimes lack uniformity in caliber -when made by different manufacturers, are frequently defective, and -discharge occasionally in closing the action of the arm in which they are -loaded. They consequently lack the safety, reliability, and accuracy of -the corresponding calibers in central-fire ammunition. Rim-fire cartridges -cannot be reloaded. - -_Central-fire Cartridges._--This type of cartridge has a brass or copper -primer fitted with a skeleton anvil of brass and charged with a small -quantity of priming composition containing a sensitive explosive for -igniting the powder charge. The primer fits water-tight in a socket in the -center of the base of the shell. After being discharged, the primer can be -renewed and the shell reloaded. - -In all the central-fire cartridges the lubrication of the bullet is -inside of the shell, rendering the ammunition much more serviceable and -less liable to be damaged. - -Mantled bullets designated as "metal pointed" and "full metal patched" can -be supplied by the ammunition manufacturers for all the central-fire -cartridges at a cost of one dollar per thousand more than the regular lead -bullets. The mantled bullets do not deform as readily in handling, -shipping, etc., and give slightly increased penetration in soft woods, -animal tissue, etc., as compared with the plain lead bullet with the same -powder charge. - -[Illustration: Figure 34.] - -[Illustration: Figure 35.] - -The .32-caliber S. & W. cartridge is adapted to the Smith & Wesson, Colt, -or other pocket revolvers. Occasionally single-shot pistols are chambered -for this cartridge. It is fairly accurate at ranges up to 50 yds. A -gallery charge is furnished in this shell consisting of 4 grains of black -powder and a spherical or "round" bullet weighing 47 grains. - -The .32-cal. S. & W. Long is more accurate and powerful than the preceding -cartridge. It gives excellent results in both the pistol and revolver. -The gallery charge is the same as that of the .32 S. & W. - -The .32-caliber Colt New Police is also an accurate cartridge, and was -designed specially for the Colt New Police revolver. The flat point adds -to its effectiveness. A good gallery charge in this shell consists of a -powder charge of 1 grains of Bullseye and the regular bullet. - -[Illustration: Figure 36.] - -The .32-44 S. & W. and the .38-44 S. & W. were special black powder -cartridges designed for the S. & W. Russian Model revolver bored for these -calibers. The shells were uncrimped and the bullets seated inside of the -shells flush with the mouth. A large variety of special bullets of varying -weights were designed for these cartridges and much experimentation was -done with them. The .38-44 Caliber was originally designed for and largely -used by Chevalier Ira A. Paine, the noted pistol shot in his exhibitions. - -While these cartridges proved very accurate and were popular when black -powder was in general use they are entirely unsuited for smokeless -powders and consequently are now seldom used. - -The .38 S. & W. is adapted to the Smith & Wesson, Colt, and other pocket -revolvers. It is much more powerful than the .32 S. & W., and is -consequently more practical and better adapted for a pocket revolver -charge. When shot from a 4-inch barrel, groups of ten shots can be made in -a 2-inch circle at 20 yards and in a 6-inch circle at 50 yards. - -A good gallery or reduced load in this shell is Ideal Bullet No. 358242, -36072, or 360302 with 2 grains of Bullseye powder. - -[Illustration: Figure 37.] - -[Illustration: Figure 38.] - -The .38 Colt New Police is almost identical with the .38 S. & W., the only -difference being a slightly heavier bullet with a flat point. - -[Illustration: Figure 39.] - -The .38 Long Colt is adapted to the Colt and S. & W. Military revolvers. -It was the regulation charge of the service weapon of the U. S. Army until -1911. Under service conditions the cartridge was found to have -insufficient power, was inaccurate and on account of the deterioration of -the powder with which some of the ammunition was loaded it proved most -unsatisfactory, especially in the Philippine war. - -[Illustration: Figure 40.] - -The .38 Smith & Wesson Special cartridge is more powerful than the .38 -Long Colt and is exceedingly accurate. From a 6-inch barrel six shots may -be placed within a 5-inch circle at 100 yards. Numerous gallery and -mid-range charges with special bullets have been designed for this -cartridge. It is now the most popular of all the revolver cartridges for -target practice. Some of the special bullets are illustrated herewith, the -numbers being those used in the "Ideal Handbook": - -[Illustration: - - 358242 360345 36072 - 125 gr. 115 gr. 110 gr.] - -[Illustration: Figure 41. - - 360302 360271 360363 - 112 gr. 150 gr. 70 gr.] - -A powder charge of 2 to 2 grains of Bullseye will give good -results with any of these bullets. Bullets No. 360345, 360302 and 360271 -cut full-size bullet holes in the targets. - -The following are some of the special charges supplied by the -manufacturers in this shell: - - ================================================================ - Name |Manufacturer|Weight in|Powder |Wt. in | Type - | | Grains |Charge |Bullets| Bullet - --------------|------------|---------|--------|-------|--------- - Gallery |U. M. C. Co.| 5.2 |Black | 70 |Spherical - Target |U. M. C. Co.| 2.6 |Bullseye| 130 |R. N. - Colt Special |U. M. C. Co.| 3.4 |Bullseye| 160 |F. N. - Sharp Shoulder|U. M. C. Co.| 2.1 |Bullseye| 122 |F. Head - Mid Range |Winchester | 2.0 |Bullseye| 104 |R. N. - Gallery |Winchester | 8.5 |C. P. W.| 70 |R. N. - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - -The .44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian[8] was the most popular revolver -cartridge for target shooting before smokeless powder was introduced. -Since smokeless charges have been adapted to it many expert shots prefer -this cartridge in the gallery contests as the large bullet hole is a -decided advantage over the smaller calibers at ranges of 20 yards and -under. Nearly all the great records in revolver shooting in the past have -been made with this cartridge and many important matches have been won -with it. A great deal of experimental work has also been done with it, and -many reduced charges have been evolved. The Ideal Manufacturing Company -can furnish moulds for bullets of the shapes and weights shown in Fig. 43. - -[Illustration: Figure 42.] - -[Illustration: Figure 43. - - 429336 429251 U.M.C. U.M.C. 429106 - 255 gr. 256 gr. 110 gr. 130 gr. 175 gr. - - 429348 429106 429239 429215 429220 - 176 gr. 160 gr. 125 gr. 205 gr. 175 gr.] - -Bullets No. 429336, 429348, and 429220 cut clean, full-size holes in the -target. The weight of the powder charge and bullets in grains and the -accuracy of the various loads fired from 6-inch barrel are about as -follows: - - =============================================================== - Bullseye |Bullet|Diameter of Circle Enclosing Group of 10 Shots - Powder | | - ---------|------|---------------------------------------------- - | | 20 yds. | 30 yds. | 50 yds. |100 yds.|200 yd. - 4.1 | 256 |1 in. |1 in. |1 in. |6 in. |15 in. - 2.3 | 110 |1 in. |2 in. | | | - 2.7 | 130 |1 in. |2 in. | | | - 3.0 | 160 | |2 in. |3 in.| | - 2.8 | 176 |1 in. | | | | - 3.0 | 175 | |2 in. | | | - 2.7 | 125 |1 in. |2 in. | | | - 3.2 | 205 | |2 in. |3 in.|7 in. | - 2.6 | 175 |1 in. | |3 in. | | - --------------------------------------------------------------- - -These various loads adapt this shell to almost any conceivable requirement -in revolver shooting. - -[Illustration: Figure 44.] - -The .44 S. & W. Special is the latest and most powerful of the .44-caliber -cartridges. It equals the .44 S. & W. Russian in accuracy and is the best -proportioned of the heavy revolver cartridges. The reduced and gallery -loads of the .44 S. & W. Russian will give equally good results in this -shell. - -[Illustration: Figure 45.] - -The .45 Colt Army is the most powerful of all the revolver cartridges. It -was formerly the United States army service ammunition. The charge was so -heavy, and the recoil so excessive that it was almost impossible to shoot -it without flinching. The smokeless powder charge of 5 grains of Bullseye -makes it much more practical and very similar to the .44 S. & W. Special -cartridge. Both of these are exceedingly powerful and accurate and -suitable for military service. - -[Illustration: Figure 46.] - -[Illustration: Figure 47.] - -The caliber of the service ammunition for the revolver of the British army -is .455. This is a very accurate cartridge, but not as powerful as the -corresponding military cartridges used in this country. A special -cylindrical bullet with a deep convex hollow point is furnished in the -same shell and is known as the "man stopper." - -This form of bullet is used in the English .450 and .38 caliber cartridges -also. - -The .450 Welby is another English cartridge that is accurate, and pleasant -to shoot. It is used largely at Bisley in the annual revolver competitions -of the National Rifle Association of Great Britain. - -In order to avoid excessive fouling with black powders a self-lubricating -bullet has been invented and introduced by Smith & Wesson, which can be -furnished in all calibers above .32. The bullet has a hollow core open in -the rear. Lubricant is filled into the core, after which it is closed with -a lead plunger. Four small ducts communicate from the forward end of the -core to the exterior of the bullet just ahead of its bearing on the -barrel. At the moment of discharge the plunger is driven forward, forcing -the lubricant through the ducts into the barrel ahead of the bullet. - -This bullet has given excellent results and will be found decidedly -advantageous when black powder is used. With it a hundred or more shots -may be fired with black powder without causing sufficient fouling to -impair the accuracy. - -Revolvers are sometimes chambered for the .44-40-200, the .38-40-180, and -the .32-20-115 rifle cartridges. These charges in black powder load are -not as accurate as the corresponding revolver cartridges in these -calibers, but can be relied on to shoot inside a 5-inch circle at 50 -yards. These cartridges are desirable for revolvers only when it is an -advantage to use the same ammunition in the rifle and revolver, or in -certain localities where only a few varieties of ammunition are to be had. -The large powder charge makes the recoil of the first two cartridges named -rather unpleasant. The .32-20-115 is the most accurate of these -cartridges, and gives the best results in the pistol or revolver. All -these cartridges having flat-pointed bullets are well adapted for game -shooting. None of these rifle cartridges loaded with smokeless powder will -give good results in revolvers because the brand of powder generally used -in rifle ammunition requires a long barrel to consume the charge. Fired -from a short barrel only part of the charge will be consumed and the rest -will be expelled unburned, thus reducing the velocity and power of the -charge and sometimes increasing the recoil. It is of course entirely -practicable to adapt a charge of bullseye or similar smokeless powder to -these shells which would make them much more satisfactory. Another -disadvantage of using the rifle cartridge in revolvers is the possibility -of inexperienced persons using the new high velocity rifle ammunition, -which would prove not only most unsatisfactory but extremely dangerous in -revolvers. There are no reduced or gallery loads supplied in these shells. - -[Illustration: Figure 48.] - -[Illustration: Figure 49.] - -[Illustration: Figure 50.] - -[Illustration: Figure 51.] - -[Illustration: Figure 52.] - -[Illustration: Figure 53.] - -_Automatic Pistol Cartridges._--With the introduction of the magazine -pistol special smokeless cartridges have been devised that are rimless and -have a crease around the base of the shell by which they may be held and -manipulated by the mechanism. These cartridges are exceedingly -clean-shooting. Several hundred rounds may be fired without causing more -fouling than is apparent after the first few shots. This ammunition is -furnished loaded with "full-mantled" and "soft-nosed" bullets; the latter, -having the lead exposed at the point will mushroom on striking animal -tissue and are sometimes referred to as "dum dum" bullets and are intended -for hunting purposes. - -[Illustration: Figure 54.] - -[Illustration: Figure 55.] - -[Illustration: Figure 56.] - -[Illustration: Figure 57.] - -The mantled or metal cased bullet has undoubted advantages in rifle -ammunition, in which low trajectory and extreme long range are -_desiderata_ that can be obtained only by high velocities. In ammunition -for magazine pistols and revolvers, however, the prime object is to -deliver the most effective blow possible at comparatively short range. - -The velocities attainable in large calibers within the permissible weight -of an automatic pistol are comparatively low. The deformation of any -bullet on striking animal tissue is in direct proportion to its velocity. -It is, therefore, extremely doubtful that a metal cased bullet will ever -prove as effective and satisfactory in "stopping power" and for military -service, either in the automatic pistol or the revolver, as the large -caliber lead bullet. - -The .25 cal. is the smallest of the American made automatic pistol -ammunition and is adapted for the Colt and other magazine pistols. It is -an accurate cartridge but the short length of barrel of the Colt weapon -makes it impossible to do accurate work with it. - -Figures 49 and 50 are the well known Luger and Mauser cartridges adapted -to the pistols of that name. They are powerful charges, accurate and clean -shooting. These were among the first cartridges developed for automatic -pistols and are still extensively used. - -The .32 Automatic Colt is adapted to Colt and other magazine pistols of -this caliber. It is an accurate, pleasant shooting cartridge with very -little recoil and excellent work can be done with it at the target. - -The .35 S. & W. Automatic is adapted to the Smith & Wesson magazine -pistol. It is a very accurate cartridge, has no unpleasant recoil and like -the preceding is well adapted for target shooting. - -Figure 53 is the .380 Automatic Colt cartridge designed to meet the -demand for a light charge in this caliber. It is adapted to the Colt and -other magazine pistols. - -The .38 Automatic Colt is the best proportioned and most powerful of all -automatic pistol cartridges. It has a slightly flattened point and is -extremely accurate. When fired from regulation arms this ammunition is -capable of placing ten shots inside a 3-inch circle at 50 yards and inside -a 7-inch circle at 100 yards. - -This was the ammunition of the first Colt automatic pistol introduced in -the United States. - -Figures 55 and 56 are two cartridges adapted to the .45 Automatic Colt -pistol. Figure 56 is the new service charge of the U. S. Army. They are -exactly alike except that the service charge has a 230 gr. bullet (30 gr. -heavier than the other). The service charge when fired from the regulation -service arm is capable of placing 10 shots in a 3-inch circle at 50 -yards and an 8-inch circle at 100 yards. - -A flat or blunt pointed bullet of about 185 gr. and a ten per cent. -heavier powder charge would improve the effectiveness and stopping power -of this cartridge wonderfully without materially affecting the recoil or -the accuracy. - -Figure 57 is the service charge of the regulation magazine pistol (Webley -& Scott) of the British Army. It is an accurate cartridge but it lacks -sufficient power to fulfill the exacting requirements of present-day -military service. - -Light or gallery charges in magazine pistol shells are impracticable on -account of not having sufficient recoil to operate the automatic -mechanism. Slightly reduced loads with lead bullets may be used in some of -the arms but seldom with satisfactory results. Reduced loads can be used -in most of the weapons if the mechanisms are hand operated for each shot. - -The following ballistical table gives the charges, muzzle velocities, -etc., of the principal factory-loaded, smokeless pistol and revolver -cartridges. The factories aim to keep the muzzle velocities uniform for -each cartridge. To produce this result with the various brands of -smokeless powder, all of which differ more or less in strength, the weight -of the powder charge necessarily varies for the different brands of -powder. Even when purchased in large quantities, different blends and -packages of the same brand of powder occasionally vary somewhat in -strength. For these reasons it is impossible to designate the exact weight -or volume of any brand of powder which will in all cases produce the -muzzle velocities in the table, and the charges given must therefore be -considered as approximate only. - - -BALLISTICAL TABLE - - KEY: - a. = BULLET: Exact diameter in inches - b. = BULLET: Weight in grains - c. = BULLET: Round or flat nosed - d. = Length of bbl. in arm tested - e. = Muzzle velocity (50 ft. from muzzle) - f. = Energy--foot lbs.: Wv{2} 2g - g. = Penetration (inches in white pine) - - ======================================================================== - |Weight in Grains| | | | | - NAME OF | and Brand | BULLET | | | | - CARTRIDGE | of Powder |------------|----|------|-----|------ - | (Approx. only) | a. | b.|c.| d. | e. | f. | g. - -----------------|----------------|-----|---|--|----|------|-----|------ - _Rim Fire_: | | | | | | | | - .22 Short | 1.6 Lesmok |.223 | 30|RN| 6 | 789 | 41.5| 3 - .22 Long | 2.1 " |.223 | 35|RN| 6 | 770 | 46.2| 3 - .22 L. Rifle | 3.4 " |.223 | 40|RN| 6 | 765 | 51.8| 4 - .22 W. R. F. | 3.5 " |.2275| 45|FN| 6 | 811 | 65.8| 4 - _Central Fire_: | | | | | | | | - .25 Auto Colt | 1.1 Bullseye |.251 | 50|RN| 2 | 733 | 59.7| 3 - 7.63 m.m. Mauser | 5.5 " |.3105| 86|RN| 5 |1397 |373 |11 - 7.65 m.m. Luger | 4.1 " |.3095| 93|RN| 4-5/8 |1173.5|284.3|10 - 9 m.m. Luger | 4.6 " |.3555|125|FN| 4 |1039.2|299.8|10 - .32 W. C. F. | 10.0 Sharp- | | | | | | | - | shooter |.3125|115|FN| 5 | 954 |232.4| 5 - .32 Auto Colt | 2.5 Bullseye |.3125| 74|RN| 3 | 938 |144.8| 5 - .32 S. & W. | 1.5 " |.315 | 85|RN| 4 | 606.7| 69.5| 3 - .32 S. & W. | 1.5 " |.315 | 85|RN|10 | 902 |159 | 4 - .32 Lg. Colt | 2.0 " |.313 | 90|RN| 4 | 641.4| 82.2| 3 - .32 Sht. Colt | 1.4 " |.315 | 80|RN| 4 | 657.2| 78.7| 3 - .32 S. & W. Long| 2.0 " |.315 | 98|RN| 4 | 706.9|108.6| 4 - .32 Colt N. P. | 2.5 " |.314 | 98|FN| 4 | 706.3|108.6| 4 - .35 S. & W. Auto| 1.9 " |.3195| 76|RN| 3 | 809 |110.5| 4 - .38 S. & W. | 2.4 " |.359 |145|RN| 5 | 579.3|108.2| 4 - .38 Auto Colt | 4.6 " |.359 |130|RN| 6 |1175 |398.0|10 - .38 Colt N. P. | 2.4 " |.359 |150|FN| 4 | 579.6|111.7| 4 - .38 Sht. Colt | 2.5 " |.375 |130|RN| 6 | 608 |107 | 4 - .38 Long Colt | 3.0 " |.358 |148|RN| 6 | 786 |203 | 4 - .38 Long D. A. | 3.4 Gray | | | | | | | - | Walsrode |.358 |150|RN| 6 | 771.6|198.3| 6 - .38 S. & W. Spl.| 3.4 Bullseye |.358 |158|RN| 6 | 856.7|257.5| 7 - .38 Colt Spl. | 3.4 " |.358 |158|FN| 6 | 857.6|258 | 7 - .38 S. & W. | | | | | | | | - Spl. Gal. | 8.5 C.P.W.[9] |.358 | 70|RN| 6 |1300 |263 | 5 - .38 S. & W. Spl.| | | | | | | | - Mid Range | 2.1 Bullseye |.358 |123|RN| 6 | 655 | 99 | 3 - .38 W. C. F. | 15. Sharp- | | | | | | | - | shooter |.400 |180|FN| 5 | 983 |386.5| 6 - .380 Auto Colt | 2.6 Bullseye |.357 | 95|RN| 3 | 887 |166 | 5 - .41 Sht. Colt | 2.5 " |.406 |160|RN| 6 | 707 |177 | 4 - .41 Long Colt | 3.3 " |.387 |200|RN| 6 | 705.6|221.2| 5 - .44 S. & W. | | | | | | | | - Russ. | 4.1 " |.431 |246|RN| 6 | 706 |272 | 6 - .44 S. & W. | | | | | | | | - Russ. Gall. | 2.5 " |.431 |115|RN| 6 | 685 |118 | 3 - .44 S. & W. Spl.| 5.1 " |.431 |246|RN| 5 | 755 |311.5| 7 - .44 W. C. F. | 16.5 Sharp- | | | | | | | - | shooter |.426 |200|FN| 7 | 918.8|375 | 6 - .45 Auto Colt | 4.7 Bullseye |.4505|200|RN| 5 | 910.2|368 | 8 - .45 Auto Colt | | | | | | | | - (Govt.) | 4.7 " |.4505|230|RN| 5 | 809 |335 | 6 - .45 Colt D. A. | 5.0 " |.455 |255|RN| 5 | 770.6|336.3| 5 - .455 Colt | 4.5 " |.458 |265|RN| 5 | 756.6|336.5| 5 - .455 Webley Auto| 7.0 Cordite |.455 |220|RN| 5 | 750 |280.6| 4 - .455 British | | | | | | | | - Service | 5.5 " |.455 |265|RN| 7 | 700 |288 | 4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -SIGHTS - - -The purpose of sights is to assist in aiming the piece. The national -organizations allow only "open" sights in pistol and revolver shooting. -"Peep" or "aperture" sights are barred. The rear sight usually consists of -a notch shaped like a V or a U, the notch being as wide on top as at any -part. The front sight is a piece of thin metal set on edge. Sometimes the -latter has a special shape or section resembling a pinhead when looking at -it from the breech, as in aiming. - -[Illustration: Figure 58. - - Side View. End View. Side View. End View. - -Front Sights. - - Rear Sight. Appearance when aiming. - -Military Sights.] - -Military sights usually consist of a plain groove in the top of the frame -for the rear sight and a tapering front sight fixed to the barrel near the -muzzle. - -[Illustration: Figure 59. - - Rear Sight. Side View. End View. Appearance - when aiming. - Front Sight. - -"Paine" Sights.] - -Target sights are made in endless variety to suit individual ideas. The -sights most generally used for target shooting are the "Paine" sights, -named after Chevalier Ira A. Paine, who invented and was the first to use -them. The rear sight is a flat bar with a semi-circular notch, and the -front sight is a "bead" sight; that is, a sight that resembles a pinhead -when aiming. - -[Illustration: Figure 60. - - Rear Sight. Side View. End View. Appearance - when aiming. - Front Sight. - -Patridge Sights.] - -Another sight that many of the best shots are using is the "Patridge" -sight, developed by Mr. E. E. Patridge of Boston, Mass. The rear sight has -a wide rectangular notch; the front sight is plain, with a square top, as -shown. - -Fig. 61 represents the "Lyman" sights as adapted to Smith & Wesson -revolvers. The distinctive features of these sights are the ivory bead of -the front sight and the horizontal ivory line in the rear sight. These -sights are well adapted for hunting and shooting at objects with a dark -background. - -These sights have been referred to in the order in which they are most -used. It is generally necessary for individuals to try various sights -before they are able to select intelligently. In target arms -different-shaped sights may be used in the same base or fitting, so that -it is a comparatively easy matter to try any or all of these sights on the -same arm. - -The notch of the rear sight should have a bevelled edge concave toward the -front. This will secure sharpness of outline in any light. The front sight -should also be distinct and is found to be more satisfactory when the side -toward the eye is a surface at right angles to the line of sight. - -[Illustration: Fig. 61.--Lyman Sights] - -[Illustration: Fig. 62.--THE WESPI SEARCHLIGHT SIGHT A-Battery; B-Mercury -switch; C-Electric bulb; D-E-Lenses.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 63.--The Wespi Searchlight Mounted on a Pocket -Revolver.] - -For years means have been sought to make successful shooting at night -possible. White and phosphorescent paints have been applied to the sights -and to the top of the barrel but all such methods have proved more or less -unsatisfactory even in dim light and in total darkness the target or other -object cannot be seen. A recently invented device that overcomes all these -difficulties and makes shooting at night practicable is the "Wespi" -searchlight sight.[10] - -This sight is a tube about 6 inches long and inches in diameter -containing a miniature electric searchlight which projects a dark spot in -the center of the illuminated field. When properly mounted on the piece -the black spot indicates where the bullet will strike. This sight can be -readily attached to any pistol or revolver. As offered on the market at -the present time it is adapted for short range work up to, say, 60 feet. -The illustrations show a section through the sight tube, and the sight -attached to a revolver. The weight is six ounces. (See 61 and 62 facing p. -64.) - -This sight embodies the principles of the telescopic sight and can -undoubtedly be modified to increase its illuminating power and adapted so -as to project well-defined dark lines similar to cross wires, on a -target; or the dark spot decreased in size to about 3 or 4 inches in -diameter at 60 feet. So modified this would be a practical sight for -target shooting and would be a boon to many of the older marksmen whose -sight is failing and who find it more and more difficult to shoot in -artificial light with the ordinary sights. - -Such a sight would also possess many advantages for beginners as the -moving spot on the target would indicate the unsteadiness of the holding -and impress upon the marksman the importance of holding the spot in the -right position at the instant of discharge. A further improvement would be -to substitute for the dark spot, a spot of intensely bright light. This -would be equally as effective as the dark spot and would greatly increase -the range at which the sight could be used, adapting it to game shooting -at night. It is hoped that the manufacturers will develop a sight as -suggested for target and game shooting. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -SHOOTING POSITION - - -The position in pistol and revolver shooting is very important. In firing -a long series of shots, a man with an easy, natural position will suffer -much less fatigue, and will have a decided advantage over another whose -position is straining and uncomfortable. Formerly the approved position -was to stand with the right side toward the target. This required the head -to be turned ninety degrees from its natural position, and was very -uncomfortable. Undoubtedly this position is a relic of duelling days, when -it might have been argued that a smaller mark was offered to the -antagonist. - -The positions adopted by the leading shots vary considerably. Most of them -face a trifle to the left of the target, with the right foot 6 or 8 inches -ahead of the left, and pointing directly toward the target, the weight of -the body supported equally by both legs and perfectly balanced. Others -shoot with the feet close together; some with one or both eyes open, and -with the arm partly or fully extended. The question of position depends -largely upon the physique and comfort of the individual. - -Mr. Winans' position is an exceedingly strong one. His poise is very good, -and he stands firmly on both feet. The left arm falls straight down along -the left side of the body. This affords rigidity when desired, and imparts -action to the figure. - -Mr. Axtell has a stanch, natural position. Like Mr. Winans, he shoots with -the right arm fully extended, and he holds the weapon in the correct and -most approved manner. - -The position of Mr. Anderton is excellent. He enjoys perfect health, and -has his large muscular development well under control. His position is -strong, natural, and comfortable. - -Mr. Dietz's position is entirely different from any of those preceding. It -is tenseless and flexible permitting him to shoot long series of shots -without fatigue. - -The positions of Mr. Patridge and Sergeant Petty are characteristic and -typical of persons of entirely different physique. - -Mr. Gorman and Dr. Sayre are men of similar physique. Their positions -which resemble each other closely are firm, easy and natural. - -[Illustration: Fig. 64.--Walter Winans] - -[Illustration: Fig. 65.--C. S. Axtell] - -[Illustration: Fig. 66.--Thomas Anderton] - -Mr. Lane's position is natural and interestingly unconventional. He has -perfect poise and shoots without apparent fatigue. - -Dr. Snook has a well poised and deliberate position. He shoots with his -arm not fully extended and with the feet close together. - -The positions of Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Dolfen are very similar. They are -men of entirely different stature but almost identical in physique. Their -positions are firm and business-like. Both shoot with the arm fully -extended. - - NOTE.--For photographs showing shooting positions of individuals - referred to in this chapter, see illustrations facing pp. 68, 72, 76, - and 78. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -TARGET-SHOOTING - - -In the development of firearms and ammunition, target-shooting has always -occupied an important place. It is regularly and systematically practised -in the army and navy, in order to maintain and improve the proficiency of -the men as marksmen. Target-shooting, with many different styles of -firearms, under prescribed rules and regulations, has also become -extremely popular with civilians. - -Target-shooting was indulged in extensively with the rifle before it -became popular with the pistol and revolver. The shorter barrel, and the -greater difficulty in acquiring skill with the latter weapons, were -doubtless responsible for the mistaken idea, long prevalent, that these -arms were extremely inaccurate. When, however, a few individuals developed -sufficient skill to obtain fine shooting, their performances were -considered phenomenal. Among the first to obtain a high order of skill -with the muzzle-loading pistol in the United States was Captain John -Travers of Missouri. He was well known as an expert pistol shot as early -as 1860. In that year Captain Travers shot an interesting individual match -in St. Louis at a distance of 100 feet. Fifteen china plates, nine inches -in diameter, were used as targets. Captain Travers broke 11 out of 15, -while his opponent broke but 9. - -In 1865 Colonel William F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) and Captain William P. -Schaaf of St. Louis became prominent as pistol shots. The latter -subsequently joined Captain Travers in a three years' tour of the United -States, giving exhibitions in nearly all the large cities. - -About 1880 Ira Anson Paine, a native of Massachusetts, attracted attention -by his fine marksmanship with the pistol. In 1881 he went abroad, and for -a number of years he traveled over the principal countries of Europe, -giving public exhibitions of his skill with the pistol and revolver. While -in Portugal in 1882 he was knighted by the King in the presence of a -notable assemblage, and made a chevalier of an ancient military order. In -his exhibitions Chevalier Paine used a Stevens Lord Model pistol and a -Smith & Wesson revolver. His skill with these arms was so far in advance -of his contemporaries that he was popularly supposed to accomplish many of -his feats by trickery. - -Target-shooting with the pistol and revolver, as a sport, may be said to -have originated at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association at -Creedmoor in 1886. During that meeting a revolver match was scheduled to -be shot at 25 yards on the 200-yard Standard American Rifle Target. It was -a rentry match, with the three best scores of five shots each of any -contestant to count. In this match three scores of 48 out of 50 were made, -the highest individual aggregate of three scores being 143 out of a -possible 150. - -The same year a similar match was announced at the fall meeting of the -Massachusetts Rifle Association at Walnut Hill. Chevalier Paine was a -competitor in this match, and made 50--49--49==148 in six entries. The -next best three scores equalled 142. - -These matches proved so interesting and successful that target-shooting -with the pistol and revolver became instantly popular all over the -country. It was soon found that the arms possessed remarkable accuracy, -and as the skill of the shooters improved the distance was increased to 50 -yards retaining the same target. - -[Illustration: Fig. 67.--John A. Dietz] - -[Illustration: Fig. 68.--E. E. Patridge] - -[Illustration: Fig. 69.--Sergt. W. E. Petty] - -Mr. A. C. Gould, editor of _The Rifle_, and _Shooting and Fishing_, was -the first one to recognize the possibilities of the pistol and revolver, -and became greatly interested in the performances with these arms. He -assisted and encouraged the shooters, witnessed their work, and made -careful and elaborate records of all the important scores that were made -in the United States from 1886 to 1900.[11] It was at his suggestion that -Chevalier Paine essayed to fire the first 100-shot score at 50 yards on -the Standard American Target, scoring 791 points. This shooting was done -with a finely sighted .44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver, -regulation full charge ammunition, and a 2-pound trigger pull. A keen -rivalry for the 100-shot record soon sprang up, resulting as follows: - - Oct. 15, 1886, Chevalier Ira Paine at Walnut Hill 791 - March 7, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " " " 841 - Nov. 4, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 857 - Nov. 14, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 877 - Dec. 5, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 886 - Dec. 17, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " " " 888 - Dec. 22, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " " " 904 - Dec. 23, 1887, W. W. Bennett " " " 914 - -This rivalry led to a long newspaper controversy, and culminated in the -famous Paine-Bennett revolver match. The conditions were as follows: -Stakes $1000.00; 100 shots per day for six consecutive days; Smith & -Wesson Russian Model Revolvers, .44 caliber; factory-loaded full charge -ammunition; trigger pull, 3 pounds; Standard American Target with 8-inch -bull's-eye; distance, 50 yards. On the fifth day of the match, and while 9 -points in the lead, Chevalier Paine entered a protest and withdrew. Mr. F. -E. Bennett continued shooting, as stipulated in the match, scoring 5093 -points for the total of the six days. The protest was referred to the -National Rifle Association, which decided in favor of Mr. Bennett, -awarding him the match and the championship of America. - -In practising for this match Mr. F. E. Bennett, under the same conditions, -made a score of 915. This record was not excelled until June 1, 1901, when -C. S. Richmond of Savannah, Georgia, scored 918 points under substantially -the same conditions. - -During the summer of 1890, Mr. William E. Carlin, assisted by Mr. Hubert -Reynolds, made a very elaborate series of tests with the revolver and -various kinds of ammunition, to ascertain the possibilities of the arms, -the accuracy of the ammunition, the effect of fouling, etc. About 10,000 -rounds were fired, Mr. Carlin used a butt-stock attachment, telescopic -sight, and sand bag rest; and Mr. Reynolds verified Mr. Carlin's results -from a machine rest. All the shooting was done with black powder charges -in Smith & Wesson revolvers. - -The best groups were made with the .32-44 S. & W. Revolving rifle -cartridge; a number of the 10-shot groups at 50 yards, measuring 1 -inches to 1 inches in diameter. Tests were also made at ranges of 100 -and 200 yards. At 100 yards, groups of 10 shots were obtained with the -.32-44, and the .44 caliber S. & W. Russian, varying from 3 inches to 4 -inches in diameter. At 200 yards, the .44 S. & W. Russian gave the best -results; a number of groups of 10 shots being obtained measuring 8 inches -to 12 inches in diameter. These tests were considered most remarkable at -that time, as such accuracy was not expected of barrels of only 6 inches -and 8 inches in length. - -Prior to these tests, the possibilities of the pistol and revolver were -judged solely by the shooting of a few expert shots, which of course -included the personal dispersion error of the individuals. These tests -furnished the first definite information as to the real capabilities of -the revolver, and had a far-reaching and salutary influence on pistol and -revolver shooting. They demonstrated to the marksmen and the manufacturers -of the arms that fine shooting approximating to that of the rifle was -possible with the revolver, by developing the necessary skill in shooting -and perfecting the ammunition. - -A very interesting revolver match for a trophy offered by Mr. Walter -Winans took place in 1892. Mr. Winans is a noted American revolver shot, -residing in England, and the trophy--an American cowboy executed admirably -in bronze--was modeled by him. The match was conducted by _Forest and -Stream_. The trophy was won, after a spirited competition, by Doctor Louis -Bell. Under the conditions of the match, the winner was to defend his -title two years before the trophy became his property. The trophy was won -successively by George E. Jantzer and Sergeant W. E. Petty. Sergeant Petty -defended the trophy successfully for two years, and now holds it -permanently. - -A record, or "best on record," is the highest recognized score of any -given number of shots fired under certain standard conditions, and with an -arm complying with certain established rules. The records of pistol and -revolver shooting in the United States were carefully established and -compiled by _Shooting and Fishing_ until the year 1903. - -[Illustration: Fig. 70.--J. E. Gorman] - -[Illustration: Fig. 71.--R. H. Sayre] - -[Illustration: Fig. 72.--A. F. Lane] - -The record performances with the single-shot pistol, on the Standard -American Target, at 50 yards, are as follows: - -100 SHOTS-- - - Sept. 22, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass. 906 - Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett " " " 934 - Sept. 10, 1890, F. E. Bennett " " " 936 - Feb. 25, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 939 - May 26, 1901, J. E. Gorman " " " 942 - March 1, 1902, E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 942 - -50 SHOTS-- - - Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass. 470 - Feb. 11, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 471 - May 20, 1901, J. E. Gorman " " " 474 - Dec. 7, 1901, T. Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 476 - April 4, 1903, T. Anderton " " " 480 - -Under the stimulating influence and encouragement of _Shooting and -Fishing_, pistol and revolver shooting became a popular pastime and by -1900 numerous clubs had been organized throughout the country. -Unfortunately, the marksmen of each locality made their own rules and -adopted independent standards as to targets, weapons, etc. This resulted -in endless confusion and dissatisfaction when matches between clubs were -attempted. Rumors of a challenge from the revolver marksmen of France for -an international contest were also rife at this time. There was, -therefore, an urgent need for a national organization to exercise general -jurisdiction over the sport; formulate uniform rules, regulations, and -standards, and to receive and act upon challenges. - -A number of revolver enthusiasts met in Conlin's shooting gallery, New -York City, in February, 1900, and issued a call to the revolver shots of -the country, inviting them to join in forming a national revolver -association at a meeting called at Conlin's gallery, March 5, 1900. -Replies were received from thirteen states and thirty-five gentlemen -responded in person to the invitation. The United States Revolver -Association[12] was organized at that meeting. - -This association, with the support and coperation of all the leading -shots of the country, immediately assumed national jurisdiction, -formulated rules to govern pistol and revolver shooting, and inaugurated -the annual championship matches. These are shot simultaneously in -different parts of the United States, thus giving everybody an opportunity -to enter the competitions. - -The influence of the association on pistol and revolver shooting has been -very beneficial. It has established uniformity in arms, rules, etc., -and has encouraged and conducted many friendly matches between clubs, thus -bringing the shots in different parts of the country in closer touch with -each other. - -[Illustration: Fig. 73.--J. H. Snook] - -[Illustration: Fig. 74.--George Armstrong] - -[Illustration: Fig. 75.--P. J. Dolfen] - -The most important activity of the association in recent years has been -the inauguration of the Indoor League Matches. Clubs in all parts of the -United States enter into an agreement to shoot a match with each club in -the League during the winter season. Medal prizes are awarded by the -association according to the percentages of matches won to matches shot, -similar to baseball leagues. The League has become exceedingly popular and -twenty to thirty clubs participate in the contest annually. The League -agreement varies somewhat from year to year. The 1914 agreement will be -found in the Appendix. - -_International Matches._--The U. S. Revolver Association also negotiates -and conducts all the international matches. The first of these matches was -between France and the United States and took place on June 16, 1900. This -match attracted world-wide attention, and was won by the United States. -The conditions of the match were as follows; Ten men on a side; the -Americans to shoot at Greenville, N. J., and the Frenchmen in Paris. -Results to be cabled. Each side to appoint an umpire to witness the -shooting of the opposing side. Each man to shoot 30 shots on the French -target at 16 meters and 30 shots on the Standard American target at 50 -yards. - -Following are the complete scores of the members of both teams on the two -targets: - -FRENCH TEAM-- - - On On - French American Grand - Target Target Total - - M. Dutfoy 244 253 497 - Comte de Chabannes 240 250 490 - M. M. Faure 241 248 489 - Paul Gastinne 238 251 489 - Comte Clary 247 241 488 - Capt. Chauchat 243 241 484 - Com. Dilschneider 236 242 478 - P. Moreau 239 236 475 - M. Trinit 233 239 472 - M. Labb 226 240 466 - ---- ---- ---- - Totals 2387 2441 4828 - -AMERICAN TEAM-- - - On On - French American Grand - Target Target Total - - J. A. Dietz 263 260 523 - W. E. Petty 259 252 511 - R. H. Sayre 253 251 504 - B. F. Wilder 239 263 502 - G. W. Waterhouse 253 246 499 - L. R. Piercy 244 241 485 - W. G. Hudson 222 250 472 - J. B. Crabtree 225 244 469 - W. A. Smith 224 240 464 - A. L. A. Himmelwright 228 232 460 - ---- ---- ---- - Totals 2410 2479 4889 - - Americans led by 23 38 61 - -The first match did not satisfy the revolver experts of France, who -claimed that the French team was not national in its character, that -instead of representing the whole of France it represented Paris alone. -About June, 1902, it was suggested that a second international contest be -held, and the French gentlemen began at once to gather material for a -representative team. The army, the navy, and the revolver and pistol clubs -of France united in their efforts to organize as strong a team as -possible. - -The conditions of the second match were the subject of considerable -negotiation by correspondence and as finally agreed upon were as follows: - -Fifteen men on a side. Each man to shoot 60 shots in 10 strings of 6 shots -each on the Standard American Target at 50 yards. Each side to appoint two -umpires to witness the shooting of their opponents. Results to be cabled. - -The American marksmen assembled at the Walnut Hill range of the -Massachusetts Rifle Association, near Boston, devoting three days to -preliminary practice shooting and selecting the team. It was originally -agreed upon that the match was to take place on June 30, 1903, and the -American team shot their scores on that day. Owing to delays in -transportation, the targets intended for the French team did not reach -them promptly and their side of the match was shot several days later. -The members constituting the teams and their respective scores are as -follows: - -FRENCH TEAM - - Comte de Castelbajac, Libourne 547 - Commandant Py, Saint Omer 542 - M. Dutfoy, Marseilles 541 - Captain Moreaux, Rennes 529 - M. Moline-Paget, Dieppe 526 - Captain Chauchat, Versailles 524 - M. Keller-Dorian, Lyons 522 - M. Feugray, Paris 509 - M. Despassio, Lyons 503 - M. Lecocq, Paris 502 - M. Caurette, Ham 502 - M. Louvier, Paris 496 - M. Balme, Paris 469 - Adjutant Paroche, Rennes 466 - M. Sartori, Paris 462 - ---- - Team total 7,640 - -AMERICAN TEAM - - O. I. Olson, Duluth, Minn. 554 - B. F. Wilder, New York, N. Y. 543 - R. S. Hale, Boston, Mass. 540 - J. A. Dietz, Jr., New York, N. Y. 534 - W. A. Smith, Springfield, Mass. 532 - C. S. Axtell, Springfield, Mass. 530 - Louis Bell, Boston, Mass. 527 - T. Anderton, Boston, Mass. 523 - J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 519 - I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 519 - E. E. Patridge, Boston, Mass. 517 - R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. (Score shot in Paris) 515 - J. T. Humphrey, Boston, Mass. 513 - W. S. Amory, 2d, Boston, Mass. 512 - C. L. Bouv, Boston, Mass. 511 - ----- - Team total 7,889 - - Americans led by 249 - -A careful analysis of the scores shows that the Americans shot much more -evenly than the Frenchmen, and that the skill of the three high men on -both teams was approximately equal. - -The next international match participated in by the revolver shots of the -United States was the Olympic Games Match at London, England on July 10 -and 11, 1908. Preliminary and elimination trials were conducted under the -auspices of the United States Revolver Association resulting in the -selection of the following team: I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass.; C. S. -Axtell, Springfield, Mass.; J. A. Dietz, New York, N. Y.; and J. E. -Gorman, San Francisco, Cal.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain. The -conditions of the match were as follows: - -Any revolver or pistol with open sights; any ammunition; trigger pull -unrestricted; distance, 50 yards; international target, 10 ring, 2 inches -in diameter, rest of target divided by concentric rings one inch apart, -bull's-eye containing 10, 9, 8, and 7 rings; 60 shots in strings of 6 -shots; 2 sighting shots allowed; position standing, right or left hand -with arm extended; maximum number of entries from any country in -individual contests, 12; maximum number of entries from any country in -team contest, 1; teams to consist of four men each. - -A time limit of four minutes for each string of five shots was -established, and all other conditions of the matches were governed by the -rules of the National Rifle Association of Great Britain. - -The result of the match was as follows: - - 1st--United States: - J. E. Gorman 501 - I. R. Calkins 473 - John A. Dietz 472 - C. S. Axtell 468 - ---- 1914 - - 2d--Belgium 1863 - 3d--United Kingdom 1817 - 4th--France 1750 - 5th--Sweden 1732 - 6th--Holland 1637 - 7th--Greece 1576 - -The next Olympic Contest was held at Stockholm, Sweden, in 1912. The -American team consisted of A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y.; H. E. Sears, -Boston, Mass.; P. J. Dolfen, Springfield, Mass.; and John A. Dietz, New -York, N. Y.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain. - -The match was shot on July 2nd, under practically the same conditions as -the former Olympic Match and resulted as follows: - - 1st--United States: - A. P. Lane 509 - H. E. Sears 474 - P. J. Dolfen 467 - J. A. Dietz 466 - ---- 1916 - - 2d--Sweden 1849 - 3d--United Kingdom 1804 - 4th--Russia 1801 - 5th--Greece 1731 - -In the individual match which was shot on July 1st under the same -conditions, and participated in by over fifty competitors of the different -nations, Mr. Lane and Mr. Dolfen won first and second places with scores -of 499 and 474 respectively. Mr. Sears won 7th place with a score of 459, -and Mr. Dietz 9th place with a score of 454. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -TARGETS - - -A target is a mark or object of suitable form and color designed to be -fired at. It usually consists of a frame covered with canvas or paper, -presenting a white surface with a prominent spot or bull's-eye in the -center. Concentric circles or "rings," around the center divide the target -into zones which are assigned values, decreasing from the center outward. -On a regularly equipped range the targets are movable frames, so arranged -that they may be raised to the firing position and then lowered into a -pit, where the marker can safely examine the target, mark the shot -accurately, and cover the shot-hole with a paster. The sum of the values -of a limited series of consecutive shots, as 5, 7, 10, 20, 50, etc., -constitutes a score. - -[Illustration: Fig. 76--Standard American Target - -Diameter of Rings - - 10 ring 3.39 inches } - 9 " 5.54 " } Bullseye - 8 " 8.00 " } - 7 " 11.00 " - 6 " 14.80 " - 5 " 19.68 " - 4 " 26.83 "] - -The official target of the United States Revolver Association, which is -used in the annual championship matches and for record shooting, is the -Standard American Target. This target is used by practically all the -shooting clubs and organizations in the United States. For 50-yard -shooting the bull's-eye is 8 inches in diameter and contains the 8, 9, and -10 rings. This target is well suited for target practice at this range. It -has been used extensively since 1886. Ten shots, with one hundred for the -possible, usually constitute a score. - -[Illustration: Fig. 77--The U. S. R. A. Combination Target. (Standard -American rings in heavy lines and International in light lines.)] - -This target as supplied by the United States Revolver Association for use -in all the outdoor championships shows also the rings of the International -Union target (in light lines) and is known as the "Combination" target. -The International target rings do not interfere in any way with the -shooting or the scoring by Standard American count, and they have the -distinct advantage that the marksman may easily determine, for purposes of -comparison, what any score is by International count. - -[Illustration: Fig. 78--The International Union Target. Diameter of 10 -ring==5 Centimeters==1.9568 Ins. Other rings==2 Centimeters, about -0.984 In. Diameter of 1 ring==50 Centimeters==about 19 In.] - -The International Union Target is used in the Olympic Games Matches, and -has been adopted by nearly all the European and South American countries -for pistol and revolver contests at 50 meters. It is without doubt the -best target for the purpose in general use. The ten-ring represents -approximately the average dispersion of the most accurate revolvers and -pistols and with the concentric rings a uniform distance apart, the score -has a proper relation to the dispersion of the shots. The size of the -target, about 19 inches in diameter, is also well determined. The -target could be improved by increasing the size of the bull's-eye so as to -include the 6 ring. This would make sighting on it less straining and -would improve the scores. The target so modified would be better adapted -for the United States Revolver Association Matches than the one now used. - -Target L is the Regulation Pistol Target used in the prescribed target -practice of the War Department. It is used also in the National Pistol -Match. - -For gallery shooting at 20 yards the Standard American Target is reduced -so that the bull's-eye is 2-72/100 inches in diameter, and for 10-yard -shooting 1 inch in diameter. - -[Illustration: Fig. 79--Target L. (U. S. Army.) Diameter of Bull's-eye -Counting 10==5 Ins. Concentric Rings Around It, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4, are -1 Ins. Apart. Diameter of 4 ring==26 Ins. Diameter of 3 ring==46 Ins. -Rest of Target, 4ft. x 6ft. Counts 2.] - -An arm of large caliber has a decided advantage over one of small caliber -in short-range shooting, on account of the larger hole made by the -bullet, and, for this reason the large calibers are preferred for gallery -shooting. For distances less than 25 yards not more than five shots should -be fired on a paper or cardboard target. In case a close group is made, -the scoring will be much easier and more accurate than when ten shots are -fired at a single target. - -The best grades of target arms are capable of making "possibles" or -perfect scores on the Standard American Target, using regulation -ammunition. To make high scores is therefore simply a question of skill on -the part of the shooter. - -A great many other targets designed principally for rifle-shooting have -been recommended at different times by well-known and scientific marksmen. -Some of these targets possess much merit and have become popular in -certain localities. It is unquestionably a mistake to introduce new -targets in this manner as long as satisfactory targets are in general use, -and on which all the important matches and records have been shot. The -merit of a score on a new target cannot be judged by those unfamiliar with -it, and frequently a highly meritorious score fails to receive the -recognition it deserves on account of having been shot on a comparatively -unknown target. - -In selecting a target for longer ranges than 50 yards it is always -preferable to have the bull's-eye sufficiently large so as to be seen with -ease and comfort when sighting. Small bull's-eyes strain and tire the eyes -and have no advantage whatever. - -In England and France the targets generally have smaller bull's-eyes than -here. At Bisley, the shooting is principally at a distance of 20 yards on -a bull's-eye 2 inches in diameter. At 50 yards the bull's-eye is 4 inches -in diameter. The English targets have no circles of count within the -bull's-eye. The regulation targets of the United Shooting Societies of -France have bull's-eyes 5 and 6 centimeters in diameter for the pistol and -revolver, respectively, at 20 meters, and 20 centimeters in diameter for -50-meter shooting. All these targets have two or more circles of count -within the bull's-eye. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -TARGET PRACTICE - - -In order to become familiar with the arms and develop skill in shooting, -careful and systematic practice is necessary. This can be most -conveniently and intelligently obtained in target-shooting. At a properly -equipped range, each shot is "spotted"[13] as fired, so that the shooter -can tell instantly where each shot strikes. This is a great aid and -advantage, as it enables the shooter to note the effect of changes in -light, wind, slight displacements in sights, etc., and modify his work -accordingly. The usual distance is 50 yards in the outdoor matches and 20 -yards in the indoor contests. - -Very good shooting has been done at 100 yards, and even at 200 yards, but -such long-range shooting is rarely attempted except by the very best -shots. The whole target being so small at that distance, a shot need not -be very wild to miss the target. Such an occurrence is very unsatisfactory -and disconcerting even to a fairly skillful shot. There is, moreover, -nothing to be gained by extremely long-range work. The pistol and revolver -are not designed for it, and there is much more pleasure and satisfaction -at the shorter ranges. - -It is customary and desirable to practise at the target under conditions -governing the annual championship matches. This accustoms one to those -conditions, and is a decided advantage if one expects to enter the -competitions. It is also excellent training for record shooting. In target -practice with military arms, regulation full-charge ammunition should be -used in all cases, especially when practising rapid-fire shooting. With -target weapons, reduced charges are frequently used, and the shooting is -generally slow and deliberate. - -Target practice is required in all the branches of the military and naval -service of the United States. This practice varies somewhat from year to -year both in character and amount. The recent adoption of the magazine -pistol as the service weapon by the War Department has resulted in a -number of changes in the regulation target practice, the conditions and -details of which are fully explained in the "Small Arms Firing Manual" for -1914. - -The Manual also details a prescribed course of target practice for the -Organized Militia, which includes the National Guard of the various -states. This is adapted principally to the revolver, as the National Guard -has not yet been armed with the regulation automatic pistol. As fast as -the latter is issued, the organized militia will adopt the target practice -prescribed for the army with the regulation weapon. - -The revolver until 1915 was the service weapon of the United States Navy, -but it has now been superseded by the automatic pistol (Colt, Government -Model, .45 cal.). The 1917 firing regulations are novel and drastic, in -some respects are much more elastic than those formerly in effect, and are -very practical. They are published in a pamphlet of 62 pages. - -A digest of all the foregoing target practice will be found in the -Appendix. - -_Matches and Competitions._--Various matches and competitions have been -established under the auspices of the recognized shooting organizations -which not only give an opportunity of testing the skill of individuals and -teams but also, by the scores made in successive years under the same -conditions, indicate the improvement and advance in the sport. Most of -these matches or competitions are annual events. The International Matches -at the Olympic Games take place every four years. - -The conditions of the annual championship matches of the United States -Revolver Association are excellent and the experience of fourteen years -since they have been instituted proves that they are well adapted to -stimulate interest in the sport, improvement in the arms and ammunition -and develop a high order of marksmanship. The matches are conducted -simultaneously in many places throughout the United States under the -supervision of authorized representatives and under as nearly identical -conditions as possible. - -In connection with these matches re-entry matches under the same -conditions are provided which furnish preliminary practice for competitors -who wish to enter the championship events. The League contest which is -conducted by this association affords excellent practice indoors, and -enables the marksmen to keep In good form during the winter months. - -The "National Pistol Match" is an annual event conducted by the National -Rifle Association of America. It is specially interesting and instructive -as it affords an opportunity for civilians to compete in the same contest -with the best shots in the Army, Navy and National Guard. - -The conditions, prizes, and complete details of all these annual matches -will be found in the Appendix. - -From time to time special contests are arranged such as the Pan American -Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1913, the International Shooting -Festival to be held at San Francisco in 1915 during the Panama Fair, etc. -The matches of such special meetings often vary in their conditions. -Special prizes are provided for the occasion. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -REVOLVER PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE - - -The revolver is a part of the regular equipment of the police force of -nearly every city in this country. Unfortunately the general lack of any -regulations for the care of and the practice with these arms largely -nullifies their usefulness. Even in the large cities, members of the -police force frequently admit that they have not used or cleaned their -arms for six months or more. An inspection of the arms under such -conditions not infrequently reveals the fact that center-fire arms are -loaded with rim-fire ammunition, and _vice-versa_. The mechanism is often -so badly rusted that the cylinder will not revolve and the barrel so -corroded as to seriously impair its accuracy. When occasion requires the -use of the arms under such conditions, accidents almost invariably result, -either to the policemen who attempt to fire the arms, or to the innocent -bystanders and property. - -The records of every large municipality show that large sums are annually -disbursed in litigation and to individuals who have suffered either -personal wounds or property damage from accidents of this character. - -By adopting suitable arms, and regulations governing practice shooting -with them, it is entirely practicable and comparatively easy to train a -large police force to become good marksmen. The possibility of accidents -is thus reduced to a minimum and the efficiency of the men increased to a -maximum. The moral effect of a high order of marksmanship of an entire -police force, when generally known, cannot be overestimated. Practice and -skill in the use of the revolver embodies the essential elements of rifle -shooting, so that in case of riot, insurrection, or war, a large police -force could be made quickly available for duty with very little additional -instruction, by arming them with rifles. - -A practical plan to develop such results is as follows: The services of a -competent person to teach the men must first be secured. This man should -be an experienced and skillful marksman with the revolver and be qualified -to maintain proper discipline and teach the subject in all its details. A -suitable range must next be provided. Two men from each precinct selected -for their fitness to become instructors should then be detailed to take a -prescribed course of training and practice under the teacher referred to. -Each of these men should devote not less than four hours a week to this -course. In four months' time these men should be qualified to undertake -the work of training and instructing others under the inspection and -supervision of the original teacher. After providing sufficient range -facilities, squads of men from each precinct should then be detailed for -practice and instruction under their own instructors, devoting at least -two hours per man per week to this work. At least one and one-half hours -of this time should be devoted to actual practice shooting. After -sufficient skill has been developed, teams of the different precincts -should shoot matches with each other, which will keep up a friendly -rivalry and promote interest in their work. - -By adopting such a plan it is possible, within a year from its inception, -to convert an entire police force into perfectly safe and reliable shots -of good ability; _i. e._, such ability as would enable all of them to hit -an object the size of a man every time at 50 paces. The mistake is -sometimes made of requiring the men to practice during off-duty time; this -has never proved successful. - -After the first year, or after a sufficient degree of skill has been -developed, the efficiency of the men can be preserved and maintained by -devoting an hour every two weeks to regulation practice. There is little -doubt but that the cost of the time and ammunition devoted to such a -course of training would be more than offset by the elimination of a large -portion of the accidents, litigation, etc., that result under the present -conditions. - -Much of the efficiency that it is possible to attain depends upon the -character of the regulation arm that may be adopted for police service. -Such an arm should be of large caliber and sufficient power to fulfil the -requirements. When carried in the pocket the perspiration of the body -causes rust, and a nickel finish will therefore generally be more -serviceable than any other. The sights, hammers and other projections -should be of suitable form, and as referred to in the text under "Pocket -Arms." In order to secure suitable accuracy, the barrel should be 4 inches -in length and the trigger pull 4 pounds. A first-class weapon for police -service is the .38-caliber Smith & Wesson safety hammerless, the -.38-caliber or .32-caliber Colt Police Positive or the .32 caliber Smith & -Wesson hand ejector revolver. The .38-caliber Smith & Wesson safety -hammerless is particularly well adapted for police service, the safety -feature making accidental discharge almost impossible, and being also a -decided advantage in case the weapon should fall into the hands of an -unskilled antagonist. - -In all cases a regulation arm and ammunition should be adopted so as to -secure uniformity and involve the purchase of only one line of supplies -and ammunition. - -The following course of instruction and regulations for practice shooting -are recommended: - - -_Revolver Practice_ - -_Regulations._--All members of the Department are obliged to practice -shooting with the regulation arm, at least two hours in each calendar -month. The captain of each precinct will designate the time and place for -instruction and practice for each individual under his jurisdiction. - -Every member of the department will be expected to qualify in one of the -three classes: Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert, and will be rated -accordingly. Decorations of suitable design will be awarded to those -qualifying; the decoration to be worn directly under the shield. Ratings -in any year will be determined by the average scores made by each -individual in the three months prior to January first of that year, on -which date decorations will be awarded annually. A member failing to -qualify in any class shall be rated a Beginner, and if holding a -decoration awarded the preceding year shall surrender same. - -All practice shooting shall be in the prescribed order in each class as -given below. Entries unlimited. Each individual must qualify at each stage -before he can be advanced to the next stage. All shooting to be done under -the following: - - _General Conditions._ The position shall be standing, free from any - support, the weapon being held in one hand with the arm extended so as - to be free from the body. Target, standard American 200-yd. rifle - target with 8-in. bullseye, outside dimensions 28 in. by 28 - in. Ammunition shall be the regulation full charge, factory loaded, - brought to the firing point in the original package. Arms shall not be - loaded except at the firing point, when the competitor is ready to - shoot his score. All scores to be 10 shots, fired in two strings of 5 - shots each. Slow fire to be timed after the first shot of each string. - Rapid fire to be timed as follows: The competitor standing at the - firing point with the arm loaded, not cocked, and the barrel pointing - downward in a direction not less than 45 degrees from the target, when - ready to begin each string shall say, "Ready." The scorer, watch in - hand, when the second hand reaches an even 10-second point on the - dial, will give the command "Fire," _after which_ the competitor - raises and cocks his weapon and begins his string. Just as the time - limit for each string expires the scorer shall announce, "Time." If a - shot is fired after the time limit has elapsed, the shot of highest - count shall be deducted from the string. In case of misfire, - accidental discharge, or defective ammunition, it shall be scored as a - shot and if the bullet does not strike the target it shall be scored - zero. Ties and all other details not covered by these conditions to be - decided by and to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the U. S. - Revolver Association. - - MARKSMAN COURSE - - _Slow Fire_:--10 shots at 10 yds. One minute for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. - - _Rapid Fire_:--10 shots at 10 yds. 30 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80 - - SHARPSHOOTER COURSE - - _Slow Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. One minute for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. - - _Rapid Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. 30 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80. - - EXPERT COURSE - - _Slow Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. 30 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. - - _Rapid Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. 15 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80. - -Inasmuch as regular instruction and practice in revolver shooting has been -instituted in only a few of the larger cities of this country, the police -of other cities in the absence of such training, or its equivalent, have -so little knowledge as to the proper use and care of the revolver that the -arm adds little or nothing to their efficiency. To assist such policemen -individually who have the ambition to increase their efficiency by their -own initiative, the following practical suggestions and general rules will -prove helpful: - - GENERAL RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS - - Never point a revolver in any direction where it would do harm if it - went off accidentally. _Always observe this rule_ whether the arm is - loaded or not. - - In carrying the loaded revolver on the person see that the hammer - rests between two cartridges. (Or if of the rebounding hammer type - have one chamber of the cylinder empty and opposite the hammer.) - - When necessary to use the revolver on vicious dogs, etc., such animals - should be driven into a rear yard or alley where there is soft ground - to stop the bullets. Never shoot on the sidewalk or a paved street - where it can be avoided, on account of the liability of the bullet - glancing off and doing serious damage. Similarly when firing to - attract attention, shoot into soft ground or a heavy timber, when - practicable, instead of into the air. - - Never attempt to shoot while running. Stop for a moment and take - deliberate aim. The shots will then be effective. - - Thoroughly clean and oil the revolver as soon after using it as - practicable. If carried on the person regularly it should be - overhauled and re-oiled inside the barrel and cylinder as well as - outside, once a week, to keep it in good condition. - - In case regular practice shooting is not provided when on duty, - practice target shooting when off duty, firing at least 50 shots once - a month and following the prescribed course as given in this chapter - as near as possible. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -PISTOL SHOOTING FOR LADIES - - -The great majority of ladies have some inherent dread of all varieties of -firearms. This is no doubt largely due to the senseless and irresistible -desire of inexperienced persons to indulge in a mock-heroic display and -flourish of such arms when in the presence of ladies. All useless -demonstration and ostentation with fire arms serves only to distinguish -those who are unfamiliar with their proper manipulation and use. Persons -handling arms in this manner should be avoided, or promptly compelled to -desist. Many of the accidents of the "I did not know it was loaded" order -occur in this manner. - -There is nothing occult or mysteriously dangerous about fire arms, but -their potential power must never be forgotten in handling them. As a -weapon of defense the revolver places the weakest and most diminutive -person skilled in its use, on an equality with the most powerful -antagonist. Ladies who travel extensively and visit semi-civilized -countries, especially the wives and daughters of men in the diplomatic -service and of the army and navy officers assigned to foreign stations, -should be thoroughly familiar with fire arms and skilled in their use. - -The necessity of knowing how to shoot, like knowing how to swim, may occur -but once in a woman's lifetime, but when occasion does require either, it -is generally under circumstances involving peril to life, and for that -reason both are advantageous and valuable accomplishments. Every woman -should, therefore, be sufficiently familiar with fire arms to know how to -handle them safely, and, in emergency, to use them with intelligence. -While skill in the use of the pistol and revolver is a useful -accomplishment, the practice of shooting with these arms will prove -exceedingly interesting. Target practice with the .22-caliber pistol is -particularly well suited for ladies, and those who have the opportunity to -indulge in it have invariably found it an enjoyable and fascinating -pastime. There is every reason, too, to believe that ladies would excel -and develop a higher order of skill in pistol shooting than gentlemen, -because they are generally more temperate and possess a more delicate -nervous system. - -A number of civilian shooting clubs have successful ladies' auxiliary -clubs. There are at the present time a large number of ladies who are -skillful markswomen with the pistol and revolver. - -[Illustration: Figure 80. Combination Set.--Smith & Wesson .38-Cal. -Revolver, .22-Cal. Pistol, Utensils, etc., in Case.] - -Any of the target pistols referred to in the text under the subject of -Arms (except the Remington pistol, which is a very heavy piece) are -suitable for ladies' use. A very serviceable and handsome combination is -furnished by Smith & Wesson, which consists of their regular target -pistol with a 10-inch barrel and an interchangeable .38-caliber revolver -barrel and cylinder, fitting to the same stock. These are furnished in a -special case with cleaning rods, etc., making a complete and attractive -set. The .22-caliber Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector with a 6-inch barrel and -.22-caliber Colt Police Positive Target revolvers are also well adapted -for ladies' use. - -It is well to begin practice with a .22-caliber pistol, as this is a light -and very pleasant charge to shoot, and the tendency to "flinch" is reduced -to a minimum. After a fair degree of skill has been developed with the -.22-caliber pistol reduced charges with a revolver may be tried and from -this stage the practice shooting can progress to the regulation full -charges. It is desirable that ladies should have a little practice with -the revolver with full charged ammunition, so as to be able to manipulate -it with sufficient confidence and skill in case of necessity. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -CLUBS AND RANGES[14] - - -Whenever three or more persons in any locality are interested in rifle or -revolver shooting, a club can generally be organized and additional -members secured. If the business affairs are properly and conservatively -managed, much pleasure will result for the members at a nominal cost. -Approximate ideas of the cost of constructing and maintaining ranges and -indoor "galleries" can generally be obtained by communicating with the -officers of existing clubs. In preparing the Constitution and By-Laws, -that of the United States Revolver Association will be an excellent -guide.[15] The secretary-treasurer of that association will be able to -give valuable assistance to new clubs. - -The first requisite of a shooting club is a suitable range. A 50-yard -range adapted to pistol and revolver practice can be constructed at a -comparatively small expense. At the firing point a room or house should be -provided with booths at least three feet wide with openings facing the -targets. A substantial butt must be supplied behind the targets to stop -the bullets, including the wildest shots. This should be an earthen -embankment, or may be a natural uninhabited hill with a steep slope toward -the range. The range should be measured and laid out by an engineer, or -other competent person using a steel tape. A pit at least 8 feet deep -should be dug for the safe accommodation of the markers, and provided with -a safely shielded side entrance. The uprights and other target framing -should set against the back side of this pit. The width of the pit from -the framing toward the firing point should be 5 feet, and the length -should be made about 3 feet for each set of alternating targets. The -alternating target frames to which the targets are to be attached may be -of wood with heavy canvas stretched over them. The frames should be at -least 30 inches square and should be so arranged that they can easily be -moved up and down between the vertical posts in grooves or slides, like -"double-hung" window sash, and so as to balance each other by means of -cords running over pulleys located in the posts at about the height of the -bottom of the target when in its highest position, the cords being -attached to the lower corners of the frames. - -They should be so adjusted that when one target is at the top and in -position to be fired at, the other is at the bottom of the pit. Over each -set of alternating targets and attached to a cross piece at the top of the -uprights should be placed large numbers from 3 to 10 inclusive, for -marking each target. A roof or shelter should be erected so as to shade -the target and keep out the rain. Suitable timbers or steel plates should -be provided to protect the slides or grooves between the targets from -damage by wild shots. Steel plates are sometimes placed a short distance -behind the targets, slanting forward at the top, to positively stop the -majority of the bullets, but these must be far enough behind the targets -or inclined sufficiently so that the spatter of lead will not injure the -men in the pit. If possible, have the targets so located that they are due -north of the firing point. - -[Illustration: Figure 81. Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for -50-Yard Range.] - -Such a range is operated as follows: A marker is sent into the pit for -each target to be operated; paper targets having been pasted to the -canvas on the frames a sufficient length of time previously so as to be -dry. The marker pulls down one of the targets which raises the other into -the firing position. As soon as the shot is fired, the marker, using a -10-foot rod with an iron disc 2 inches in diameter fastened on the end -as a pointer "spots" the shot by placing the disc over the bullet hole, -and then pointing to one of the numbers over the target corresponding to -the value of the shot. The disc on the pointer should have one side -painted white so that it can be easily distinguished when covering shots -in the bull's-eye. - -The scorer at the firing point then scores the shot as indicated by the -marker. The marker then raises the target at the bottom of the pit in -position for the next shot, which brings the first target down into the -pit where the marker covers the bullet hole with a paster. This operation -is repeated for each shot. - -Where a score of ten consecutive shots is to be made on each paper target -without covering the bullet holes with pasters, as in the United States -Revolver Association Matches, the target is fastened to the frame with -double pointed carpet tacks and left in the firing position until the ten -shot score is completed, each shot being "spotted," marked, and scored as -fired. When the score is completed, another paper target having been -placed on the alternating frame in the pit, the latter is raised promptly -ready for the next score. - -In large cities it is often necessary to provide a suitable range for -target shooting indoors and by artificial light. Such a range is -designated a "gallery." The standard range is 20 yards for the revolver -and pistol, and 25 yards for the rifle. The arrangement at the firing -point is practically the same as in the case of the 50-yard ranges, the -booths being at least 3 feet wide. On account of the small size of the -target and the short distance, it is feasible to move the target back and -forth, from the firing point to the butt by "trolleys" operated by a hand -wheel, the latter being located generally at the left hand side in the -booth at the firing point. The "trolley" carriage consists of a heavy -steel spring clamp holding a cardboard target (about 9 inches square) at -the top edge of the target, the carriage being supported by a No. 8 or -10-gauge wire stretched from the firing point to the butt, at a level of -about 2 feet above the line of fire. The supporting wires are attached to -the wood-work at the firing point by means of eye-bolts, which also -regulate the tension of the wires. The trolleys are operated back and -forth by an endless braided cord passing around angles over pulleys -screwed to the wood-work of the booth, and around the hand wheel. A steel -plate with the lower part inclined away from the firing point 20 or 30 -degrees is placed about 12 inches back of the targets to stop the bullets -and prevent them from gouging out the wall or wood-work behind. By -deflecting the plates as described, the spatter of lead is directed -downward, and thus prevents damage to the wood-work around the targets. A -suitable background behind the targets may be provided by white or light -gray paint, or by a suitable fabric. - -[Illustration: Figure 82. Details of Booths at Firing Line, "Trolleys," -and Butt for Gallery Ranges.] - -If the splatter of the bullets mars the targets, a shield of 1-inch boards -can be erected and maintained between the target and the steel plate. - -The lighting may be accomplished by a line of gas jets or electric lights -about 2 feet in front of the targets and at the same distance either above -or below them. At least two jets should be used to light each target, -otherwise the flicker of the gas jets makes the light unsatisfactory. The -reflectors should be of tin or other metal, polished or painted white. -Glass is too fragile for this purpose. Heavy timbers or steel plates must -be provided to protect the lights and piping from wild shots. A telescope -is mounted in each booth to enable the marksman to see the location of -shots in the bull's-eye. - -When floor space is limited the rifle ranges can sometimes be located over -the revolver ranges, or the latter, if the range is in a cellar, may be -depressed by constructing a pit of a suitable depth at the firing point. -The booths for rifle shooting and the operation of the targets are -practically the same as already described. - -It is best to complete all the work at the target end of the range first. -After the location of the targets is definitely fixed the position of the -firing line can be determined by making the distance from the target to -the firing point two inches in excess of 20 yards or 50 yards as the case -may be. The slight excess distance does not affect the shooting -appreciably, but it is important in order to avoid any possibility of -having scores disqualified in case the range should be questioned and -later be checked or verified and found "short." It is desirable whenever -possible to have the ranges of the standard lengths especially if matches -with other clubs are contemplated. - -The table for cleaning arms, and for tools, should never be placed near -the booths, but on the opposite side of the room, to avoid congestion at -the firing line. - -The floor on which the contestants stand at the firing line must be firm -and solid, so as not to vibrate or move when others walk about in close -proximity. A concrete floor covered with a carpet or rug of firm texture -is excellent. - -In indoor shooting smokeless powder and reduced charges are always to be -preferred. When artificial ventilation is provided, some shooting may be -done with black powder ammunition, but the range soon fills with smoke, -rendering the targets indistinct and the atmosphere unpleasant. Gallery -practice is very valuable, as it enables one to preserve good form in the -winter months, in localities where it is too cold to shoot with comfort -and pleasure out-of-doors. - -The following simple rules should be printed and posted in conspicuous -places in every shooting range or gallery: - - RULES - - Arms shall be unloaded until the contestant is at the firing point. - - Loaded arms shall be handled with the muzzle pointing toward the - targets. - - Automatic arms shall be used only under the personal direction of the - Shooting Master. - - Contestants are requested to use the greatest care in handling arms at - all times. - - The authority of the Shooting Master in charge shall be absolute. - - The rules of the United States Revolver Association shall govern all - match shooting. - - The above rules must be strictly observed and will be enforced. - -[Illustration: Fig. 83. Shooting Gallery of the Crescent Athletic Club, -Brooklyn, N. Y.] - -The Walnut Hill Range of the Massachusetts Rifle Association is one of the -best 50-yard revolver ranges in the country. A well-equipped gallery of -up-to-date design is that of the Crescent Athletic Club, Brooklyn, N. Y. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -HINTS TO BEGINNERS[16] - - -_Selection of Arms._--There is no single arm that can be used -advantageously for all classes of shooting. It is therefore necessary in -the first place to decide for what purpose the arm is to be used. A -careful perusal of the text under "Arms" and "Ammunition," will be of -assistance in reaching a decision. The next step is the selection of the -arm. As already stated, the cheap, unreliable, and unsafe arms are to be -carefully avoided. It is preferable to buy a second-hand arm of a -reputable manufacturer, if in good condition, than a new one of inferior -make. Second-hand arms frequently have defects that cannot be detected by -the novice, and, if obliged to buy a second-hand arm, it is advisable to -ask some expert shot to assist in making the selection. The price of the -best grades of pistols and revolvers is, fortunately, within the reach of -almost every one, and, if at all possible, new arms should be purchased. - -In any case, whether a new or a second-hand arm is to be chosen, it is -well to examine and handle all the different models of the best makers. -The fit and feel of the arm are very important. Select an arm that feels -comfortable, and which, when properly held, fits the hand so that the -first joint of the trigger finger just touches the trigger when that part -of the finger is bent at right angles to the barrel. - -The correct manner of holding the pistol or revolver is shown in Fig. 84 -and illustrates how the hand should fit the arm. Note particularly the -position of the trigger finger and the thumb. The trigger finger in this -position acts directly backward in pressing the trigger, and the thumb -assists materially in steadying the piece. If the piece is too large for -the hand, the trigger finger will be more or less extended, and will pull -side-wise to a greater or less degree, and thus increase the difficulty of -fine shooting. Fig 84a illustrates the approved position of the thumb when -the locking catch interferes with the extended thumb. The fit of the arm -is much more important, and has a vastly greater effect upon the results -than fine distinctions between the merits of the different arms. Any of -those named are excellent and are capable of shooting much more accurately -than they can possibly be held by the most expert shots. A man with a -large hand will probably find the Remington pistol or the Colt New Service -revolver best suited for him; another with a hand of medium size will find -the S. & W. pistol or the S. & W. Russian Model revolver most desirable; -while another still, with a small hand, may prefer the Stevens pistol or -the .38-caliber military revolver, either the S. & W. or the Colt. - -If an arm is wanted for steady use, select the plain blue finish, and wood -handles; elaborate engraving and gold, silver, copper, or nickel finished -arms are handsome and pleasing, but, if much used, become burnt and -discolored where the powder gases escape, and soon become unsightly. A -blued finish is also to be preferred when shooting in the sunlight. Most -arms as offered on the market have hard rubber handles. These become -smooth and slippery when the hand perspires, and are not as desirable as -wood handles. A few expert shots prefer pearl handles. - -[Illustration: Fig. 84.--Correct Manner of Holding the Revolver with Thumb -Extended] - -[Illustration: Fig. 84 a.--Showing Thumb when Locking Catch Interferes -with Extended Position] - -The trigger pull should have the smallest possible travel and be smooth -and positive. The smaller the travel of the hammer and the more rapid -its action, the quicker will be the discharge after pulling the trigger. -If the trigger does not pull smooth and "sweet," or becomes "creepy" from -wear, it should be corrected by a skilled gunsmith. While the rules allow -a trigger pull of 2 pounds for the pistol and 2 pounds for the target -revolver, many expert shots prefer to have their arm pull from to 1 -pound more. The rules also allow 7 and 8 inch barrels for the -revolver. Many of the experienced shots prefer to have their revolvers -balance near the trigger, and are of the opinion that the extra length of -barrel above 6 inches does not offset the disadvantage of poorer -balance. In the pistol, however, the length of the barrel is invariably 10 -inches. Accuracy in aiming is lost very rapidly as the distance between -the sights is reduced below 7 inches. - -For target shooting, the .22-caliber pistols will be found admirably -suited for beginners. The charge being light, there is less liability to -"flinch," a fault easily and most invariably acquired when the novice -begins shooting with a heavy charge. The practice in aiming and pulling -the trigger with these arms is excellent training and a first-rate and -valuable preliminary to the more difficult and practical work with the -revolver. - -The double-action feature in a revolver is of very little practical value. -Owing to the varying amount of resistance to the trigger in operating the -mechanism, the aim is disturbed more than if the hammer is cocked with the -thumb. Even in rapid-fire shooting better results are obtained with a -double-action arm if used as a single action. It is also more difficult to -make the trigger pull smooth and short in double-action mechanisms. - -_Manipulation._--Most of the accidents with firearms are caused by -carelessness and ignorance in manipulating them. The revolver and pistol, -being much smaller, are more dangerous to handle than the rifle or -shotgun. An experienced pistol shot can easily be singled out by the -extreme care and unostentation with which he handles his arms. - -On picking up an arm, or if one is handed to you, open the action at once -and make sure it is not loaded. _Always_ do this, even if it is your own -arm and you are quite sure it was not loaded when you last put it away; -some one, without any idea of danger, may have loaded it in your absence. -Cultivate and practise the habit of always holding the arm, whether -loaded or unloaded, so that it points in a direction where it would do no -harm if it were to go off unexpectedly. - -By observing these simple rules, serious accidents will be impossible. No -one should be allowed to handle firearms in a shooting club or participate -in any of the public matches until these rules have been thoroughly -mastered. - -_Position and Aiming._--If you know of a club or shooting organization to -which one or more first-rate pistol and revolver shots belong, it is well -to join it, if possible. Much more rapid progress can be made by -observation and by following the suggestions of experienced shots than if -one is obliged to solve the various problems without such assistance or -advice. In order to familiarize yourself with your arm, it is well to -practise aiming and pulling the trigger before any actual shooting is -attempted. By inserting an empty shell for the hammer to strike upon, the -piece may be aimed and "snapped" without injury. - -The position you adopt is very important. Stand firmly on both feet, with -the body perfectly balanced and turned at such an angle as is most -comfortable when the arm is extended toward the target in aiming. Let the -left arm assume any position that may be comfortable and natural. Select -a small black spot with an extensive white background to sight at. A small -black paster on a window-pane with the sky for a background, is excellent -for this purpose. When the aiming is correct, that is, when the sights are -properly aligned, their position with reference to the spot or bull's-eye -should be as shown in Fig. 85. The top of the front sight should just make -contact with the lower edge of the bull's-eye corresponding to the -position of VI o'clock. It has been found by experience that it is less -fatiguing to lower the arm, fully extended, holding the piece, to the -target than to raise it up to the target. - -[Illustration: Fig. 85--Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at the -Target.] - -_Firing._--With the pistol or revolver in the right hand cock the hammer -with the thumb, making sure that the trigger finger is free from the -trigger and resting against the forward inner surface of the trigger -guard. In cocking the piece have the barrel pointing upward. Then extend -the arm upward and forward, so that when you assume your firing position -the piece will point about twenty degrees above the bull's-eye. With your -eyes fixed on the bull's-eye at VI o'clock inhale enough air to fill the -lungs comfortably and lower the piece gradually until the line of the -sights comes a short distance below the bull's-eye. Now, holding your -breath and steadying the piece as well as you possibly can, bring the line -of sights into the position shown in Fig. 85. At the same time gradually -increase the pressure on the trigger directly backward, so that when the -sights are pointing at the bull's-eye the hammer will fall. - -Be careful not to pull the trigger with a jerk, but ease it off with a -gentle squeeze, so as not disturb the aim. Accustom yourself not to close -the eye when the hammer falls, but note carefully where the line of the -sights actually points at the instant that the hammer falls. You will, no -doubt, find it almost impossible to pull the trigger at the moment the -sights are just right. The hammer will fall when the line of sights may -point a little too high or too low, or to one side or the other of the -bull's-eye; but patient practice will correct this, and in time you will -be able to let off the arm at the right moment. - -[Illustration: Fig. 86--Showing the Travel of the Line of the Sights About -the Bull's-eye in Aiming] - -The pulling of the trigger is a very delicate operation; it is, in fact, -the most important detail to master--the secret of pistol and revolver -shooting. If the trigger is pulled suddenly, in the usual way, at the -instant when the sights appear to be properly aligned, the aim is so -seriously disturbed that a wild shot will result. To avoid this, the -pressure on the trigger must always be steadily applied, and while the -sights are in line with the bull's-eye. It is, of course, impossible to -hold the arm absolutely still, and aim steadily at one point while the -pressure is being applied to the trigger; but, in aiming, the unsteadiness -of the shooter will cause the line of the sights to point above the -bull's-eye, then below it, to one side of it, and then to the other, back -and forth and around it, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 86. Each -time that the line of the sights passes over the bull's-eye the smallest -possible increment of additional pressure is successively applied to the -trigger until the piece is finally discharged at one of the moments that -the sights are in correct alignment. Long and regular practice alone will -give the necessary training of the senses and muscles to act in sufficient -harmony to enable one to pull the trigger in this way at the right moment -for a long series of shots. A "fine sympathy" must be established between -the hand, the eye, and the brain, rendering them capable of instant -coperation. - -After obtaining a fair idea of aiming, etc., watch carefully when the -hammer falls, and note if it jars the piece and disturbs the aim. If not, -you are holding the arm properly. If the aim is disturbed, you must grip -the arm tighter or more loosely, or move your hand up or down on the -handle, or otherwise change your method of holding the piece until your -"hold" is such that you can snap the hammer and the aim remain -undisturbed. This aiming and snapping drill is largely practised by expert -shots indoors, when they do not have the opportunity to practise -regularly out-of-doors. - -_Target Practice._--If your first actual shooting is done at the range of -a club, it is best to ask one of the members to coach you until you get -accustomed to the rules, etc. A target will be assigned to you, and you -will repair to the firing point and load your arm. It is well to let your -coach fire the first shot or two, to see if your piece is sighted -approximately right. If so, you are ready to begin shooting. If the sights -appear to be as in Fig. 85 at the moment of discharge, then the bullet -should hit the center of the bull's-eye. If, after several shots, you are -convinced that the bullet does not strike where it should, the arm is not -properly sighted for you. - -In adjusting the sights you will find it an advantage to remember a very -simple rule: To correct the rear sight, move it in the same direction as -you would the shots on the target to correct them, or move the front sight -in the opposite direction. Most target arms have the front sight -non-adjustable, and the rear sight adjustable for both windage and -elevation. A few arms have interchangeable or adjustable front sights for -elevation. Move the sights a little at a time, according to the foregoing -rules, until they are properly aligned. A few ten-shot scores should then -be fired for record. As you become accustomed to the range, rules, etc., -you will feel more at ease. This will inspire confidence, and your -shooting will improve correspondingly. - -Do not have your sights too fine. Fine sights are much more straining on -the eyes, and have no advantage over moderately coarse sights. The rear -sights as generally furnished are purposely made with very small notches, -so as to enable individuals to make them any desired size. - -It is well to have the trigger pull at least of a pound greater than -the minimum allowed by the rules. If much used, the pull sometimes wears -lighter; and if there is little or no margin, you run the risk of having -your arm disqualified when you wish to enter an important match. - -Never use other ammunition in your arm than that for which it is -chambered. A number of accidents and much difficulty have resulted from -wrong ammunition. In the same caliber the actual diameter of the bullets -frequently varies considerably, and a few shots, even if they should not -prove dangerous, may lead the barrel, and thus cause much delay and -annoyance. When a barrel is "leaded" from any cause it will become -inaccurate. In such cases, particles of lead usually adhere to the inside -of the barrel at or near the breech. A brass wire brush, of suitable size -to fit the barrel, will generally remove it. When this fails, carefully -remove all oil, cork up the opposite end of the barrel and fill it with -mercury, letting the latter remain in the barrel until the lead is -removed. - -Occasionally the powder is accidentally omitted in loading a cartridge. -When the primer explodes, the bullet may be driven partly through the -barrel and remain in it. When this happens, whether from this cause or any -other, always be careful to push the bullet out of the barrel before -firing another shot. If the bullet is not removed, and another shot is -fired, the barrel will be bulged and ruined. This may occur with a light -gallery charge. - -When shooting the .22-caliber long rifle cartridge, there will be an -occasional misfire. In withdrawing the cartridge the bullet will stick in -the barrel and the powder spill into the action. To prevent this, hold the -barrel vertically, with the muzzle up, and withdraw the shell carefully. -Then remove the bullet in the barrel with a cleaning rod; or extract the -bullet from a new cartridge, inserting the shell filled with powder into -the chamber back of the bullet and fire it in the usual manner. - -Do not use BB caps in any pistol that you value. They are loaded with a -composition of fulminate of mercury in combination with other substances -that cause rusting and the bullets have no lubrication. These caps will -ruin a barrel in a very short time. The .22-caliber conical ball caps are -loaded with black powder, and the bullets are lubricated, making this a -much better cartridge; but it is best to adhere to the regular .22 -ammunition for which the arm is chambered. - -Never under any circumstances shoot at objects on the heads or in the -hands of persons. There is always a possibility of something going wrong, -and such risk to human life is unjustifiable, no matter how skilful you -may be. - -It is necessary to exercise extreme care in practising with the pocket -revolver. Some persons delight in practising quick drawing from the pocket -and firing one or more shots. This is dangerous work for the novice to -attempt. Most of the pocket weapons are double action. If the finger is on -the trigger and the arm catches in the pocket when drawing, a premature -discharge is likely to result, which is always unpleasant and sometimes -disastrous. Practice in drawing the revolver from the pocket or holster -should always be begun with the arm unloaded. Only after a fair degree of -skill is acquired should actual shooting be attempted. For quick drawing -from the pocket the only double-action revolvers that are fairly safe to -handle are the S. & W. Safety Hammerless, and the Colt "Double Action," -which has a safety notch for the hammer to rest on. - -Drawing a revolver from a holster is easier and much less dangerous than -drawing it from the pocket. Larger and more practical arms are generally -carried in holsters, and such arms should be single action in all cases. -In practising with a holster weapon, fasten the holster on the belt, and -anchor the belt so that the holster will always be at the same relative -position. The holster should be cut out so that the forefinger can be -placed on the trigger in drawing. Always carry a loaded revolver with the -hammer resting on an empty chamber or between two cartridges. - -In the woods, or in localities where such shooting would not be likely to -do any harm, it is good practice to shoot at a block of wood drifting down -in the current of a swift-flowing stream, at a block of wood or a tin can -swinging like a pendulum, from horseback at stationary and moving -objects, and from a moving boat at similar objects. Such practice is -largely indulged in by cowboys, ranchmen, and others in the western part -of the United States. The shooting is generally rapid-fire work with heavy -charges at short range, and is to be commended as being extremely -practical. - -Many of the published reports of wonderful shooting are gross -exaggerations. The prowess of the so-called "Gun Men" of New York and -other large cities is greatly over-estimated. These criminals do not -practice shooting with the fire arms they use but operate by stealth and -intrigue which makes them dangerous. They are, in fact, very poor -marksmen, few of them being able to hit an object the size of a man more -than 15 or 20 feet away. - -In shooting a long series of shots with black powder ammunition, when the -rules allow it, the barrel should be cleaned and examined every six or ten -shots, depending upon the clean-shooting qualities of the ammunition used. -It is well to examine the shells, also, and note if the primers have been -struck in the center. If not, then some of the mechanism is out of line, -and the parts likely to have caused the trouble must be cleaned. - -After securing good, reliable arms, stick to them. Much time and progress -is frequently lost by buying and trying different arms, ammunition, etc. -If in any of your shooting, you should get results that are peculiar and -unsatisfactory, make it your business to find out the cause of the -difficulty, and remedy it as soon as possible. - -"Blazing away" a large quantity of ammunition carelessly and recklessly is -absolutely valueless as practice, and is a waste of time. Give your whole -attention to your work, and try your very best to place every shot in the -center of the bull's-eye. - -It is very important to keep a full, detailed record of all your shooting, -for comparison, study, etc. A suitable book should be provided for this -purpose. Do not fall into the habit of preserving only a few of the best -scores; but make it a rule to keep a record of _every shot_, and figure -out the average of each day's work. The more painstaking and systematic -you are, the more rapid will be your progress. By careful, intelligent -work, it is possible to become a fair shot in three or four months, and a -first-rate shot in a year. - -_Matches and Competitions._--After a number of good shots have been -developed in any club, there is generally a desire to measure skill with -the members of another club. This leads to friendly matches, which are -usually very enjoyable and instructive. Shooting in a match places a man -under a certain strain which affects individuals quite differently; some -become nervous and shoot poorly when the best work is expected of them, -while others are braced up by the occasion and shoot more brilliantly than -under ordinary conditions. - -Before competing in any match be sure to _thoroughly familiarize yourself -with all the conditions_. This will prevent mistakes that frequently -disqualify competitors and lead to disagreeable controversies. Avoid -getting into any arguments or disputes with range officers, or officials -in charge of the matches, and particularly while the matches are in -progress. The range officers are invariably extremely busy and it is -unjust to the other competitors to usurp more of their time than is your -proper portion. They are generally intelligent men who have been selected -because of their fitness for the positions they hold, and their decisions -and rulings should be accepted as final. If for good cause you should wish -to protest against any decision or ruling of an officer in charge, do it -in a quiet and gentlemanly way, and whether the rules require it or not, -such protest should be made in writing. - -Beginners, as well as those who keep up their practice shooting, should -enter the annual championships of the U. S. Revolver Association each -year. These events are conducted by the Association in different parts of -the country simultaneously, under as nearly identical conditions as -possible. By this arrangement, long and expensive journeys to one place of -meeting are avoided, and all those interested in the sport can participate -without serious inconvenience. - -Competing in these events is extremely advantageous and beneficial. It -enables the beginner not only to note his improvement from year to year, -but affords training and experience in shooting under real match -conditions, and will correct any misinterpretation of the rules. The more -experienced shot, by entering these contests is enabled to compare his -skill with that of the leading marksmen of the country, and accurately -determine his position among them from year to year. - -Persons wishing to compete in the annual championships should practice -regularly throughout the year under the conditions of the matches; firing -the full number of shots and _within the specified time limits_ in all -cases. - -The National Pistol Match and the National Rifle Association matches are -generally held at some selected state or government range, and at a -certain specified time. All the contestants are, therefore, shooting on -the same ground and approximately under the same conditions. All these -matches are shot in the open; i. e. without shelter or protection from the -wind. When shooting under these conditions in the glaring sunlight, it is -a decided advantage to wear suitable, colored large-lensed spectacles to -temper the light and rest the eyes. The sights and top surfaces of the -barrel should be smoked or blackened to prevent the reflection of light. -This may be accomplished by burning a small piece of gum camphor, which -makes an excellent smoke for this purpose, or by painting with "sight -black." A wide brimmed hat will also add to the shooter's comfort in the -bright sunlight. Nailed or rubber soles for the boots or shoes are to be -preferred because they do not wear slippery. - -In squadded competitions the weather conditions must be accepted as they -are at the time of the shooting. In re-entry and individual matches the -time of the shooting is sometimes optional with the competitor. When this -is the case it is a decided advantage to select a time when the -conditions of light, wind, etc., are most favorable. On normal clear days, -the early forenoon, or just before sunset, are generally the most -favorable for suitable light. The wind generally slacks up to a certain -degree also just before sundown. Immediately after a shower the conditions -are sometimes excellent. - -The position of the target with reference to the sun must also be taken -into consideration. It is generally best to shoot directly toward or -directly away from the sun. Rapid-fire shooting in a gusty wind is perhaps -more difficult than under any other conditions. When the wind is steady -one can brace up against it and do fair shooting, but when it is unsteady -there will invariably be some wild shots. In deliberate untimed shooting -one can wait for a lull and get the shots in during such brief intervals. - -In practising rapid-fire shooting, great care is necessary in order to -prevent accidents, especially in the case of the automatic pistols, which -remain cocked and ready to pull the trigger after each shot. In shooting -within a time limit, practise to use the entire period and endeavor to do -the best possible work, getting in the last shot just before the end of -the period. - -In team matches always follow the instructions and suggestions of your -team captain implicitly. Coperate with him to the limit of your ability -in developing the best and most consistent work of each member of the -team. Always remember that the high _average_ shooting of a team wins more -matches than the brilliant shooting of an individual. - -In training for matches be abstemious and maintain good physical -condition. If your liver is torpid it must be stimulated. Do not tire -yourself with too much practice shooting. One or two hours practice daily -is generally ample. - -_Cleaning and Care of Arms._--To maintain the highest efficiency in an -arm, it is necessary to keep it in perfect order. The working parts must -be kept clean and oiled, and the barrel should receive special attention -and care. The residue of some powders is less injurious than that of -others, but the arm should in all cases be cleaned and oiled immediately -after it has been used. The cleaning should be thorough. Heavy cotton -flannel is excellent for this purpose. It should be perfectly dry. Much of -the fouling will rub off without moisture, but if moisture is necessary to -soften the fouling in places, use thin oil. Never use water, ordinary -kerosene, or similar fluids. For certain kinds of smokeless powders, -cleaning fluids have been prepared that give good results. Be careful to -use the special fluid that is adapted to the particular powder used, as -the wrong fluid may not accomplish the desired results. - -A good cleaning fluid for many of the Nitro Powders, such as "Bullseye," -"R. S. Q.," "Walsrode" etc., is Dr. Hudson's nitro solvent formula, as -follows: - - Astral oil (or Kerosene free from acid) 2 fluid ounces - Sperm oil 1 fluid ounce - Acetone 1 fluid ounce - Turpentine 1 fluid ounce - - NOTE.--To make sure that the kerosene or Astral oil is free from acid, - it can be shaken up with some washing soda, which will neutralize any - free acid that may have been present. - -To clubs, or those who wish to make up a cleaning fluid in quantities, the -above will prove very effective and inexpensive. - -For cleaning the inside of the barrel a wooden rod is best. It should have -a knob on the end of such size that one or two thicknesses of the cotton -flannel around it will fit the bore snug and tight. Square patches of -suitable size may then be cut in quantities and used as required. Clean -from the breech end of the barrel whenever possible. The slightest burr or -injury at the muzzle will spoil the accuracy of an otherwise good barrel. -Particular care should be exercised, especially if a steel rod with a slot -is used, to prevent the wad from "jamming" in the barrel. Continue -cleaning the inside of the barrel until tight-fitting patches, when -withdrawn, show no discoloration, and the barrel is warm from the friction -of the cleaning. Then saturate a fresh patch with good oil and pass it -through the barrel several times, making sure that the entire surface of -the grooves has been thoroughly coated with oil. After the cylinder and -other parts are cleaned, they should also be oiled. - -A good oil for cleaning is "Three in One"; for preventing rust, use -Winchester Gun Grease or refined sperm oil. Plenty of oil should be kept -on the circle of teeth in which the pawl engages in revolving the -cylinder. If smokeless ammunition is used, the oil should be removed from -the interior of the barrel and the chambers of the cylinder, a day or two -after the first cleaning, and fresh oil applied. - -In warm weather, when the air is humid, arms rust very quickly. If they -are not kept in an air-tight compartment, they should be inspected, and, -if necessary, re-oiled every few days. Under favorable conditions, a -thorough cleaning and oiling will preserve the arm in good condition for a -month. - -If it is desired to store the arms, or protect them for long periods of -time, the interior surfaces of the frame, and all the mechanism, should -be carefully cleaned and oiled, and then the entire space within the frame -filled solid with non-liquid grease, like the Winchester "gun grease." -After cleaning the barrel and cylinder, the bore and chambers in the -cylinder should be filled solid with the grease. This treatment excludes -the air, and absolutely prevents oxidation. The exterior should be oiled, -and then coated heavily with "gun grease." Place the arm in a dry woollen -cloth, or flannel cover, and wrap it up in a double thickness of new -manila paper of the weight of ordinary writing paper. Repeat this, -wrapping twice more, each wrapping independent of the other. Then lay the -arm in a dry place, where the temperature will always be uniform, and not -so warm as to melt the grease. An arm protected in this way will remain in -good condition for a period of two years. - -Another method of protecting weapons from rust is to immerse them in oil. -The wood or rubber stocks should be removed and the arms suspended from a -rack in a large glass jar with a ground glass cover to prevent the -evaporation of the oil. This is a very quick and effective method and is -much more convenient than the preceding plan. The best quality of refined -sperm oil should be used. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -RELOADING AMMUNITION - - -The factory-loaded ammunition for pistols is so excellent that little is -to be gained by hand loading. It is sometimes desirable, however, to use -special loads that are not furnished by the factories, and such ammunition -must be loaded by hand. Then, too, many persons prefer to reload -ammunition for economical reasons. In order to do this successfully, -considerable experience and skill are necessary. The first attempts at -reloading are invariably unsatisfactory and disappointing, and sometimes -result disastrously. Extreme care and close attention to details are -absolutely essential, especially if smokeless powders are used. It is much -the safest and best plan for those who are unfamiliar with reloading to -observe and study the methods used by skilled persons, and, if possible, -have their first work supervised by an experienced person. - -_Primers._--The primers are made of copper and brass and are adapted for -either black or smokeless powders. The primers for pistol and revolver -cartridges are made more sensitive than for rifle cartridges. If, by -mistake, rifle-cartridge primers are used, there are likely to be many -misfires. The original pasteboard boxes in which the cartridges or shells -are purchased invariably have labels designating the kind of primer that -should be used in reloading them. - -The quality of the primers affects the results to a much greater degree -than most persons imagine, especially in reduced or gallery charges. In -handling or in transportation the priming composition is sometimes -loosened, dropping out of some of the primers and leaving them -considerably weaker than the rest. On opening a new box, empty it -carefully, and if any appreciable quantity of loose priming is found, the -primers should not be used for ammunition intended for fine shooting. - -_Shells._--The shells are generally made of brass with a solid head -containing a pocket for a primer. There is considerable variation in the -thickness of the metal from which shells are made by the various -manufacturers. Since the outside dimensions must be the same in order to -fit the chamber, it follows that the inside diameter of the shells will -vary. When the shell is to be crimped a slight difference in the size is -unimportant, but for fine target work using black powder, it is preferable -not to crimp the shell. In the latter case the bullet must fit -sufficiently tight so that it will not be dislodged by the recoil of the -arm. - -The size of the bore, when adapted to the same cartridge, varies a trifle, -also, with different manufacturers. With the slight difference in the size -of the shells it is therefore generally possible to select a make of shell -the size of which will be just right to hold snugly in position by -friction a bullet that exactly fits the bore of the arm. These refinements -in the fit of the bullet and shell are important in securing good results -with reduced loads. - -In pistol and revolver shooting, the shells may be reloaded many times -with smokeless powders. The small charge and the consequent reduced -pressure do not seem to render the shells brittle and unsuitable for -reloading, as is the case with the shells of many of the high-pressure -rifle cartridges. - -_Bullets._--In the large ammunition factories the bullets are made by the -swaging process, with heavy machinery. They are, in consequence, very -uniform in density and size. They are packed in boxes of twenty-five and -fifty and are lubricated ready for use. While very few persons are able to -mould bullets as good as those factory-made, when bullets of a particular -shape, weight, or temper are desired, they must be moulded. - -The Ideal Manufacturing Company's dipper and melting pot[17] are useful -for this purpose. The best quality of lead in bars or pigs should be used. -If the bullets are to be hardened, "block tin," which may be had at any -hardware store is alloyed with the lead. Weigh the proper quantity of each -metal to give the desired proportions. Melt the lead in the pot over a -steady fire and then add the tin. At this stage add a small quantity of -tallow or beeswax to the molten metal (about the size of a .45-caliber -round bullet) and stir briskly with the dipper. This will flux the mixture -and make it flow better. After both are melted immerse the dipper and -allow it to acquire the temperature of the melted lead. Then fill the -dipper and, with the nozzle horizontal, raise it two or three inches above -the surface of the lead in the pot. With the mould in the other hand, -turn it sidewise and bring the pouring hole of the mould to the nozzle of -the dipper. Then, with the mould and dipper in contact, tilt or turn both -in this position until the dipper is over the mould and the nozzle -vertical as shown. - -[Illustration: Fig. 87.--Moulding Bullets.] - -The weight or pressure of the lead in the dipper is thus utilized to force -the lead into and completely fill the corners of the mould. It will be -necessary to mould forty or fifty bullets before the mould acquires the -proper temperature and casts first-class bullets. All imperfect bullets -should be thrown back into the melting-pot. Experience has shown that the -best results are obtained when the lead and mould are at such temperature -that two or three seconds elapse before the lead solidifies in the pouring -hole after the nozzle has been removed from it. Do not allow the lead to -get red-hot, as it oxidizes very rapidly and more dross forms on its -surface at that temperature. The dross should be skimmed off frequently -and not allowed to collect in the dipper. A new mould will not cast -perfect bullets until the surfaces in contact with the lead are free from -oil and have become oxidized, assuming a deep blue color. - -Provide a soft surface for the bullets to fall upon after releasing them -from the mould, as they are easily deformed while hot. The sliding top or -"cut-off" should be operated by pressing down the lever end on a board or -table, or striking the lever with a small wooden mallet. The mould is then -opened, and the bullet drops out. If the bullet sticks in the mould, -strike the empty half of the mould on the outside, directing the blow -toward the bullet. This will jar the bullet out of the mould without -difficulty. Never strike the mould with a hammer or any hard substance, -and never attempt to pry a bullet out of the mould or touch the interior -surface with an iron implement, tool, or anything that will mar it. The -least indentation of the sharp edges of the mould will cause the bullets -to stick and make them imperfect. After using the mould, oil the exterior -and the surfaces of the joint while warm, wrap in a dry cloth, and keep in -a dry place where it will not rust. It is a good plan to leave the last -bullet (with the neck cut off) in the mould until used again. - -The fit of the bullets is very important. Nearly all the bullets for -revolver cartridges were originally designed to be used with black powder. -Many of them were slightly under size and have concave bases which upset -sufficiently, on the ignition of the regulation powder charge, to fill the -grooves of the barrel. Reduced charges of black powder, and smokeless -powders, even in full charges, seldom upset the bases of these bullets, -and the powder gas escapes around the sides of the bullet, which is known -as "gas cutting." This is fatal to accuracy. For smokeless powders and -reduced loads the concave cavity at the base of the bullet must be large -enough to reduce the thickness of the outer rim of the bullet and weaken -it so it will be expanded sufficiently by the powder to fill the grooves -of the barrel; or the diameter of the bullet should be increased so as to -produce the same effect. - -A simple test to determine the fit of the bullet is to force it into a -clean barrel, and then hold the barrel in the direction of a window or -bright light. If light can be seen in any of the grooves around the -bullet, it is too small for smokeless powder. The remedy is to have the -bullet mould reamed out and enlarged so the bullets will be the proper -size. - -To determine the actual diameter of the bore of a pistol or revolver, oil -the inside of the barrel liberally and then force a bullet into it a -couple of inches. With a short wooden cleaning rod, hold the bullet in -that position while you drive against it with another rod from the -opposite direction, swaging it so as to fill the barrel. This must be done -gently and carefully so as not to strain or injure the barrel. The bullet -is then driven out and carefully measured with a micrometer gauge. - -Many who mould their own bullets prefer to order the mould to cast the -bullets the exact size to fit the barrel; while others prefer to have the -mould cast the bullet one or two thousandths of an inch too large, and -then pass them through a sizing tool, reducing them to the correct size. -The latter method insures absolute uniformity. - -For smokeless powders the bullets are generally cast a little harder than -for black powder, the proportions being from 30 to 1, to 20 to 1, of lead -and tin, respectively. To secure good results, the bullets should not -vary more than 1/200 in weight. - -The next operation after moulding the bullets is to lubricate them. A good -lubricant may be prepared by melting together 1 lbs. of Japan wax, 1 -lb. of mutton tallow, and 1 lb. of vaseline. The bullets should be set in -a shallow pan, bases down, and with a small space separating them. The -lubricant can then be poured around them until it rises high enough to -fill the top cannelure. After cooling, the bullets are cut out of the -lubricant by forcing them into the mouth of a specially prepared shell -with the top or head cut off. Each bullet is picked up in this way and -then pushed out with a round rod. Any lubricant on the base of the bullet -should be removed with a cloth before loading. An excellent machine for -lubricating bullets is made by the Ideal Manufacturing Company. The -machine sizes and lubricates the bullet at one operation. It is rapid, -clean, and performs the work perfectly. - -_Powders._--American powder manufacturers have no uniform practice in -regard to designating the different grades of powder, sizes of grains, -etc. The powders that give the best results under certain conditions must -therefore be classified. The following black powders are best suited for -ammunition in which the charge is ten to twenty grains: - -American Powder Mills Rifle Cartridge No. 4. - -Hazard Powder Company's "Kentucky Rifle F F G." - -E. I. Dupont de Nemours & Company's "Dupont Rifle F F G." - -Laflin & Rand Powder Company's "Orange Rifle Extra F F G." - -King Powder Company's "Semi-smokeless F F G." - -When the charge is less than ten grains in weight, one size finer grain of -the above powders should be used; and for charges heavier than twenty -grains, one size coarser grain will give the best results. - -Lesmok powder, now so extensively used for .22-caliber rim fire -ammunition, is a combination of black powder with high-grade gun-cotton. - -For reduced or gallery charges, the high-grade quick-burning shotgun -powders are sometimes used, such as "Hazard's Electric," "Dupont's Diamond -Grain," etc. These powders should not be used in full charges, and if -compressed in the shell will give very irregular shooting. - -Smokeless powder differs from black not only in composition but also in -the phenomena that attend combustion. Special conditions are therefore -created which have an important bearing on the results. Smokeless powders -are divided into two general classes, designated as "bulk" and "dense," -the former having approximately the same strength as an equal bulk of -black powder, while the same quantity by bulk of the latter may have from -five to ten times the strength of black powder. - -The bulk powders may be used very much the same as black powder, except -that they should never be compressed. No air space is required between the -powder and the bullet. Dupont's Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 and Hazard's -Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 are good examples of the bulk powders. -Dupont's R. S. Q. is a bulk powder that has recently been introduced. It -gives fair results in pistol and revolver ammunition in full charges, but -is not as well adapted for reduced or gallery loads. It requires an air -space for the best results. - -The dense powders, such as Bullseye, Du Pont Pistol No. 3, Walsrode, and -others, on account of their concentrated form, must be manipulated with -great care and precision. The same quantity by bulk as black powder of any -of these would in many cases cause disaster. Special shells with an -annular crease, which only admits the bullet a certain distance into the -mouth of the shell, and providing an air space, should in all cases be -used with these powders. - -Nearly all varieties of smokeless powders require a certain amount of -confinement in order to secure complete combustion, and do not give good -results unless the shell is crimped securely to the bullet. - -A table giving the proper charges is supplied by all the manufacturers of -smokeless powders, suitable for revolver and pistol shooting. These -charges should in no case be increased. If it is desired to adapt a -smokeless charge to a special bullet, which gives good results with black -powder, the approximate equivalent in smokeless powder can easily be -calculated from the powder company's table of charges. If the calculated -charge does not give good results, compare the penetration of the -smokeless charge with the black powder charge, and modify the former until -it gives approximately the same penetration as the latter. If this does -not correct the difficulty, the fit of the bullet should be investigated, -and possibly it may have to be increased in size slightly and hardened -before the best results will be obtained. - -No attempt should be made to secure higher velocities or greater -penetration with the ordinary lead bullet than is obtained with black -powder. Such results can only be produced with hard alloy or jacketed -bullets, special rifling, etc., and in arms designed to withstand the -severe conditions incident to such augmented effects. Excessive charges in -regulation arms, besides being extremely dangerous, are likely to cause -the bullet to strip the rifling and lead the barrel. - -The most recent activity in the matter of smokeless powders is the series -of experiments with the U. S. Government pyro-cellulose formula. The -powders are cut to such dimensions as will fit them for both pistol and -rifle cartridges. This powder has the advantage of causing much less -erosion than the nitro-glycerine powders and for that reason will probably -appeal to the ammunition manufacturers and consumers, to such an extent as -to secure its adoption, if the experiments now in progress prove to be -satisfactory from a ballistic standpoint. - -_Reloading._--Suitable tools for reloading are furnished by the Ideal -Manufacturing Company, Smith & Wesson, and the Winchester Repeating Arms -Company. These usually consist of one or more combination tools, with -which the various operations may be performed with rapidity and -precision. - -In reloading ammunition the one thing to be borne in mind above all else -is _uniformity_. No matter how excellent may be the quality of the powder, -or how perfect the bullets, if there is any variation in quantity, size, -etc., the results will surely be irregular and disappointing. The bullets -should be of the same diameter and weight, the mouth of the shells of -uniform size, the powder accurately measured, and all the details in the -operation of loading each shell should be as nearly identical as it is -possible to make them. - -Shells that have been loaded with black powder will corrode very rapidly -if not properly and promptly cared for. The primer should be extracted -from the shells as soon as practicable after firing. The shells should -then be immersed in hot soap-suds and stirred around briskly until -thoroughly washed. If it is desired to brighten them or to remove -corrosion, add one tablespoonful of sulphuric acid to each quart of suds. -Rinse the shells in two clean boiling waters by agitating them as before, -and then dry them by exposure to sunlight or mild heat. Intense heat will -draw the temper of the shells and ruin them. - -If the shells were originally crimped they will have to be opened with the -tool so as to admit the bullet without shaving off or abrading its -surface. The Ideal Manufacturing Company can furnish a special plug, -screwed to the tool, by which the primer may be extracted and the mouth of -the shell opened in one operation, the tool automatically releasing the -shell from the plug, thus making the operation of opening the mouth of the -shell rapid and easy. In the case of smokeless powders the cleaning of the -shells is not so important, but is desirable, as some of the powders leave -a sticky residue which interferes more or less with the reloading process. - -After the shells have been cleaned and dried the new primers may be placed -in position. In doing this be sure to seat them firmly on the bottom of -the pocket and below the surface of the head of the shell. This will -prevent misfires and premature explosions. - -The measuring of the powder charge is the most important detail in -reloading ammunition. There are several devices to measure powder that are -convenient and fairly accurate. Those furnished by the Ideal Manufacturing -Company, designated as No. 5 or No. 6, and those made by H. M. Pope are -the best.[18] - -The usual method is to measure the powder with a charge cup that is -supplied with the reloading tools. A quantity of the powder should be -poured from the can into a small box and the charge cup dipped into it and -filled. With a thin lead-pencil tap the cup lightly two or three times on -the side to settle the powder uniformly. If the powder settles below the -top of the cup dip the cup into the powder again and fill it, being -careful not to tilt the cup so as to disturb the powder already in it. -Strike off the powder in the cup with the pencil and pour it into the -shell. By measuring the powder in this way and verifying it by weighing -each charge in a delicate balance, a high degree of skill may be acquired -in a short time. Ordinary revolver charges should not vary more than -one-tenth of a grain in weight. - -The charge cup method is preferred by many in measuring smokeless powders, -as some varieties, being coarse grained and light in weight, are liable to -form large voids. Such voids are invariably corrected when the charge cup -is tapped and the powder settles. - -After the desired quantity of shells has been primed and charged with -powder, the bullets, properly lubricated, are started into the shells by -hand and then one by one the cartridges are placed in the reloading tool, -which seats the bullet and crimps the shell. - -In reduced black powder charges, when the bullet is seated below the mouth -of the shell, the tool should be adjusted so as not to crimp the shell. - -In loading cartridges in which the shells are not crimped on the bullets, -it is very important that both the shells and the bullets should be -absolutely uniform in size, so that the fit, and consequently the -friction, of the bullets in the shell will be the same in all cases. By -reloading some of the shells oftener than others or with different -charges, the expansion of the shells will vary and the bullets will fit -more or less tightly. Such ammunition when fired will vary in elevation. -It is well to begin with new shells using the same load in them and -reloading them the same number of times. Even with the same charge and -under apparently identical conditions a few of the shells will expand -differently. This variation will, however, be readily discovered in -seating the bullets with the tool. Cartridges in which the bullets seat -with greater or less effort than the average should be carefully separated -from the rest and not used when fine shooting is required. - -In reloading ammunition with spherical or "round" bullets the neck of the -bullet should be up, opposite the powder side. In this position the neck -is always in sight, and any turning of the bullet so as to bring the neck -on the side and in contact with the barrel will be apparent and can be -corrected. All round bullets should be at least 1/1000 of an inch larger -in diameter than the bottom of the grooves of the barrel. This causes them -to deform slightly on the circle of contact with the barrel, and creates a -narrow cylindrical surface around the bullet, securing a better bearing -and greatly increasing the accuracy. It also insures the tight fitting of -the bullet in the shell, preventing it from being displaced by the recoil. -If round bullets fit loosely, or if there is the slightest imperfection in -the bullet where it comes in contact with the shell or the barrel, -"gas-cutting" will result and hot lubricant is liable to pass by the -bullet into the powder charge. In either case the accuracy is impaired. - -When round bullets are used, the lubricant must be applied after they have -been seated. This can best be done with a small brush. The brush is dipped -into melted lubricant and then passed around the bullet where it is in -contact with the shell. Too much lubricant is undesirable. At least -three-quarters of the surface of the bullet should project above the -lubricant. By keeping the lubricant at a constant temperature, the -quantity adhering to the brush will be approximately the same and the -results uniform. - -In reduced loads, when black powder or "bulk" smokeless powder is used, -the bullets may be seated so as to just touch the powder charge; never so -as to compress it. When "dense" smokeless powder is used, a suitable air -space must always be provided. This is necessary both when round or -conical bullets are used. - -With all forms of conical bullets and when using either "dense" or "bulk" -smokeless powder, in full or reduced charges, better results are -invariably obtained by seating the bullets in the regulation position and -crimping the shells moderately and uniformly on the middle of the front -band of the bullet. - -Ammunition for automatic pistols may also be reloaded by hand, but there -is much less economy than in reloading other ammunition. When the full -charge is used, a metal-cased bullet is required which must be purchased -from the manufacturers. Reduced loads with lead bullets will operate in -some of the pistols only. An overcharge of powder for a lead bullet will -lead the barrel and is liable to cause difficulty with the mechanism, and -accidents. Only experienced persons familiar with the operations of -loading the rimless shells and whether or not the arms will operate with -the charges they propose to use, should attempt reloading this -ammunition. - - - - -APPENDIX I - -THE UNITED STATES REVOLVER ASSOCIATION - - -This Association was founded on March 5, 1900, and incorporated in -January, 1904. It is the recognized national organization of the revolver -and pistol marksmen of the United States of America. - -Its objects are: to foster and develop revolver and pistol shooting; to -establish and preserve records; to classify arms; and to encourage and -conduct friendly matches between members and clubs in this country, as -well as with the marksmen of other countries. - -The officers of the Association, excepting the secretary, serve without -pay. There is no initiation fee. The annual dues are only $1.00. The -membership, scattered from Maine to the Philippines, Alaska to the Canal -Zone, includes all the well-known shots of the country. - -The Association has conducted five international revolver matches, all of -which were won by the United States. It selects the members of and is -responsible for the United States teams in the Olympic and all other -international matches. It has established the Annual Outdoor and Indoor -Championship Matches, the U. S. R. A. Indoor League and provided suitable -trophies and medals. It has formulated uniform rules and regulations -governing pistol and revolver shooting. In the record books of the -Association are inscribed and preserved all the scores in the Annual -Championship Contests, the individual and team league series, the scores -of contestants, shooting for rating medals and the "best on record" -performances, together with details concerning the arms and ammunition -used. The Association also publishes the _U. S. R. A. Bulletin_, a monthly -devoted to all subjects of interest to the members, the subscription for -which is included in the annual dues. - -The Association is financially self-supporting. It has an increasing -surplus in the treasury, which is devoted to the purchase of new trophies -for additional matches. - -All who are interested in pistol and revolver shooting, and who are in -sympathy with the aims and purposes of the Association, are cordially -invited to join it. Forms of application for membership and other -information will be supplied by the Secretary-Treasurer on request. - -The officers of the Association for 1915 are as follows: - - President: Col. W. H. WHIGAM, Chicago, Ill. - 1st Vice-President: Capt. R. H. SAYRE, New York, N. Y. - 2nd Vice-President: C. C. CROSSMAN, St. Louis, Mo. - 3rd Vice-President: C. W. LINDER, San Francisco, Cal. - 4th Vice-President: Dr. R. J. MULLIKIN, Baltimore, Md. - 5th Vice-President: Dr. H. E. SEARS, Boston, Mass. - Secretary-Treasurer: J. B. CRABTREE, Yalesville, Conn. - - -CONSTITUTION - -ARTICLE I--_Name_ - -The name of this organization shall be the United States Revolver -Association. - -ARTICLE II--_Object_ - -The object of this association shall be the encouragement of revolver and -pistol shooting. - -ARTICLE III--_Membership_ - -The membership shall consist of three classes: Members, Honorary Members, -Associate Members. - -Any reputable citizen of the United States is eligible for membership. - -Any reputable person interested in revolver and pistol shooting is -eligible for Honorary or Associate membership. - -Members and Associate members may be admitted by vote of the executive -committee and by paying the regular dues. Honorary members may be elected -at a regular meeting of the association and shall be exempt from dues. - -Honorary and Associate members shall be entitled to all the privileges of -the association, except the right to vote. - -[See Art. VII for Life membership.] - -ARTICLE IV--_Officers_ - -The officers of this association shall be a president, five -vice-presidents and a secretary-treasurer, who shall constitute the -executive committee. They shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot at -the annual meeting of the association, and hold office for one year or -until their successors are elected. - -ARTICLE V--_Duties of Officers_ - -The president shall preside at all meetings of the association and may -call meetings of the association at any time, one week's notice by mail -being given of such meeting by the secretary-treasurer. The approval of -the president shall be necessary on all bills before they are paid. The -vice-presidents in the order of their seniority shall perform the duties -of the president in his absence and shall have responsible charge, subject -to the executive committee, of the affairs of the association in their -respective localities. The secretary-treasurer shall keep the minutes of -all meetings and take charge of the correspondence of the association. He -shall receive all dues and pay all bills approved by the president, and -keep account of all the funds of the association. The executive committee -shall have charge of the affairs of the association, shall elect members, -appoint State governors to act as local representatives of the -association, and shall have power to accept, decline, or issue challenges -by a majority vote. Any member of the executive committee unable to be -present at any meeting may vote by mail. - -ARTICLE VI--_Vacancies in Office_ - -In case a vacancy should occur in any office, the remaining members of the -executive committee shall have power to fill the vacancy until the next -annual meeting. - -ARTICLE VII--_Dues_ - -Section 1. The annual dues shall be one dollar, and shall be payable on -election to membership and thereafter on the 1st of January in every year. - -Section 2. Members in arrears for dues for a period of more than two years -shall be suspended, but may reinstate themselves in full standing by -paying their arrears in dues. Members may not resign from the association -when in arrears for dues. - -Section 3. The secretary-treasurer shall notify each member in arrears -before placing his name on the suspended list. - -Section 4. Any member of this association in good standing may become a -Life Member by vote of the executive committee and by paying into the -treasury $25, such funds to be used by the association for the purchase of -trophies. - -ARTICLE VIII--_Annual Meeting_ - -There shall be an annual meeting on the third Monday of January in each -year, at which meeting the election of officers and members of the -executive committee shall take place. Members not able to attend this -meeting may send their ballots by mail to the secretary-treasurer, who -shall deposit each ballot in the name of the absent member, and they shall -be counted as if the member were present. Only members not in arrears for -dues shall be entitled to vote. If there should be more than two -candidates for any office, the candidate receiving the least number of -votes shall be retired at each ballot until an election results. In case -of a tie the presiding officer shall have the deciding vote. - -ARTICLE IX--_Quorum_ - -Ten members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. - - -ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES - -OUTDOOR MATCHES - -MATCH A--REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; -50 shots in strings of ten shots on five Standard American targets, 8-inch -bull's-eye, 10-ring 3.36 inches; arm, any revolver within the rules; -ammunition, any; the score must be completed in one hour or less from the -time of firing the first shot; entrance fee, $5; to members not in arrears -for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, the championship silver cup (value, $200), to be -held by the winner until the next annual competition; inscribed on the -cup, in raised ornamental letters, is, "This Cup Represents the Revolver -Championship of the United States of America"; the name of the winner, the -year and the score are also engraved on the cup each year; to the winner -is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same inscription on -the reverse side as appears on the cup. - -_Second_, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 425 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--For more than three entries in any State the association -awards three prizes emblematic of State honors: _First prize_, a silver -and gold medal; _second prize_, a silver medal; _third prize_, a bronze -medal. For three entries, only the first two prizes are awarded. - -Winners and Scores - - 1900 A. L. A. Himmelwright 422 - 1901 John A. Dietz 419 - 1902 Thomas Anderton 438 - 1903 J. E. Gorman 454 - 1904 Dr. I. R. Calkins 451 - 1905 John A. Dietz 455 - 1906 John A. Dietz 444 - 1907 John A. Dietz 445 - 1908 R. H. Sayre 462 - 1909 Dr. I. R. Calkins 455 - 1910 Dr. John R. Hicks 458 - 1911 George Armstrong 467 - 1912 A. M. Poindexter 467 - 1913 A. P. Lane 467 - 1914 A. P. Lane 458 - -MATCH B--PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; 50 -shots on five targets as in Match A; arm, any pistol within the rules; -ammunition, any; the score must be completed in one hour or less from the -time of firing the first shot; entrance fee, $5; to members not in arrears -for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, the championship silver cup (value, $175), to be -held by the winner until the next annual competition; inscribed on the -cup, in raised ornamental letters, is, "This Cup Represents the Pistol -Championship of the United States of America"; the name of the winner, the -year and the score are also engraved on the cup each year; to the winner -is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same inscription on -the reverse side as appears on the cup. - -_Second_, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 435 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--The same as in Match A. - -Winners and Scores - - 1900 J. B. Crabtree 427 - 1901 Thomas Anderton 453 - 1902 Thomas Anderton 463 - 1903 Thomas Anderton 457 - 1904 E. H. Kessler 464 - 1905 John A. Dietz 465 - 1906 John A. Dietz 448 - 1907 P. Hanford 455 - 1908 J. E. Gorman 468 - 1909 Dr. I. R. Calkins 464 - 1910 John A. Dietz 462 - 1911 Parmly Hanford 466 - 1912 L. P. Castaldini 461 - 1913 Dr. I. R. Calkins 469 - 1914 George Armstrong 476 - -MATCH C--MILITARY CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; 75 -shots in strings of five shots on fifteen targets as in Match A; each -string must be shot within the time limit of 15 seconds, taking time from -the command, Fire; misfires and shots lost on account of the arm becoming -disabled while firing any string will be scored zero; if a shot is fired -after the time limit has elapsed, the shot of highest count will be -deducted from the score; no cleaning allowed; arm, any military revolver, -or any military magazine pistol within the rules; ammunition, the full -charge service cartridge, or equivalent factory loaded ammunition approved -by the executive committee, brought to the firing point in unbroken -packages; the score must be completed on the same day; no sighting shots -will be allowed after beginning the score; entrance fee, $5; to members -not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, the championship silver trophy (an elaborate -silver bowl, value $450), to be held by the winner until the next annual -competition; the trophy bears the inscription, "The Military Revolver -Championship of the United States of America"; the name of the winner, the -year, and the score are also engraved on the trophy each year; to the -winner is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same -inscription on the reverse side as appears on the trophy. - -_Second_, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 500 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--The same as in Match A. - -Winners and Scores - - 1900 R. H. Sayre 300[19] - 1901 R. H. Sayre 325[19] - 1902 R. H. Sayre 579 - 1903 R. H. Sayre 565 - 1904 Thomas Anderton 585 - 1905 Thos. LeBoutillier 504 - 1906 R. H. Sayre 583 - 1907 R. H. Sayre 536 - 1908 C. F. G. Armstrong 568 - 1909 Col. W. H. Whigam 580 - 1910 Col. W. H. Whigam 591 - 1911 A. P. Lane 605 - 1912 Dr. J. H. Snook 621 - 1913 Dr. J. H. Snook 625 - 1914 C. M. McCutchen 627 - -MATCH D--MILITARY RECORD MATCH.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; -five consecutive strings of five shots under the same conditions as Match -C; entrance fee, $2; to members not in arrears for dues, $1; entries -unlimited. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, a gold trophy, a laurel wreath surrounding a -scroll, mounted on an ebony shield; (value, $150); between the scroll and -the wreath is a ribbon on which, in raised letters, is, "The United States -Revolver Association"; at the top of the scroll is engraved, "Military -Record Match." The name of the winner, the year, and the score for each -year are engraved on the scroll below; this trophy is held by the winner -until the next annual competition, and is to become the property of the -competitor winning it three times. - -_Second_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 175 or better. - -This match was instituted in 1902. Being a re-entry match, it affords good -practice under the same conditions as Match C. - -No State prizes are awarded in this match. - -Winners and Scores - - 1902 Thomas Anderton 206 - 1903 Thomas Anderton 202 - 1904 Thomas Anderton 206 - 1905 Thos. LeBoutillier 178 - 1906 Thos. LeBoutillier 192 - 1907 Thos. LeBoutillier 191 - 1908 C. F. G. Armstrong 194 - 1909 C. F. G. Armstrong 204 - 1910 Samuel Peterson 215 - 1911 A. P. Lane 208 - 1912 Dr. J. H. Snook 212 - 1913 C. M. McCutchen 217 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 221 - -MATCH E--MILITARY REVOLVER TEAM MATCH.--Open to one team of four men from -any regularly organized Rifle or Revolver Club, the police force of any -city, or any Regiment, Battalion, or separate organization from any of the -organized Military or Naval forces of any civilized country. - -Distance, 50 yards; five consecutive strings of 5 shots each under the -same conditions as Match C; arm, any military revolver or magazine pistol -within the rules; ammunition, full charge factory loaded, brought to the -firing point in unbroken packages; entrance fee, $15; to affiliated clubs, -$10; no re-entries. - -PRIZES: _First_, the Winans Trophy (a "Broncho Buster" in bronze, mounted -on an elaborate red porphyry marble base; value, $500). The name of the -winning club or organization, the year and the score, will be engraved on -the base. The trophy to be held by the winning organization until the next -annual competition. A silver and gold medal will also be awarded to each -member of the winning team, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Second_, a silver medal to each member of the team, with inscription on -the reverse side. - -_Third_, a bronze and silver medal to each member of the team, with an -inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze medal to each member of the team, with an inscription -on the reverse side. - -This match was instituted in October, 1908, when Mr. Walter Winans (Life -member) presented the association with an appropriate trophy. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 Squadron "A," N. G. N. Y. 698 - 1910 1st Cavalry Ill. N. G. 708 - 1911 1st Cavalry Ill. N. G. 725 - 1912 Denver Rev. Club 774 - 1913 Denver Rev. Club 776 - 1914 Denver Rev. Club 799 - -MATCH F--POCKET REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; 25 shots at 50 -yards in strings of 5 shots on five targets, as in Match A; each string to -be fired within 30 seconds after the command, "Fire." Arm, any pocket -revolver of .32 or larger caliber or any pocket magazine pistol of .25 to -.38 caliber inclusive, weighing less than 1 pounds within the rules; -cleaning not allowed; ammunition, the same as Match C. Entrance fee, $4; -to members not in arrears for dues, $2; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, a gold medal, with inscription on the reverse -side. - -_Second_, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse -side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any competitor not a prize -winner making a score of 175 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--For five or more entries the following prizes will be -awarded: 1st prize, a gold and silver medal; 2nd prize, a silver medal; -3rd prize, a bronze medal. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 C. W. Klett 203 - 1910 C. E. Orr 202 - 1911 A. P. Lane 211 - 1912 Dr. O. A. Burgeson 208 - 1913 Col. W. H. Whigam 210 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 214 - -GRAND AGGREGATE MEDALS - -In addition to the regular matches the association awards Grand Aggregate -Medals to the contestants making the highest aggregate scores in -Championship Matches A, B, C, and F, as follows: - -_First_, a gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Second_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -The grand aggregate will be computed by adding the total scores of the -Matches A, B, and F, and one-fifth of the total score in Match C. - -The grand aggregate medals are considered the highest honors in the gift -of the association. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 C. Dominic 1187.8 - 1910 A. P. Lane 1215.8 - 1911 A. P. Lane 1236. - 1912 Parmly Hanford 1228. - 1913 A. P. Lane 1261. - 1914 A. P. Lane 1242. - -INDOOR MATCHES - -REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 20 yards; light must -be artificial; 50 shots on ten Standard American targets, bull's-eye 2.72 -inches and 10-ring 1.12 inches in diameter, respectively; arm, any -revolver within the rules; ammunition, any. The score must be completed in -one hour or less from the time of firing the first shot. Entrance fee, $5; -to members not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, a silver cup (value, $40), bearing the names and -scores of the winners, to be held until the next annual competition, the -cup to become the property of the person winning it three times. - -_Second_, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any competitor, not a prize -winner, making a score of 425 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--The same as in Match A of the Outdoor Matches. - -Winners and Scores - - 1901 W. E. Petty 439 - 1902 W. E. Petty 439 - 1903 W. H. Luckett 437 - 1904 Sidney E. Sears 478 - 1905 Sidney E. Sears 461 - 1906 Sidney E. Sears 451 - 1907 Wm. G. Krieg 454 - 1908 R. H. Sayre 454 - 1909 R. H. Sayre 455 - 1910 Oscar I. Olson 461 - 1911 C. C. Crossman 455 - 1912 Dr. J. R. Hicks 457 - 1913 P. J. Dolfin 469 - 1914 Dr. W. E. Quicksall 457 - -PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 20 yards; light must be -artificial; 50 shots on ten Standard American targets; bull's-eye 2.72 -inches and 10-ring 1.12 inches in diameter, respectively; arm, any pistol -within the rules; ammunition, any. The score must be completed in one hour -or less from the time of firing the first shot. Entrance fee, $5; to -members not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL AND STATE PRIZES: The same as in the indoor Revolver -Championship, except that honor medals are awarded for scores of 435 or -better. - -Winners and Scores - - 1901 R. H. Sayre 433 - 1902 R. H. Sayre 448 - 1903 Thomas Anderton 460 - 1904 E. H. Kessler 450 - 1905 R. H. Sayre 451 - 1906 John A. Dietz 447 - 1907 John A. Dietz 455 - 1908 R. P. Prentys 455 - 1909 Frank Fromm 456 - 1910 R. H. Sayre 454 - 1911 George Armstrong 473 - 1912 A. P. Lane 469 - 1913 Dr. C. H. Wilson 465 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 468 - -POCKET REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; 25 shots at 20 yards in -strings of five shots on five Standard American targets; each string to be -fired within 30 seconds after the command, "Fire." Arm, any pocket -revolver of .32 caliber or larger, within the rules. Magazine pistols not -allowed. Ammunition, full charge, factory loaded, brought to the firing -point in unbroken packages. Entrance fee, $4; to members not in arrears -for dues, $2. - -PRIZES.--The same as in Match F of the Outdoor Matches. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 Wm. G. Krieg 190 - 1910 Dr. M. R. Moore 202 - 1911 Col. W. H. Whigam 195 - 1912 John A. Dietz 205 - 1913 Hans Roedder 206 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 213 - -MATCH G NOVICE LIMITED RE-ENTRY MATCH.--Open to all amateurs who have -never won an important prize in pistol or revolver contests. (Winners of -prizes in National contests and first and second prizes in State contests, -all expert shots, etc., are barred.) Twenty-five shots at 20 yards in five -strings on five Standard American targets. Time, 30 minutes to complete -the score after firing the first shot. Arm, any revolver or any pistol -within the rules. Ammunition, any. Entrance fee, first entry, $3; to -members not in arrears for dues, $2. There may be four re-entries at $1 -each, but the score for the last re-entry only to count. - -NATIONAL AND STATE PRIZES:--The same as in Match F of the Outdoor Matches. - -Winners and Scores - - 1913 R. S. Everett 231 - 1914 Robert Mills 229 - - -RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES OF THE U. S. R. -A. - -1. _General Conditions._--Competitors must make themselves acquainted with -the rules and regulations of the association, as the plea of ignorance -will receive no consideration. The rulings and decisions of the executive -committee are final in all cases. These rules are for general application, -but will not apply in cases where the special conditions of any match -conflict with them. - -2. _Classification of Arms._--(a) Any Revolver. A revolver of any caliber. -Maximum length of barrel, including cylinder, 10 inches. Minimum trigger -pull, 2 pounds. Sights may be adjustable but they must be strictly -open, in front of the hammer and not over 10 inches apart. - -(b) Any pistol. A pistol of any caliber. Maximum length of barrel, 10 -inches. Minimum trigger pull, 2 pounds. Sights may be adjustable but they -must be strictly open, in front of the hammer and not over 10 inches -apart. - -(c) Military revolver or pistol. A revolver, or a magazine pistol, that -has been adopted by any civilized government for the armament of its army -or navy. Maximum weight, 2 pounds. Maximum length of barrel, 7 -inches. Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. Fixed open sights. Rear sights of -magazine pistols may be adjustable for elevation only. - -(d) Pocket revolver. A revolver having a maximum weight of 2 pounds. -Maximum length of barrel, 4 inches; Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. Sights -and model must be such as not to hinder quick drawing of the weapon from -the pocket or holster. - -3. _Loading, Firing, Timing, and Cleaning._--In all revolver and pistol -matches the weapon must not be loaded until the competitor has taken his -position at the firing point. The barrel must always be kept vertical or -pointed towards the target. After the target is in position and a match or -record score has been begun, in case of an accidental discharge or of -defective ammunition, if the bullet comes out of the barrel it will be -scored a shot. The timing in matches C, D, E, and F will be as follows: -The competitor standing at the firing point with the arm loaded, not -cocked, and the barrel pointing in a direction not less than 45 degrees -from the target, will signify to the scorer when he is ready to begin each -string. The scorer, stop watch in hand, will then give the command, -"Fire," _after which_ the competitor may cock and aim his weapon and shoot -his string. At the expiration of the time limit the scorer will announce -"Time." Misfires will be scored zero, only in Matches C, D, E, and F. -Competitors may clean weapons in Matches A and B, and in the corresponding -Indoor Championships, but no time allowance will be given for time spent -in this way. All competitors will be required to finish their scores -within the time limits specified, except in cases of accident, when the -time may be extended at the discretion of the executive committee. Blowing -through the barrel, to moisten it, will be considered cleaning. - -In revolver matches the arm must not be used as a single loader or loaded -so as to use a limited number of chambers in the cylinder. The cylinder -must be charged with the full number of rounds for which it is chambered, -and these must be shot consecutively. If scores are shot in ten shot -strings, the cylinder shall be charged first with six rounds and then with -four rounds. If the cylinder only contains five chambers, then the -ten-shot strings may be shot in two strings of five each. In Matches C, D, -E, and F and indoor or gallery events, the arm shall in all cases be -charged with five rounds. - -4. _Position._--The position shall be standing, free from any support, the -pistol or revolver being held in one hand, with arm extended, so as to be -free from the body. - -5. _Arms._--Any revolver or pistol which in the opinion of the executive -committee complies with the conditions specified in the various matches -will be allowed to compete in those events. Revolvers or magazine pistols -that have been adopted by any government for the armament of its army or -navy, or such as in the opinion of the executive committee are suitable -for military service, will be allowed in Matches C, D, and E. Among the -arms which may be used in these matches are the .38-caliber Smith & Wesson -or Colt Military; .44 Smith & Wesson, Military or Russian model; .38, .44 -or .45 Colt New Service; .45 Smith & Wesson Scofield; .44 or .45 Colt, -Single Action Army, Webley & Scott Mark IV, and the following magazine or -automatic pistols: Colt, Webley & Scott, Luger, Borchardt, Mannlicher, -Mauser, Mors. - -6. _Sights._--In open sights, the notch of the rear sight must be as wide -on top as at any part. Aperture or peep sights or any covered or shaded -sights will not be allowed. The use of a notch for the front sight will -not be permitted. Sights may be smoked or blackened if desired. Sights on -military arms, if modified to suit individuals, must remain strictly open, -strong and substantial, and suitable for military use. - -7. _Trigger-Pull._--The trigger-pull as specified in the various events -shall be determined by a test weight equal to the minimum pull applied at -a point three-eighths of an inch from the end of the trigger and at right -angles to the pin through the trigger. - -8. _Ammunition._--In Matches C, D, E, and F, and in the medal competition, -where full charge ammunition is required, it may be the product of any -reputable manufacturer. It must in all cases be brought to the firing -point in unbroken boxes, with the label of the manufacturer intact. - -9. _Targets._--The 200-yard Standard American rifle target No. 1 -(containing the 4-ring), with an 8-inch bull's-eye and showing in light -lines the rings of the International Union target, shall be used in all -matches at 50 yards. The scores will be counted on the Standard American -target. The diameters of the rings of the Standard American target are as -follows: 10-ring equals 3.36 inches; 9-ring equals 5.54 inches; 8-ring -equals 8 inches; 7-ring equals 11 inches; 6-ring equals 14.8 inches; -5-ring equals 19.68 inches; 4-ring equals 26 inches; rest of target 28 -inches by 28 inches counts 3. The same target reduced so that the -bull's-eye or 8-ring is 2.72 inches in diameter and the 10-ring 1.12 -inches in diameter, including the 4-ring 8.84 inches in diameter and the -rest of the target 9 inches by 9 inches, counting 3, shall be used -for all matches at 20 yards. - -10. _Marking and Scoring._--In all matches new paper targets shall be -furnished for each competitor. Not more than ten shots are to be fired on -any target at 50 yards, and not more than five shots on any target in -Matches C, D, E, and F, and for all shooting at 20 yards; the shot holes -in all cases to remain uncovered and left as shot. Bullets touching, -striking, or within a line on the target are to be scored the count of -that line. The eye alone shall determine whether a bullet touches or not. - -11. _Ties._--Ties shall be decided as follows: (1) By the score at the -longest distance; (2) by the score at the next longest distance; (3) by -the fewest number of shots of lowest count; (4) by firing five shots each -under the same conditions as the match and these rules in regard to ties, -until decided. - -12. _Supervision._--The shooting in all the U. S. R. A. events must take -place in the presence of at least two witnesses familiar with the rules, -one of whom must be an authorized U. S. R. A. officer. This officer shall -certify that each contestant has complied with all the U. S. R. A. -regulations as to distance, weapon, time, ammunition, etc., noting same on -the blank spaces provided on the score cards, and both witnesses shall -sign the targets and said score cards in duplicate for each contestant. - -13. _Protests._--Any person who believes that an injustice has been done, -or who dissents from the decision of any authorized executive officer of -the association, may enter a protest on depositing $1 with said officer. -Such protest must be in writing, in duplicate, and must be made within 24 -hours after the incident on which it is based. One copy to be handed to -the executive officer of the club or organization conducting the matches -and the other copy to be mailed to the secretary-treasurer of the U. S. R. -A. All protests will be investigated and passed upon by the executive -committee, and, if sustained, the protest fee will be returned; otherwise -it will be forfeited. - -14. _Records._--The shooting for records shall, when practicable, be done -on the grounds or in a gallery of a regularly organized shooting -association, military organization or club, and in the presence of at -least two witnesses familiar with the U. S. R. A. rules, one of whom shall -be an officer of the U. S. R. A. New targets of regulation size shall be -used. The foregoing rules and regulations and the conditions governing the -championship matches of the U. S. R. A. must in all cases be observed and -followed. The record score shall begin with the first shot after the -shooter has announced his intention to shoot for record; only the first -ten shots will apply to the 10-shot record; the first twenty shots to the -20-shot record, and so on to 50 or 100 shots, as the shooter may elect. -Such scores (multiples of 5 or 10 shots) for record must in all cases be -completed within the same proportional time limit as is specified for the -corresponding championship match; thus, in Match A, for example, the first -10 shots within 12 minutes, the first 20 shots within 24 minutes, etc. -After finishing the record score, the targets shall be identified and -signed by the witnesses as above designated. The witnesses shall also -prepare and sign a certificate of prescribed form, which, with the -detailed score and all targets, shall be forwarded to the U. S. R. A., -addressed to the secretary-treasurer. If all the conditions, rules and -regulations have been complied with, the scoring correct, and if the score -is higher than or equal to any previously made under the same conditions, -it will be declared a new record. The score will then be entered as such -in the record book of the association, and the shooter formally notified -to that effect. - - -METHODS AND CUSTOMS TO BE FOLLOWED IN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL COMPETITIONS -OF THE U. S. R. A. - -The conditions under which local clubs may be authorized to conduct -Championship Matches of the U. S. R. A. are as follows: - -There must be not less than six members of the association residing within -twenty-five miles of the proposed place of holding the contest and there -must be not less than three entries in Championship Matches A, B, or C, or -five entries in Match F. In matches offering National and State prizes the -same entrance fee includes eligibility to both honors. - -On the application of six or more members in good standing under the -prescribed conditions, a U. S. R. A. official designated as the "governor" -is appointed by the Association's executive committee and vested with the -authority to supervise all Association shooting. The appointee is usually -a member nominated by the local members. Besides supervising all the U. S. -R. A. contests, the governor is the official representative of the -Association in his locality, and has the custody of all supplies and the -distribution of prizes, medals, etc. By this arrangement the U. S. R. A. -members in all sections of the country obtain the same privileges and -benefits and equal opportunity to enter the matches and competitions. - -The U. S. R. A. will furnish numbered and certified targets and score -cards, and will provide the prizes for the U. S. R. A. Championship and -re-entry events; the club or organization to pay the expressage both ways -on targets and all other supplies, to furnish the shooting facilities and -conduct the contests free of expense to the association and turn over to -the secretary-treasurer all the entrance fees for the U. S. R. A. events. -This plan has in all cases given satisfactory results, because the -practice shooting of the contestants in the local re-entry matches usually -affords sufficient revenue to pay the expenses of the tournament. - -When a competitor wishes to shoot in any of the events, he should exhibit -his latest membership card (if a member) to the officers in charge, and -after paying the entrance fee, a regular ticket or duplicate score card -(furnished by the United States Revolver Association) is filled out and -issued to him, which is his receipt for the entrance fee. His score need -not necessarily be shot immediately after issuing the ticket. Competitors -have the option of shooting in the order in which they pay for their -entries. Tickets not used are forfeited: no entrance fees shall be -refunded. - -The requisite number of targets are issued when the competitor wishes to -shoot his score. These must be numbered consecutively, they must have the -competitor's name and the number of his score card written on them for -identification, and must be shot in their numerical order. - -The targets are usually tacked at the corners on alternating frames -covered with canvas, over which heavy paper is pasted. Each target is left -in position until the required number of shots have been fired at it, each -shot being spotted and marked as fired [no pasters to be used]. When a -string has been finished the target is lowered and the alternating target -raised in position. After the score is completed the targets are brought -to the firing point and delivered to the range officer. - -When a competitor wishes to shoot his score, his arm must be inspected and -passed by the officer in charge, who must see that it conforms with the -rules and requirements of the event in which it is entered. Competitors -who wish to enter in any of the events are urged to have their arms -examined by the executive officer or committee in charge of the matches as -soon as possible, so that in case there should be any exceptions made to -the sights, the trigger-pull, or any other details, there will be an -opportunity to have these exceptions corrected so as to comply with the -requirements when the official test and inspection is made before shooting -the score. - -In Matches C, D, E, and F the scorer should have a reliable stop watch, so -that the timing will be accurate. It is well, whenever possible, to have -two men time the competitor, so as to have an additional check. A new -target must be furnished for each string of five shots at each range. -According to the rules, if a competitor starts to shoot a string of any -score and his arm becomes disabled from any cause, those shots which reach -the target within the time limit after the command, "Fire," will be -counted as the complete score for the five shots. In the case of a -disabled arm, the officer or committee in charge may allow the competitor -to complete the remaining strings of his score with another arm. Shots on -the paper target outside of the 4-ring count 3; shots missing the paper -target count zero. After completing the score, when the duplicate score -cards are filled out, the contestant takes the duplicate and the range -officer retains the original record. - -All unused targets and score cards are also to be forwarded to the -secretary-treasurer, with a complete detailed account of entrance fees, -supplies, etc. - -In the Medal Competition only those targets that actually count for medals -are to be witnessed, certified and forwarded to the secretary-treasurer -for verification and record. - -In order that the conditions may be uniform and eliminate as much as -possible the special conditions in regard to wind, etc., that may exist at -the different places where the matches may be held, the shooters should be -protected at the firing point by a shelter. This may be either the regular -shooting house of the club, or, if the shooting is done in the open, by a -suitable tent or temporary frame structure having an opening in the -direction of the target; the other three sides being inclosed. The -building or tent should be large enough to accommodate also the officer or -committee in charge of the match, so that the shooter may be at all times -in sight of the officer in charge of the range at the time the score is -made. A table of suitable size should be provided near the firing point -for holding ammunition and for the convenience of the competitor to clean -his arm in those events where cleaning is allowed. The firing point should -be plainly marked and so located as to be at least two feet from any -timbers, guards, ropes, tables, etc. - - -INSTRUCTIONS TO U. S. R. A. OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP -CONTESTS - -Supplies consisting of numbered and certified targets, score cards, record -blanks, a copy of the rules and regulations, etc., will be furnished by -the secretary-treasurer on the requisition of the local U. S. R. A. -representative. Such supplies shall be used only in the matches, and all -used and unused supplies shall be returned to the secretary-treasurer at -the close of the contests. The target and supply account of the club must -balance. - -A governor or other officer of the U. S. R. A. will be appointed in each -locality where the matches are to be held to act as range officer, -represent the association, and have charge of the contests. This governor -or officer shall _personally measure the range to verify the distance_ -and see that all the conditions of the matches are strictly complied -with. He will also see that at least one other person familiar with the -rules is present to witness all the shooting and he shall certify to the -correctness of each score and the conditions, by signing the score card -when the score is completed, and all the targets of each competitor shall -be signed by both witnesses. - -The other duties in detail of the governor or officer in charge of the -matches are as follows: When a competitor expresses his intention of -entering a match, a score card is made out in his name and delivered to -him on the payment of the higher entrance fee (unless the competitor -exhibits a membership card bearing the date of the current year, in which -case he is entitled to the lower entrance fee). These score cards are to -be issued in numerical order, and when more than one contestant wishes to -shoot at the same time, the man holding the score card first issued is -entitled to the preference of position and time. When the contestant is -ready to shoot, he hands his score card to the governor or other officer -of the association, who thereupon issues the required targets numbered -consecutively, with the name of the competitor and the number of his score -card written on each target for identification. The arm of the competitor -is then inspected to make sure that it complies with the rules and -regulations. The sights must be carefully inspected and the trigger-pull -tested by weighing in _just before the score is begun_. - -The records for which blanks are provided on the score card with reference -to the arm, ammunition, etc., must all be filled in. The competitor's -first target may then be placed in position. As soon as the contestant -begins his score, the time is taken from the firing of the first shot in -Matches A and B and in the Corresponding Indoor Championships, and the -entire score must be completed within one hour from this time. Scores in -Match G must be completed within 30 minutes after firing the first shot. -In Matches C, D, E, and F the time is taken from the command "Fire," and -the five shots must be fired within the specified time limit in each case -and a record is made of the actual elapsed time of each string which must -be written on the corresponding targets later when they are brought to the -firing point. The announcing of intermediate times or seconds is not -allowed. - -Ten shots are to be fired at each target in Matches A and B, and five -shots at each target in Matches C, D, E, F, and G, and in all the Indoor -Matches. After the score is completed, the separate targets are scored in -regular order as shot and the value of the shots as filled in the score -card are checked from the targets, _making corrections from the targets, -if mistakes have been made by the markers_. After filling in and signing -the score cards, the duplicate is handed to the competitor and the -original preserved for record. The targets are then signed by the governor -and preserved until the expiration of the period during which the matches -are held, when all targets, original score cards, and all other supplies, -used and unused, are to be sent to the United States Revolver Association, -addressed to the secretary-treasurer. - -It is recommended that all scores after being shot, verified, etc., be -wrapped in paper in separate packages, marked with the competitor's name, -and that no one be permitted to handle and examine these targets after -they have been scored and certified to. - - -THE U. S. R. A. LEAGUE - -The League is an alliance or compact between the clubs participating, the -details and conditions of which vary slightly from year to year, being -embodied in a signed contract. - -Any locality having six or more paid-up members in the Association may -apply for the appointment of an official U. S. R. A. representative and by -accepting the conditions and signing the contract, enter a team. - - -U. S. R. A. LEAGUE AGREEMENT FOR 1914-15. - -_Entrance Fees._--Each club with paid-up affiliation in the U. S. R. A. -shall pay an entrance fee of $10, others $15; this to cover cost of prizes -only. - -_Expense._--The association shall furnish all targets to the clubs and -shall pay the transportation from the association to the clubs and pay for -all necessary telegrams to or from the secretary-treasurer, and an -accurate account of these charges to be kept by the secretary and the -amount to be charged back to the clubs, each club paying an equal amount. -This is not to exceed $10. - -Secretaries of the clubs where shooting nights and distance will permit -are to use the mail, others the telegraph in the cheapest form. Results of -the week MUST reach the secretary by noon of the next Monday after the -shoot. The press has no use for stale news. Clubs shall pay a fine of $1 -for each failure to report on time; the fines to go into the club fund for -expenses. - -Targets are to be sent to the various clubs prepaid. Only clubs which -guarantee to stay through the series will be allowed to enter. - -_Shooting Night._--Clubs may shoot on one or two evenings of the week most -convenient for them, but it must be the same evenings each week all -through the match, unless a change be authorized by the -secretary-treasurer. Any club may be allowed at the discretion of the -executive committee to divide their shooters into two divisions and have -two shooting nights a week. The membership of the divisions must be kept -distinct, that is, a man may not change from one division to another and -each division must have its regular shooting night. Matches not shot -according to the above may be forfeited. - -_Teams_ to consist of five men, but each club may at its option shoot in -any match from five to ten men and pick the scores of the highest five. -_Qualifications_, _paid-up membership in the U. S. R. A._ and good -standing in the local club. _A man may shoot on the team of but one club._ -The scores of members in arrears for dues may be forfeited. - -_Conditions._--Revolvers and pistols will be allowed on equal terms, but -both must comply with the U. S. R. A. rules. Five strings of five shots -each will be required for each man. Target, Standard American. Distance, -twenty yards. Each individual score to be completed within twenty-five -minutes from the time of firing the first shot. - -_Scoring._--Official scoring to be done by the secretary-treasurer. In -close matches, where the count of doubtful shots will determine the -winner, at least two of the members of the executive committee shall be -called upon to assist the secretary in scoring these shots. - -_Supervision._--Members of the executive committee and U. S. R. A. -governors shall supervise matches within their jurisdiction, and certify -that all U. S. R. A. conditions have been fulfilled. _Any score not so -certified may be protested_, by any competitor and at the discretion of a -majority of the executive committee may be thrown out. - -Individual and club ties to be shot off. - -_Protests_ from the decision of any U. S. R. A. official may be made in -writing to the secretary-treasurer, if mailed within 48 hours after the -decision has been brought to the attention of the person or persons -feeling aggrieved. Each person concerned in making the protest must -forward $1, which will be returned if the protest is sustained, otherwise -forfeited to the association treasury. - -_In General._--The series to begin as quickly as arrangements can be made. -Matches to be shot weekly. - -Targets will be furnished marked for identification, and must be used only -for the match assigned and for no other purpose. For obvious reasons match -targets must be jealously guarded and their individual identity carefully -preserved. Clubs may purchase from the U. S. R. A. similar targets for -practice purposes. - -Scores on mixed targets may be forfeited. - -Clubs will be classified in groups of four matches to begin the week of -.......... - -Entries to close .......... - -_Fraud._--Any person found guilty by the executive committee of the U. S. -R. A. of cheating, evading or attempting to evade the regulations -governing these contests, shall be debarred from all U. S. R. A. contests -until reinstated by a vote of the members at an annual meeting of this -association. - -We hereby agree to all the above conditions and make application to enter -a team in the U. S. R. A. League. Our preferred shooting day of the week -is .......... - -Signed: .......... - -Date: .......... - -Witnesses: - - -RECORDS - -The following records have been made under the United States Revolver -Association rules since their adoption: - -REVOLVER, 50 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 458 - Sept. 7, 1904--Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 465 - June 6, 1911--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 467 - Nov. 26, 1911--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. - 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--94 - 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--96 - 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--94 - 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10--95 - 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10--96 - -- 475 - -_30 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 273 - Sept. 7, 1904--Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield Mass. 284 - Nov. 26, 1911--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 284 - -_20 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 185 - Sept. 7, 1904--Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 188 - Nov. 26, 1911--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 190 - Oct. 3, 1913--A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. 191 - -_10 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 94 - Oct. 3, 1913--A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. 96 - -REVOLVER, 20 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - March, 1902--W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 439 - June 11, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 464 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. - 95 96 96 95 96-- 478 - -_30 Shots_: - - March, 1902--W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 271 - June 11, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 275 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 287 - -_20 Shots_: - - March, 1902--W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 177 - March, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 178 - June 11, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 184 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 191 - -_10 Shots_: - - March, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 93 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 96 - June 11, 1904--J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 98 - Nov. 15, 1907--C. C. Crossman, St. Louis, Mo. 100 - -MILITARY REVOLVER, RAPID FIRE, 50 YARDS - -_75 Shots_; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: - - Sept., 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, Sea Girt, N. J. 579 - Sept. 16, 1904--Thomas Anderton, Creedmoor, N. Y. 585 - Sept., 1910--Col. W. H. Whigam, Chicago, Ill. 591 - Sept., 1911--A. P. Lane, Sea Girt, N. J. 605 - Sept., 1912--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 621 - Sept., 1913--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 625 - Sept., 1914--C. M. McCutcheon, Denver, Col. - 9 9 8 8 7--41 - 10 9 9 9 8--45 - 10 10 8 8 7--43 - 10 10 9 8 8--45 - 9 9 9 8 6--41 - -- 215 - - 9 9 9 8 8--34[20] - 9 8 8 8 7--40 - 10 10 9 8 7--44 - 10 9 8 8 7--42 - 10 10 9 9 8--46 - -- 206 - - 10 9 8 8 6--41 - 10 9 8 9 6--42 - 10 9 8 6 6--39 - 10 10 9 8 7--44 - 9 9 8 8 6--40 - -- 206 - --- - Grand Total 627 - -_25 Shots_; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: - - Sept., 1902--Thomas Anderton, Sea Girt, N. J. 206 - Sept., 1910--Samuel Peterson 215 - Sept., 1913--C. M. McCutchen, Denver Col. 217 - Sept., 1914--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. - 10 10 9 8 8--45 - 10 10 10 9 7--46 - 10 9 9 8 7--43 - 10 9 9 9 7--44 - 10 9 9 8 7--43 - -- 221 - -POCKET REVOLVER, 50 YARDS - -_25 Shots_; in strings of 5 shots in 30 seconds. - - Sept. 1909--C. W. Klett, San Francisco, Cal. 203 - Sept. 1911--A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. 211 - Sept. 1914--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. - 10 10 9 8 6--43 - 10 10 9 9 7--45 - 10 9 7 7 5--38 - 10 9 9 8 8--44 - 10 10 9 8 7--44 - -- 214 - -20 YARDS (INDOORS) - - March, 1909--W. G. Kreig, Chicago, Ill. 190 - March, 1921--Dr. M. R. Morse, St. Louis, Mo. 202 - March, 1912--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 205 - March, 1913--Hans Roedder, New York, N. Y. 206 - March, 1914--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 213 - -PISTOL, 50 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. - 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--99 - 9 9 10 10 10 9 10 9 9 9--94 - 9 10 10 9 9 9 10 10 10 10--96 - 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9--99 - 8 9 9 8 10 9 10 10 9 10--92 - -- 480 - -_30 Shots_: - - March 21, 1903--E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 287 - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 289 - Feb. 1, 1914--F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col. 291 - -_20 Shots_: - - March 21, 1903--E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 192 - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 193 - Feb. 1, 1914--F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col. 196 - -_10 Shots_: - - March 21, 1903--E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 96 - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 99 - Feb. 1, 1914--F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col. 100 - -PISTOL, 20 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - March 2, 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 448 - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 460 - March 25, 1908--L. R. Hatch, Portland, Me. 462 - Dec. 1, 1909--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 471 - March, 1911--George Armstrong, Seattle, Wash. 473 - Jan. 25, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 478 - March 4, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. - 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10--99 - 10 10 10 9 10 9 10 9 10 10--97 - 10 10 10 10 9 9 10 10 8 10--96 - 10 10 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 9--97 - 9 9 10 9 10 8 9 10 10 8--92 - -- 481 - -_30 Shots_: - - March, 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 260 - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 276 - March 20, 1908--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 278 - March 25, 1908--L. R. Hatch, Portland, Me. 279 - Dec. 1, 1909--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 283 - March, 1911--George Armstrong, Seattle, Wash. 284 - Jan. 11, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 287 - March 4, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 292 - -_20 Shots_: - - March, 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 173 - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass 189 - Dec. 1, 1909--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 192 - Jan. 11, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 193 - March 4, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 196 - -_10 Shots_: - - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 92 - March 24, 1906--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 93 - March 24, 1906--J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 95 - May 18, 1908--F. L. Hayden, Portland, Me. 97 - May 20, 1910--A. M. Poindexter, Red Bank, N. J. 100 - April 16, 1914--Dr. D. Atkinson, West View, Pa. 100 - - - - -APPENDIX II - -NATIONAL PISTOL MATCH - - -This match is an annual contest, authorized by the National Board for the -Promotion of Rifle Practice and is conducted under the auspices of the -National Rifle Association of America. In alternate years the match is -held at a National shooting tournament, at a State or Federal range having -sufficient facilities. These National shooting tournaments have been held -at Camp Perry, Ohio, and Sea Girt, New Jersey. At these tournaments, in -addition to the National Pistol Matches, there are a number of other -pistol and revolver matches with extensive prize lists. - -Every other year the National Pistol Match is conducted in connection with -the National Divisional Matches, which in 1914 were held at Sea Girt, New -Jersey; Jacksonville, Florida; Sparta, Wisconsin; Fort Reily, Kansas; and -Portland, Oregon. - -The following are the conditions of this match: - -(a) Open to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, cadets United States Military -Academy, midshipmen United States Naval Academy, the Organized Militia, -the Naval Militia, members of the National Rifle Association of America -and affiliated clubs, members of the United States Revolver Association, -universities, colleges, and military schools and colleges. - -(b) Distances and classes of fire: - -SLOW FIRE (30 SECONDS PER SHOT) - - Yards - 2 scores (7 shots each) 50 - 2 scores (7 shots each) 75 - -RAPID FIRE, (30 SECONDS PER SCORE) - - 2 scores (7 shots each) 25 - 2 scores (7 shots each) 50 - -RAPID FIRE (15 SECONDS PER SCORE) - - 2 scores (7 shots each) 15 - 2 scores (7 shots each) 25 - -(c) Targets: Target L will be used for all firing. - -(d) Position: Without body or artificial rest; one hand only to be used. - -(e) Arm: Colt's automatic pistol, caliber .45, government model; -trigger-pull not less than six pounds. - -(f) Ammunition: The Ordnance Department shall manufacture and issue -ammunition for use in preliminary practice and in the National divisional -pistol matches; all such ammunition to be as nearly as practicable of the -same date of manufacture and of the same quality. - -(g) Sights: No alteration of sights will be allowed. The front or rear -sights may be blackened according to the judgment of the competitor. - -(h) Cleaning: Pieces can be cleaned upon the completion of the score. In -competitions at more than one distance, cleaning will be permitted between -distances. While such cleaning will be permitted, it will not be required. - -(i) Procedure, Rapid Fire; Pistol: The officer in charge of the line will -command "Load." The magazine will be inserted in the pistol, the pistol -loaded with one cartridge therefrom, and the safety lock engaged with the -thumb of the right hand. When all is ready in the pit, the targets to be -fired will be drawn fully down (the rear targets being blank or targets of -another class than those being fired upon) and a red flag hoisted at the -center target. When the red flag is displayed, the officer in charge of -the firing line will command "Ready," when the safety lock will be -disengaged and the position of "Raise pistol" assumed. - -The firing line being ready, the pit is signaled or telephoned "Ready on -the firing line." When this signal is received in the pit, the red flag is -waved and lowered, and five seconds thereafter the targets appear. At -exactly the proper number of seconds after the target is in position the -range officer commands or signals "Down," having preceded this command two -or three seconds by the warning command or signal "Ready." The target must -be fully exposed and stationary for the number of seconds called for in -the match and then must be withdrawn as quickly as possible. The number -and value of the hits and the number of misses will be signaled in the -usual manner after the score has been fired. - -In case of a defective cartridge or a disabled pistol, or when more than -seven hits are made on the target, the score will be repeated. In case a -competitor fires on the wrong target only such shots as he may have fired -on his own target will be counted on his score. He will be given misses -for the remainder of his score. - -Rules: As laid down in the Small Arms Firing Manual, 1913, except as -herein modified. - -Prizes: One gold medal to the competitor making the highest aggregate -score, one silver medal to the competitor making the second highest score, -and one bronze medal to the competitor making the third highest score in -each National divisional competition. To be eligible to win a prize in any -National divisional pistol match, a competitor must be a resident or a -member of an organization located within the division in which the -competition occurs. No competitor shall be eligible to win prizes in more -than one National divisional competition. - - - - -APPENDIX III - -TARGET PRACTICE REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT - -(_In Effect After Jan. 1st, 1914_) - - -The following is a digest of the target practice prescribed for the U. S. -Army, using the regulation Colt automatic pistol, caliber .45, with -service ammunition, as given in the "Small Arms Firing Manual" (War -Department Document No. 442). - -A very excellent and complete program for target practice is contemplated. -Chapter IX is devoted to "Preliminary Drills; Position and Aiming Drills," -in which the soldier is trained in all the motions of aiming and firing, -snapping the weapon. Exercises are provided for dismounted and mounted -soldiers. - -Chapters X, XI, and XII prescribe the actual practice shooting with -complete rules, regulations, and methods of procedure, together with -illustrations and diagrams. - -The regulation target practice is divided into two courses: the dismounted -course and the mounted course, each of which is separate and complete in -itself. - -The following schedule shows the general target practice scheme of each -course, a score in all cases consisting of five consecutive shots. - - -TARGET PRACTICE SCHEDULE - -DISMOUNTED COURSE - - _Instruction Practice_: NO. OF - SHOTS - - Slow fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 1 score at each - range. Target L. Time limit, none. 10 - - Rapid fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 2 scores at each - range. Target L. Time, 20 seconds per score. 20 - - Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 2 scores at each - range. Target E--Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot at 15 - yards; 4 seconds per shot at 25 yards. 20 - - _Record Practice_: - - Rapid fire, at 25 yards, 2 scores. Target L. Time, 20 seconds - for each score 10 - - Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, 2 scores at each range. - Target E--Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot at 15 yards; 4 - seconds per shot at 25 yards. 20 - - _Expert Test_: - - Rapid fire, at 50 yards, 1 score. Target L. Time, 30 seconds - per score. 5 - - Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, 1 score at each range. Target - E--Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot at 15 yards; 4 seconds - per shot at 25 yards. 10 - -- - Total 95 - -MOUNTED COURSE - - _Instruction Practice_: - - _Dismounted_-- - - Slow fire, 15 yards, minimum of 2 scores. Target L. Time - limit, none. 10 - - Quick fire, 15 yards, minimum of 2 scores. Target M--Bobbing. - Time, 3 seconds per shot. 10 - - _Mounted_-- - - Halt; minimum of 2 scores; one to the right and one to the - left. Target M--Bobbing. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 seconds - per shot. 10 - - Walk; minimum of 2 scores; one score firing to the right while - moving to the left and one score firing to the left while - moving to the right around the circumference of circle about - 12 ft. in diameter tangent to the track at the firing point. - Target M--Bobbing. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 seconds per shot. 10 - - Gallop; minimum of 8 scores. Target M. Range, 10 yards. Time - governed by gait of at least 12 miles an hour. 40 - - [_Note_:--Five M targets are placed 10 yards from the track and - 10 yards apart (20 yards apart for the revolver). Each trooper - makes eight circlings of the track (four in each direction) - firing four scores to the right and four to the left.] - - _Record Practice_: - - Halt; quick fire. Target M--Bobbing. 2 scores 1 to the right, - 1 to the left. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 seconds per shot. 10 - - Gallop; Target M. Range, 10 and 14 yards. 4 scores--2, firing - to the right while circling to the left; 2, firing to the - left while circling to the right. 20 - - Time governed by gait of at least 12 miles an hour. - - [_Note_:--Three of the five M targets (the first, the center, - and the last targets) of the gallop stage, Instruction Practice, - are set at an angle of 45 degrees to the track, and the trooper - in making the run fires at each of these when facing them at - about 14 yards range. The firing of the full score and the - direction of the shots is therefore as follows: Right front, - right, right front, right, and right rear. In making the left - hand run, two targets are set at an angle and the firing is in - the following order: Left, left front, left, left front, left.] - - _Expert Test_: - - Halt; 1 score. Five E targets--Bobbing; unknown angles. Range, - 8 to 15 yards. Time, 2 seconds per shot. 5 - - Gallop; 1 score; group of three M targets. Range, 10 and 14 - yards; 3 shots to right advancing and 2 shots to left - returning. Time governed by gait of at least 12 miles per - hour. 5 - - [_Note_:--Two of the targets are set at an angle as in the gallop - stage. Record Practice, the firing being right front, right, right - rear, in advancing; and left front, left, in returning.] - - Gallop, extended; 2 scores. Range, 5 to 15 yards. Time governed - by gait. 10 - - [_Note_:--Targets arranged as follows: Target F, 5 yards to the - right; 20 yards further along track, Target E, 7 yards to the - right; 30 yards further, Target M, 10 yards to the left; 20 yards - further, Target M, 10 yards to the left; 30 yards further, Target - M, 15 yards to the right. Two runs are made firing at the targets - in the order named.] - --- - Total number of shots. 130 - -_Explanatory Notes, etc._ - -_Timing_: --Intervals of time are measured from the last note of the -signal or command, "Commence firing," to the last note or word of "Cease -firing." - -_Targets_:--Target L is illustrated on page 91. Targets E, F, and M are -full size silhouette figures of men in the kneeling, prone and standing -positions, respectively. When "bobbing" target is prescribed, it refers to -an operating device for turning the targets 90 degrees on a vertical axis -by means of ropes. The target is thus made to turn so as to appear -edgewise and flatwise from the firing point and remains flatwise or -"exposed" for the number of seconds stated in the time limit for each -shot, and "turned from view" between shots for an interval of 3 to 5 -seconds. - -_Procedure_:--In quick fire the soldier stands at the firing point, pistol -loaded with 5 cartridges, hammer down (in mounted practice hammer cocked -at safe), weapon in holster, flap, if any, buttoned. Upon the first -exposure of the target the soldier draws and fires, or attempts to fire, -one shot at the target before it is turned from view and keeps the weapon -in hand until he has fired five shots at successive exposures of the -target to complete the score. - -_Qualification Scores_: _Dismounted Course_--Sixty per cent. of the -aggregate possible score of the Instruction Practice for advancement to -Record Practice and 80 per cent. of the latter for advancement to Expert -Test. In Expert Test, 50 out of a possible 60. _Mounted Course_--Fifty per -cent. of the aggregate possible score of the Instruction Practice for -advancement to Record Practice and 70 per cent. of the latter for -advancement to Expert Test. In Expert Test, 13 out of a possible 20. - -_Competitions_:--In every alternate year department pistol competitions -are held simultaneously with the department rifle competitions at places -designated by the department commanders. - - -ORGANIZED MILITIA TARGET PRACTICE - -The prescribed course in effect in 1914 is adapted to the service -revolvers. Five shots constitute a score. All shooting is on Target L. The -course is divided into Instruction Practice and Record Practice. - -_Instruction Practice_: - -Slow Fire: Range 15, 25, and 50 yards; one score at each range. Time -limit, none. - -Rapid Fire: Range 15, 25, and 50 yards; two scores at each range. Time -limit, 30 seconds per score. - -Rapid Fire: Range 15 and 25 yards; two scores at each range. Time limit, -15 seconds per score. - -_Record Practice_: - -Rapid Fire: Range 25 and 50 yards; two scores at each range. Time limit, -30 seconds per score. - -Rapid Fire: Range 15 and 25 yards; two scores at each range. Time limit, -15 seconds per score. - -The rules, regulations, and procedure are the same as those governing the -U. S. Army practice. - -Qualification scores are as follows out of a possible 400: Second -classman, 250; first classman, 300, and expert pistol shot, 320. Insignia -badges and pins are awarded to those qualifying. - - -U. S. NAVY TARGET PRACTICE REGULATIONS - -The revolver practice in the U. S. Navy consists of three classes, -designated the Marksman's Course, the Sharpshooter's Course, and the -Expert Pistol Shot's Special Course. Each course is subdivided into -"Instruction Practice" and "Record Practice." - -All shooting in the Marksman's and Sharpshooter's courses is done on -Target A, which is a rectangle 6 ft. high by 4 ft. wide, with a circular -black bull's-eye 8 in. in diameter, counting 5, and concentric circles of -count with diameters as follows: 4 ring, 26 in.; 3 ring, 46 in.; 2 -rectangle, rest of target. Target L is used in the Expert Course. - -MARKSMAN'S COURSE (SLOW FIRE) - -_Instruction Practice_: - -At least 1 string of 6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; no time -limit. - -_Record Practice_: - -At least 1 string of 6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 5 -minutes. - -SHARPSHOOTER'S COURSE (RAPID FIRE) - -_Instruction Practice_: - -6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 30 seconds per score. - -_Record Practice_: - -6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 30 seconds per score. - -EXPERT PISTOL SHOT'S SPECIAL COURSE - -_Instruction Practice_: - -Slow Fire: 6 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds., 50 yds. No time limit. - -Timed Fire: One score of 5 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds., 50 yds. -Time limit, 30 seconds for each score. - -Rapid Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds. Time -limit, 10 seconds for each score. - -_Record Practice_: - -Timed Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds. Time -limit, 30 seconds for each score. - -Rapid Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds. Time -limit, 10 seconds for each score. - -Qualification scores are 80 per cent. of the possibles of each course. - -In rapid fire practice the timing is done at the target. On a signal that -all is ready at the firing point, the target appears and remains exposed -during the time limit, then disappears. - -In addition to the above regulation practice, the men are put through a -thorough preliminary course of position, sighting, and aiming drill. - -The more expert men are given advanced practice in snap, double-action, -and left-hand shooting, also firing alternately at targets at different -distances and at floating objects at unknown distances. - -Excellent practical suggestions and information is contained in Chapter V, -devoted to Pistol Practice, in "The Landing Force and Small Arms -Instructions," edition 1911. - - - - -APPENDIX IV - -DIGEST OF WAR DEPARTMENT TESTS OF AUTOMATIC PISTOLS - - -The board of officers appointed by the Secretary of War (Special Order No. -305, Dec. 28, 1906) to test automatic pistols and revolvers met at the -Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass., on January 15, 1907. The board -consisted of: Col. Philip Reade, 23rd Infantry; Maj. Joseph T. Dickman, -13th Cavalry; Capt. Guy H. Preston, 13th Cavalry; Capt. Ernest D. Scott, -Artillery Corps, and Capt. John H. Rice, Ordnance Department. - -The weapons referred to the board by the Chief of Ordnance for examination -and test with their weights (unloaded) were as follows: - - _Automatic Pistols, Caliber .45_ _Lbs._ _Oz._ - The Colt 2 2 - The Luger 2 8 - The Savage 2 3 - The Knoble (single action) 2 11 - The Knoble (double action) 2 10 - The Bergmann 2 3 - The White-Merrill 2 6 - - _Double Action Revolvers, Caliber .45_ - The Colt 2 7 - The Smith & Wesson 2 6 - - _Automatic Revolver, Caliber .45_ - The Webley-Fosbury 2 10 - -PROGRAMME OF TESTS OF AUTOMATIC PISTOLS[21] - -1. Examination of pistol as to design, appearance, balance, suitability -for mounted troops, etc. - -2. Special examination as to safety features. - -3. Dismounting and assembling. The times required for each of the -following operations: - - (a) To dismount the breech and magazine mechanism, with the exception - of the magazine catch. - - (b) To complete dismounting. - - (c) To assemble, except the breech and magazine mechanism. - - (d) To complete assembling. - -4. The number of-- - - (a) Pins and screws. - - (b) Small springs. - - (c) Other parts. - -5. The number and kind of tools required to dismount and assemble. - -6. Twenty rounds to be fired to observe working of pistol. The above tests -will be made with the pistol in the hands of and operated by the inventor -or his representative, if present. - -7. Velocity at 25 feet, mean of 5 shots. - -8. Accuracy and penetration at 75 feet; 10 shots for accuracy, 5 for -penetration. - -9. Rapidity with accuracy; target 6 by 2 feet, range 100 feet. Number of -shots fired to be three times the capacity of clip. Pistol fired from -hand. Time and number of hits to be noted in each case. To be conducted by -representative of company, if present. Firing to begin with chamber and -magazine empty, and clips or holders arranged as desired by firer. - -10. Rapidity at will. Same as preceding test, except that the pistol will -be fired without aim into a butt at short range, and hits will not be -considered. - -11. Endurance. Pistol will then be fired deliberately 500 rounds as a -self-loader, cooling after each 50 rounds. - -12. Velocity. Same as paragraph 7, above. - -13. Decreased charges. Pistol to be fired 12 rounds as a self-loader with -cartridge in which the powder charge has been decreased so that the first -four will give pressure of 25 per cent. less, the second four 15 per cent. -less, and the last four 10 per cent. less than the service pressure. - -14. Excessive charges. Pistol to be fired 5 times as a single loader, with -cartridges in which the charge of powder is increased to produce a -pressure in the chamber 25 per cent. greater than the regular pressure. - -15. Pierced primers. Pistol will be fired once with a cartridge in which -the primer has been thinned so as to insure piercing. Two rounds will then -be fired to observe action. - -16. Dust. With the mechanism closed and both ends of the barrel tightly -corked pistol will be exposed, in a box prepared for that purpose, to a -blast of fine sand for one minute. The surplus sand may then be removed by -blowing thereon, jarring the piece, or wiping with the bare hand only. - -The Magazine should be-- - - (a) Empty when exposed to dust. - - (b) Loaded when exposed to dust. - -In both cases pistol should be used as a self-loader, and in the second -the cartridge may be removed and wiped, then reloaded. In case of -self-loading failures to work in either case the piece will be tried by -operating by hand. - -17. Rust. The mechanism will be thoroughly cleansed of grease by boiling -in a solution of soda, the ends of the barrel tightly corked and the -pistol then placed in a saturated solution of sal-ammoniac for five -minutes. After being hung up indoors for 22 hours, five shots will be -fired into a sand butt, using pistol as a self-loader. In case the -self-loading mechanism fails to work, the pistol will then be tried by -operating by hand. - -18. Supplementary Tests. Any piece which successfully passes the foregoing -tests may be subjected to such supplementary tests, or repetitions of -previous ones, to further determine its endurance or other qualities as -may be prescribed by the Chief of Ordnance or by the board. - -General Remarks. During the above tests the pistol will be entirely in the -hands of the board, except when specifically stated otherwise, and no -alterations or repairs other than those possible on the ground will be -allowed, except by special permission of the board. If the pistol fails in -any test the remainder of the programme may be discontinued in the -discretion of the board. - -In case of misfires the cartridges will be opened to determine cause, and -if due to the ammunition the test will be repeated. - -The board thoroughly tested the merits of the various arms submitted to -them, and reported in 1907 the conclusion that in principle the automatic -pistol was better suited for service use than the revolver. - -The board also recommended a .45-caliber pistol. At the same time it was -stated that the automatic pistol had not been sufficiently developed in -reliability to warrant its adoption. A service test was ordered, and the -Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company and the Savage Arms Company -submitted automatic pistols according to specifications. - -Two troops of cavalry were assigned to make this test and the report -showed that neither pistol had reached a desired proficiency. The matter -was then turned over to the Ordnance Department for further experiment. -Both of the arms companies were given time to improve their pistols under -the direction of Brig.-Gen. William Crozier, Chief of Ordnance; -Lieut.-Col. John T. Thompson, Ordnance Department, and Capt. Gilbert H. -Stewart, Ordnance Department. After a number of informal tests by these -officers, which demonstrated that the arms companies had approached the -standard set by the Ordnance Department, a new board of officers was -appointed to determine which of the two pistols should be adopted. This -board consisted of Majors Kenneth Morton and Walter G. Penfield and -Lieutenants C. A. Meals and Arthur D. Minick, Ordnance Department. - -Two pistols were submitted to the board, one by the Savage Arms Company, -the other by the Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, and the -tests were conducted in March, 1911. The ammunition used was of recent -manufacture by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, had a jacketed -230-grain bullet, and was loaded to give a muzzle velocity of 800 f.s. The -weight of the Savage was found to be 2 lbs. 8 oz.; the Colt 2 lbs. 7 oz. -The mechanical safety of both is convenient for operation with the thumb -of the firing hand. Time required to complete dismounting, Savage 29.6 -seconds, Colt 24.5 seconds.; to assemble, except the magazine, Savage 5 -min. 10.5 sec., Colt 4 min. 50 sec.; to complete assembling, additional -time, Savage 28.5 sec., Colt 12.5 sec. The number of parts in each pistol -was then counted, and found to be as follows: Total components, Savage 40, -including four in magazine; Colt 61, including seven in magazine. The -number and kind of tools required to dismount and assemble the pistols -were: Colt, one screwdriver; Savage, one combination tool (one -screwdriver, two drifts). - -Fifty rounds from each pistol were fired deliberately into a butt to -observe the operation. The two pistols functioned normally. The Savage -pistol ejected the empty shells upward and to the front, while the Colt -ejected upward and to the right and rear. The velocity of each pistol was -measured at twenty-five feet, and the mean of five shots was: Savage, -849.4 ft. per second; Colt, 828.0 ft. per second. Two targets of ten shots -from each pistol were made for accuracy at seventy-five feet, using a -muzzle rest, with the resulting mean radii of dispersion: Savage, first -target 1.97", second target 1.97", mean 1.97"; Colt, first target .89", -second target .82", mean 0.8555". - -Three magazines full of cartridges were fired from each pistol at a target -six feet by two feet, 100 feet distant, to test the rapidity and accuracy. -The firing was begun with the chamber empty and three full magazines for -each pistol with it on the table. Results: - - Savage Colt - Time 35 sec. 28 sec. - Number of shots 24 " 21 " - Hits 22 " 21 " - Mean radii 7.27 " 5.85 " - -The pistols were next fired for rapidity by the same persons into a butt -at short range and no hits considered: Savage, 24 shots, time 16 sec.; -Colt, 21 shots, time 12 sec. In all the above tests the pistols functioned -normally. - -The two pistols were then thoroughly examined, oiled, and fired -deliberately 6,000 rounds each, being cleaned thoroughly, examined and -oiled after each 1,000 rounds. Wherever examination showed the least sign -of deformation it was noted. Each pistol was fired 100 rounds and then was -allowed to cool while the other was fired, giving each pistol at least -five minutes to cool. Firing was not begun after cooling until the hand -could be placed on the slide over the barrel without discomfort. There was -an interval of about two seconds between shots in the same magazine when -the pistol functioned normally. - -During the firing of the first 1,000, in 1h. 29m., the magazine of each -pistol dropped about an inch, due to the fault of the operator. Second -1,000, in 1h. 48m., the Colt functioned perfectly; while the Savage missed -fire once, jammed twice and had trouble with the bolt twice. Third 1,000, -in 2h. 2m. the Colt functioned perfectly; in round 2,924 the bolt stop of -the Savage broke. Fourth 1,000, in 2h. 1m., the Colt functioned perfectly; -with the Savage there was a slight jam and two misfires, the bolt stop was -upset. Fifth 1,000, in 2h. 6m., the Colt functioned perfectly; the Savage -magazine dropped five times, the bolt stop was further upset and there -were two cracks in the bolt. Sixth 1,000, the Colt again functioned -perfectly, and there were five misfires with the Savage, two jams, -fourteen failures of the bolt to counter recoil fully, and a breakage of -the bolt lock spring. Minute examination of the Colt pistol after this -test failed to show any broken parts, the only defect being a minute -bulging of the frame near the front end of the grooves and a slight -upsetting of the bolt stop where it strikes the magazine follower. - -The pistols were then fired five times as single loaders in a recoiling -rest with cartridges in which the powder charge was increased to give a -calculated chamber pressure of twenty-five per cent. greater than normal. -The Colt pistol functioned normally. The sear of the Savage broke at the -fourth round. A new sear was inserted, also a new sear spring, broken in -removing the broken sear. The removal of the broken sear was difficult on -account of the design of the pistol, and other parts were deformed in -removing the breech plug. Upon reassembling, the pistol functioned -normally in the fifth round. Each pistol was fired in a recoiling rest one -round, in which the primer had been thinned so as to be pierced by the -firing pin. Afterward two rounds were fired automatically. Both pistols -functioned satisfactorily. The pistols were then disassembled, cleaned, -and thoroughly examined. Both were found to be in good condition, with no -broken parts. All misfire cartridges were examined and no defects found. - -The shock of recoil of the Savage was found much more severe than of the -Colt. The experienced operators who fired several thousand rounds in the -endurance test, in alternate five hundreds, estimated the fatigue of -firing 500 rounds with the Savage equal to firing 2,000 rounds with the -Colt. - -"Of the two pistols the board is of the opinion that the Colt's is -superior, because it is more reliable, the more enduring, the more easily -disassembled when there are broken parts to be replaced, and the more -accurate. It equals in these qualities the Colt caliber .45 revolver, -model 1909, while being superior to that arm in balance, safety, rapidity, -accuracy of fire, and interchangeability. The Colt pistol embodies all the -features considered essential, desirable, and preferable by the board of -officers convened by S. O. 305, W. D., Washington, December 28, 1906, -except that there is no automatic indicator showing that the pistol is -loaded or indicator showing the number of cartridges remaining in the -magazine. There are, however, a few riveted parts, and the board is -uncertain whether the pistol would function properly with non-jacketed -bullets. The board therefore recommends that Colt caliber .45 automatic -pistol of the design submitted to the board for test be adopted for use by -foot and mounted troops in the military service in consequence of its -marked superiority to the present service revolvers and to any other known -pistol, of its extreme reliability and endurance, and of its fulfillment -of all essential requirements." - -This report was approved March 23, 1911, by Col. S. E. Blunt, Ord. Dept., -U. S. A., commanding Springfield Armory, Mass. - - - - -APPENDIX V - -GUNSMITHING, REPAIRS, RELOADING EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, ETC. - - -Occasionally a firearm becomes disabled by the breaking of a spring or -some other part of the mechanism. All the manufacturers carry a stock of -duplicate parts and any broken or worn-out part can be obtained promptly -from the makers of the weapon and the replacement made with a screwdriver -and a few drifts. When any of the parts become worn, the simplest and most -inexpensive course to follow is to substitute new parts in the same -manner. - -The most frequent source of difficulty is the wearing light of the -trigger-pull. This may also be corrected by the substitution of a new -hammer and a new trigger; or an experienced mechanic can generally correct -the difficulty with an oil stone. Inexperienced persons are liable to ruin -the parts if they attempt to do this work themselves. - -The barrels of the weapons after long use, especially in the open on -camping expeditions, etc., become rusted or they are worn out by extensive -use so as to require renewal. In such cases a new barrel may be ordered -from the maker of the weapon, which should be sent to the factory to have -the substitution made and the necessary fitting and finish properly -executed. In the case of high-priced barrels, and especially where the -barrel is part of the action, it is sometimes less expensive to have a -good gunsmith bore out the interior of the barrel and insert a new sleeve -instead of replacing the entire barrel. - -Very often the marksman will conceive an idea or invent an improvement -which will add to the convenience in manipulation or usefulness of the -weapon, the reloading tools, etc. As he becomes interested in the sport he -may want to try special sights, a different shape of trigger guard, matted -trigger, and various other modifications and refinements, thinking they -may improve his shooting. Without the necessary mechanical skill to -execute their ideas successfully all such special work should be intrusted -to a competent and first-class mechanic who is equipped and prepared to -execute work of this character in the best manner. The following are the -names and addresses of a few of the leading manufacturers and gunsmiths, -with a brief statement as to the character of work that each undertakes -and specializes on: - -SMITH & WESSON, Springfield, Mass. - - This company maintains a repair department, but undertakes repair, - reblueing and replating only on arms of their own manufacture. A - limited quantity of special work is also undertaken, provided it meets - with the approval of the manufacturers as being useful, desirable, and - in nowise a detriment to the weapon. All repair and special work is - executed in the order in which it is received, and as a limited force - is engaged in this department a delay of a week or more sometimes - occurs before the work can be begun. In case of general repairs the - cost of same is quoted before repairs are started. - -COLT PATENT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING CO., Hartford, Conn. - - This company maintains a repair department devoted exclusively to arms - of Colt manufacture. Estimates of the cost of repairs are quoted - before work is begun. Special work, reblueing and replating, is also - executed in connection with Colt arms. - -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., New Haven, Conn. - - Reloading tools, bullet molds, bullets, shells, primers, etc. - -UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO., Bridgeport, Conn. - -UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO., Lowell, Mass. - -THE PETERS CARTRIDGE CO., Cincinnati, Ohio. - - Shells, bullets, and primers. - -H. M. POPE, 18 Morris Street, Jersey City. - - Manufacturer of the famous "Pope" barrels for rifles, revolvers, and - pistols. New barrels furnished for any of the leading makes of target - arms. Pope graduated automatic powder measures and reloading tools. - Telescope mountings. Special work and fine repair work of all kinds. - -J. E. WILBURN, 403 Riverside Ave., Spokane, Wash. - - Specializes on very accurate and high-grade pistol and revolver - barrels of .22 and .38 caliber. Fine repair work of every description. - -IDEAL MANUFACTURING CO. (Marlin Fire Arms Co., Successors), New Haven, -Conn. - - Reloading tools, powder measures, bullet molds, bullets, etc. - -H. H. KIFFE CO., 533 Broadway, New York City. - -J. P. DANNEFELSER, 19 Warren Street, New York City. - - Carry a full line of smokeless powders for rifle and pistol - ammunition. - -(Nearly all the sporting goods dealers in the large cities carry a stock -of black and smokeless powders.) - - -THE END - - - - -APPENDIX VI - -ADDENDA AND CORRECTIONS - - -_Add to first paragraph page 25_: - -The Colt Automatic Pistol is now supplied with the automatic grip safety -in all models. This prevents the discharge of the weapon unless properly -held. - -_Insert before last paragraph page 29_: - -The latest addition to the target arms is the Colt .22 cal. Automatic -Pistol. It has a longer barrel than any other automatic pistol and is -fitted with adjustable sights. It has good balance and the long distance -between the sights makes excellent work at the target possible. (See Fig. -17a, facing page 32.) - -_Add to first paragraph top of page 35_: - -This model is supplied with an additional safety which prevents accidental -discharge in the event a cartridge is left in the barrel when the magazine -is withdrawn. - -_Insert after Match F, page 177_: - -The following new matches have been added to the annual contests of the U. -S. R. A.: - -MATCH G--NOVICE LIMITED RE-ENTRY MATCH.--Outdoor Event.--Open to all -amateurs who have never won an important prize in our branch of sport. - -Winners of honors in our National Championships, first and second place -honors in our State Championships, National honors in this match, -professional shooters and those who have won place in important matches -other than those of the U. S. R. A. are barred. - -SCORE: Twenty-five shots in five strings of five shots each. - -TIME: Thirty minutes. - -WEAPON AND AMMUNITION: Any allowed in Matches A and B. - -PRIZES: National--As in Match A. - -STATE: As in Match F. - -An honor medal will be given for a score of 210 or better that wins no -other prize. - -ENTRANCE FEE: First entry $2. There may be four re-entries at $1.00 each. -As yet we have a silver cup for only the Indoor Match. - -MATCH H--REVOLVER HANDICAP.--Indoor and Outdoor Event.--Arm, any revolver -within the rules for Match A. Ammunition any. Twenty-five shots in strings -of five shots each. Time, thirty minutes per score. Entrance fee, $3 to -paid-up members, $5 to all other persons. - -The possible, 250, will be taken as a basis and a contestant allowed a -handicap thought likely to be necessary to make his score in this match -equal the possible. The fifty-shot and twenty-five shot revolver records -of the contestants on file with the secretary will be taken as the basis -of handicapping. The fifty shot records will be reduced to twenty-five -shot equivalents. - -PRIZES: National medals as in Match A. If the whole number of contestants -in this match exceeds twenty, then state medals will also be awarded as in -Match A. - -A bronze honor medal will be awarded for the highest score less handicap -if it wins no other prize. - -Winners and Scores - - Indoor Handicap Outdoor Handicap - 1915--F. J. Dreher 25 I. B. Humphreys 45.5 - 1916--F. L. Simmonds 47.5 - -MATCH I--PISTOL HANDICAP.--Indoor and Outdoor Event.--Arm, Colt .22 -automatic and any pistol allowed in Match B. Ammunition, any. Entrance -fee, $3 to paid-up members, $5 to all other persons. Twenty-five shots in -strings of five shots each. Time of score, thirty minutes. - -Prizes as in Match H. - -Each entrant may name his own handicap. It must be claimed and mailed in a -letter bearing a post mark prior to the shooting of the match. - -Scores with handicaps exceeding the possible will be penalized three -points for each point of excess. - -Winners and Scores - - Indoor Handicap Outdoor Handicap - 1915--Rich'd Henderson 75 J. H. Snook 16 - 1916--Stanley Runck 30 - -MATCH J--POLICE TEAM MATCH.--Indoor Only.--Limited to members of a -uniformed police force who must furnish credentials to the effect that -they have been enrolled one year or more. Five men teams. - -Arm, any revolver with a barrel not more than 4 inches long, trigger -pull not less than three pounds, calibre not less than .32. Twenty shots -per man. Five-shot strings. Time two minutes per string. Time to be -entered on target and signed by timer. Ammunition, the full factory charge -for the most powerful cartridge the arm will chamber. Entrance fee, $10 -per team. - -PRIZES: Medals for the members of the first three teams. Gold and silver; -silver; bronze. Six or more entries required to fill the match. Entry fees -refunded if "No contest." With ten or more teams entering, silver medals -emblematic of state championship honor will be awarded for three -contesting teams from one state. With four or more teams from one state, -silver medals will be given the first team, bronze medals the second. -National medals take precedence. - -Ties will be decided by the fewest shots of low count. - -Winners and Scores - -1915--Portland, Ore. - - R. H. Craddock 162 - J. H. Young 157 - W. D. Humphrey 155 - L. K. Evans 151 - J. T. Moore 146 - --- - 776 - -1916--San Francisco, Calif. - - S. Carr 165 - W. R. Proll 157 - J. M. Mann 157 - T. J. Sullivan 143 - E. C. Lange 140 - --- - 762 - -_Substitute for subject matter under U. S. Navy Target Practice -Regulations, pages 204 and 205, the following_: - -The new firing regulations and prescribed course of practice with the -automatic pistol are as follows:[22] - -Each officer or man may fire the pistol course for credits once per year -while attached to each division. - -The firing in the pistol course may be done at any range. - -Any target may be used. - -The course is as follows: - - Position Slow fire Rapid fire - Prone 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Kneeling 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Squatting 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Standing 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Total number of shots 20 20 - - Aggregate number of shots 40 - Possible aggregate score 200 - -All men are eligible to compete for prizes in this course once per year -while attached to each division. - -The value of a prize in the pistol course is $1. - -When scoring in the pistol courses, in order to prevent the markers from -knowing the names of the individuals who are firing, the name of the firer -will not be announced by the scorer, but the number of the target he fires -upon will be substituted for his name. - -Before automatic pistols are brought to a range, the magazines should be -removed and kept removed at all times except while the pistol is in actual -use at the firing point. - -Under no circumstances should any one handle a pistol, loaded or unloaded, -except when he is on the firing line fully abreast of the firers, and the -pistol should never be pointed in any other direction than the front. - - -NOTES ON PISTOL PRACTICE - -When a pistol is first taken in hand it should be examined to make sure -that it is not loaded. - -Both the front sight and the rear sighting groove should be blackened. -When the pistol is aimed the front sight should be seen through the middle -of the rear sighting groove and the top of the front sight should be flush -with the top of the groove. The part of the target to be aimed at must be -determined by practice. With most pistols at 25 yards the aim is usually -taken at the bottom edge or in the bottom part of the bull's-eye, and at -50 yards in the center or in the upper part of the bull's-eye. - -Grasp the stock of the pistol as high up as you can so that the barrel, -hand, and arm are as nearly as possible in one straight line. The thumb -should be extended along the upper part of the frame. The second joint of -the forefinger should be on the trigger. - -Start with a light grip and gradually squeeze with the whole hand, the -trigger finger squeezing gradually back as the grip is tightened, and -continue squeezing without a jerk until the pistol fires. Decide to call -the hold and to keep the right eye open. - -If the hits are bunched to one side they can be moved to the right by -increasing the pressure of the thumb against the left side of the pistol -or to the left by decreasing the pressure. - -Snapping--that is, aiming and squeezing the trigger with the pistol not -loaded--is most valuable practice. No man should load and fire until he -has snapped several times to get acquainted with the trigger pull of the -pistol. Expert pistol shots do a great deal of snapping instead of a great -deal of firing. Steady holding can be acquired only by much snapping -practice. - -In the prone position the right elbow has excellent support on the ground. -In the kneeling position the firer may kneel on either knee. Kneeling on -the left knee affords an excellent rest on the right knee for the elbow. -In the squatting position both elbows rest on the knees. In the standing -position face the target squarely, or nearly so. Stand upright, not -craning the head forward, and extend the arm to its full stretch. - -A coach should be at each firing point. In addition to the general duties -of a coach, his specific duties in pistol practice are: (1) to stand -slightly behind the right side of the firer in order to prevent the pistol -being pointed away from the front, (2) to see that the pistol is not -loaded until the proper time, (3) to require the firer to explain the line -of sight, (4) to see that the firer takes the proper position and holds -the pistol properly, (5) to require the firer to snap several times and to -call the hold, (6) to see that the firer loads properly, and (7) to see -that the pistol is unloaded before it leaves the firer's hands. - - -THE END - - - - -INDEX - - - - -INDEX - - - A - - Accidents, 100, 107, 126, 133, 135 - - Accuracy of Cartridges, 39 - - Accuracy of Revolvers, 23, 46, 50 - - Accuracy of Pistols, 29 - - Accuracy Muzzle loading Pistols, 14 - - Adjusting sights, 132-133 - - Aiming, 127-128 - - Air space for dense powders, 157 - - Annual Matches, 97, 171-180, 197-205 - - Ammunition, 37-61, 182 - - "Any" Pistol defined, 180 - - "Any" Revolver defined, 180 - - Arms, 18-36, 182 - - Arguments and Controversies, 139 - - Artificial Light, 66, 118 - - Automatic Pistol, 18, 25, 26, 34, 35 - - Automatic Pistol defined, 19 - - Automatic Pistol Tests, 206 - - Automatic Revolver, 24 - - - B - - Balance of Arms, 125 - - Ballistical Table, 60-61 - - BB Caps, 135 - - Bisley, 93 - - Blacking Sights, 141 - - "Blazing away" ammunition, 138 - - Bore, to measure, 153-154 - - Bullet holes, clean cut, 50 - - Bullets, exact diameter of, 60, 61 - - Bullets, 44, 149-155 - - Bullets, flat pointed, 41 - - Bullets, hollow pointed, 42 - - Bullets, mantled, 44 - - Bullets, soft nosed or "dum-dum," 55 - - Bullets, self-lubricating, 52 - - Bullets, weight of, 60, 61 - - Bullets stuck in barrels, 134 - - - C - - Care in handling arms, 107, 126, 127, 135 - - Carlin-Reynolds tests, 74-75 - - Carrying arms, 105 - - Cartridges, automatic pistol, 54-58 - - Cartridges, center fire, 43-61 - - Cartridges, rim fire, 39, 43, 60 - - Championship matches, 171-180, 197-205 - - Charges, 60-61 - - Cheap arms to be avoided, 122 - - Classification of arms, 180 - - Cleaning and care of arms, 143-146, 181 - - Cleaning fluids, 144 - - Clubs and Ranges, 111-121 - - Coaching, 132 - - Colt, Colonel, 14 - - Competing in matches, 138-143 - - Confinement of powder, 158 - - Corrosion, 145-146 - - Cowboy shooting, 137 - - Crimping shells, 39 - - - D - - Disputes, 139 - - Disqualification, 139 - - Double actions, 126 - - Drawing arms, 136 - - Duelling, 14 - - "Dum-dum" bullets, 55 - - - E - - Equipment and paraphernalia, 140-146 - - Exhibition shooting, 18, 31 - - Exact diameter of bullets, 60-61 - - - F - - Finish of arms, 124 - - Firing, 128-132, 181 - - First Pistols, 13 - - First Revolver, 14 - - Fit of arms, 121 - - Fit of bullets, 155 - - "Flinching," 26, 110, 125 - - Fluids, cleaning, 144 - - Fluxing lead, 150 - - Fouling, 37, 52, 54 - - Franco-American matches, 79-83 - - "Freak arms," 31 - - - G - - Gallery charges, 47-51 - - Gallery ranges, 116-121 - - "Gas cutting," 153 - - Gould, A. C., 72 - - "Grained gunpowder," 13 - - Grand aggregate medals, 171 - - "Gun men," 137 - - Gunsmithing, 213 - - - H - - Handles or stocks, 123-124 - - Hardening bullets, 154 - - Hat for shooting, 141 - - Hints for beginners, 122-146 - - Holding position, 131 - - Holster weapons, 23 - - Hunting charges, 42, 55 - - - I - - International matches, 79-85 - - Indoor Revolver championship, 178 - - Indoor Pistol championship, 179 - - Indoor Pocket Revolver championship, 179 - - Indoor Novice match, 180 - - Instructions to Officers in charge of U. S. R. A. championship contests, - 187 - - - K - - Keeping records, 138 - - - L - - Ladies' clubs, 109 - - Ladies, pistol shooting for, 107-110 - - Large calibers, 32, 35, 90, 92 - - Leading of barrel, 134 - - League, U. S. R. A., 97 - - Lesmok Powder, 156 - - Long range shooting, 94-95 - - Lubricant, 155 - - Lubricating bullets, 154, 155 - - - M - - Manipulation, 126-128 - - Mantled bullets, 44 - - Marking, 114-116, 183 - - Match shooting, 139 - - Matches and Competitions, 96-98, 138-143, 171-180 - - Measuring powder, 161, 162 - - Metal cased bullets, 44 - - Methods and Customs in conducting U. S. Revolver Association - competitions, 184 - - Military arms, 20-26 - - Military arms, requirements of, 20, 21, 55, 56, 181 - - Military championship match, 175 - - Military record match, 174 - - Military revolver team match, 175 - - Misfires, .22-cal., 134 - - Moulding bullets, 149-155 - - Muzzle loading Pistol, 13 - - Muzzle velocities, 58, 60, 61 - - Muzzle energy, 60, 61 - - - N - - National Guard revolver practice, 204 - - National organizations, 31 - - National pistol match, 107-199 - - National Rifle Association, 97 - - Night shooting, 65-66 - - Novice Re-entry match, 180 - - - O - - Oils, 145 - - Olympic Games Matches, 83-85 - - Opening mouth of shells, 161 - - Organized Militia target practice, 204 - - Outside lubrication, 41 - - - P - - Paine-Bennett match, 73 - - Paine sights, 63 - - Patridge sight, 63 - - Penetration, 60-61 - - Physical condition important, 143 - - Pistol championship match, 172, 179 - - Pistols, 27-29 - - Pistol, definition of, 18-19 - - Pistol muzzle loading, 13 - - Pistol shooting for ladies, 107-110 - - Pocket arms, 31-35, 181 - - Pocket Revolver championship match, 176, 179 - - Police, Revolver practice for, 99-106 - - Position, 127-128, 182 - - Possibles, 92 - - Powders, 37, 155-159 - - Powder charges, 60-61 - - Powder measures, 161 - - Practice shooting, 94-98 - - Practical shooting, 136-137 - - Primer difficulty, 42 - - Primers, 147 - - Proportion of charges, 38 - - Protection from rust, 145-146 - - Protests, 139, 183 - - Pulling the trigger, 129-130 - - Pull of trigger, 133 - - - Q - - Qualifications for shooting, 16 - - Quick drawing of weapons, 135 - - - R - - Rapidity of fire in automatic pistols, 25 - - Rapid fire shooting, 126, 142 - - Ranges, 111-121 - - Range officers, 139 - - Records, 77, 184, 191-196 - - Record, definition of, 76 - - Reduced charges, 60, 61, 163, 165 - - Reloading ammunition, 147-166, 213 - - Repairs, 215 - - Revolver championship match, 170, 178 - - Revolver practice, 94-98 - - Revolver practice for the police, 99-106, 132-138 - - Revolver, definition of, 18 - - Rim fire cartridges, 39-43, 60 - - Round bullets, 164 - - Rule to correct sights, 132 - - Rules, shooting, 106, 120, 121, 127 - - Rules and Regulations of the U. S. Revolver Association, 180-191 - - Rust, 42, 145, 146 - - - S - - Score, defined, 86 - - Scoring, 92, 183 - - Second-hand arms, 122 - - Selecting arms, 122-123 - - Self-lubricating bullets, 52 - - Shells, 148, 149, 160 - - Shelter for contestants, 112 - - Shooting matches, 139, 171-180 - - Shooting equipment and paraphernalia, 140-146 - - Shooting position, 67-69 - - Shooting rules, 106, 120, 121 - - Sights, 21, 59, 62, 67, 132, 133, 141, 182 - - Sizing bullets, 154-155 - - Small bullseyes undesirable, 93 - - Smokeless charges, 60-61 - - Smokeless powder, 156-159 - - Spectacles, 141 - - Splatter of bullets, 118 - - Sport of pistol shooting, 15 - - Spotting, 115 - - Squadded competitions, 141 - - Standard American target, 86 - - Stopping power, 20, 57 - - Strain in match shooting, 139 - - Supervision, 183 - - Supplies, 213 - - - T - - Targets, 86-93, 183 - - Target arms, 26-31 - - Target, definition of, 86 - - Target practice, 94-98, 102-104, 132-138 - - Target shooting, 70-85 - - Tests, 74-75, 206-212 - - Ties, 183 - - Timing, 181 - - Tin for bullets, 150 - - Training, 143 - - Trick shooting, 18 - - Trigger pull, 124-125, 182 - - "Trolleys," 116 - - - U - - United States Army Medals, 199 - - United States Army regulation practice, 200-203 - - United States Army Pistol target, 91 - - United States Navy regulation practice, 204 - - United States Revolver Association, 78-79, 167-191 - - U. S. R. A. _Bulletin_, 167 - - " " Constitution, 168 - - " " League Contest, 167, 189-191 - - - V - - Ventilation, 120 - - - W - - War Department Tests of Automatic Pistols, 206-212 - - Weather conditions, 141-142 - - Winan's trophy, 76 - - Wind, 141, 142 - - Winners and scores in past championship matches, 171-180 - - Wrong ammunition, 133 - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] The first pistols of which there is any authentic information were -made about 1540 by one Caminelleo Vitelli at Pistoia, Italy, from which -place the arm took its name. - -[2] For a detailed history of the evolution of the pistol and revolver, -the reader is referred to "Text-book for Officers at Schools of Musketry," -Longman & Co., London; "Kriegstechnische Zeitschrift," Heft I and II, -1901, Mittler & Sohn, Berlin; "The Modern American Pistol and Revolver," -Bradlee Whidden, Boston. Many interesting specimens of ancient and modern -pistols and revolvers are owned and exhibited by the United States -Cartridge Company of Lowell, Mass. - -[3] See Ordnance Reports, Department of War, Washington, D. C., for -complete details of tests, etc. - -[4] See Appendix for digest of these tests. - -[5] The United States Revolver Association, The National Rifle Association -of Great Britain, and the United Shooting Societies of France. For -programmes and details, address the secretaries of the respective -organizations. - -[6] For descriptions and illustrations of this style of shooting, see "The -Art of Revolver Shooting," by Walter Winans (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York -and London). This elaborate work contains also much detailed information, -valuable suggestions, and many interesting personal experiences in -relation to revolver shooting. - -[7] The difficulty is probably caused by the priming composition used at -the present time in smokeless rim-fire ammunition. These compositions vary -with different manufacturers, but most of them contain fulminate of -mercury, chlorate of potash, powdered glass, etc. The trouble is probably -caused principally by the chlorate of potash and perhaps by the fulminate -of mercury. At any rate, a corrosive residue is left which attacks the -barrel and causes it to rust. A priming composition free from deleterious -substances, and which will not leave a corrosive residue, is urgently -needed for both rim-fire and center-fire ammunition. - -[8] So named after its adoption as the service ammunition of the Russian -cavalry. - -[9] California Powder Works. This brand of powder is not retailed to small -consumers. - -[10] Sold by American Specialty Co., 198 Fifth Avenue, New York City. - -[11] See "The Modern American Pistol and Revolver," by A. C. Gould -(Bradlee Whidden, Publisher, Boston, Mass.). - -[12] See Appendix for Constitution, Annual Matches, Rules and Regulations, -etc. - -[13] The position of a shot accurately indicated by a marker from a pit or -safe place near the target. A disc of sufficient size to be seen easily -from the firing point attached to the end of a pole is used for this -purpose, the marker placing the disc over the shot hole for a few seconds -immediately after each shot is fired. - -[14] For a complete detailed description of range construction, including -illustrations, practical working drawings, etc., the reader is referred to -"Rifle Range Construction," published by the E. I. du Pont Powder Company, -Rifle Smokeless Division, Wilmington, Del. - -[15] See Appendix. - -[16] Under this subject the author aims to give helpful practical -information and advice for the benefit of all who wish to acquire skill in -pistol and revolver shooting. - -[17] The Ideal Manufacturing Company (Marlin Firearms Co., successors) of -New Haven, Conn., publishes a handbook containing full information in -regard to moulding bullets, reloading ammunition, tables, and other useful -information relating to shooting. - -[18] See Gunsmithing, Repairs, etc., in the Appendix. - -[19] In 1900 and 1901 the military target with a 4x5-inch elliptical -bull's-eye was used. The bull's-eye counted 5 and the possible was 375. -Since then the Standard American target with the 8-inch bull's-eye has -been used. Prior to 1904 twenty-five shots were fired at each of three -ranges--25, 50, and 75 yards. That year the other ranges were discontinued -and the 75 shots have since been fired at 50 yards only. - -[20] Penalized best shot in this string for over time. - -[21] The tests for revolvers were similar, with suitable slight -modifications. - -[22] Reproduced from "Small Arms Firing Regulation U. S. Navy, 1917." - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_. - -Superscripted characters are indicated by {superscript}. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pistol and Revolver Shooting, by -A. L. A. 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L. A. Himmelwright—A Project Gutenberg eBook @@ -65,45 +65,7 @@ </style> </head> <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Pistol and Revolver Shooting, by A. L. A. Himmelwright - -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: Pistol and Revolver Shooting - -Author: A. L. A. Himmelwright - -Release Date: December 1, 2012 [EBook #41535] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41535 ***</div> <p class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p><p> </p> @@ -8534,383 +8496,6 @@ modifications.</p> <p><a name='f_22' id='f_22' href='#fna_22'>[22]</a> Reproduced from “Small Arms Firing Regulation U. S. Navy, 1917.”</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pistol and Revolver Shooting, by -A. L. A. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41535 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/41535.txt b/41535.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 48f7b85..0000000 --- a/41535.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6868 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Pistol and Revolver Shooting, by A. L. A. Himmelwright - -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: Pistol and Revolver Shooting - -Author: A. L. A. Himmelwright - -Release Date: December 1, 2012 [EBook #41535] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive.) - - - - - - - - - -PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING - - - - - Pistol and Revolver Shooting - - - BY A. L. A. HIMMELWRIGHT - - - _Illustrated_ - - - OUTING HANDBOOKS - - _Number 34_ - - - NEW YORK - OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY - MCMXVI - - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY The Macmillan Co. - -COPYRIGHT, 1908, BY A. L. A. Himmelwright - -COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY OUTING PUBLISHING COMPANY - -All rights reserved - -Fully Revised - - - - -PREFACE - - -Interest in pistol and revolver shooting has increased very rapidly in -recent years and particularly since smokeless powder has been introduced. - -The revolver and the magazine pistol now constitute part of the regular -equipment of army and navy officers and cavalry troops. Regulations -governing practice shooting with these arms have been issued and adopted -by both branches of the service and by the National Guard of the various -States. In the National Rifle Association and in the various State rifle -associations that have recently been organized, pistol and revolver -shooting has an important place, and the matches provided are largely -patronized. In the numerous civilian shooting clubs scattered throughout -the country pistol and revolver shooting has become extremely popular, and -in many cases the majority of the members practice more frequently with -the smaller arms than with the rifle. - -Practice with the pistol and revolver affords training in sighting, steady -holding, and pulling the trigger, which are the essential features of -rifle shooting also. On account of this relation, and the fact that skill -with these arms can be instantly utilized in rifle shooting, the -development of marksmanship with the pistol and revolver assumes national -importance. - -While numerous standard works have been written on the subject of rifle -shooting, there is comparatively little information available on pistol -and revolver shooting. The object of this volume is to supply practical -information on this subject. The author has attempted to treat the subject -in a clear and concise manner, keeping the size of the volume as small as -practicable and so as to be conveniently carried in the pocket. Particular -pains have been taken to give sound advice and elementary instruction to -beginners. - -The author extends his grateful acknowledgments to Baron Speck von -Sternburg, Messrsr. J. B. Crabtree, John T. Humphrey, William E. Carlin, -Chas. S. Axtell, Walter Winans, Walter G. Hudson, Ed. Taylor, J. E. -Silliman, M. Hays, and the various arms and ammunition manufacturers -referred to herein, for valuable assistance, suggestions, information and -_data_ in preparing this volume. - -A. L. A. HIMMELWRIGHT. - -_Stockholm, N. J._ - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. INTRODUCTORY AND HISTORICAL 13 - - II. ARMS 17 - - III. AMMUNITION 37 - - IV. SIGHTS 62 - - V. SHOOTING POSITION 67 - - VI. TARGET-SHOOTING 70 - - VII. TARGETS 86 - - VIII. TARGET PRACTICE 94 - - IX. REVOLVER PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE 99 - - X. PISTOL SHOOTING FOR LADIES 107 - - XI. CLUBS AND RANGES 111 - - XII. HINTS TO BEGINNERS 122 - - XIII. RELOADING AMMUNITION 147 - - APPENDIX 167 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - Smith & Wesson .38-Caliber Revolver} - Colt Army Special Revolver } FACING PAGE 22 - Smith & Wesson .44-Caliber Revolver} - - Colt New Service Revolver } - Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver} " " 24 - Colt Single Action Revolver } - - Webley & Scott "W. S." Model Revolver} - Webley & Fosbury Automatic Revolver } " " 26 - Colt Automatic Pistol } - - Parabellum or "Luger" Automatic Pistol} - Webley & Scott Automatic Pistol } " " 28 - Mauser Automatic Pistol } - - Smith & Wesson Pistol } - Remington Pistol } " " 30 - Stevens Pistol, Gould Model} - - Adolph Weber Pistol } - Gastinne-Renette Pistol } " " 32 - Colt Automatic Target Pistol } - Colt Police Positive Revolver} - - Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Revolver } - Smith & Wesson Double Action Perfected } - Revolver } " " 34 - Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless Revolver} - Smith & Wesson Pocket Revolver } - - Colt Police Positive Target Revolver} - Stevens Diamond Model Pistol } " " 36 - Colt Automatic Pocket Pistol } - - Colt Automatic Pocket Pistol } - Savage Automatic Pocket Pistol } " " 38 - Smith & Wesson Automatic Pocket Pistol} - - Military Sights PAGE 62 - - Paine Sights } FACING PAGE 63 - Patridge Sights} - - Lyman Sights } " " 64 - The Wespi Searchlight Sight} - - Walter Winans, C. S. Axtell, Thomas - Anderton " " 68 - - John A. Dietz, E. E. Patridge, Sergt. W. - E. Petty " " 72 - - J. E. Gorman, R. H. Sayre, A. P. Lane " " 76 - - J. H. Snook, George Armstrong, P. J. - Dolfen " " 78 - - Standard American Target PAGE 87 - - U. S. R. A. Combination Target " 88 - - The International Union Target " 89 - - Target L. (U. S. Army) " 91 - - Combination Set: Revolver, Pistol, Utensils, - and Case " 109 - - Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for - 50-yard Range " 114 - - Details of Booths at Firing Line, "Trolleys," - and Butts for Gallery Ranges " 117 - - Shooting Gallery of the Crescent Athletic - Club, Brooklyn, N. Y. FACING PAGE 120 - - Correct Manner of Holding the Revolver " " 124 - - Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at - the Target PAGE 128 - - Showing the Travel of the Line of the Sights - About the Bullseye in Aiming " 130 - - Moulding Bullets " 151 - - - - -PISTOL AND REVOLVER SHOOTING - - - - -CHAPTER I - -INTRODUCTORY AND HISTORICAL - - -Pistol shooting has been practiced ever since "grained" gunpowder came -into general use. It is only recently, however, that it has developed into -a popular pastime and has been recognized as a legitimate sport.[1] - -The useful and practical qualities of the pistol and revolver have been -developed almost wholly during the last half-century. Before this period -the small arms designed to be fired with one hand were crude and -inaccurate, and were intended to be used only at short range as weapons of -defense. The single-barreled muzzle-loading pistol has, nevertheless, been -part of the army and navy officer's equipment since the sixteenth century. -These pistols were of large caliber, smooth-bored, heavy, and unwieldy. -The load was a spherical bullet and a large charge of powder. Enough -accuracy was obtained to hit a man at 15 to 20 paces, which was deemed -sufficient. The usefulness of these arms in action was limited to the -firing of a single shot, and then using them as missiles or clubs. - -The pistol in early days was considered a gentleman's arm--a luxury. It -was the arm generally selected for duelling when that code was in vogue, -the contestants standing 10 to 20 paces apart and firing at the word of -command. - -The development of the pistol has been contemporaneous and closely -identified with that of the rifle. With the grooving or rifling of the -barrel, the accuracy was greatly improved and the arm adapted to conical -bullets. Although numerous attempts were made to devise a multishot arm -with flint, wheel, and match locks, it was not until the percussion cap -was invented that a practicable arm of this character was produced. This -was a "revolver" invented by Colonel Colt of Hartford, Conn., in 1835, and -consisted of a single barrel with a revolving cylinder at the breech -containing the charges, the mechanism being such that the cocking of the -piece after each discharge revolved the cylinder sufficiently to bring a -loaded chamber in line with the barrel. - -The greatest advance in the development of firearms was the introduction -of the system of breech-loading, employing ammunition in the form of -cartridges. This principle rendered the operation of loading much simpler -and quicker, and vastly improved the efficiency and general utility of the -arms.[2] - -The present popularity of pistol and revolver shooting is due, no doubt, -to recent improvements in the arms and ammunition. The arms are now -marvels of fine workmanship, easy to manipulate, durable, and extremely -accurate. With the introduction of smokeless powders, the smoke, fouling, -and noise have been reduced to a minimum. The effect of these improvements -has been, not only to increase the efficiency of the arms, but also the -pleasure of shooting them. - -As a sport, pistol shooting has much to commend it. It is a healthful -exercise, being practiced out-of-doors in the open air. There are no -undesirable concomitants, such as gambling, coarseness, and rough and -dangerous play. In order to excel, regular and temperate habits of life -must be formed and maintained. It renders the senses more alert and trains -them to act in unison and in harmony. But, above all, skill in shooting is -a useful accomplishment. - -Anyone possessing ordinary health and good sight may, by practice, become -a good pistol shot. Persons who are richly endowed by nature with those -physical qualities which specially fit them for expert shooting will, of -course, master the art sooner than those less favored; but it has been -conclusively shown that excellence is more a question of training and -practice than of natural gift. Some of the most brilliant shooting has -been done by persons possessing a decidedly nervous temperament; but those -of phlegmatic temperament will generally make more uniform and reliable -marksmen. - -It is much more difficult to shoot well with the pistol or revolver than -with the rifle. The latter, having a stock to rest against the shoulder -and steady one end of the piece, has a decided advantage in quick aiming -and in pulling the trigger. The former, without a stock and being held in -one hand with the arm extended so as to be free from the body, is without -any anchor or support whatever, and is free to move in all directions. -Consequently the least jar, jerk in pulling the trigger, puff of wind, or -unsteadiness of the hand greatly disturbs the aim. Intelligent practice -will, however, overcome these difficulties and disadvantages to such a -degree that an expert shot with a pistol or revolver under favorable -conditions can equal a fair shot with a rifle at the target up to 200 -yards. When the novice essays to shoot the pistol or revolver, the results -are generally disappointing and discouraging; but rapid progress -invariably rewards the efforts of those who persevere, and when once -thoroughly interested in this style of shooting, there comes a fascination -for it that frequently endures throughout a lifetime. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -ARMS - - -The term "pistol" is frequently applied indiscriminately to the -single-shot pistol and the revolver. A marked distinction between these -arms has gradually been developed. - -The pistol is now recognized as a single-shot arm, adapted for a light -charge and designed to secure extreme accuracy. Its use is limited almost -exclusively to target and exhibition shooting. - -The modern revolver is an arm with a revolving cylinder holding five or -six cartridges, which are at the instant command of the shooter before it -is necessary to reload. It is designed for heavy charges, and is a -practical and formidable weapon. Revolvers are made in great variety, and -adapted for various purposes, such as military service, target shooting, -pocket weapons, etc. The best grades of pistols and revolvers may be had -at a reasonable price. The cheap grades with which the market is at all -times flooded should be avoided. They are incapable of doing good work, -and frequently are positively dangerous, on account of being made of -inferior materials. - -The magazine or automatic pistol is the latest type of hand firearm. It is -a multishot pistol in which the mechanism is operated automatically by the -recoil. Pulling the trigger is the only manual operation necessary to fire -successive shots until the supply of cartridges in the magazine (usually -six to ten) is exhausted. The first models were introduced about 1898. -These had many defects and objections, such as failure to function -regularly, danger in manipulation due to insufficient safety devices, poor -balance, unsightly lines, etc. Nevertheless the advantages of this type of -arm over the revolver for military purposes in effective range, rapidity -of fire, accuracy, interchangeability, etc., were soon recognized and -manufacturers were encouraged to improve and perfect them. - -Practically all the mechanical defects referred to have been corrected, -the balance and the lines improved, and safety devices introduced so that -these arms are now well adapted for military use and are rapidly -superseding the revolver as service weapons in the United States army and -navy. A synopsis of the severe tests leading to the adoption of a magazine -pistol by the War Department of the United States government may be found -in the Appendix. - -_Military Arms._--The revolver and the magazine pistol are used for -military service. To fulfill the requirements these arms must be strong, -very durable, and withstand a great amount of hard usage without becoming -disabled. The effectiveness, or "stopping power," is of prime importance. -The caliber should be large, the bullet should have a blunt point, and the -powder charge should be sufficiently powerful to give a penetration of at -least six inches in pine. There was a tendency some years ago to reduce -the caliber of military revolvers. While this resulted in increased -velocity and penetration, and reduced the weight of the ammunition, it did -not improve the stopping power of the arms. - -The ineffectiveness of the .38-caliber service revolver charge was -frequently complained of by the officers and men serving in the Philippine -Islands. This was due to the light powder charge and the conoidal shaped -point of the bullet. To remedy this weakness .45-caliber revolvers were -issued for the Philippine service, and a new .45-caliber cartridge -designed to which magazine pistol manufacturers were invited to adapt an -arm. Unfortunately this new cartridge, which is now the service -ammunition, has also a conoidal pointed bullet, is not well proportioned, -and consequently develops only a part of its stopping power possibilities. - -The sights must in all cases be very substantial, and solidly fixed to the -frame or barrel. The trigger pull varies from 4 to 8 pounds, the barrel -from 4 to 7 1/2 inches in length, and the weight from 2 to 2 3/4 pounds. -Ammunition loaded with smokeless powder is now invariably used for -military service. - -The service revolvers still in use in the United States army and navy are -the Smith & Wesson and Colt, both .38 caliber, and taking the same -ammunition. They have passed the prescribed series of tests as established -by the United States government,[3] and as improved and perfected -represent, without doubt, the highest development of the military -revolver. - -These arms, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, have solid frames, and the actions are -almost identical, the cylinder swinging out to the left, on a hinge, when -released by a catch. The shells may then be extracted simultaneously by -pushing back the extractor rod. The Smith & Wesson has an additional -hinge-locking device in front of the cylinder. The Colt has an automatic -safety lock between the hammer and the frame, permitting discharge only -when the trigger is pulled. Apart from these features there is very little -difference between these arms. - -The Smith & Wesson .44-caliber Military Revolver is the latest model of -the large caliber revolvers. Its action and general lines are the same as -the .38-caliber military, but it is a larger, heavier, and more powerful -weapon. - -Other excellent military revolvers are the Colt New Service and the Smith -& Wesson Russian model, usually in .45 caliber and .44 caliber, -respectively. The ammunition for these arms was formerly loaded with black -powder; but smokeless cartridges have been adapted to them, which give -slightly increased velocity and the same accuracy. (See Fig. 4, facing p. -24.) - -The Smith & Wesson Russian model has a hinge "tip-up" action, with an -automatic ejecting device. The action is operated by raising a catch in -front of the hammer. It is easy to manipulate and, on account of the -accessibility of the breech, the barrel can be readily inspected and -cleaned. This arm is single action. (See Fig. 5, facing p. 24.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 1.--SMITH & WESSON 38 cal. MILITARY REVOLVER Six -shots; 6 1/2 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 15 oz.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 2.--COLT ARMY SPECIAL REVOLVER Six shots; 6 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs. 3 oz., .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig 3.--SMITH & WESSON .44 cal. MILITARY REVOLVER. Six -shots; 6 1/2 inch barrel; weight 2 lbs. 6 1/2 oz.] - -The action of the Colt New Service is similar to that of the .38-caliber -revolver shown in Fig. 2, with a solid frame. It is double action. - -The Colt Officer's Model is identical in every respect with the Army -Special except that it is fitted with adjustable target sights and may be -had with lengths of barrel up to 7 1/2 inches. - -The foregoing arms, with good ammunition, are capable of making groups of -ten shots on a 3-inch circle at 50 yards. - -The Colt single action Army is the most popular belt or holster weapon -among ranchmen, cowboys, prospectors, and others. It has a solid frame, -simple mechanism, and is exceedingly durable and reliable. The arm is -operated by opening a gate on the right-hand side, back of the cylinder. -The cartridges are inserted in the cylinder through the gate, the cylinder -being revolved by hand until the respective chambers come opposite the -gate. In the same manner the shells are ejected by pushing the extractor -rod back into each of the chambers. (See Fig. 6, facing p. 24.) - -The Smith & Wesson Schofield Model, .45 caliber, was formerly a United -States service weapon. The ammunition for this arm, while less powerful -than the .45 Colt, was admirably adapted for military service, and had -much less recoil. - -The Webley & Scott W. S. Model revolver is an English arm of much merit. -The caliber is .455. It has a hinge "tip-up" action, with an automatic -extractor very similar to the Smith & Wesson. (See Fig. 7, facing p. 26.) - -The service weapon adopted by the Joint War Office and Admiralty Committee -for the British army and navy is the Webley & Scott "Mark IV," or "Service -Model," revolver. This model is almost identical with the W. S. Model, -except that the barrel is 4 inches long and the weight is 2 lbs. 3 oz. On -account of the short barrel, the accuracy of this weapon does not equal -that of the W. S. Model. - -Another English arm is the "Webley-Fosbury" automatic revolver. The recoil -revolving the cylinder and cocking the hammer, it can be fired as rapidly -as the automatic pistols. It is chambered for the .455 service cartridge -loaded with 5 1/2 grains of cordite. This arm has been introduced since -1900. (See Fig. 8, facing p. 26.) - -Among the leading magazine or automatic pistols used for military service -are the Colt, Luger, Webley & Scott, Savage, Mauser, Knoble, Bergmann, -White-Merrill, Steyr, Mannlicher, Mors and Bayard. Most of these arms were -tested by the United States government[4] previous to the adoption of the -Colt as the service weapon of the U. S. Army and Navy. (See Fig. 9, facing -p. 26.) - -The Luger has been adopted as the service weapon by Germany, Switzerland, -Portugal, Bulgaria, Holland, and Brazil. (See Fig. 10, facing p. 28.) - -The Webley-Scott (.455 caliber) was adopted as the service arm by the -British navy in 1911, and the .32-caliber (weight 1 lb. 2 oz.) is now the -adopted arm of the London City and Metropolitan police forces. (See Fig. -11, facing p. 28.) - -In most of these weapons, including the Colt, Webley & Scott, Luger, and -Steyr pistols, the cartridges are inserted in magazines which feed them -into the breech through the handle. In the Mauser pistol the cartridges -are supplied through clips from the top and forced into a magazine located -in front of the trigger. (See Fig. 12, facing p. 28.) - -The magazine pistols can be fired at the rate of about five shots per -second. These arms equal the best military revolvers in accuracy. - -Many persons believe that the magazine pistol will soon supersede the -revolver for general use. While this may be the case eventually, it is not -likely to occur within the next few years. The magazine pistol is more -complicated, and consequently more difficult to learn to shoot with and -care for, than the revolver. On account of the special problems to be -solved in the mechanism, many of them balance poorly and the trigger pull -is almost invariably long and creeping. The novice will also find it -difficult to avoid flinching in shooting these arms, on account of the -recoil mechanism, louder report, etc. The line of sight being considerably -higher than the grip, if they are not held perfectly plumb, or in the same -position at each shot, the shooting is liable to be irregular. The cost is -more than that of a good revolver. Until these undesirable features can be -remedied or eliminated, the revolver will probably remain a popular arm. - -_Target Arms._--For target purposes the greatest possible accuracy is -desirable. To obtain this, many features essential in a military arm are -sacrificed. Delicate adjustable sights are employed, the trigger pull is -reduced, the length of the barrel is increased, the charge reduced, etc. - -[Illustration: Fig. 4.--COLT NEW SERVICE REVOLVER Six shots; 5 1/2 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 8 oz.; .45 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 5.--SMITH & WESSON RUSSIAN MODEL REVOLVER Six shots; -6 1/2 inch barrel; weight, 39 1/4 oz.; .44 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 6.--COLT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER Six shots; 5 1/2 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs. 6 oz.; .45 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 7.--WEBLEY & SCOTT "W. S." MODEL REVOLVER Six shots; -7 1/2 inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7 oz.; .455 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 8.--WEBLEY & FOSBURY AUTOMATIC REVOLVER. Six shots; 6 -inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 10 oz.; .455 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 9.--COLT AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Seven shots; 5 inch barrel; -weight, 2 lbs. 7 oz.; .45 cal.] - -The most accurate arms available at the present time are the single-shot -pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass., The J. Stevens -Arms & Tool Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass.; Fred Adolph, Genoa, N. Y. These -pistols are furnished in calibers from .22 rim-fire to .38 central-fire. -The barrels are generally 10 inches in length and the trigger pull 2 -pounds. In the latest approved form these pistols are of .22 caliber -specially bored and chambered for the rim-fire, .22 caliber long rifle -cartridge. This is a light, clean, pleasant shooting charge, and may be -fired many times with very little fatigue. Pistol shooting with arms of -this caliber is rapidly becoming a popular pastime for ladies as well as -gentlemen. - -The Smith & Wesson pistol has a tip-up action and an automatic extractor. -It is made of the best materials and with the greatest care. The fitting -and workmanship are superior to that of any other machine-made pistol. The -action is similar to that of the Russian Model revolver. (See Fig. 13, -facing p. 30.) - -The Stevens pistols were formerly furnished in three models and for many -years they have enjoyed merited popularity for target shooting among the -leading marksmen. This pistol is now supplied only in the No. 35 or -"Offhand Target Model," which like the earlier models has a tip-up action -and an automatic extractor. A small knob on the left side is pressed to -release the barrel and operate the action. (See Fig. 14, facing p. 30.) - -The Remington pistol has an exceedingly strong action, and is the only -machine-made pistol with an action adapted for regulation .44, .45, and -.50 caliber cartridges. It has a large handle and a heavy barrel. The -action is operated when the hammer is at full-cock by throwing back the -breech-block with the thumb, simultaneously ejecting the empty shell. -Unfortunately the manufacture of these weapons has recently been -discontinued. (See Fig. 15, facing p. 30.) - -The Adolph-Weber pistol designed by M. Casimir Weber, of Zurich, -Switzerland, is a high grade hand-made arm that can be supplied by Mr. -Fred Adolph in accordance with any specifications that the marksman may -desire. Fig. 16 illustrates it conforming to the rules and regulations of -the U. S. Revolver Association. It has a strong, durable, tip-up action -resembling in principle that of the Stevens, and when closed the barrel is -securely locked in position by a cross bolt, actuated by a button on the -left side. (See Fig. 16, facing p. 32.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 10.--THE PARABELLUM OR "LUGER" AUTOMATIC PISTOL Eight -shots; 4-5/8 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 13.4 oz.; .30 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 11.--WEBLEY & SCOTT AUTOMATIC PISTOL Eight shots; 5 -inch barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7 1/2 oz.; .455 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 12.--MAUSER AUTOMATIC PISTOL Ten shots; 5 1/2 inch -barrel; weight, 2 lbs., 7 1/2 oz.; .30 cal.] - -The Adolph-Martini is a weapon _de luxe_ that has been produced in the -same manner as the Adolph-Weber, in which the action of the Martini rifle -has been employed. It has double set triggers and is highly ornate. - -The Adolph "H. V." is a .22 caliber pistol adapted for a special high -velocity cartridge developing a muzzle velocity of 2,000 ft. per second -and an energy of 623 foot-pounds. - -With good ammunition all these pistols are capable of placing ten shots -within a 2-inch circle at 50 yards. - -A very accurate pistol for gallery and short-range shooting is made by M. -Gastinne-Renette of Paris and used in his gallery in that city. These are -muzzle-loading and are very tedious and inconvenient to manipulate. For -this reason they have not become popular. A few of these arms have been -made up as breech-loaders, with a tip-up action similar to the Stevens, -but operated by a side lever under the hammer and chambered for the .44 -Russian cartridge. In this form with gallery charges the pistol has given -very good results. (See Fig. 17, facing p. 32.) - -The revolver is not quite as accurate as the pistol, on account of the -necessity of having the cylinder detached from the barrel. If the pin on -which the cylinder revolves is not at right angles with the end of the -cylinder, there will be more space between the cylinder and the breech -end of the barrel in some positions of the cylinder than in others. The -result will be varying amounts of gas escaping from the different chambers -of the cylinder, and consequently irregular shooting. The accuracy of the -revolver depends largely, too, upon the degree of perfection in which all -the chambers of the cylinder align with the bore of the barrel at the -instant of discharge. When the chambers do not align perfectly, the bullet -enters the barrel eccentrically and a portion of it is shaved off. This is -fatal to accuracy, especially when smokeless powder is used. Imperfect -alignment of chamber and barrel is also a frequent cause of the "leading" -of the barrel. Some very ingenious mechanical expedients are used in the -best revolvers to reduce to a minimum the wear of those parts which -operate and hold the cylinder in position. - -The revolvers generally used for target shooting are the military arms -already described, with longer barrels, chambered for special cartridges, -fitted with target sights, special handles, and other modifications to -suit the whims and tastes of individuals. - -Some of these modifications are distinctly advantageous. One of the most -recent fads is to skeletonize the hammer by boring away as much metal -as possible and to increase the tension of the main spring. The combined -effect is almost instant response to the trigger pull. - -[Illustration: Fig. 13.--SMITH & WESSON PISTOL Ten-inch barrel; weight, 1 -lb., 8 3/4 oz., .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 14--STEVENS PISTOL, GOULD MODEL Ten-inch barrel; -weight, 1 lb., 10 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 15.--REMINGTON PISTOL Ten-inch barrel, weight, 2 lbs., -8 oz.; .44 cal.] - -The best and most experienced shots are careful to keep the modifications -of all their arms within the rules and regulations of the various national -organizations,[5] in order that they may be used in the annual -competitions and other important events. These organizations control the -pistol and revolver shooting, and conduct annual competitions. "Freak" -arms which do not comply with the rules are not allowed in the -competitions, are seldom practical, and have little or no value other than -for experimental purposes. Target arms are generally used for trick and -exhibition shooting.[6] - -_Pocket Arms._--The most extensive use of the revolver as a pocket weapon -is for police service. Special arms are manufactured to meet the -requirements. These weapons are generally similar to the military -revolvers, but smaller in size and adapted for lighter charges. All -projections, such as sights, hammer, etc., must be eliminated or minimized -so as not to catch in drawing the arm from the pocket or holster. The -barrels are usually from 3 to 5 inches in length, the trigger pull 4 -pounds and the caliber .22 to .38. The larger calibers are much preferable -for the general purposes of an arm of this character. The difference in -weight is slight, while the power and effectiveness of the large calibers -is important and a great advantage. - -The pocket arms shown in Figs. 18 and 19 are practically reduced sizes of -the military arms shown in Figs. 1 and 2. They have solid frames and -actions identical with those of the military arms. The Smith & Wesson is -made only in .32 caliber but the Colt may be had in .32 or .38. Both are -double action. - -The Colt Police Special is similar in model to Fig. 18 but is slightly -larger and heavier and can be had chambered for the powerful .38 caliber -Special, or the .32 caliber Winchester cartridges. - -The Smith & Wesson Double Action, Perfected, is an improved model of this -popular pocket weapon, having a double locking action. (See Fig. 20, -facing p. 34.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 16--ADOLPH WEBER PISTOL Ten-inch barrel; weight, 2 -lbs. 2 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 17--GASTINNE-RENETTE PISTOL 10-3/16 inch barrel; -weight, 2 lbs. 6 oz.; .44 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 17a--COLT AUTOMATIC TARGET PISTOL Ten shots; 6 1/2 -inch barrel; weight, 28 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 18--COLT POLICE POSITIVE REVOLVER Six shots; 4 inch -barrel; weight, 1 lb., 4 oz.; .32 cal.] - -One of the most popular pocket revolvers is the Smith & Wesson Safety -Hammerless. This arm has a safety latch in the back of the handle, so -designed that unless the piece is properly held it is impossible to -operate it. It has many valuable and desirable features to commend it as a -practical pocket weapon and for home protection. The standard length of -barrel is 4 inches. This arm is also furnished in .32 caliber. (See Fig. -21, facing p. 34.) - -With 4-inch barrels, the foregoing pocket weapons are capable of shooting -regularly within a 2-inch circle at 20 yards. - -A heavier and correspondingly more powerful Pocket revolver is the Colt -"Double Action" revolver. This arm is chambered for the Colt .41 caliber -short and long cartridges. It has a solid frame, and is operated exactly -like the Colt Single Action Army Model (Fig 6). It is compact, strong, -durable, and accurate. - -For many years there was no high grade .22 caliber revolver on the market. -Within the last few years two excellent arms in this caliber have been -produced. The Smith & Wesson is supplied chambered only for the S. & W. -long cartridges, but in two lengths of barrels; 3 inches with fixed sights -and 6 inches with target sights. The Colt is furnished only in one length -of barrel, 6 inches, but chambered for any of the rim-fire cartridges, -and the .32 caliber short and long Colt, central-fire cartridges. These -arms with 6-inch barrels are extremely accurate, pleasant to shoot on -account of the light recoil and the ammunition is inexpensive. They are -well adapted for target shooting for ladies and excellent for small game -shooting. (See Figs. 22 and 23.) - -A very handy little arm to carry in the pocket on hunting and fishing -trips is the Stevens Diamond Model single-shot pistol. It is light in -weight, very accurate, and low in cost. (See Fig. 24, facing p. 36.) - -All these .22 caliber arms can be depended on to kill grouse, ducks, -rabbits, and other small game. The hollow-pointed bullet ammunition should -be used, or the regular cartridge, with the front of the bullet cut off -square, so as to leave a flat point. This will increase the killing effect -of the bullet considerably. - -Magazine pistols of smaller size than the military arms have in recent -years become popular as pocket weapons. Such types as have safety devices -to prevent discharge when the arm is not properly held for firing, are -well adapted for this purpose. - -The Colt Pocket Models are made in .38 caliber and .32 caliber as shown in -Fig. 25, and in .25 caliber as illustrated in Fig. 26 (facing pp. 36 -and 38.) - -[Illustration: Fig. 19--SMITH & WESSON HAND EJECTOR REVOLVER Six shots; -4 1/2 inch barrel; weight, 18 1/2 oz.; .32 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 20.--SMITH & WESSON DOUBLE ACTION PERFECTED REVOLVER -Five shots; 4 inch barrel; weight, 17 1/4 oz.; .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 21.--SMITH & WESSON SAFETY HAMMERLESS REVOLVER Five -shots; 4 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 1 1/4 oz.; .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 22.--SMITH & WESSON POCKET REVOLVER Seven shots; 3 1/2 -inch barrel; weight, 10 oz.; .22 cal.] - -The Savage Pocket Model is made in .38 and .32 caliber using the same -cartridge as the Colt. It has an automatic indicator showing when the arm -is loaded. A recent improvement in this arm is a spur cocking lever which -permits cocking with the thumb of the hand holding the weapon. (See Fig. -27, facing p. 38.) - -The Smith & Wesson automatic is furnished only in .35 caliber. It has a -wood stock backed by steel plates. The automatic safety in this arm is -located in front of the trigger guard and is operated by the second -finger. (See Fig. 28, facing p. 38.) - -As in the case of pocket revolvers, the larger calibers of the pocket -automatic pistols will be found to have better stopping power and as -practical weapons for use in case of emergency are to be preferred to the -smaller calibers. - -Persons who have very limited use for a weapon as for home protection and -occasional pocket use, especially when they do not expect to practice -shooting with it regularly will find a suitable revolver much more -serviceable, safer, and generally more satisfactory than a magazine -pistol. The latter on account of its more complicated and concealed -mechanism is liable to be left in an unserviceable condition for safety in -the home (unloaded, magazines misplaced, etc.) and when needed, -unfamiliarity with its manipulation not only causes delay in getting it in -action but also is a fruitful source of accident. For the purpose referred -to in this paragraph a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless, a .38 -or .32 caliber Colt Police Positive, or a .32 caliber Smith & Wesson Hand -Ejector with a 4-inch barrel and a 4-pound trigger pull in each case is -recommended. Owners of such weapons for home or personal protection should -practice with them occasionally, firing at least 20 or 25 shots. A good -range for such practice is 20 to 30 feet. After using the arm it should in -all cases be carefully cleaned and oiled as described under "Cleaning and -Care of Arms." - -[Illustration: Fig. 23--COLT POLICE POSITIVE TARGET REVOLVER Seven shots; -6 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 6 oz.; .22 and .32 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 24.--STEVENS DIAMOND MODEL PISTOL Six inch barrel; -weight, 8 3/4 oz.; .22 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 25.--COLT AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Eight shots; 3 3/4 -inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 7 oz.; .32 and .38 cal.] - - - - -CHAPTER III - -AMMUNITION - - -The degree of perfection that has been attained in the manufacture of -ammunition is remarkable. Generally speaking, the smaller the charge the -more difficult it is to make it accurate. Notwithstanding this, we have in -the .22 caliber ammunition a tiny cartridge the accuracy of which falls -little short of marvellous. - -Until 1907 black powder ammunition was used almost exclusively for pistol -and revolver shooting. In central-fire ammunition smokeless powders are -now invariably used, especially in military shooting, where the regulation -full charge is required. In the .22 caliber pistols, the fouling of the -black powder is not a very serious matter, and it is not uncommon to shoot -fifty or a hundred rounds without the necessity of cleaning. In the larger -calibers, however, the fouling is frequently so excessive that it affects -the accuracy after the fifth shot. The incessant cleaning that is -necessary in order to get good results with black powder ammunition was a -great drawback, and detracted much from the pleasure of revolver shooting. -Fortunately this objection is now entirely eliminated by the use of -smokeless powders. - -Nearly all the cartridges referred to in this chapter were originally -designed for black powder. The various manufacturers now supply them -loaded with smokeless powder at a very slight advance in price. The -cartridges are loaded so as to give approximately the same velocity as the -former black powder charges but the new charges are rarely the exact -equivalent of the old ones. - -The accuracy and uniformity with the smokeless powder was not at first -equal to that of the black, but with a better knowledge of the action and -behavior of the smokeless powders, these difficulties have been overcome -and the smokeless ammunition now gives not only superior accuracy and -reliability, but also causes much less fouling and smoke and has a lighter -report. In "gallery" ammunition light conical bullets have entirely -superseded spherical bullets and smokeless powder is almost invariably -used. - -To obtain the best results, the proportions of any charge must be adapted -to the caliber, length of barrel, and weight of the arm in which it is -to be used. These proportions are generally determined by experiment. - -[Illustration: Fig 26 COLT AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Seven shots; 2 inch -barrel; weight, 13 oz.: 25 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 27--SAVAGE AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Ten shots; 4 1/4 -inch barrel; weight, 1 lb. 5 oz.; .32 and .38 cal.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 28.--SMITH & WESSON AUTOMATIC POCKET PISTOL Eight -shots; 3 1/2 inch barrel; weight, 1 lb., 7 3/4 oz.; .35 cal.] - -The accuracy of the cartridge depends largely upon the uniformity -exercised in the operations of loading, the fit of the bullet, its shape, -and the reliability and uniformity of the powder. The primer must be of -uniform strength also, especially in reduced charges. In ammunition for -military service the shells are crimped on the bullets to hold them in -place. This does not increase the accuracy in black powder ammunition, but -it is necessary and advantageous in all smokeless ammunition including -gallery charges, in order to confine the powder and produce uniform -results. - -The following is a digest of the principal pistol and revolver cartridges -in use at the present time. - -_Rim-fire Cartridges._--These are primed with a fulminate of mercury -mixture around the outer edge of the rim, or base of the shell, and are -generally loaded with Lesmok, semi-smokeless, or black powder. - -[Illustration: Figure 29.] - -The smallest and lightest charged ammunition in general use is the .22 -caliber. In this caliber the "C. B." or Conical Ball Cap loaded with -black powder is the smallest practicable cartridge. The charge is 1 1/2 -grains of powder and a lubricated conical bullet weighing 29 grains. - -[Illustration: Figure 30.] - -An excellent cartridge in this caliber is the .22 short, (Fig. 30). This -cartridge fouls very little and is almost equal in accuracy to the .22 -"long rifle" up to 50 yards. On account of its lighter report it is -preferred by many for gallery shooting. - -[Illustration: Figure 31.] - -The .22 caliber "long rifle" cartridge is more extensively used for pistol -shooting than any other. It is the most accurate of the .22-caliber -cartridges, being well proportioned, the bullet well lubricated, and the -shell uncrimped. In addition to this, the ammunition is inexpensive and -has very clean shooting qualities. It is, therefore, particularly well -adapted for pistol shooting. This cartridge, fired from a 10-inch barrel, -will shoot regularly inside of a 2-inch circle, at 50 yards, and inside a -5-inch circle at 100 yards. - -The .22-caliber Long Rifle "Armory" and the .22-caliber Smith & Wesson -Long are special makes of the long rifle cartridge that are furnished with -a crimped shell, preventing the bullet from becoming dislodged and thus -adapting this popular cartridge for use in revolvers of this caliber. - -In all of the foregoing cartridges only the surface of the bullet outside -the shell is lubricated. Exposed in this way, the lubricant is easily -rubbed off, or melted if allowed to stand in the sunlight on a warm day. -Great care should be taken to prevent this, as, without lubrication, the -bullets will lead the barrel and cause inaccurate shooting. - -[Illustration: Figure 32.] - -The .22-caliber Winchester is a cartridge with inside lubrication. It is -more powerful than the .22 long rifle, and gives good results in the -pistol. The bullet has a flat point, making it suitable for game shooting, -and the lubrication being within the shell, these cartridges may be -carried loose in the pocket. - -All of the .22 caliber cartridges can be had with hollow-pointed bullets, -which are to be preferred for game shooting. They are also furnished -loaded with smokeless powder. When this powder was first used in -.22-caliber ammunition the results were far from satisfactory, but as now -manufactured the smokeless ammunition approximates very closely in -uniformity and accuracy to that loaded with black powder. - -There still remains, however, considerable difficulty with the rim-fire -smokeless cartridges on account of their liability to rust the inside of -the barrel.[7] The novice is therefore cautioned not to use this -ammunition until the difficulty of rusting is overcome. - -The .25-cal. Stevens is a much more powerful cartridge than any of the -preceding, and gives excellent results in the pistol. It is selected by -those who wish a more powerful rim-fire cartridge than is furnished in .22 -caliber. - -[Illustration: Figure 33.] - -Rim-fire cartridges in larger caliber than .25 are used for derringers -(large-bore, single-shot pocket pistols now seldom used) and inferior -grades of revolvers. These cartridges sometimes lack uniformity in caliber -when made by different manufacturers, are frequently defective, and -discharge occasionally in closing the action of the arm in which they are -loaded. They consequently lack the safety, reliability, and accuracy of -the corresponding calibers in central-fire ammunition. Rim-fire cartridges -cannot be reloaded. - -_Central-fire Cartridges._--This type of cartridge has a brass or copper -primer fitted with a skeleton anvil of brass and charged with a small -quantity of priming composition containing a sensitive explosive for -igniting the powder charge. The primer fits water-tight in a socket in the -center of the base of the shell. After being discharged, the primer can be -renewed and the shell reloaded. - -In all the central-fire cartridges the lubrication of the bullet is -inside of the shell, rendering the ammunition much more serviceable and -less liable to be damaged. - -Mantled bullets designated as "metal pointed" and "full metal patched" can -be supplied by the ammunition manufacturers for all the central-fire -cartridges at a cost of one dollar per thousand more than the regular lead -bullets. The mantled bullets do not deform as readily in handling, -shipping, etc., and give slightly increased penetration in soft woods, -animal tissue, etc., as compared with the plain lead bullet with the same -powder charge. - -[Illustration: Figure 34.] - -[Illustration: Figure 35.] - -The .32-caliber S. & W. cartridge is adapted to the Smith & Wesson, Colt, -or other pocket revolvers. Occasionally single-shot pistols are chambered -for this cartridge. It is fairly accurate at ranges up to 50 yds. A -gallery charge is furnished in this shell consisting of 4 grains of black -powder and a spherical or "round" bullet weighing 47 grains. - -The .32-cal. S. & W. Long is more accurate and powerful than the preceding -cartridge. It gives excellent results in both the pistol and revolver. -The gallery charge is the same as that of the .32 S. & W. - -The .32-caliber Colt New Police is also an accurate cartridge, and was -designed specially for the Colt New Police revolver. The flat point adds -to its effectiveness. A good gallery charge in this shell consists of a -powder charge of 1 1/2 grains of Bullseye and the regular bullet. - -[Illustration: Figure 36.] - -The .32-44 S. & W. and the .38-44 S. & W. were special black powder -cartridges designed for the S. & W. Russian Model revolver bored for these -calibers. The shells were uncrimped and the bullets seated inside of the -shells flush with the mouth. A large variety of special bullets of varying -weights were designed for these cartridges and much experimentation was -done with them. The .38-44 Caliber was originally designed for and largely -used by Chevalier Ira A. Paine, the noted pistol shot in his exhibitions. - -While these cartridges proved very accurate and were popular when black -powder was in general use they are entirely unsuited for smokeless -powders and consequently are now seldom used. - -The .38 S. & W. is adapted to the Smith & Wesson, Colt, and other pocket -revolvers. It is much more powerful than the .32 S. & W., and is -consequently more practical and better adapted for a pocket revolver -charge. When shot from a 4-inch barrel, groups of ten shots can be made in -a 2-inch circle at 20 yards and in a 6-inch circle at 50 yards. - -A good gallery or reduced load in this shell is Ideal Bullet No. 358242, -36072, or 360302 with 2 grains of Bullseye powder. - -[Illustration: Figure 37.] - -[Illustration: Figure 38.] - -The .38 Colt New Police is almost identical with the .38 S. & W., the only -difference being a slightly heavier bullet with a flat point. - -[Illustration: Figure 39.] - -The .38 Long Colt is adapted to the Colt and S. & W. Military revolvers. -It was the regulation charge of the service weapon of the U. S. Army until -1911. Under service conditions the cartridge was found to have -insufficient power, was inaccurate and on account of the deterioration of -the powder with which some of the ammunition was loaded it proved most -unsatisfactory, especially in the Philippine war. - -[Illustration: Figure 40.] - -The .38 Smith & Wesson Special cartridge is more powerful than the .38 -Long Colt and is exceedingly accurate. From a 6-inch barrel six shots may -be placed within a 5-inch circle at 100 yards. Numerous gallery and -mid-range charges with special bullets have been designed for this -cartridge. It is now the most popular of all the revolver cartridges for -target practice. Some of the special bullets are illustrated herewith, the -numbers being those used in the "Ideal Handbook": - -[Illustration: - - 358242 360345 36072 - 125 gr. 115 gr. 110 gr.] - -[Illustration: Figure 41. - - 360302 360271 360363 - 112 gr. 150 gr. 70 gr.] - -A powder charge of 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 grains of Bullseye will give good -results with any of these bullets. Bullets No. 360345, 360302 and 360271 -cut full-size bullet holes in the targets. - -The following are some of the special charges supplied by the -manufacturers in this shell: - - ================================================================ - Name |Manufacturer|Weight in|Powder |Wt. in | Type - | | Grains |Charge |Bullets| Bullet - --------------|------------|---------|--------|-------|--------- - Gallery |U. M. C. Co.| 5.2 |Black | 70 |Spherical - Target |U. M. C. Co.| 2.6 |Bullseye| 130 |R. N. - Colt Special |U. M. C. Co.| 3.4 |Bullseye| 160 |F. N. - Sharp Shoulder|U. M. C. Co.| 2.1 |Bullseye| 122 |F. Head - Mid Range |Winchester | 2.0 |Bullseye| 104 |R. N. - Gallery |Winchester | 8.5 |C. P. W.| 70 |R. N. - ---------------------------------------------------------------- - -The .44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian[8] was the most popular revolver -cartridge for target shooting before smokeless powder was introduced. -Since smokeless charges have been adapted to it many expert shots prefer -this cartridge in the gallery contests as the large bullet hole is a -decided advantage over the smaller calibers at ranges of 20 yards and -under. Nearly all the great records in revolver shooting in the past have -been made with this cartridge and many important matches have been won -with it. A great deal of experimental work has also been done with it, and -many reduced charges have been evolved. The Ideal Manufacturing Company -can furnish moulds for bullets of the shapes and weights shown in Fig. 43. - -[Illustration: Figure 42.] - -[Illustration: Figure 43. - - 429336 429251 U.M.C. U.M.C. 429106 - 255 gr. 256 gr. 110 gr. 130 gr. 175 gr. - - 429348 429106 429239 429215 429220 - 176 gr. 160 gr. 125 gr. 205 gr. 175 gr.] - -Bullets No. 429336, 429348, and 429220 cut clean, full-size holes in the -target. The weight of the powder charge and bullets in grains and the -accuracy of the various loads fired from 6 1/2-inch barrel are about as -follows: - - =============================================================== - Bullseye |Bullet|Diameter of Circle Enclosing Group of 10 Shots - Powder | | - ---------|------|---------------------------------------------- - | | 20 yds. | 30 yds. | 50 yds. |100 yds.|200 yd. - 4.1 | 256 |1 in. |1 1/2 in. |1 1/2 in. |6 in. |15 in. - 2.3 | 110 |1 in. |2 in. | | | - 2.7 | 130 |1 1/4 in. |2 1/2 in. | | | - 3.0 | 160 | |2 in. |3 in.| | - 2.8 | 176 |1 1/2 in. | | | | - 3.0 | 175 | |2 1/2 in. | | | - 2.7 | 125 |1 1/4 in. |2 1/2 in. | | | - 3.2 | 205 | |2 in. |3 in.|7 in. | - 2.6 | 175 |1 1/4 in. | |3 1/4 in. | | - --------------------------------------------------------------- - -These various loads adapt this shell to almost any conceivable requirement -in revolver shooting. - -[Illustration: Figure 44.] - -The .44 S. & W. Special is the latest and most powerful of the .44-caliber -cartridges. It equals the .44 S. & W. Russian in accuracy and is the best -proportioned of the heavy revolver cartridges. The reduced and gallery -loads of the .44 S. & W. Russian will give equally good results in this -shell. - -[Illustration: Figure 45.] - -The .45 Colt Army is the most powerful of all the revolver cartridges. It -was formerly the United States army service ammunition. The charge was so -heavy, and the recoil so excessive that it was almost impossible to shoot -it without flinching. The smokeless powder charge of 5 grains of Bullseye -makes it much more practical and very similar to the .44 S. & W. Special -cartridge. Both of these are exceedingly powerful and accurate and -suitable for military service. - -[Illustration: Figure 46.] - -[Illustration: Figure 47.] - -The caliber of the service ammunition for the revolver of the British army -is .455. This is a very accurate cartridge, but not as powerful as the -corresponding military cartridges used in this country. A special -cylindrical bullet with a deep convex hollow point is furnished in the -same shell and is known as the "man stopper." - -This form of bullet is used in the English .450 and .38 caliber cartridges -also. - -The .450 Welby is another English cartridge that is accurate, and pleasant -to shoot. It is used largely at Bisley in the annual revolver competitions -of the National Rifle Association of Great Britain. - -In order to avoid excessive fouling with black powders a self-lubricating -bullet has been invented and introduced by Smith & Wesson, which can be -furnished in all calibers above .32. The bullet has a hollow core open in -the rear. Lubricant is filled into the core, after which it is closed with -a lead plunger. Four small ducts communicate from the forward end of the -core to the exterior of the bullet just ahead of its bearing on the -barrel. At the moment of discharge the plunger is driven forward, forcing -the lubricant through the ducts into the barrel ahead of the bullet. - -This bullet has given excellent results and will be found decidedly -advantageous when black powder is used. With it a hundred or more shots -may be fired with black powder without causing sufficient fouling to -impair the accuracy. - -Revolvers are sometimes chambered for the .44-40-200, the .38-40-180, and -the .32-20-115 rifle cartridges. These charges in black powder load are -not as accurate as the corresponding revolver cartridges in these -calibers, but can be relied on to shoot inside a 5-inch circle at 50 -yards. These cartridges are desirable for revolvers only when it is an -advantage to use the same ammunition in the rifle and revolver, or in -certain localities where only a few varieties of ammunition are to be had. -The large powder charge makes the recoil of the first two cartridges named -rather unpleasant. The .32-20-115 is the most accurate of these -cartridges, and gives the best results in the pistol or revolver. All -these cartridges having flat-pointed bullets are well adapted for game -shooting. None of these rifle cartridges loaded with smokeless powder will -give good results in revolvers because the brand of powder generally used -in rifle ammunition requires a long barrel to consume the charge. Fired -from a short barrel only part of the charge will be consumed and the rest -will be expelled unburned, thus reducing the velocity and power of the -charge and sometimes increasing the recoil. It is of course entirely -practicable to adapt a charge of bullseye or similar smokeless powder to -these shells which would make them much more satisfactory. Another -disadvantage of using the rifle cartridge in revolvers is the possibility -of inexperienced persons using the new high velocity rifle ammunition, -which would prove not only most unsatisfactory but extremely dangerous in -revolvers. There are no reduced or gallery loads supplied in these shells. - -[Illustration: Figure 48.] - -[Illustration: Figure 49.] - -[Illustration: Figure 50.] - -[Illustration: Figure 51.] - -[Illustration: Figure 52.] - -[Illustration: Figure 53.] - -_Automatic Pistol Cartridges._--With the introduction of the magazine -pistol special smokeless cartridges have been devised that are rimless and -have a crease around the base of the shell by which they may be held and -manipulated by the mechanism. These cartridges are exceedingly -clean-shooting. Several hundred rounds may be fired without causing more -fouling than is apparent after the first few shots. This ammunition is -furnished loaded with "full-mantled" and "soft-nosed" bullets; the latter, -having the lead exposed at the point will mushroom on striking animal -tissue and are sometimes referred to as "dum dum" bullets and are intended -for hunting purposes. - -[Illustration: Figure 54.] - -[Illustration: Figure 55.] - -[Illustration: Figure 56.] - -[Illustration: Figure 57.] - -The mantled or metal cased bullet has undoubted advantages in rifle -ammunition, in which low trajectory and extreme long range are -_desiderata_ that can be obtained only by high velocities. In ammunition -for magazine pistols and revolvers, however, the prime object is to -deliver the most effective blow possible at comparatively short range. - -The velocities attainable in large calibers within the permissible weight -of an automatic pistol are comparatively low. The deformation of any -bullet on striking animal tissue is in direct proportion to its velocity. -It is, therefore, extremely doubtful that a metal cased bullet will ever -prove as effective and satisfactory in "stopping power" and for military -service, either in the automatic pistol or the revolver, as the large -caliber lead bullet. - -The .25 cal. is the smallest of the American made automatic pistol -ammunition and is adapted for the Colt and other magazine pistols. It is -an accurate cartridge but the short length of barrel of the Colt weapon -makes it impossible to do accurate work with it. - -Figures 49 and 50 are the well known Luger and Mauser cartridges adapted -to the pistols of that name. They are powerful charges, accurate and clean -shooting. These were among the first cartridges developed for automatic -pistols and are still extensively used. - -The .32 Automatic Colt is adapted to Colt and other magazine pistols of -this caliber. It is an accurate, pleasant shooting cartridge with very -little recoil and excellent work can be done with it at the target. - -The .35 S. & W. Automatic is adapted to the Smith & Wesson magazine -pistol. It is a very accurate cartridge, has no unpleasant recoil and like -the preceding is well adapted for target shooting. - -Figure 53 is the .380 Automatic Colt cartridge designed to meet the -demand for a light charge in this caliber. It is adapted to the Colt and -other magazine pistols. - -The .38 Automatic Colt is the best proportioned and most powerful of all -automatic pistol cartridges. It has a slightly flattened point and is -extremely accurate. When fired from regulation arms this ammunition is -capable of placing ten shots inside a 3-inch circle at 50 yards and inside -a 7-inch circle at 100 yards. - -This was the ammunition of the first Colt automatic pistol introduced in -the United States. - -Figures 55 and 56 are two cartridges adapted to the .45 Automatic Colt -pistol. Figure 56 is the new service charge of the U. S. Army. They are -exactly alike except that the service charge has a 230 gr. bullet (30 gr. -heavier than the other). The service charge when fired from the regulation -service arm is capable of placing 10 shots in a 3 1/2-inch circle at 50 -yards and an 8-inch circle at 100 yards. - -A flat or blunt pointed bullet of about 185 gr. and a ten per cent. -heavier powder charge would improve the effectiveness and stopping power -of this cartridge wonderfully without materially affecting the recoil or -the accuracy. - -Figure 57 is the service charge of the regulation magazine pistol (Webley -& Scott) of the British Army. It is an accurate cartridge but it lacks -sufficient power to fulfill the exacting requirements of present-day -military service. - -Light or gallery charges in magazine pistol shells are impracticable on -account of not having sufficient recoil to operate the automatic -mechanism. Slightly reduced loads with lead bullets may be used in some of -the arms but seldom with satisfactory results. Reduced loads can be used -in most of the weapons if the mechanisms are hand operated for each shot. - -The following ballistical table gives the charges, muzzle velocities, -etc., of the principal factory-loaded, smokeless pistol and revolver -cartridges. The factories aim to keep the muzzle velocities uniform for -each cartridge. To produce this result with the various brands of -smokeless powder, all of which differ more or less in strength, the weight -of the powder charge necessarily varies for the different brands of -powder. Even when purchased in large quantities, different blends and -packages of the same brand of powder occasionally vary somewhat in -strength. For these reasons it is impossible to designate the exact weight -or volume of any brand of powder which will in all cases produce the -muzzle velocities in the table, and the charges given must therefore be -considered as approximate only. - - -BALLISTICAL TABLE - - KEY: - a. = BULLET: Exact diameter in inches - b. = BULLET: Weight in grains - c. = BULLET: Round or flat nosed - d. = Length of bbl. in arm tested - e. = Muzzle velocity (50 ft. from muzzle) - f. = Energy--foot lbs.: Wv{2} / 2g - g. = Penetration (inches in white pine) - - ======================================================================== - |Weight in Grains| | | | | - NAME OF | and Brand | BULLET | | | | - CARTRIDGE | of Powder |------------|----|------|-----|------ - | (Approx. only) | a. | b.|c.| d. | e. | f. | g. - -----------------|----------------|-----|---|--|----|------|-----|------ - _Rim Fire_: | | | | | | | | - .22 Short | 1.6 Lesmok |.223 | 30|RN| 6 | 789 | 41.5| 3 - .22 Long | 2.1 " |.223 | 35|RN| 6 | 770 | 46.2| 3 1/2 - .22 L. Rifle | 3.4 " |.223 | 40|RN| 6 | 765 | 51.8| 4 - .22 W. R. F. | 3.5 " |.2275| 45|FN| 6 | 811 | 65.8| 4 - _Central Fire_: | | | | | | | | - .25 Auto Colt | 1.1 Bullseye |.251 | 50|RN| 2 | 733 | 59.7| 3 - 7.63 m.m. Mauser | 5.5 " |.3105| 86|RN| 5 1/2 |1397 |373 |11 - 7.65 m.m. Luger | 4.1 " |.3095| 93|RN| 4-5/8 |1173.5|284.3|10 - 9 m.m. Luger | 4.6 " |.3555|125|FN| 4 |1039.2|299.8|10 - .32 W. C. F. | 10.0 Sharp- | | | | | | | - | shooter |.3125|115|FN| 5 1/2 | 954 |232.4| 5 - .32 Auto Colt | 2.5 Bullseye |.3125| 74|RN| 3 3/4 | 938 |144.8| 5 - .32 S. & W. | 1.5 " |.315 | 85|RN| 4 | 606.7| 69.5| 3 - .32 S. & W. | 1.5 " |.315 | 85|RN|10 | 902 |159 | 4 - .32 Lg. Colt | 2.0 " |.313 | 90|RN| 4 | 641.4| 82.2| 3 1/2 - .32 Sht. Colt | 1.4 " |.315 | 80|RN| 4 | 657.2| 78.7| 3 1/2 - .32 S. & W. Long| 2.0 " |.315 | 98|RN| 4 | 706.9|108.6| 4 - .32 Colt N. P. | 2.5 " |.314 | 98|FN| 4 | 706.3|108.6| 4 - .35 S. & W. Auto| 1.9 " |.3195| 76|RN| 3 1/2 | 809 |110.5| 4 - .38 S. & W. | 2.4 " |.359 |145|RN| 5 | 579.3|108.2| 4 1/2 - .38 Auto Colt | 4.6 " |.359 |130|RN| 6 |1175 |398.0|10 - .38 Colt N. P. | 2.4 " |.359 |150|FN| 4 | 579.6|111.7| 4 - .38 Sht. Colt | 2.5 " |.375 |130|RN| 6 | 608 |107 | 4 - .38 Long Colt | 3.0 " |.358 |148|RN| 6 | 786 |203 | 4 1/2 - .38 Long D. A. | 3.4 Gray | | | | | | | - | Walsrode |.358 |150|RN| 6 | 771.6|198.3| 6 - .38 S. & W. Spl.| 3.4 Bullseye |.358 |158|RN| 6 | 856.7|257.5| 7 - .38 Colt Spl. | 3.4 " |.358 |158|FN| 6 | 857.6|258 | 7 - .38 S. & W. | | | | | | | | - Spl. Gal. | 8.5 C.P.W.[9] |.358 | 70|RN| 6 |1300 |263 | 5 - .38 S. & W. Spl.| | | | | | | | - Mid Range | 2.1 Bullseye |.358 |123|RN| 6 | 655 | 99 | 3 - .38 W. C. F. | 15. Sharp- | | | | | | | - | shooter |.400 |180|FN| 5 | 983 |386.5| 6 - .380 Auto Colt | 2.6 Bullseye |.357 | 95|RN| 3 3/4 | 887 |166 | 5 1/2 - .41 Sht. Colt | 2.5 " |.406 |160|RN| 6 | 707 |177 | 4 - .41 Long Colt | 3.3 " |.387 |200|RN| 6 | 705.6|221.2| 5 - .44 S. & W. | | | | | | | | - Russ. | 4.1 " |.431 |246|RN| 6 | 706 |272 | 6 1/2 - .44 S. & W. | | | | | | | | - Russ. Gall. | 2.5 " |.431 |115|RN| 6 | 685 |118 | 3 - .44 S. & W. Spl.| 5.1 " |.431 |246|RN| 5 | 755 |311.5| 7 - .44 W. C. F. | 16.5 Sharp- | | | | | | | - | shooter |.426 |200|FN| 7 1/2 | 918.8|375 | 6 - .45 Auto Colt | 4.7 Bullseye |.4505|200|RN| 5 | 910.2|368 | 8 - .45 Auto Colt | | | | | | | | - (Govt.) | 4.7 " |.4505|230|RN| 5 | 809 |335 | 6 - .45 Colt D. A. | 5.0 " |.455 |255|RN| 5 | 770.6|336.3| 5 - .455 Colt | 4.5 " |.458 |265|RN| 5 | 756.6|336.5| 5 - .455 Webley Auto| 7.0 Cordite |.455 |220|RN| 5 | 750 |280.6| 4 1/2 - .455 British | | | | | | | | - Service | 5.5 " |.455 |265|RN| 7 1/2 | 700 |288 | 4 1/4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -SIGHTS - - -The purpose of sights is to assist in aiming the piece. The national -organizations allow only "open" sights in pistol and revolver shooting. -"Peep" or "aperture" sights are barred. The rear sight usually consists of -a notch shaped like a V or a U, the notch being as wide on top as at any -part. The front sight is a piece of thin metal set on edge. Sometimes the -latter has a special shape or section resembling a pinhead when looking at -it from the breech, as in aiming. - -[Illustration: Figure 58. - - Side View. End View. Side View. End View. - -Front Sights. - - Rear Sight. Appearance when aiming. - -Military Sights.] - -Military sights usually consist of a plain groove in the top of the frame -for the rear sight and a tapering front sight fixed to the barrel near the -muzzle. - -[Illustration: Figure 59. - - Rear Sight. Side View. End View. Appearance - when aiming. - Front Sight. - -"Paine" Sights.] - -Target sights are made in endless variety to suit individual ideas. The -sights most generally used for target shooting are the "Paine" sights, -named after Chevalier Ira A. Paine, who invented and was the first to use -them. The rear sight is a flat bar with a semi-circular notch, and the -front sight is a "bead" sight; that is, a sight that resembles a pinhead -when aiming. - -[Illustration: Figure 60. - - Rear Sight. Side View. End View. Appearance - when aiming. - Front Sight. - -Patridge Sights.] - -Another sight that many of the best shots are using is the "Patridge" -sight, developed by Mr. E. E. Patridge of Boston, Mass. The rear sight has -a wide rectangular notch; the front sight is plain, with a square top, as -shown. - -Fig. 61 represents the "Lyman" sights as adapted to Smith & Wesson -revolvers. The distinctive features of these sights are the ivory bead of -the front sight and the horizontal ivory line in the rear sight. These -sights are well adapted for hunting and shooting at objects with a dark -background. - -These sights have been referred to in the order in which they are most -used. It is generally necessary for individuals to try various sights -before they are able to select intelligently. In target arms -different-shaped sights may be used in the same base or fitting, so that -it is a comparatively easy matter to try any or all of these sights on the -same arm. - -The notch of the rear sight should have a bevelled edge concave toward the -front. This will secure sharpness of outline in any light. The front sight -should also be distinct and is found to be more satisfactory when the side -toward the eye is a surface at right angles to the line of sight. - -[Illustration: Fig. 61.--Lyman Sights] - -[Illustration: Fig. 62.--THE WESPI SEARCHLIGHT SIGHT A-Battery; B-Mercury -switch; C-Electric bulb; D-E-Lenses.] - -[Illustration: Fig. 63.--The Wespi Searchlight Mounted on a Pocket -Revolver.] - -For years means have been sought to make successful shooting at night -possible. White and phosphorescent paints have been applied to the sights -and to the top of the barrel but all such methods have proved more or less -unsatisfactory even in dim light and in total darkness the target or other -object cannot be seen. A recently invented device that overcomes all these -difficulties and makes shooting at night practicable is the "Wespi" -searchlight sight.[10] - -This sight is a tube about 6 inches long and 3/4 inches in diameter -containing a miniature electric searchlight which projects a dark spot in -the center of the illuminated field. When properly mounted on the piece -the black spot indicates where the bullet will strike. This sight can be -readily attached to any pistol or revolver. As offered on the market at -the present time it is adapted for short range work up to, say, 60 feet. -The illustrations show a section through the sight tube, and the sight -attached to a revolver. The weight is six ounces. (See 61 and 62 facing p. -64.) - -This sight embodies the principles of the telescopic sight and can -undoubtedly be modified to increase its illuminating power and adapted so -as to project well-defined dark lines similar to cross wires, on a -target; or the dark spot decreased in size to about 3 or 4 inches in -diameter at 60 feet. So modified this would be a practical sight for -target shooting and would be a boon to many of the older marksmen whose -sight is failing and who find it more and more difficult to shoot in -artificial light with the ordinary sights. - -Such a sight would also possess many advantages for beginners as the -moving spot on the target would indicate the unsteadiness of the holding -and impress upon the marksman the importance of holding the spot in the -right position at the instant of discharge. A further improvement would be -to substitute for the dark spot, a spot of intensely bright light. This -would be equally as effective as the dark spot and would greatly increase -the range at which the sight could be used, adapting it to game shooting -at night. It is hoped that the manufacturers will develop a sight as -suggested for target and game shooting. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -SHOOTING POSITION - - -The position in pistol and revolver shooting is very important. In firing -a long series of shots, a man with an easy, natural position will suffer -much less fatigue, and will have a decided advantage over another whose -position is straining and uncomfortable. Formerly the approved position -was to stand with the right side toward the target. This required the head -to be turned ninety degrees from its natural position, and was very -uncomfortable. Undoubtedly this position is a relic of duelling days, when -it might have been argued that a smaller mark was offered to the -antagonist. - -The positions adopted by the leading shots vary considerably. Most of them -face a trifle to the left of the target, with the right foot 6 or 8 inches -ahead of the left, and pointing directly toward the target, the weight of -the body supported equally by both legs and perfectly balanced. Others -shoot with the feet close together; some with one or both eyes open, and -with the arm partly or fully extended. The question of position depends -largely upon the physique and comfort of the individual. - -Mr. Winans' position is an exceedingly strong one. His poise is very good, -and he stands firmly on both feet. The left arm falls straight down along -the left side of the body. This affords rigidity when desired, and imparts -action to the figure. - -Mr. Axtell has a stanch, natural position. Like Mr. Winans, he shoots with -the right arm fully extended, and he holds the weapon in the correct and -most approved manner. - -The position of Mr. Anderton is excellent. He enjoys perfect health, and -has his large muscular development well under control. His position is -strong, natural, and comfortable. - -Mr. Dietz's position is entirely different from any of those preceding. It -is tenseless and flexible permitting him to shoot long series of shots -without fatigue. - -The positions of Mr. Patridge and Sergeant Petty are characteristic and -typical of persons of entirely different physique. - -Mr. Gorman and Dr. Sayre are men of similar physique. Their positions -which resemble each other closely are firm, easy and natural. - -[Illustration: Fig. 64.--Walter Winans] - -[Illustration: Fig. 65.--C. S. Axtell] - -[Illustration: Fig. 66.--Thomas Anderton] - -Mr. Lane's position is natural and interestingly unconventional. He has -perfect poise and shoots without apparent fatigue. - -Dr. Snook has a well poised and deliberate position. He shoots with his -arm not fully extended and with the feet close together. - -The positions of Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Dolfen are very similar. They are -men of entirely different stature but almost identical in physique. Their -positions are firm and business-like. Both shoot with the arm fully -extended. - - NOTE.--For photographs showing shooting positions of individuals - referred to in this chapter, see illustrations facing pp. 68, 72, 76, - and 78. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -TARGET-SHOOTING - - -In the development of firearms and ammunition, target-shooting has always -occupied an important place. It is regularly and systematically practised -in the army and navy, in order to maintain and improve the proficiency of -the men as marksmen. Target-shooting, with many different styles of -firearms, under prescribed rules and regulations, has also become -extremely popular with civilians. - -Target-shooting was indulged in extensively with the rifle before it -became popular with the pistol and revolver. The shorter barrel, and the -greater difficulty in acquiring skill with the latter weapons, were -doubtless responsible for the mistaken idea, long prevalent, that these -arms were extremely inaccurate. When, however, a few individuals developed -sufficient skill to obtain fine shooting, their performances were -considered phenomenal. Among the first to obtain a high order of skill -with the muzzle-loading pistol in the United States was Captain John -Travers of Missouri. He was well known as an expert pistol shot as early -as 1860. In that year Captain Travers shot an interesting individual match -in St. Louis at a distance of 100 feet. Fifteen china plates, nine inches -in diameter, were used as targets. Captain Travers broke 11 out of 15, -while his opponent broke but 9. - -In 1865 Colonel William F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) and Captain William P. -Schaaf of St. Louis became prominent as pistol shots. The latter -subsequently joined Captain Travers in a three years' tour of the United -States, giving exhibitions in nearly all the large cities. - -About 1880 Ira Anson Paine, a native of Massachusetts, attracted attention -by his fine marksmanship with the pistol. In 1881 he went abroad, and for -a number of years he traveled over the principal countries of Europe, -giving public exhibitions of his skill with the pistol and revolver. While -in Portugal in 1882 he was knighted by the King in the presence of a -notable assemblage, and made a chevalier of an ancient military order. In -his exhibitions Chevalier Paine used a Stevens Lord Model pistol and a -Smith & Wesson revolver. His skill with these arms was so far in advance -of his contemporaries that he was popularly supposed to accomplish many of -his feats by trickery. - -Target-shooting with the pistol and revolver, as a sport, may be said to -have originated at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association at -Creedmoor in 1886. During that meeting a revolver match was scheduled to -be shot at 25 yards on the 200-yard Standard American Rifle Target. It was -a reentry match, with the three best scores of five shots each of any -contestant to count. In this match three scores of 48 out of 50 were made, -the highest individual aggregate of three scores being 143 out of a -possible 150. - -The same year a similar match was announced at the fall meeting of the -Massachusetts Rifle Association at Walnut Hill. Chevalier Paine was a -competitor in this match, and made 50--49--49==148 in six entries. The -next best three scores equalled 142. - -These matches proved so interesting and successful that target-shooting -with the pistol and revolver became instantly popular all over the -country. It was soon found that the arms possessed remarkable accuracy, -and as the skill of the shooters improved the distance was increased to 50 -yards retaining the same target. - -[Illustration: Fig. 67.--John A. Dietz] - -[Illustration: Fig. 68.--E. E. Patridge] - -[Illustration: Fig. 69.--Sergt. W. E. Petty] - -Mr. A. C. Gould, editor of _The Rifle_, and _Shooting and Fishing_, was -the first one to recognize the possibilities of the pistol and revolver, -and became greatly interested in the performances with these arms. He -assisted and encouraged the shooters, witnessed their work, and made -careful and elaborate records of all the important scores that were made -in the United States from 1886 to 1900.[11] It was at his suggestion that -Chevalier Paine essayed to fire the first 100-shot score at 50 yards on -the Standard American Target, scoring 791 points. This shooting was done -with a finely sighted .44-caliber Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver, -regulation full charge ammunition, and a 2 1/2-pound trigger pull. A keen -rivalry for the 100-shot record soon sprang up, resulting as follows: - - Oct. 15, 1886, Chevalier Ira Paine at Walnut Hill 791 - March 7, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " " " 841 - Nov. 4, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 857 - Nov. 14, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 877 - Dec. 5, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 886 - Dec. 17, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " " " 888 - Dec. 22, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " " " 904 - Dec. 23, 1887, W. W. Bennett " " " 914 - -This rivalry led to a long newspaper controversy, and culminated in the -famous Paine-Bennett revolver match. The conditions were as follows: -Stakes $1000.00; 100 shots per day for six consecutive days; Smith & -Wesson Russian Model Revolvers, .44 caliber; factory-loaded full charge -ammunition; trigger pull, 3 pounds; Standard American Target with 8-inch -bull's-eye; distance, 50 yards. On the fifth day of the match, and while 9 -points in the lead, Chevalier Paine entered a protest and withdrew. Mr. F. -E. Bennett continued shooting, as stipulated in the match, scoring 5093 -points for the total of the six days. The protest was referred to the -National Rifle Association, which decided in favor of Mr. Bennett, -awarding him the match and the championship of America. - -In practising for this match Mr. F. E. Bennett, under the same conditions, -made a score of 915. This record was not excelled until June 1, 1901, when -C. S. Richmond of Savannah, Georgia, scored 918 points under substantially -the same conditions. - -During the summer of 1890, Mr. William E. Carlin, assisted by Mr. Hubert -Reynolds, made a very elaborate series of tests with the revolver and -various kinds of ammunition, to ascertain the possibilities of the arms, -the accuracy of the ammunition, the effect of fouling, etc. About 10,000 -rounds were fired, Mr. Carlin used a butt-stock attachment, telescopic -sight, and sand bag rest; and Mr. Reynolds verified Mr. Carlin's results -from a machine rest. All the shooting was done with black powder charges -in Smith & Wesson revolvers. - -The best groups were made with the .32-44 S. & W. Revolving rifle -cartridge; a number of the 10-shot groups at 50 yards, measuring 1 1/4 -inches to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Tests were also made at ranges of 100 -and 200 yards. At 100 yards, groups of 10 shots were obtained with the -.32-44, and the .44 caliber S. & W. Russian, varying from 3 inches to 4 -inches in diameter. At 200 yards, the .44 S. & W. Russian gave the best -results; a number of groups of 10 shots being obtained measuring 8 inches -to 12 inches in diameter. These tests were considered most remarkable at -that time, as such accuracy was not expected of barrels of only 6 inches -and 8 inches in length. - -Prior to these tests, the possibilities of the pistol and revolver were -judged solely by the shooting of a few expert shots, which of course -included the personal dispersion error of the individuals. These tests -furnished the first definite information as to the real capabilities of -the revolver, and had a far-reaching and salutary influence on pistol and -revolver shooting. They demonstrated to the marksmen and the manufacturers -of the arms that fine shooting approximating to that of the rifle was -possible with the revolver, by developing the necessary skill in shooting -and perfecting the ammunition. - -A very interesting revolver match for a trophy offered by Mr. Walter -Winans took place in 1892. Mr. Winans is a noted American revolver shot, -residing in England, and the trophy--an American cowboy executed admirably -in bronze--was modeled by him. The match was conducted by _Forest and -Stream_. The trophy was won, after a spirited competition, by Doctor Louis -Bell. Under the conditions of the match, the winner was to defend his -title two years before the trophy became his property. The trophy was won -successively by George E. Jantzer and Sergeant W. E. Petty. Sergeant Petty -defended the trophy successfully for two years, and now holds it -permanently. - -A record, or "best on record," is the highest recognized score of any -given number of shots fired under certain standard conditions, and with an -arm complying with certain established rules. The records of pistol and -revolver shooting in the United States were carefully established and -compiled by _Shooting and Fishing_ until the year 1903. - -[Illustration: Fig. 70.--J. E. Gorman] - -[Illustration: Fig. 71.--R. H. Sayre] - -[Illustration: Fig. 72.--A. F. Lane] - -The record performances with the single-shot pistol, on the Standard -American Target, at 50 yards, are as follows: - -100 SHOTS-- - - Sept. 22, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass. 906 - Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett " " " 934 - Sept. 10, 1890, F. E. Bennett " " " 936 - Feb. 25, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 939 - May 26, 1901, J. E. Gorman " " " 942 - March 1, 1902, E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 942 - -50 SHOTS-- - - Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass. 470 - Feb. 11, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 471 - May 20, 1901, J. E. Gorman " " " 474 - Dec. 7, 1901, T. Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 476 - April 4, 1903, T. Anderton " " " 480 - -Under the stimulating influence and encouragement of _Shooting and -Fishing_, pistol and revolver shooting became a popular pastime and by -1900 numerous clubs had been organized throughout the country. -Unfortunately, the marksmen of each locality made their own rules and -adopted independent standards as to targets, weapons, etc. This resulted -in endless confusion and dissatisfaction when matches between clubs were -attempted. Rumors of a challenge from the revolver marksmen of France for -an international contest were also rife at this time. There was, -therefore, an urgent need for a national organization to exercise general -jurisdiction over the sport; formulate uniform rules, regulations, and -standards, and to receive and act upon challenges. - -A number of revolver enthusiasts met in Conlin's shooting gallery, New -York City, in February, 1900, and issued a call to the revolver shots of -the country, inviting them to join in forming a national revolver -association at a meeting called at Conlin's gallery, March 5, 1900. -Replies were received from thirteen states and thirty-five gentlemen -responded in person to the invitation. The United States Revolver -Association[12] was organized at that meeting. - -This association, with the support and cooperation of all the leading -shots of the country, immediately assumed national jurisdiction, -formulated rules to govern pistol and revolver shooting, and inaugurated -the annual championship matches. These are shot simultaneously in -different parts of the United States, thus giving everybody an opportunity -to enter the competitions. - -The influence of the association on pistol and revolver shooting has been -very beneficial. It has established uniformity in arms, rules, etc., -and has encouraged and conducted many friendly matches between clubs, thus -bringing the shots in different parts of the country in closer touch with -each other. - -[Illustration: Fig. 73.--J. H. Snook] - -[Illustration: Fig. 74.--George Armstrong] - -[Illustration: Fig. 75.--P. J. Dolfen] - -The most important activity of the association in recent years has been -the inauguration of the Indoor League Matches. Clubs in all parts of the -United States enter into an agreement to shoot a match with each club in -the League during the winter season. Medal prizes are awarded by the -association according to the percentages of matches won to matches shot, -similar to baseball leagues. The League has become exceedingly popular and -twenty to thirty clubs participate in the contest annually. The League -agreement varies somewhat from year to year. The 1914 agreement will be -found in the Appendix. - -_International Matches._--The U. S. Revolver Association also negotiates -and conducts all the international matches. The first of these matches was -between France and the United States and took place on June 16, 1900. This -match attracted world-wide attention, and was won by the United States. -The conditions of the match were as follows; Ten men on a side; the -Americans to shoot at Greenville, N. J., and the Frenchmen in Paris. -Results to be cabled. Each side to appoint an umpire to witness the -shooting of the opposing side. Each man to shoot 30 shots on the French -target at 16 meters and 30 shots on the Standard American target at 50 -yards. - -Following are the complete scores of the members of both teams on the two -targets: - -FRENCH TEAM-- - - On On - French American Grand - Target Target Total - - M. Dutfoy 244 253 497 - Comte de Chabannes 240 250 490 - M. M. Faure 241 248 489 - Paul Gastinne 238 251 489 - Comte Clary 247 241 488 - Capt. Chauchat 243 241 484 - Com. Dilschneider 236 242 478 - P. Moreau 239 236 475 - M. Trinite 233 239 472 - M. Labbe 226 240 466 - ---- ---- ---- - Totals 2387 2441 4828 - -AMERICAN TEAM-- - - On On - French American Grand - Target Target Total - - J. A. Dietz 263 260 523 - W. E. Petty 259 252 511 - R. H. Sayre 253 251 504 - B. F. Wilder 239 263 502 - G. W. Waterhouse 253 246 499 - L. R. Piercy 244 241 485 - W. G. Hudson 222 250 472 - J. B. Crabtree 225 244 469 - W. A. Smith 224 240 464 - A. L. A. Himmelwright 228 232 460 - ---- ---- ---- - Totals 2410 2479 4889 - - Americans led by 23 38 61 - -The first match did not satisfy the revolver experts of France, who -claimed that the French team was not national in its character, that -instead of representing the whole of France it represented Paris alone. -About June, 1902, it was suggested that a second international contest be -held, and the French gentlemen began at once to gather material for a -representative team. The army, the navy, and the revolver and pistol clubs -of France united in their efforts to organize as strong a team as -possible. - -The conditions of the second match were the subject of considerable -negotiation by correspondence and as finally agreed upon were as follows: - -Fifteen men on a side. Each man to shoot 60 shots in 10 strings of 6 shots -each on the Standard American Target at 50 yards. Each side to appoint two -umpires to witness the shooting of their opponents. Results to be cabled. - -The American marksmen assembled at the Walnut Hill range of the -Massachusetts Rifle Association, near Boston, devoting three days to -preliminary practice shooting and selecting the team. It was originally -agreed upon that the match was to take place on June 30, 1903, and the -American team shot their scores on that day. Owing to delays in -transportation, the targets intended for the French team did not reach -them promptly and their side of the match was shot several days later. -The members constituting the teams and their respective scores are as -follows: - -FRENCH TEAM - - Comte de Castelbajac, Libourne 547 - Commandant Py, Saint Omer 542 - M. Dutfoy, Marseilles 541 - Captain Moreaux, Rennes 529 - M. Moline-Paget, Dieppe 526 - Captain Chauchat, Versailles 524 - M. Keller-Dorian, Lyons 522 - M. Feugray, Paris 509 - M. Despassio, Lyons 503 - M. Lecocq, Paris 502 - M. Caurette, Ham 502 - M. Louvier, Paris 496 - M. Balme, Paris 469 - Adjutant Paroche, Rennes 466 - M. Sartori, Paris 462 - ---- - Team total 7,640 - -AMERICAN TEAM - - O. I. Olson, Duluth, Minn. 554 - B. F. Wilder, New York, N. Y. 543 - R. S. Hale, Boston, Mass. 540 - J. A. Dietz, Jr., New York, N. Y. 534 - W. A. Smith, Springfield, Mass. 532 - C. S. Axtell, Springfield, Mass. 530 - Louis Bell, Boston, Mass. 527 - T. Anderton, Boston, Mass. 523 - J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 519 - I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 519 - E. E. Patridge, Boston, Mass. 517 - R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. (Score shot in Paris) 515 - J. T. Humphrey, Boston, Mass. 513 - W. S. Amory, 2d, Boston, Mass. 512 - C. L. Bouve, Boston, Mass. 511 - ----- - Team total 7,889 - - Americans led by 249 - -A careful analysis of the scores shows that the Americans shot much more -evenly than the Frenchmen, and that the skill of the three high men on -both teams was approximately equal. - -The next international match participated in by the revolver shots of the -United States was the Olympic Games Match at London, England on July 10 -and 11, 1908. Preliminary and elimination trials were conducted under the -auspices of the United States Revolver Association resulting in the -selection of the following team: I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass.; C. S. -Axtell, Springfield, Mass.; J. A. Dietz, New York, N. Y.; and J. E. -Gorman, San Francisco, Cal.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain. The -conditions of the match were as follows: - -Any revolver or pistol with open sights; any ammunition; trigger pull -unrestricted; distance, 50 yards; international target, 10 ring, 2 inches -in diameter, rest of target divided by concentric rings one inch apart, -bull's-eye containing 10, 9, 8, and 7 rings; 60 shots in strings of 6 -shots; 2 sighting shots allowed; position standing, right or left hand -with arm extended; maximum number of entries from any country in -individual contests, 12; maximum number of entries from any country in -team contest, 1; teams to consist of four men each. - -A time limit of four minutes for each string of five shots was -established, and all other conditions of the matches were governed by the -rules of the National Rifle Association of Great Britain. - -The result of the match was as follows: - - 1st--United States: - J. E. Gorman 501 - I. R. Calkins 473 - John A. Dietz 472 - C. S. Axtell 468 - ---- 1914 - - 2d--Belgium 1863 - 3d--United Kingdom 1817 - 4th--France 1750 - 5th--Sweden 1732 - 6th--Holland 1637 - 7th--Greece 1576 - -The next Olympic Contest was held at Stockholm, Sweden, in 1912. The -American team consisted of A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y.; H. E. Sears, -Boston, Mass.; P. J. Dolfen, Springfield, Mass.; and John A. Dietz, New -York, N. Y.; R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y., Captain. - -The match was shot on July 2nd, under practically the same conditions as -the former Olympic Match and resulted as follows: - - 1st--United States: - A. P. Lane 509 - H. E. Sears 474 - P. J. Dolfen 467 - J. A. Dietz 466 - ---- 1916 - - 2d--Sweden 1849 - 3d--United Kingdom 1804 - 4th--Russia 1801 - 5th--Greece 1731 - -In the individual match which was shot on July 1st under the same -conditions, and participated in by over fifty competitors of the different -nations, Mr. Lane and Mr. Dolfen won first and second places with scores -of 499 and 474 respectively. Mr. Sears won 7th place with a score of 459, -and Mr. Dietz 9th place with a score of 454. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -TARGETS - - -A target is a mark or object of suitable form and color designed to be -fired at. It usually consists of a frame covered with canvas or paper, -presenting a white surface with a prominent spot or bull's-eye in the -center. Concentric circles or "rings," around the center divide the target -into zones which are assigned values, decreasing from the center outward. -On a regularly equipped range the targets are movable frames, so arranged -that they may be raised to the firing position and then lowered into a -pit, where the marker can safely examine the target, mark the shot -accurately, and cover the shot-hole with a paster. The sum of the values -of a limited series of consecutive shots, as 5, 7, 10, 20, 50, etc., -constitutes a score. - -[Illustration: Fig. 76--Standard American Target - -Diameter of Rings - - 10 ring 3.39 inches } - 9 " 5.54 " } Bullseye - 8 " 8.00 " } - 7 " 11.00 " - 6 " 14.80 " - 5 " 19.68 " - 4 " 26.83 "] - -The official target of the United States Revolver Association, which is -used in the annual championship matches and for record shooting, is the -Standard American Target. This target is used by practically all the -shooting clubs and organizations in the United States. For 50-yard -shooting the bull's-eye is 8 inches in diameter and contains the 8, 9, and -10 rings. This target is well suited for target practice at this range. It -has been used extensively since 1886. Ten shots, with one hundred for the -possible, usually constitute a score. - -[Illustration: Fig. 77--The U. S. R. A. Combination Target. (Standard -American rings in heavy lines and International in light lines.)] - -This target as supplied by the United States Revolver Association for use -in all the outdoor championships shows also the rings of the International -Union target (in light lines) and is known as the "Combination" target. -The International target rings do not interfere in any way with the -shooting or the scoring by Standard American count, and they have the -distinct advantage that the marksman may easily determine, for purposes of -comparison, what any score is by International count. - -[Illustration: Fig. 78--The International Union Target. Diameter of 10 -ring==5 Centimeters==1.9568 Ins. Other rings==2 1/2 Centimeters, about -0.984 In. Diameter of 1 ring==50 Centimeters==about 19 3/4 In.] - -The International Union Target is used in the Olympic Games Matches, and -has been adopted by nearly all the European and South American countries -for pistol and revolver contests at 50 meters. It is without doubt the -best target for the purpose in general use. The ten-ring represents -approximately the average dispersion of the most accurate revolvers and -pistols and with the concentric rings a uniform distance apart, the score -has a proper relation to the dispersion of the shots. The size of the -target, about 19 3/4 inches in diameter, is also well determined. The -target could be improved by increasing the size of the bull's-eye so as to -include the 6 ring. This would make sighting on it less straining and -would improve the scores. The target so modified would be better adapted -for the United States Revolver Association Matches than the one now used. - -Target L is the Regulation Pistol Target used in the prescribed target -practice of the War Department. It is used also in the National Pistol -Match. - -For gallery shooting at 20 yards the Standard American Target is reduced -so that the bull's-eye is 2-72/100 inches in diameter, and for 10-yard -shooting 1 inch in diameter. - -[Illustration: Fig. 79--Target L. (U. S. Army.) Diameter of Bull's-eye -Counting 10==5 Ins. Concentric Rings Around It, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4, are -1 3/4 Ins. Apart. Diameter of 4 ring==26 Ins. Diameter of 3 ring==46 Ins. -Rest of Target, 4ft. x 6ft. Counts 2.] - -An arm of large caliber has a decided advantage over one of small caliber -in short-range shooting, on account of the larger hole made by the -bullet, and, for this reason the large calibers are preferred for gallery -shooting. For distances less than 25 yards not more than five shots should -be fired on a paper or cardboard target. In case a close group is made, -the scoring will be much easier and more accurate than when ten shots are -fired at a single target. - -The best grades of target arms are capable of making "possibles" or -perfect scores on the Standard American Target, using regulation -ammunition. To make high scores is therefore simply a question of skill on -the part of the shooter. - -A great many other targets designed principally for rifle-shooting have -been recommended at different times by well-known and scientific marksmen. -Some of these targets possess much merit and have become popular in -certain localities. It is unquestionably a mistake to introduce new -targets in this manner as long as satisfactory targets are in general use, -and on which all the important matches and records have been shot. The -merit of a score on a new target cannot be judged by those unfamiliar with -it, and frequently a highly meritorious score fails to receive the -recognition it deserves on account of having been shot on a comparatively -unknown target. - -In selecting a target for longer ranges than 50 yards it is always -preferable to have the bull's-eye sufficiently large so as to be seen with -ease and comfort when sighting. Small bull's-eyes strain and tire the eyes -and have no advantage whatever. - -In England and France the targets generally have smaller bull's-eyes than -here. At Bisley, the shooting is principally at a distance of 20 yards on -a bull's-eye 2 inches in diameter. At 50 yards the bull's-eye is 4 inches -in diameter. The English targets have no circles of count within the -bull's-eye. The regulation targets of the United Shooting Societies of -France have bull's-eyes 5 and 6 centimeters in diameter for the pistol and -revolver, respectively, at 20 meters, and 20 centimeters in diameter for -50-meter shooting. All these targets have two or more circles of count -within the bull's-eye. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -TARGET PRACTICE - - -In order to become familiar with the arms and develop skill in shooting, -careful and systematic practice is necessary. This can be most -conveniently and intelligently obtained in target-shooting. At a properly -equipped range, each shot is "spotted"[13] as fired, so that the shooter -can tell instantly where each shot strikes. This is a great aid and -advantage, as it enables the shooter to note the effect of changes in -light, wind, slight displacements in sights, etc., and modify his work -accordingly. The usual distance is 50 yards in the outdoor matches and 20 -yards in the indoor contests. - -Very good shooting has been done at 100 yards, and even at 200 yards, but -such long-range shooting is rarely attempted except by the very best -shots. The whole target being so small at that distance, a shot need not -be very wild to miss the target. Such an occurrence is very unsatisfactory -and disconcerting even to a fairly skillful shot. There is, moreover, -nothing to be gained by extremely long-range work. The pistol and revolver -are not designed for it, and there is much more pleasure and satisfaction -at the shorter ranges. - -It is customary and desirable to practise at the target under conditions -governing the annual championship matches. This accustoms one to those -conditions, and is a decided advantage if one expects to enter the -competitions. It is also excellent training for record shooting. In target -practice with military arms, regulation full-charge ammunition should be -used in all cases, especially when practising rapid-fire shooting. With -target weapons, reduced charges are frequently used, and the shooting is -generally slow and deliberate. - -Target practice is required in all the branches of the military and naval -service of the United States. This practice varies somewhat from year to -year both in character and amount. The recent adoption of the magazine -pistol as the service weapon by the War Department has resulted in a -number of changes in the regulation target practice, the conditions and -details of which are fully explained in the "Small Arms Firing Manual" for -1914. - -The Manual also details a prescribed course of target practice for the -Organized Militia, which includes the National Guard of the various -states. This is adapted principally to the revolver, as the National Guard -has not yet been armed with the regulation automatic pistol. As fast as -the latter is issued, the organized militia will adopt the target practice -prescribed for the army with the regulation weapon. - -The revolver until 1915 was the service weapon of the United States Navy, -but it has now been superseded by the automatic pistol (Colt, Government -Model, .45 cal.). The 1917 firing regulations are novel and drastic, in -some respects are much more elastic than those formerly in effect, and are -very practical. They are published in a pamphlet of 62 pages. - -A digest of all the foregoing target practice will be found in the -Appendix. - -_Matches and Competitions._--Various matches and competitions have been -established under the auspices of the recognized shooting organizations -which not only give an opportunity of testing the skill of individuals and -teams but also, by the scores made in successive years under the same -conditions, indicate the improvement and advance in the sport. Most of -these matches or competitions are annual events. The International Matches -at the Olympic Games take place every four years. - -The conditions of the annual championship matches of the United States -Revolver Association are excellent and the experience of fourteen years -since they have been instituted proves that they are well adapted to -stimulate interest in the sport, improvement in the arms and ammunition -and develop a high order of marksmanship. The matches are conducted -simultaneously in many places throughout the United States under the -supervision of authorized representatives and under as nearly identical -conditions as possible. - -In connection with these matches re-entry matches under the same -conditions are provided which furnish preliminary practice for competitors -who wish to enter the championship events. The League contest which is -conducted by this association affords excellent practice indoors, and -enables the marksmen to keep In good form during the winter months. - -The "National Pistol Match" is an annual event conducted by the National -Rifle Association of America. It is specially interesting and instructive -as it affords an opportunity for civilians to compete in the same contest -with the best shots in the Army, Navy and National Guard. - -The conditions, prizes, and complete details of all these annual matches -will be found in the Appendix. - -From time to time special contests are arranged such as the Pan American -Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1913, the International Shooting -Festival to be held at San Francisco in 1915 during the Panama Fair, etc. -The matches of such special meetings often vary in their conditions. -Special prizes are provided for the occasion. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -REVOLVER PRACTICE FOR THE POLICE - - -The revolver is a part of the regular equipment of the police force of -nearly every city in this country. Unfortunately the general lack of any -regulations for the care of and the practice with these arms largely -nullifies their usefulness. Even in the large cities, members of the -police force frequently admit that they have not used or cleaned their -arms for six months or more. An inspection of the arms under such -conditions not infrequently reveals the fact that center-fire arms are -loaded with rim-fire ammunition, and _vice-versa_. The mechanism is often -so badly rusted that the cylinder will not revolve and the barrel so -corroded as to seriously impair its accuracy. When occasion requires the -use of the arms under such conditions, accidents almost invariably result, -either to the policemen who attempt to fire the arms, or to the innocent -bystanders and property. - -The records of every large municipality show that large sums are annually -disbursed in litigation and to individuals who have suffered either -personal wounds or property damage from accidents of this character. - -By adopting suitable arms, and regulations governing practice shooting -with them, it is entirely practicable and comparatively easy to train a -large police force to become good marksmen. The possibility of accidents -is thus reduced to a minimum and the efficiency of the men increased to a -maximum. The moral effect of a high order of marksmanship of an entire -police force, when generally known, cannot be overestimated. Practice and -skill in the use of the revolver embodies the essential elements of rifle -shooting, so that in case of riot, insurrection, or war, a large police -force could be made quickly available for duty with very little additional -instruction, by arming them with rifles. - -A practical plan to develop such results is as follows: The services of a -competent person to teach the men must first be secured. This man should -be an experienced and skillful marksman with the revolver and be qualified -to maintain proper discipline and teach the subject in all its details. A -suitable range must next be provided. Two men from each precinct selected -for their fitness to become instructors should then be detailed to take a -prescribed course of training and practice under the teacher referred to. -Each of these men should devote not less than four hours a week to this -course. In four months' time these men should be qualified to undertake -the work of training and instructing others under the inspection and -supervision of the original teacher. After providing sufficient range -facilities, squads of men from each precinct should then be detailed for -practice and instruction under their own instructors, devoting at least -two hours per man per week to this work. At least one and one-half hours -of this time should be devoted to actual practice shooting. After -sufficient skill has been developed, teams of the different precincts -should shoot matches with each other, which will keep up a friendly -rivalry and promote interest in their work. - -By adopting such a plan it is possible, within a year from its inception, -to convert an entire police force into perfectly safe and reliable shots -of good ability; _i. e._, such ability as would enable all of them to hit -an object the size of a man every time at 50 paces. The mistake is -sometimes made of requiring the men to practice during off-duty time; this -has never proved successful. - -After the first year, or after a sufficient degree of skill has been -developed, the efficiency of the men can be preserved and maintained by -devoting an hour every two weeks to regulation practice. There is little -doubt but that the cost of the time and ammunition devoted to such a -course of training would be more than offset by the elimination of a large -portion of the accidents, litigation, etc., that result under the present -conditions. - -Much of the efficiency that it is possible to attain depends upon the -character of the regulation arm that may be adopted for police service. -Such an arm should be of large caliber and sufficient power to fulfil the -requirements. When carried in the pocket the perspiration of the body -causes rust, and a nickel finish will therefore generally be more -serviceable than any other. The sights, hammers and other projections -should be of suitable form, and as referred to in the text under "Pocket -Arms." In order to secure suitable accuracy, the barrel should be 4 inches -in length and the trigger pull 4 pounds. A first-class weapon for police -service is the .38-caliber Smith & Wesson safety hammerless, the -.38-caliber or .32-caliber Colt Police Positive or the .32 caliber Smith & -Wesson hand ejector revolver. The .38-caliber Smith & Wesson safety -hammerless is particularly well adapted for police service, the safety -feature making accidental discharge almost impossible, and being also a -decided advantage in case the weapon should fall into the hands of an -unskilled antagonist. - -In all cases a regulation arm and ammunition should be adopted so as to -secure uniformity and involve the purchase of only one line of supplies -and ammunition. - -The following course of instruction and regulations for practice shooting -are recommended: - - -_Revolver Practice_ - -_Regulations._--All members of the Department are obliged to practice -shooting with the regulation arm, at least two hours in each calendar -month. The captain of each precinct will designate the time and place for -instruction and practice for each individual under his jurisdiction. - -Every member of the department will be expected to qualify in one of the -three classes: Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert, and will be rated -accordingly. Decorations of suitable design will be awarded to those -qualifying; the decoration to be worn directly under the shield. Ratings -in any year will be determined by the average scores made by each -individual in the three months prior to January first of that year, on -which date decorations will be awarded annually. A member failing to -qualify in any class shall be rated a Beginner, and if holding a -decoration awarded the preceding year shall surrender same. - -All practice shooting shall be in the prescribed order in each class as -given below. Entries unlimited. Each individual must qualify at each stage -before he can be advanced to the next stage. All shooting to be done under -the following: - - _General Conditions._ The position shall be standing, free from any - support, the weapon being held in one hand with the arm extended so as - to be free from the body. Target, standard American 200-yd. rifle - target with 8-in. bullseye, outside dimensions 28 1/2 in. by 28 1/2 - in. Ammunition shall be the regulation full charge, factory loaded, - brought to the firing point in the original package. Arms shall not be - loaded except at the firing point, when the competitor is ready to - shoot his score. All scores to be 10 shots, fired in two strings of 5 - shots each. Slow fire to be timed after the first shot of each string. - Rapid fire to be timed as follows: The competitor standing at the - firing point with the arm loaded, not cocked, and the barrel pointing - downward in a direction not less than 45 degrees from the target, when - ready to begin each string shall say, "Ready." The scorer, watch in - hand, when the second hand reaches an even 10-second point on the - dial, will give the command "Fire," _after which_ the competitor - raises and cocks his weapon and begins his string. Just as the time - limit for each string expires the scorer shall announce, "Time." If a - shot is fired after the time limit has elapsed, the shot of highest - count shall be deducted from the string. In case of misfire, - accidental discharge, or defective ammunition, it shall be scored as a - shot and if the bullet does not strike the target it shall be scored - zero. Ties and all other details not covered by these conditions to be - decided by and to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the U. S. - Revolver Association. - - MARKSMAN COURSE - - _Slow Fire_:--10 shots at 10 yds. One minute for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. - - _Rapid Fire_:--10 shots at 10 yds. 30 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80 - - SHARPSHOOTER COURSE - - _Slow Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. One minute for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. - - _Rapid Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. 30 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80. - - EXPERT COURSE - - _Slow Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. 30 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 90. - - _Rapid Fire_:--10 shots at 20 yds. 15 seconds for each string of five - shots. Possible, 100; qualifying score, 80. - -Inasmuch as regular instruction and practice in revolver shooting has been -instituted in only a few of the larger cities of this country, the police -of other cities in the absence of such training, or its equivalent, have -so little knowledge as to the proper use and care of the revolver that the -arm adds little or nothing to their efficiency. To assist such policemen -individually who have the ambition to increase their efficiency by their -own initiative, the following practical suggestions and general rules will -prove helpful: - - GENERAL RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS - - Never point a revolver in any direction where it would do harm if it - went off accidentally. _Always observe this rule_ whether the arm is - loaded or not. - - In carrying the loaded revolver on the person see that the hammer - rests between two cartridges. (Or if of the rebounding hammer type - have one chamber of the cylinder empty and opposite the hammer.) - - When necessary to use the revolver on vicious dogs, etc., such animals - should be driven into a rear yard or alley where there is soft ground - to stop the bullets. Never shoot on the sidewalk or a paved street - where it can be avoided, on account of the liability of the bullet - glancing off and doing serious damage. Similarly when firing to - attract attention, shoot into soft ground or a heavy timber, when - practicable, instead of into the air. - - Never attempt to shoot while running. Stop for a moment and take - deliberate aim. The shots will then be effective. - - Thoroughly clean and oil the revolver as soon after using it as - practicable. If carried on the person regularly it should be - overhauled and re-oiled inside the barrel and cylinder as well as - outside, once a week, to keep it in good condition. - - In case regular practice shooting is not provided when on duty, - practice target shooting when off duty, firing at least 50 shots once - a month and following the prescribed course as given in this chapter - as near as possible. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -PISTOL SHOOTING FOR LADIES - - -The great majority of ladies have some inherent dread of all varieties of -firearms. This is no doubt largely due to the senseless and irresistible -desire of inexperienced persons to indulge in a mock-heroic display and -flourish of such arms when in the presence of ladies. All useless -demonstration and ostentation with fire arms serves only to distinguish -those who are unfamiliar with their proper manipulation and use. Persons -handling arms in this manner should be avoided, or promptly compelled to -desist. Many of the accidents of the "I did not know it was loaded" order -occur in this manner. - -There is nothing occult or mysteriously dangerous about fire arms, but -their potential power must never be forgotten in handling them. As a -weapon of defense the revolver places the weakest and most diminutive -person skilled in its use, on an equality with the most powerful -antagonist. Ladies who travel extensively and visit semi-civilized -countries, especially the wives and daughters of men in the diplomatic -service and of the army and navy officers assigned to foreign stations, -should be thoroughly familiar with fire arms and skilled in their use. - -The necessity of knowing how to shoot, like knowing how to swim, may occur -but once in a woman's lifetime, but when occasion does require either, it -is generally under circumstances involving peril to life, and for that -reason both are advantageous and valuable accomplishments. Every woman -should, therefore, be sufficiently familiar with fire arms to know how to -handle them safely, and, in emergency, to use them with intelligence. -While skill in the use of the pistol and revolver is a useful -accomplishment, the practice of shooting with these arms will prove -exceedingly interesting. Target practice with the .22-caliber pistol is -particularly well suited for ladies, and those who have the opportunity to -indulge in it have invariably found it an enjoyable and fascinating -pastime. There is every reason, too, to believe that ladies would excel -and develop a higher order of skill in pistol shooting than gentlemen, -because they are generally more temperate and possess a more delicate -nervous system. - -A number of civilian shooting clubs have successful ladies' auxiliary -clubs. There are at the present time a large number of ladies who are -skillful markswomen with the pistol and revolver. - -[Illustration: Figure 80. Combination Set.--Smith & Wesson .38-Cal. -Revolver, .22-Cal. Pistol, Utensils, etc., in Case.] - -Any of the target pistols referred to in the text under the subject of -Arms (except the Remington pistol, which is a very heavy piece) are -suitable for ladies' use. A very serviceable and handsome combination is -furnished by Smith & Wesson, which consists of their regular target -pistol with a 10-inch barrel and an interchangeable .38-caliber revolver -barrel and cylinder, fitting to the same stock. These are furnished in a -special case with cleaning rods, etc., making a complete and attractive -set. The .22-caliber Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector with a 6-inch barrel and -.22-caliber Colt Police Positive Target revolvers are also well adapted -for ladies' use. - -It is well to begin practice with a .22-caliber pistol, as this is a light -and very pleasant charge to shoot, and the tendency to "flinch" is reduced -to a minimum. After a fair degree of skill has been developed with the -.22-caliber pistol reduced charges with a revolver may be tried and from -this stage the practice shooting can progress to the regulation full -charges. It is desirable that ladies should have a little practice with -the revolver with full charged ammunition, so as to be able to manipulate -it with sufficient confidence and skill in case of necessity. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -CLUBS AND RANGES[14] - - -Whenever three or more persons in any locality are interested in rifle or -revolver shooting, a club can generally be organized and additional -members secured. If the business affairs are properly and conservatively -managed, much pleasure will result for the members at a nominal cost. -Approximate ideas of the cost of constructing and maintaining ranges and -indoor "galleries" can generally be obtained by communicating with the -officers of existing clubs. In preparing the Constitution and By-Laws, -that of the United States Revolver Association will be an excellent -guide.[15] The secretary-treasurer of that association will be able to -give valuable assistance to new clubs. - -The first requisite of a shooting club is a suitable range. A 50-yard -range adapted to pistol and revolver practice can be constructed at a -comparatively small expense. At the firing point a room or house should be -provided with booths at least three feet wide with openings facing the -targets. A substantial butt must be supplied behind the targets to stop -the bullets, including the wildest shots. This should be an earthen -embankment, or may be a natural uninhabited hill with a steep slope toward -the range. The range should be measured and laid out by an engineer, or -other competent person using a steel tape. A pit at least 8 1/2 feet deep -should be dug for the safe accommodation of the markers, and provided with -a safely shielded side entrance. The uprights and other target framing -should set against the back side of this pit. The width of the pit from -the framing toward the firing point should be 5 feet, and the length -should be made about 3 1/2 feet for each set of alternating targets. The -alternating target frames to which the targets are to be attached may be -of wood with heavy canvas stretched over them. The frames should be at -least 30 inches square and should be so arranged that they can easily be -moved up and down between the vertical posts in grooves or slides, like -"double-hung" window sash, and so as to balance each other by means of -cords running over pulleys located in the posts at about the height of the -bottom of the target when in its highest position, the cords being -attached to the lower corners of the frames. - -They should be so adjusted that when one target is at the top and in -position to be fired at, the other is at the bottom of the pit. Over each -set of alternating targets and attached to a cross piece at the top of the -uprights should be placed large numbers from 3 to 10 inclusive, for -marking each target. A roof or shelter should be erected so as to shade -the target and keep out the rain. Suitable timbers or steel plates should -be provided to protect the slides or grooves between the targets from -damage by wild shots. Steel plates are sometimes placed a short distance -behind the targets, slanting forward at the top, to positively stop the -majority of the bullets, but these must be far enough behind the targets -or inclined sufficiently so that the spatter of lead will not injure the -men in the pit. If possible, have the targets so located that they are due -north of the firing point. - -[Illustration: Figure 81. Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for -50-Yard Range.] - -Such a range is operated as follows: A marker is sent into the pit for -each target to be operated; paper targets having been pasted to the -canvas on the frames a sufficient length of time previously so as to be -dry. The marker pulls down one of the targets which raises the other into -the firing position. As soon as the shot is fired, the marker, using a -10-foot rod with an iron disc 2 1/2 inches in diameter fastened on the end -as a pointer "spots" the shot by placing the disc over the bullet hole, -and then pointing to one of the numbers over the target corresponding to -the value of the shot. The disc on the pointer should have one side -painted white so that it can be easily distinguished when covering shots -in the bull's-eye. - -The scorer at the firing point then scores the shot as indicated by the -marker. The marker then raises the target at the bottom of the pit in -position for the next shot, which brings the first target down into the -pit where the marker covers the bullet hole with a paster. This operation -is repeated for each shot. - -Where a score of ten consecutive shots is to be made on each paper target -without covering the bullet holes with pasters, as in the United States -Revolver Association Matches, the target is fastened to the frame with -double pointed carpet tacks and left in the firing position until the ten -shot score is completed, each shot being "spotted," marked, and scored as -fired. When the score is completed, another paper target having been -placed on the alternating frame in the pit, the latter is raised promptly -ready for the next score. - -In large cities it is often necessary to provide a suitable range for -target shooting indoors and by artificial light. Such a range is -designated a "gallery." The standard range is 20 yards for the revolver -and pistol, and 25 yards for the rifle. The arrangement at the firing -point is practically the same as in the case of the 50-yard ranges, the -booths being at least 3 feet wide. On account of the small size of the -target and the short distance, it is feasible to move the target back and -forth, from the firing point to the butt by "trolleys" operated by a hand -wheel, the latter being located generally at the left hand side in the -booth at the firing point. The "trolley" carriage consists of a heavy -steel spring clamp holding a cardboard target (about 9 inches square) at -the top edge of the target, the carriage being supported by a No. 8 or -10-gauge wire stretched from the firing point to the butt, at a level of -about 2 feet above the line of fire. The supporting wires are attached to -the wood-work at the firing point by means of eye-bolts, which also -regulate the tension of the wires. The trolleys are operated back and -forth by an endless braided cord passing around angles over pulleys -screwed to the wood-work of the booth, and around the hand wheel. A steel -plate with the lower part inclined away from the firing point 20 or 30 -degrees is placed about 12 inches back of the targets to stop the bullets -and prevent them from gouging out the wall or wood-work behind. By -deflecting the plates as described, the spatter of lead is directed -downward, and thus prevents damage to the wood-work around the targets. A -suitable background behind the targets may be provided by white or light -gray paint, or by a suitable fabric. - -[Illustration: Figure 82. Details of Booths at Firing Line, "Trolleys," -and Butt for Gallery Ranges.] - -If the splatter of the bullets mars the targets, a shield of 1-inch boards -can be erected and maintained between the target and the steel plate. - -The lighting may be accomplished by a line of gas jets or electric lights -about 2 feet in front of the targets and at the same distance either above -or below them. At least two jets should be used to light each target, -otherwise the flicker of the gas jets makes the light unsatisfactory. The -reflectors should be of tin or other metal, polished or painted white. -Glass is too fragile for this purpose. Heavy timbers or steel plates must -be provided to protect the lights and piping from wild shots. A telescope -is mounted in each booth to enable the marksman to see the location of -shots in the bull's-eye. - -When floor space is limited the rifle ranges can sometimes be located over -the revolver ranges, or the latter, if the range is in a cellar, may be -depressed by constructing a pit of a suitable depth at the firing point. -The booths for rifle shooting and the operation of the targets are -practically the same as already described. - -It is best to complete all the work at the target end of the range first. -After the location of the targets is definitely fixed the position of the -firing line can be determined by making the distance from the target to -the firing point two inches in excess of 20 yards or 50 yards as the case -may be. The slight excess distance does not affect the shooting -appreciably, but it is important in order to avoid any possibility of -having scores disqualified in case the range should be questioned and -later be checked or verified and found "short." It is desirable whenever -possible to have the ranges of the standard lengths especially if matches -with other clubs are contemplated. - -The table for cleaning arms, and for tools, should never be placed near -the booths, but on the opposite side of the room, to avoid congestion at -the firing line. - -The floor on which the contestants stand at the firing line must be firm -and solid, so as not to vibrate or move when others walk about in close -proximity. A concrete floor covered with a carpet or rug of firm texture -is excellent. - -In indoor shooting smokeless powder and reduced charges are always to be -preferred. When artificial ventilation is provided, some shooting may be -done with black powder ammunition, but the range soon fills with smoke, -rendering the targets indistinct and the atmosphere unpleasant. Gallery -practice is very valuable, as it enables one to preserve good form in the -winter months, in localities where it is too cold to shoot with comfort -and pleasure out-of-doors. - -The following simple rules should be printed and posted in conspicuous -places in every shooting range or gallery: - - RULES - - Arms shall be unloaded until the contestant is at the firing point. - - Loaded arms shall be handled with the muzzle pointing toward the - targets. - - Automatic arms shall be used only under the personal direction of the - Shooting Master. - - Contestants are requested to use the greatest care in handling arms at - all times. - - The authority of the Shooting Master in charge shall be absolute. - - The rules of the United States Revolver Association shall govern all - match shooting. - - The above rules must be strictly observed and will be enforced. - -[Illustration: Fig. 83. Shooting Gallery of the Crescent Athletic Club, -Brooklyn, N. Y.] - -The Walnut Hill Range of the Massachusetts Rifle Association is one of the -best 50-yard revolver ranges in the country. A well-equipped gallery of -up-to-date design is that of the Crescent Athletic Club, Brooklyn, N. Y. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -HINTS TO BEGINNERS[16] - - -_Selection of Arms._--There is no single arm that can be used -advantageously for all classes of shooting. It is therefore necessary in -the first place to decide for what purpose the arm is to be used. A -careful perusal of the text under "Arms" and "Ammunition," will be of -assistance in reaching a decision. The next step is the selection of the -arm. As already stated, the cheap, unreliable, and unsafe arms are to be -carefully avoided. It is preferable to buy a second-hand arm of a -reputable manufacturer, if in good condition, than a new one of inferior -make. Second-hand arms frequently have defects that cannot be detected by -the novice, and, if obliged to buy a second-hand arm, it is advisable to -ask some expert shot to assist in making the selection. The price of the -best grades of pistols and revolvers is, fortunately, within the reach of -almost every one, and, if at all possible, new arms should be purchased. - -In any case, whether a new or a second-hand arm is to be chosen, it is -well to examine and handle all the different models of the best makers. -The fit and feel of the arm are very important. Select an arm that feels -comfortable, and which, when properly held, fits the hand so that the -first joint of the trigger finger just touches the trigger when that part -of the finger is bent at right angles to the barrel. - -The correct manner of holding the pistol or revolver is shown in Fig. 84 -and illustrates how the hand should fit the arm. Note particularly the -position of the trigger finger and the thumb. The trigger finger in this -position acts directly backward in pressing the trigger, and the thumb -assists materially in steadying the piece. If the piece is too large for -the hand, the trigger finger will be more or less extended, and will pull -side-wise to a greater or less degree, and thus increase the difficulty of -fine shooting. Fig 84a illustrates the approved position of the thumb when -the locking catch interferes with the extended thumb. The fit of the arm -is much more important, and has a vastly greater effect upon the results -than fine distinctions between the merits of the different arms. Any of -those named are excellent and are capable of shooting much more accurately -than they can possibly be held by the most expert shots. A man with a -large hand will probably find the Remington pistol or the Colt New Service -revolver best suited for him; another with a hand of medium size will find -the S. & W. pistol or the S. & W. Russian Model revolver most desirable; -while another still, with a small hand, may prefer the Stevens pistol or -the .38-caliber military revolver, either the S. & W. or the Colt. - -If an arm is wanted for steady use, select the plain blue finish, and wood -handles; elaborate engraving and gold, silver, copper, or nickel finished -arms are handsome and pleasing, but, if much used, become burnt and -discolored where the powder gases escape, and soon become unsightly. A -blued finish is also to be preferred when shooting in the sunlight. Most -arms as offered on the market have hard rubber handles. These become -smooth and slippery when the hand perspires, and are not as desirable as -wood handles. A few expert shots prefer pearl handles. - -[Illustration: Fig. 84.--Correct Manner of Holding the Revolver with Thumb -Extended] - -[Illustration: Fig. 84 a.--Showing Thumb when Locking Catch Interferes -with Extended Position] - -The trigger pull should have the smallest possible travel and be smooth -and positive. The smaller the travel of the hammer and the more rapid -its action, the quicker will be the discharge after pulling the trigger. -If the trigger does not pull smooth and "sweet," or becomes "creepy" from -wear, it should be corrected by a skilled gunsmith. While the rules allow -a trigger pull of 2 pounds for the pistol and 2 1/2 pounds for the target -revolver, many expert shots prefer to have their arm pull from 1/2 to 1 -pound more. The rules also allow 7 1/2 and 8 inch barrels for the -revolver. Many of the experienced shots prefer to have their revolvers -balance near the trigger, and are of the opinion that the extra length of -barrel above 6 1/2 inches does not offset the disadvantage of poorer -balance. In the pistol, however, the length of the barrel is invariably 10 -inches. Accuracy in aiming is lost very rapidly as the distance between -the sights is reduced below 7 1/2 inches. - -For target shooting, the .22-caliber pistols will be found admirably -suited for beginners. The charge being light, there is less liability to -"flinch," a fault easily and most invariably acquired when the novice -begins shooting with a heavy charge. The practice in aiming and pulling -the trigger with these arms is excellent training and a first-rate and -valuable preliminary to the more difficult and practical work with the -revolver. - -The double-action feature in a revolver is of very little practical value. -Owing to the varying amount of resistance to the trigger in operating the -mechanism, the aim is disturbed more than if the hammer is cocked with the -thumb. Even in rapid-fire shooting better results are obtained with a -double-action arm if used as a single action. It is also more difficult to -make the trigger pull smooth and short in double-action mechanisms. - -_Manipulation._--Most of the accidents with firearms are caused by -carelessness and ignorance in manipulating them. The revolver and pistol, -being much smaller, are more dangerous to handle than the rifle or -shotgun. An experienced pistol shot can easily be singled out by the -extreme care and unostentation with which he handles his arms. - -On picking up an arm, or if one is handed to you, open the action at once -and make sure it is not loaded. _Always_ do this, even if it is your own -arm and you are quite sure it was not loaded when you last put it away; -some one, without any idea of danger, may have loaded it in your absence. -Cultivate and practise the habit of always holding the arm, whether -loaded or unloaded, so that it points in a direction where it would do no -harm if it were to go off unexpectedly. - -By observing these simple rules, serious accidents will be impossible. No -one should be allowed to handle firearms in a shooting club or participate -in any of the public matches until these rules have been thoroughly -mastered. - -_Position and Aiming._--If you know of a club or shooting organization to -which one or more first-rate pistol and revolver shots belong, it is well -to join it, if possible. Much more rapid progress can be made by -observation and by following the suggestions of experienced shots than if -one is obliged to solve the various problems without such assistance or -advice. In order to familiarize yourself with your arm, it is well to -practise aiming and pulling the trigger before any actual shooting is -attempted. By inserting an empty shell for the hammer to strike upon, the -piece may be aimed and "snapped" without injury. - -The position you adopt is very important. Stand firmly on both feet, with -the body perfectly balanced and turned at such an angle as is most -comfortable when the arm is extended toward the target in aiming. Let the -left arm assume any position that may be comfortable and natural. Select -a small black spot with an extensive white background to sight at. A small -black paster on a window-pane with the sky for a background, is excellent -for this purpose. When the aiming is correct, that is, when the sights are -properly aligned, their position with reference to the spot or bull's-eye -should be as shown in Fig. 85. The top of the front sight should just make -contact with the lower edge of the bull's-eye corresponding to the -position of VI o'clock. It has been found by experience that it is less -fatiguing to lower the arm, fully extended, holding the piece, to the -target than to raise it up to the target. - -[Illustration: Fig. 85--Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at the -Target.] - -_Firing._--With the pistol or revolver in the right hand cock the hammer -with the thumb, making sure that the trigger finger is free from the -trigger and resting against the forward inner surface of the trigger -guard. In cocking the piece have the barrel pointing upward. Then extend -the arm upward and forward, so that when you assume your firing position -the piece will point about twenty degrees above the bull's-eye. With your -eyes fixed on the bull's-eye at VI o'clock inhale enough air to fill the -lungs comfortably and lower the piece gradually until the line of the -sights comes a short distance below the bull's-eye. Now, holding your -breath and steadying the piece as well as you possibly can, bring the line -of sights into the position shown in Fig. 85. At the same time gradually -increase the pressure on the trigger directly backward, so that when the -sights are pointing at the bull's-eye the hammer will fall. - -Be careful not to pull the trigger with a jerk, but ease it off with a -gentle squeeze, so as not disturb the aim. Accustom yourself not to close -the eye when the hammer falls, but note carefully where the line of the -sights actually points at the instant that the hammer falls. You will, no -doubt, find it almost impossible to pull the trigger at the moment the -sights are just right. The hammer will fall when the line of sights may -point a little too high or too low, or to one side or the other of the -bull's-eye; but patient practice will correct this, and in time you will -be able to let off the arm at the right moment. - -[Illustration: Fig. 86--Showing the Travel of the Line of the Sights About -the Bull's-eye in Aiming] - -The pulling of the trigger is a very delicate operation; it is, in fact, -the most important detail to master--the secret of pistol and revolver -shooting. If the trigger is pulled suddenly, in the usual way, at the -instant when the sights appear to be properly aligned, the aim is so -seriously disturbed that a wild shot will result. To avoid this, the -pressure on the trigger must always be steadily applied, and while the -sights are in line with the bull's-eye. It is, of course, impossible to -hold the arm absolutely still, and aim steadily at one point while the -pressure is being applied to the trigger; but, in aiming, the unsteadiness -of the shooter will cause the line of the sights to point above the -bull's-eye, then below it, to one side of it, and then to the other, back -and forth and around it, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 86. Each -time that the line of the sights passes over the bull's-eye the smallest -possible increment of additional pressure is successively applied to the -trigger until the piece is finally discharged at one of the moments that -the sights are in correct alignment. Long and regular practice alone will -give the necessary training of the senses and muscles to act in sufficient -harmony to enable one to pull the trigger in this way at the right moment -for a long series of shots. A "fine sympathy" must be established between -the hand, the eye, and the brain, rendering them capable of instant -cooperation. - -After obtaining a fair idea of aiming, etc., watch carefully when the -hammer falls, and note if it jars the piece and disturbs the aim. If not, -you are holding the arm properly. If the aim is disturbed, you must grip -the arm tighter or more loosely, or move your hand up or down on the -handle, or otherwise change your method of holding the piece until your -"hold" is such that you can snap the hammer and the aim remain -undisturbed. This aiming and snapping drill is largely practised by expert -shots indoors, when they do not have the opportunity to practise -regularly out-of-doors. - -_Target Practice._--If your first actual shooting is done at the range of -a club, it is best to ask one of the members to coach you until you get -accustomed to the rules, etc. A target will be assigned to you, and you -will repair to the firing point and load your arm. It is well to let your -coach fire the first shot or two, to see if your piece is sighted -approximately right. If so, you are ready to begin shooting. If the sights -appear to be as in Fig. 85 at the moment of discharge, then the bullet -should hit the center of the bull's-eye. If, after several shots, you are -convinced that the bullet does not strike where it should, the arm is not -properly sighted for you. - -In adjusting the sights you will find it an advantage to remember a very -simple rule: To correct the rear sight, move it in the same direction as -you would the shots on the target to correct them, or move the front sight -in the opposite direction. Most target arms have the front sight -non-adjustable, and the rear sight adjustable for both windage and -elevation. A few arms have interchangeable or adjustable front sights for -elevation. Move the sights a little at a time, according to the foregoing -rules, until they are properly aligned. A few ten-shot scores should then -be fired for record. As you become accustomed to the range, rules, etc., -you will feel more at ease. This will inspire confidence, and your -shooting will improve correspondingly. - -Do not have your sights too fine. Fine sights are much more straining on -the eyes, and have no advantage over moderately coarse sights. The rear -sights as generally furnished are purposely made with very small notches, -so as to enable individuals to make them any desired size. - -It is well to have the trigger pull at least 1/4 of a pound greater than -the minimum allowed by the rules. If much used, the pull sometimes wears -lighter; and if there is little or no margin, you run the risk of having -your arm disqualified when you wish to enter an important match. - -Never use other ammunition in your arm than that for which it is -chambered. A number of accidents and much difficulty have resulted from -wrong ammunition. In the same caliber the actual diameter of the bullets -frequently varies considerably, and a few shots, even if they should not -prove dangerous, may lead the barrel, and thus cause much delay and -annoyance. When a barrel is "leaded" from any cause it will become -inaccurate. In such cases, particles of lead usually adhere to the inside -of the barrel at or near the breech. A brass wire brush, of suitable size -to fit the barrel, will generally remove it. When this fails, carefully -remove all oil, cork up the opposite end of the barrel and fill it with -mercury, letting the latter remain in the barrel until the lead is -removed. - -Occasionally the powder is accidentally omitted in loading a cartridge. -When the primer explodes, the bullet may be driven partly through the -barrel and remain in it. When this happens, whether from this cause or any -other, always be careful to push the bullet out of the barrel before -firing another shot. If the bullet is not removed, and another shot is -fired, the barrel will be bulged and ruined. This may occur with a light -gallery charge. - -When shooting the .22-caliber long rifle cartridge, there will be an -occasional misfire. In withdrawing the cartridge the bullet will stick in -the barrel and the powder spill into the action. To prevent this, hold the -barrel vertically, with the muzzle up, and withdraw the shell carefully. -Then remove the bullet in the barrel with a cleaning rod; or extract the -bullet from a new cartridge, inserting the shell filled with powder into -the chamber back of the bullet and fire it in the usual manner. - -Do not use BB caps in any pistol that you value. They are loaded with a -composition of fulminate of mercury in combination with other substances -that cause rusting and the bullets have no lubrication. These caps will -ruin a barrel in a very short time. The .22-caliber conical ball caps are -loaded with black powder, and the bullets are lubricated, making this a -much better cartridge; but it is best to adhere to the regular .22 -ammunition for which the arm is chambered. - -Never under any circumstances shoot at objects on the heads or in the -hands of persons. There is always a possibility of something going wrong, -and such risk to human life is unjustifiable, no matter how skilful you -may be. - -It is necessary to exercise extreme care in practising with the pocket -revolver. Some persons delight in practising quick drawing from the pocket -and firing one or more shots. This is dangerous work for the novice to -attempt. Most of the pocket weapons are double action. If the finger is on -the trigger and the arm catches in the pocket when drawing, a premature -discharge is likely to result, which is always unpleasant and sometimes -disastrous. Practice in drawing the revolver from the pocket or holster -should always be begun with the arm unloaded. Only after a fair degree of -skill is acquired should actual shooting be attempted. For quick drawing -from the pocket the only double-action revolvers that are fairly safe to -handle are the S. & W. Safety Hammerless, and the Colt "Double Action," -which has a safety notch for the hammer to rest on. - -Drawing a revolver from a holster is easier and much less dangerous than -drawing it from the pocket. Larger and more practical arms are generally -carried in holsters, and such arms should be single action in all cases. -In practising with a holster weapon, fasten the holster on the belt, and -anchor the belt so that the holster will always be at the same relative -position. The holster should be cut out so that the forefinger can be -placed on the trigger in drawing. Always carry a loaded revolver with the -hammer resting on an empty chamber or between two cartridges. - -In the woods, or in localities where such shooting would not be likely to -do any harm, it is good practice to shoot at a block of wood drifting down -in the current of a swift-flowing stream, at a block of wood or a tin can -swinging like a pendulum, from horseback at stationary and moving -objects, and from a moving boat at similar objects. Such practice is -largely indulged in by cowboys, ranchmen, and others in the western part -of the United States. The shooting is generally rapid-fire work with heavy -charges at short range, and is to be commended as being extremely -practical. - -Many of the published reports of wonderful shooting are gross -exaggerations. The prowess of the so-called "Gun Men" of New York and -other large cities is greatly over-estimated. These criminals do not -practice shooting with the fire arms they use but operate by stealth and -intrigue which makes them dangerous. They are, in fact, very poor -marksmen, few of them being able to hit an object the size of a man more -than 15 or 20 feet away. - -In shooting a long series of shots with black powder ammunition, when the -rules allow it, the barrel should be cleaned and examined every six or ten -shots, depending upon the clean-shooting qualities of the ammunition used. -It is well to examine the shells, also, and note if the primers have been -struck in the center. If not, then some of the mechanism is out of line, -and the parts likely to have caused the trouble must be cleaned. - -After securing good, reliable arms, stick to them. Much time and progress -is frequently lost by buying and trying different arms, ammunition, etc. -If in any of your shooting, you should get results that are peculiar and -unsatisfactory, make it your business to find out the cause of the -difficulty, and remedy it as soon as possible. - -"Blazing away" a large quantity of ammunition carelessly and recklessly is -absolutely valueless as practice, and is a waste of time. Give your whole -attention to your work, and try your very best to place every shot in the -center of the bull's-eye. - -It is very important to keep a full, detailed record of all your shooting, -for comparison, study, etc. A suitable book should be provided for this -purpose. Do not fall into the habit of preserving only a few of the best -scores; but make it a rule to keep a record of _every shot_, and figure -out the average of each day's work. The more painstaking and systematic -you are, the more rapid will be your progress. By careful, intelligent -work, it is possible to become a fair shot in three or four months, and a -first-rate shot in a year. - -_Matches and Competitions._--After a number of good shots have been -developed in any club, there is generally a desire to measure skill with -the members of another club. This leads to friendly matches, which are -usually very enjoyable and instructive. Shooting in a match places a man -under a certain strain which affects individuals quite differently; some -become nervous and shoot poorly when the best work is expected of them, -while others are braced up by the occasion and shoot more brilliantly than -under ordinary conditions. - -Before competing in any match be sure to _thoroughly familiarize yourself -with all the conditions_. This will prevent mistakes that frequently -disqualify competitors and lead to disagreeable controversies. Avoid -getting into any arguments or disputes with range officers, or officials -in charge of the matches, and particularly while the matches are in -progress. The range officers are invariably extremely busy and it is -unjust to the other competitors to usurp more of their time than is your -proper portion. They are generally intelligent men who have been selected -because of their fitness for the positions they hold, and their decisions -and rulings should be accepted as final. If for good cause you should wish -to protest against any decision or ruling of an officer in charge, do it -in a quiet and gentlemanly way, and whether the rules require it or not, -such protest should be made in writing. - -Beginners, as well as those who keep up their practice shooting, should -enter the annual championships of the U. S. Revolver Association each -year. These events are conducted by the Association in different parts of -the country simultaneously, under as nearly identical conditions as -possible. By this arrangement, long and expensive journeys to one place of -meeting are avoided, and all those interested in the sport can participate -without serious inconvenience. - -Competing in these events is extremely advantageous and beneficial. It -enables the beginner not only to note his improvement from year to year, -but affords training and experience in shooting under real match -conditions, and will correct any misinterpretation of the rules. The more -experienced shot, by entering these contests is enabled to compare his -skill with that of the leading marksmen of the country, and accurately -determine his position among them from year to year. - -Persons wishing to compete in the annual championships should practice -regularly throughout the year under the conditions of the matches; firing -the full number of shots and _within the specified time limits_ in all -cases. - -The National Pistol Match and the National Rifle Association matches are -generally held at some selected state or government range, and at a -certain specified time. All the contestants are, therefore, shooting on -the same ground and approximately under the same conditions. All these -matches are shot in the open; i. e. without shelter or protection from the -wind. When shooting under these conditions in the glaring sunlight, it is -a decided advantage to wear suitable, colored large-lensed spectacles to -temper the light and rest the eyes. The sights and top surfaces of the -barrel should be smoked or blackened to prevent the reflection of light. -This may be accomplished by burning a small piece of gum camphor, which -makes an excellent smoke for this purpose, or by painting with "sight -black." A wide brimmed hat will also add to the shooter's comfort in the -bright sunlight. Nailed or rubber soles for the boots or shoes are to be -preferred because they do not wear slippery. - -In squadded competitions the weather conditions must be accepted as they -are at the time of the shooting. In re-entry and individual matches the -time of the shooting is sometimes optional with the competitor. When this -is the case it is a decided advantage to select a time when the -conditions of light, wind, etc., are most favorable. On normal clear days, -the early forenoon, or just before sunset, are generally the most -favorable for suitable light. The wind generally slacks up to a certain -degree also just before sundown. Immediately after a shower the conditions -are sometimes excellent. - -The position of the target with reference to the sun must also be taken -into consideration. It is generally best to shoot directly toward or -directly away from the sun. Rapid-fire shooting in a gusty wind is perhaps -more difficult than under any other conditions. When the wind is steady -one can brace up against it and do fair shooting, but when it is unsteady -there will invariably be some wild shots. In deliberate untimed shooting -one can wait for a lull and get the shots in during such brief intervals. - -In practising rapid-fire shooting, great care is necessary in order to -prevent accidents, especially in the case of the automatic pistols, which -remain cocked and ready to pull the trigger after each shot. In shooting -within a time limit, practise to use the entire period and endeavor to do -the best possible work, getting in the last shot just before the end of -the period. - -In team matches always follow the instructions and suggestions of your -team captain implicitly. Cooperate with him to the limit of your ability -in developing the best and most consistent work of each member of the -team. Always remember that the high _average_ shooting of a team wins more -matches than the brilliant shooting of an individual. - -In training for matches be abstemious and maintain good physical -condition. If your liver is torpid it must be stimulated. Do not tire -yourself with too much practice shooting. One or two hours practice daily -is generally ample. - -_Cleaning and Care of Arms._--To maintain the highest efficiency in an -arm, it is necessary to keep it in perfect order. The working parts must -be kept clean and oiled, and the barrel should receive special attention -and care. The residue of some powders is less injurious than that of -others, but the arm should in all cases be cleaned and oiled immediately -after it has been used. The cleaning should be thorough. Heavy cotton -flannel is excellent for this purpose. It should be perfectly dry. Much of -the fouling will rub off without moisture, but if moisture is necessary to -soften the fouling in places, use thin oil. Never use water, ordinary -kerosene, or similar fluids. For certain kinds of smokeless powders, -cleaning fluids have been prepared that give good results. Be careful to -use the special fluid that is adapted to the particular powder used, as -the wrong fluid may not accomplish the desired results. - -A good cleaning fluid for many of the Nitro Powders, such as "Bullseye," -"R. S. Q.," "Walsrode" etc., is Dr. Hudson's nitro solvent formula, as -follows: - - Astral oil (or Kerosene free from acid) 2 fluid ounces - Sperm oil 1 fluid ounce - Acetone 1 fluid ounce - Turpentine 1 fluid ounce - - NOTE.--To make sure that the kerosene or Astral oil is free from acid, - it can be shaken up with some washing soda, which will neutralize any - free acid that may have been present. - -To clubs, or those who wish to make up a cleaning fluid in quantities, the -above will prove very effective and inexpensive. - -For cleaning the inside of the barrel a wooden rod is best. It should have -a knob on the end of such size that one or two thicknesses of the cotton -flannel around it will fit the bore snug and tight. Square patches of -suitable size may then be cut in quantities and used as required. Clean -from the breech end of the barrel whenever possible. The slightest burr or -injury at the muzzle will spoil the accuracy of an otherwise good barrel. -Particular care should be exercised, especially if a steel rod with a slot -is used, to prevent the wad from "jamming" in the barrel. Continue -cleaning the inside of the barrel until tight-fitting patches, when -withdrawn, show no discoloration, and the barrel is warm from the friction -of the cleaning. Then saturate a fresh patch with good oil and pass it -through the barrel several times, making sure that the entire surface of -the grooves has been thoroughly coated with oil. After the cylinder and -other parts are cleaned, they should also be oiled. - -A good oil for cleaning is "Three in One"; for preventing rust, use -Winchester Gun Grease or refined sperm oil. Plenty of oil should be kept -on the circle of teeth in which the pawl engages in revolving the -cylinder. If smokeless ammunition is used, the oil should be removed from -the interior of the barrel and the chambers of the cylinder, a day or two -after the first cleaning, and fresh oil applied. - -In warm weather, when the air is humid, arms rust very quickly. If they -are not kept in an air-tight compartment, they should be inspected, and, -if necessary, re-oiled every few days. Under favorable conditions, a -thorough cleaning and oiling will preserve the arm in good condition for a -month. - -If it is desired to store the arms, or protect them for long periods of -time, the interior surfaces of the frame, and all the mechanism, should -be carefully cleaned and oiled, and then the entire space within the frame -filled solid with non-liquid grease, like the Winchester "gun grease." -After cleaning the barrel and cylinder, the bore and chambers in the -cylinder should be filled solid with the grease. This treatment excludes -the air, and absolutely prevents oxidation. The exterior should be oiled, -and then coated heavily with "gun grease." Place the arm in a dry woollen -cloth, or flannel cover, and wrap it up in a double thickness of new -manila paper of the weight of ordinary writing paper. Repeat this, -wrapping twice more, each wrapping independent of the other. Then lay the -arm in a dry place, where the temperature will always be uniform, and not -so warm as to melt the grease. An arm protected in this way will remain in -good condition for a period of two years. - -Another method of protecting weapons from rust is to immerse them in oil. -The wood or rubber stocks should be removed and the arms suspended from a -rack in a large glass jar with a ground glass cover to prevent the -evaporation of the oil. This is a very quick and effective method and is -much more convenient than the preceding plan. The best quality of refined -sperm oil should be used. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -RELOADING AMMUNITION - - -The factory-loaded ammunition for pistols is so excellent that little is -to be gained by hand loading. It is sometimes desirable, however, to use -special loads that are not furnished by the factories, and such ammunition -must be loaded by hand. Then, too, many persons prefer to reload -ammunition for economical reasons. In order to do this successfully, -considerable experience and skill are necessary. The first attempts at -reloading are invariably unsatisfactory and disappointing, and sometimes -result disastrously. Extreme care and close attention to details are -absolutely essential, especially if smokeless powders are used. It is much -the safest and best plan for those who are unfamiliar with reloading to -observe and study the methods used by skilled persons, and, if possible, -have their first work supervised by an experienced person. - -_Primers._--The primers are made of copper and brass and are adapted for -either black or smokeless powders. The primers for pistol and revolver -cartridges are made more sensitive than for rifle cartridges. If, by -mistake, rifle-cartridge primers are used, there are likely to be many -misfires. The original pasteboard boxes in which the cartridges or shells -are purchased invariably have labels designating the kind of primer that -should be used in reloading them. - -The quality of the primers affects the results to a much greater degree -than most persons imagine, especially in reduced or gallery charges. In -handling or in transportation the priming composition is sometimes -loosened, dropping out of some of the primers and leaving them -considerably weaker than the rest. On opening a new box, empty it -carefully, and if any appreciable quantity of loose priming is found, the -primers should not be used for ammunition intended for fine shooting. - -_Shells._--The shells are generally made of brass with a solid head -containing a pocket for a primer. There is considerable variation in the -thickness of the metal from which shells are made by the various -manufacturers. Since the outside dimensions must be the same in order to -fit the chamber, it follows that the inside diameter of the shells will -vary. When the shell is to be crimped a slight difference in the size is -unimportant, but for fine target work using black powder, it is preferable -not to crimp the shell. In the latter case the bullet must fit -sufficiently tight so that it will not be dislodged by the recoil of the -arm. - -The size of the bore, when adapted to the same cartridge, varies a trifle, -also, with different manufacturers. With the slight difference in the size -of the shells it is therefore generally possible to select a make of shell -the size of which will be just right to hold snugly in position by -friction a bullet that exactly fits the bore of the arm. These refinements -in the fit of the bullet and shell are important in securing good results -with reduced loads. - -In pistol and revolver shooting, the shells may be reloaded many times -with smokeless powders. The small charge and the consequent reduced -pressure do not seem to render the shells brittle and unsuitable for -reloading, as is the case with the shells of many of the high-pressure -rifle cartridges. - -_Bullets._--In the large ammunition factories the bullets are made by the -swaging process, with heavy machinery. They are, in consequence, very -uniform in density and size. They are packed in boxes of twenty-five and -fifty and are lubricated ready for use. While very few persons are able to -mould bullets as good as those factory-made, when bullets of a particular -shape, weight, or temper are desired, they must be moulded. - -The Ideal Manufacturing Company's dipper and melting pot[17] are useful -for this purpose. The best quality of lead in bars or pigs should be used. -If the bullets are to be hardened, "block tin," which may be had at any -hardware store is alloyed with the lead. Weigh the proper quantity of each -metal to give the desired proportions. Melt the lead in the pot over a -steady fire and then add the tin. At this stage add a small quantity of -tallow or beeswax to the molten metal (about the size of a .45-caliber -round bullet) and stir briskly with the dipper. This will flux the mixture -and make it flow better. After both are melted immerse the dipper and -allow it to acquire the temperature of the melted lead. Then fill the -dipper and, with the nozzle horizontal, raise it two or three inches above -the surface of the lead in the pot. With the mould in the other hand, -turn it sidewise and bring the pouring hole of the mould to the nozzle of -the dipper. Then, with the mould and dipper in contact, tilt or turn both -in this position until the dipper is over the mould and the nozzle -vertical as shown. - -[Illustration: Fig. 87.--Moulding Bullets.] - -The weight or pressure of the lead in the dipper is thus utilized to force -the lead into and completely fill the corners of the mould. It will be -necessary to mould forty or fifty bullets before the mould acquires the -proper temperature and casts first-class bullets. All imperfect bullets -should be thrown back into the melting-pot. Experience has shown that the -best results are obtained when the lead and mould are at such temperature -that two or three seconds elapse before the lead solidifies in the pouring -hole after the nozzle has been removed from it. Do not allow the lead to -get red-hot, as it oxidizes very rapidly and more dross forms on its -surface at that temperature. The dross should be skimmed off frequently -and not allowed to collect in the dipper. A new mould will not cast -perfect bullets until the surfaces in contact with the lead are free from -oil and have become oxidized, assuming a deep blue color. - -Provide a soft surface for the bullets to fall upon after releasing them -from the mould, as they are easily deformed while hot. The sliding top or -"cut-off" should be operated by pressing down the lever end on a board or -table, or striking the lever with a small wooden mallet. The mould is then -opened, and the bullet drops out. If the bullet sticks in the mould, -strike the empty half of the mould on the outside, directing the blow -toward the bullet. This will jar the bullet out of the mould without -difficulty. Never strike the mould with a hammer or any hard substance, -and never attempt to pry a bullet out of the mould or touch the interior -surface with an iron implement, tool, or anything that will mar it. The -least indentation of the sharp edges of the mould will cause the bullets -to stick and make them imperfect. After using the mould, oil the exterior -and the surfaces of the joint while warm, wrap in a dry cloth, and keep in -a dry place where it will not rust. It is a good plan to leave the last -bullet (with the neck cut off) in the mould until used again. - -The fit of the bullets is very important. Nearly all the bullets for -revolver cartridges were originally designed to be used with black powder. -Many of them were slightly under size and have concave bases which upset -sufficiently, on the ignition of the regulation powder charge, to fill the -grooves of the barrel. Reduced charges of black powder, and smokeless -powders, even in full charges, seldom upset the bases of these bullets, -and the powder gas escapes around the sides of the bullet, which is known -as "gas cutting." This is fatal to accuracy. For smokeless powders and -reduced loads the concave cavity at the base of the bullet must be large -enough to reduce the thickness of the outer rim of the bullet and weaken -it so it will be expanded sufficiently by the powder to fill the grooves -of the barrel; or the diameter of the bullet should be increased so as to -produce the same effect. - -A simple test to determine the fit of the bullet is to force it into a -clean barrel, and then hold the barrel in the direction of a window or -bright light. If light can be seen in any of the grooves around the -bullet, it is too small for smokeless powder. The remedy is to have the -bullet mould reamed out and enlarged so the bullets will be the proper -size. - -To determine the actual diameter of the bore of a pistol or revolver, oil -the inside of the barrel liberally and then force a bullet into it a -couple of inches. With a short wooden cleaning rod, hold the bullet in -that position while you drive against it with another rod from the -opposite direction, swaging it so as to fill the barrel. This must be done -gently and carefully so as not to strain or injure the barrel. The bullet -is then driven out and carefully measured with a micrometer gauge. - -Many who mould their own bullets prefer to order the mould to cast the -bullets the exact size to fit the barrel; while others prefer to have the -mould cast the bullet one or two thousandths of an inch too large, and -then pass them through a sizing tool, reducing them to the correct size. -The latter method insures absolute uniformity. - -For smokeless powders the bullets are generally cast a little harder than -for black powder, the proportions being from 30 to 1, to 20 to 1, of lead -and tin, respectively. To secure good results, the bullets should not -vary more than 1/200 in weight. - -The next operation after moulding the bullets is to lubricate them. A good -lubricant may be prepared by melting together 1 1/2 lbs. of Japan wax, 1 -lb. of mutton tallow, and 1 lb. of vaseline. The bullets should be set in -a shallow pan, bases down, and with a small space separating them. The -lubricant can then be poured around them until it rises high enough to -fill the top cannelure. After cooling, the bullets are cut out of the -lubricant by forcing them into the mouth of a specially prepared shell -with the top or head cut off. Each bullet is picked up in this way and -then pushed out with a round rod. Any lubricant on the base of the bullet -should be removed with a cloth before loading. An excellent machine for -lubricating bullets is made by the Ideal Manufacturing Company. The -machine sizes and lubricates the bullet at one operation. It is rapid, -clean, and performs the work perfectly. - -_Powders._--American powder manufacturers have no uniform practice in -regard to designating the different grades of powder, sizes of grains, -etc. The powders that give the best results under certain conditions must -therefore be classified. The following black powders are best suited for -ammunition in which the charge is ten to twenty grains: - -American Powder Mills Rifle Cartridge No. 4. - -Hazard Powder Company's "Kentucky Rifle F F G." - -E. I. Dupont de Nemours & Company's "Dupont Rifle F F G." - -Laflin & Rand Powder Company's "Orange Rifle Extra F F G." - -King Powder Company's "Semi-smokeless F F G." - -When the charge is less than ten grains in weight, one size finer grain of -the above powders should be used; and for charges heavier than twenty -grains, one size coarser grain will give the best results. - -Lesmok powder, now so extensively used for .22-caliber rim fire -ammunition, is a combination of black powder with high-grade gun-cotton. - -For reduced or gallery charges, the high-grade quick-burning shotgun -powders are sometimes used, such as "Hazard's Electric," "Dupont's Diamond -Grain," etc. These powders should not be used in full charges, and if -compressed in the shell will give very irregular shooting. - -Smokeless powder differs from black not only in composition but also in -the phenomena that attend combustion. Special conditions are therefore -created which have an important bearing on the results. Smokeless powders -are divided into two general classes, designated as "bulk" and "dense," -the former having approximately the same strength as an equal bulk of -black powder, while the same quantity by bulk of the latter may have from -five to ten times the strength of black powder. - -The bulk powders may be used very much the same as black powder, except -that they should never be compressed. No air space is required between the -powder and the bullet. Dupont's Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 and Hazard's -Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 are good examples of the bulk powders. -Dupont's R. S. Q. is a bulk powder that has recently been introduced. It -gives fair results in pistol and revolver ammunition in full charges, but -is not as well adapted for reduced or gallery loads. It requires an air -space for the best results. - -The dense powders, such as Bullseye, Du Pont Pistol No. 3, Walsrode, and -others, on account of their concentrated form, must be manipulated with -great care and precision. The same quantity by bulk as black powder of any -of these would in many cases cause disaster. Special shells with an -annular crease, which only admits the bullet a certain distance into the -mouth of the shell, and providing an air space, should in all cases be -used with these powders. - -Nearly all varieties of smokeless powders require a certain amount of -confinement in order to secure complete combustion, and do not give good -results unless the shell is crimped securely to the bullet. - -A table giving the proper charges is supplied by all the manufacturers of -smokeless powders, suitable for revolver and pistol shooting. These -charges should in no case be increased. If it is desired to adapt a -smokeless charge to a special bullet, which gives good results with black -powder, the approximate equivalent in smokeless powder can easily be -calculated from the powder company's table of charges. If the calculated -charge does not give good results, compare the penetration of the -smokeless charge with the black powder charge, and modify the former until -it gives approximately the same penetration as the latter. If this does -not correct the difficulty, the fit of the bullet should be investigated, -and possibly it may have to be increased in size slightly and hardened -before the best results will be obtained. - -No attempt should be made to secure higher velocities or greater -penetration with the ordinary lead bullet than is obtained with black -powder. Such results can only be produced with hard alloy or jacketed -bullets, special rifling, etc., and in arms designed to withstand the -severe conditions incident to such augmented effects. Excessive charges in -regulation arms, besides being extremely dangerous, are likely to cause -the bullet to strip the rifling and lead the barrel. - -The most recent activity in the matter of smokeless powders is the series -of experiments with the U. S. Government pyro-cellulose formula. The -powders are cut to such dimensions as will fit them for both pistol and -rifle cartridges. This powder has the advantage of causing much less -erosion than the nitro-glycerine powders and for that reason will probably -appeal to the ammunition manufacturers and consumers, to such an extent as -to secure its adoption, if the experiments now in progress prove to be -satisfactory from a ballistic standpoint. - -_Reloading._--Suitable tools for reloading are furnished by the Ideal -Manufacturing Company, Smith & Wesson, and the Winchester Repeating Arms -Company. These usually consist of one or more combination tools, with -which the various operations may be performed with rapidity and -precision. - -In reloading ammunition the one thing to be borne in mind above all else -is _uniformity_. No matter how excellent may be the quality of the powder, -or how perfect the bullets, if there is any variation in quantity, size, -etc., the results will surely be irregular and disappointing. The bullets -should be of the same diameter and weight, the mouth of the shells of -uniform size, the powder accurately measured, and all the details in the -operation of loading each shell should be as nearly identical as it is -possible to make them. - -Shells that have been loaded with black powder will corrode very rapidly -if not properly and promptly cared for. The primer should be extracted -from the shells as soon as practicable after firing. The shells should -then be immersed in hot soap-suds and stirred around briskly until -thoroughly washed. If it is desired to brighten them or to remove -corrosion, add one tablespoonful of sulphuric acid to each quart of suds. -Rinse the shells in two clean boiling waters by agitating them as before, -and then dry them by exposure to sunlight or mild heat. Intense heat will -draw the temper of the shells and ruin them. - -If the shells were originally crimped they will have to be opened with the -tool so as to admit the bullet without shaving off or abrading its -surface. The Ideal Manufacturing Company can furnish a special plug, -screwed to the tool, by which the primer may be extracted and the mouth of -the shell opened in one operation, the tool automatically releasing the -shell from the plug, thus making the operation of opening the mouth of the -shell rapid and easy. In the case of smokeless powders the cleaning of the -shells is not so important, but is desirable, as some of the powders leave -a sticky residue which interferes more or less with the reloading process. - -After the shells have been cleaned and dried the new primers may be placed -in position. In doing this be sure to seat them firmly on the bottom of -the pocket and below the surface of the head of the shell. This will -prevent misfires and premature explosions. - -The measuring of the powder charge is the most important detail in -reloading ammunition. There are several devices to measure powder that are -convenient and fairly accurate. Those furnished by the Ideal Manufacturing -Company, designated as No. 5 or No. 6, and those made by H. M. Pope are -the best.[18] - -The usual method is to measure the powder with a charge cup that is -supplied with the reloading tools. A quantity of the powder should be -poured from the can into a small box and the charge cup dipped into it and -filled. With a thin lead-pencil tap the cup lightly two or three times on -the side to settle the powder uniformly. If the powder settles below the -top of the cup dip the cup into the powder again and fill it, being -careful not to tilt the cup so as to disturb the powder already in it. -Strike off the powder in the cup with the pencil and pour it into the -shell. By measuring the powder in this way and verifying it by weighing -each charge in a delicate balance, a high degree of skill may be acquired -in a short time. Ordinary revolver charges should not vary more than -one-tenth of a grain in weight. - -The charge cup method is preferred by many in measuring smokeless powders, -as some varieties, being coarse grained and light in weight, are liable to -form large voids. Such voids are invariably corrected when the charge cup -is tapped and the powder settles. - -After the desired quantity of shells has been primed and charged with -powder, the bullets, properly lubricated, are started into the shells by -hand and then one by one the cartridges are placed in the reloading tool, -which seats the bullet and crimps the shell. - -In reduced black powder charges, when the bullet is seated below the mouth -of the shell, the tool should be adjusted so as not to crimp the shell. - -In loading cartridges in which the shells are not crimped on the bullets, -it is very important that both the shells and the bullets should be -absolutely uniform in size, so that the fit, and consequently the -friction, of the bullets in the shell will be the same in all cases. By -reloading some of the shells oftener than others or with different -charges, the expansion of the shells will vary and the bullets will fit -more or less tightly. Such ammunition when fired will vary in elevation. -It is well to begin with new shells using the same load in them and -reloading them the same number of times. Even with the same charge and -under apparently identical conditions a few of the shells will expand -differently. This variation will, however, be readily discovered in -seating the bullets with the tool. Cartridges in which the bullets seat -with greater or less effort than the average should be carefully separated -from the rest and not used when fine shooting is required. - -In reloading ammunition with spherical or "round" bullets the neck of the -bullet should be up, opposite the powder side. In this position the neck -is always in sight, and any turning of the bullet so as to bring the neck -on the side and in contact with the barrel will be apparent and can be -corrected. All round bullets should be at least 1/1000 of an inch larger -in diameter than the bottom of the grooves of the barrel. This causes them -to deform slightly on the circle of contact with the barrel, and creates a -narrow cylindrical surface around the bullet, securing a better bearing -and greatly increasing the accuracy. It also insures the tight fitting of -the bullet in the shell, preventing it from being displaced by the recoil. -If round bullets fit loosely, or if there is the slightest imperfection in -the bullet where it comes in contact with the shell or the barrel, -"gas-cutting" will result and hot lubricant is liable to pass by the -bullet into the powder charge. In either case the accuracy is impaired. - -When round bullets are used, the lubricant must be applied after they have -been seated. This can best be done with a small brush. The brush is dipped -into melted lubricant and then passed around the bullet where it is in -contact with the shell. Too much lubricant is undesirable. At least -three-quarters of the surface of the bullet should project above the -lubricant. By keeping the lubricant at a constant temperature, the -quantity adhering to the brush will be approximately the same and the -results uniform. - -In reduced loads, when black powder or "bulk" smokeless powder is used, -the bullets may be seated so as to just touch the powder charge; never so -as to compress it. When "dense" smokeless powder is used, a suitable air -space must always be provided. This is necessary both when round or -conical bullets are used. - -With all forms of conical bullets and when using either "dense" or "bulk" -smokeless powder, in full or reduced charges, better results are -invariably obtained by seating the bullets in the regulation position and -crimping the shells moderately and uniformly on the middle of the front -band of the bullet. - -Ammunition for automatic pistols may also be reloaded by hand, but there -is much less economy than in reloading other ammunition. When the full -charge is used, a metal-cased bullet is required which must be purchased -from the manufacturers. Reduced loads with lead bullets will operate in -some of the pistols only. An overcharge of powder for a lead bullet will -lead the barrel and is liable to cause difficulty with the mechanism, and -accidents. Only experienced persons familiar with the operations of -loading the rimless shells and whether or not the arms will operate with -the charges they propose to use, should attempt reloading this -ammunition. - - - - -APPENDIX I - -THE UNITED STATES REVOLVER ASSOCIATION - - -This Association was founded on March 5, 1900, and incorporated in -January, 1904. It is the recognized national organization of the revolver -and pistol marksmen of the United States of America. - -Its objects are: to foster and develop revolver and pistol shooting; to -establish and preserve records; to classify arms; and to encourage and -conduct friendly matches between members and clubs in this country, as -well as with the marksmen of other countries. - -The officers of the Association, excepting the secretary, serve without -pay. There is no initiation fee. The annual dues are only $1.00. The -membership, scattered from Maine to the Philippines, Alaska to the Canal -Zone, includes all the well-known shots of the country. - -The Association has conducted five international revolver matches, all of -which were won by the United States. It selects the members of and is -responsible for the United States teams in the Olympic and all other -international matches. It has established the Annual Outdoor and Indoor -Championship Matches, the U. S. R. A. Indoor League and provided suitable -trophies and medals. It has formulated uniform rules and regulations -governing pistol and revolver shooting. In the record books of the -Association are inscribed and preserved all the scores in the Annual -Championship Contests, the individual and team league series, the scores -of contestants, shooting for rating medals and the "best on record" -performances, together with details concerning the arms and ammunition -used. The Association also publishes the _U. S. R. A. Bulletin_, a monthly -devoted to all subjects of interest to the members, the subscription for -which is included in the annual dues. - -The Association is financially self-supporting. It has an increasing -surplus in the treasury, which is devoted to the purchase of new trophies -for additional matches. - -All who are interested in pistol and revolver shooting, and who are in -sympathy with the aims and purposes of the Association, are cordially -invited to join it. Forms of application for membership and other -information will be supplied by the Secretary-Treasurer on request. - -The officers of the Association for 1915 are as follows: - - President: Col. W. H. WHIGAM, Chicago, Ill. - 1st Vice-President: Capt. R. H. SAYRE, New York, N. Y. - 2nd Vice-President: C. C. CROSSMAN, St. Louis, Mo. - 3rd Vice-President: C. W. LINDER, San Francisco, Cal. - 4th Vice-President: Dr. R. J. MULLIKIN, Baltimore, Md. - 5th Vice-President: Dr. H. E. SEARS, Boston, Mass. - Secretary-Treasurer: J. B. CRABTREE, Yalesville, Conn. - - -CONSTITUTION - -ARTICLE I--_Name_ - -The name of this organization shall be the United States Revolver -Association. - -ARTICLE II--_Object_ - -The object of this association shall be the encouragement of revolver and -pistol shooting. - -ARTICLE III--_Membership_ - -The membership shall consist of three classes: Members, Honorary Members, -Associate Members. - -Any reputable citizen of the United States is eligible for membership. - -Any reputable person interested in revolver and pistol shooting is -eligible for Honorary or Associate membership. - -Members and Associate members may be admitted by vote of the executive -committee and by paying the regular dues. Honorary members may be elected -at a regular meeting of the association and shall be exempt from dues. - -Honorary and Associate members shall be entitled to all the privileges of -the association, except the right to vote. - -[See Art. VII for Life membership.] - -ARTICLE IV--_Officers_ - -The officers of this association shall be a president, five -vice-presidents and a secretary-treasurer, who shall constitute the -executive committee. They shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot at -the annual meeting of the association, and hold office for one year or -until their successors are elected. - -ARTICLE V--_Duties of Officers_ - -The president shall preside at all meetings of the association and may -call meetings of the association at any time, one week's notice by mail -being given of such meeting by the secretary-treasurer. The approval of -the president shall be necessary on all bills before they are paid. The -vice-presidents in the order of their seniority shall perform the duties -of the president in his absence and shall have responsible charge, subject -to the executive committee, of the affairs of the association in their -respective localities. The secretary-treasurer shall keep the minutes of -all meetings and take charge of the correspondence of the association. He -shall receive all dues and pay all bills approved by the president, and -keep account of all the funds of the association. The executive committee -shall have charge of the affairs of the association, shall elect members, -appoint State governors to act as local representatives of the -association, and shall have power to accept, decline, or issue challenges -by a majority vote. Any member of the executive committee unable to be -present at any meeting may vote by mail. - -ARTICLE VI--_Vacancies in Office_ - -In case a vacancy should occur in any office, the remaining members of the -executive committee shall have power to fill the vacancy until the next -annual meeting. - -ARTICLE VII--_Dues_ - -Section 1. The annual dues shall be one dollar, and shall be payable on -election to membership and thereafter on the 1st of January in every year. - -Section 2. Members in arrears for dues for a period of more than two years -shall be suspended, but may reinstate themselves in full standing by -paying their arrears in dues. Members may not resign from the association -when in arrears for dues. - -Section 3. The secretary-treasurer shall notify each member in arrears -before placing his name on the suspended list. - -Section 4. Any member of this association in good standing may become a -Life Member by vote of the executive committee and by paying into the -treasury $25, such funds to be used by the association for the purchase of -trophies. - -ARTICLE VIII--_Annual Meeting_ - -There shall be an annual meeting on the third Monday of January in each -year, at which meeting the election of officers and members of the -executive committee shall take place. Members not able to attend this -meeting may send their ballots by mail to the secretary-treasurer, who -shall deposit each ballot in the name of the absent member, and they shall -be counted as if the member were present. Only members not in arrears for -dues shall be entitled to vote. If there should be more than two -candidates for any office, the candidate receiving the least number of -votes shall be retired at each ballot until an election results. In case -of a tie the presiding officer shall have the deciding vote. - -ARTICLE IX--_Quorum_ - -Ten members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. - - -ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES - -OUTDOOR MATCHES - -MATCH A--REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; -50 shots in strings of ten shots on five Standard American targets, 8-inch -bull's-eye, 10-ring 3.36 inches; arm, any revolver within the rules; -ammunition, any; the score must be completed in one hour or less from the -time of firing the first shot; entrance fee, $5; to members not in arrears -for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, the championship silver cup (value, $200), to be -held by the winner until the next annual competition; inscribed on the -cup, in raised ornamental letters, is, "This Cup Represents the Revolver -Championship of the United States of America"; the name of the winner, the -year and the score are also engraved on the cup each year; to the winner -is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same inscription on -the reverse side as appears on the cup. - -_Second_, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 425 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--For more than three entries in any State the association -awards three prizes emblematic of State honors: _First prize_, a silver -and gold medal; _second prize_, a silver medal; _third prize_, a bronze -medal. For three entries, only the first two prizes are awarded. - -Winners and Scores - - 1900 A. L. A. Himmelwright 422 - 1901 John A. Dietz 419 - 1902 Thomas Anderton 438 - 1903 J. E. Gorman 454 - 1904 Dr. I. R. Calkins 451 - 1905 John A. Dietz 455 - 1906 John A. Dietz 444 - 1907 John A. Dietz 445 - 1908 R. H. Sayre 462 - 1909 Dr. I. R. Calkins 455 - 1910 Dr. John R. Hicks 458 - 1911 George Armstrong 467 - 1912 A. M. Poindexter 467 - 1913 A. P. Lane 467 - 1914 A. P. Lane 458 - -MATCH B--PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; 50 -shots on five targets as in Match A; arm, any pistol within the rules; -ammunition, any; the score must be completed in one hour or less from the -time of firing the first shot; entrance fee, $5; to members not in arrears -for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, the championship silver cup (value, $175), to be -held by the winner until the next annual competition; inscribed on the -cup, in raised ornamental letters, is, "This Cup Represents the Pistol -Championship of the United States of America"; the name of the winner, the -year and the score are also engraved on the cup each year; to the winner -is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same inscription on -the reverse side as appears on the cup. - -_Second_, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 435 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--The same as in Match A. - -Winners and Scores - - 1900 J. B. Crabtree 427 - 1901 Thomas Anderton 453 - 1902 Thomas Anderton 463 - 1903 Thomas Anderton 457 - 1904 E. H. Kessler 464 - 1905 John A. Dietz 465 - 1906 John A. Dietz 448 - 1907 P. Hanford 455 - 1908 J. E. Gorman 468 - 1909 Dr. I. R. Calkins 464 - 1910 John A. Dietz 462 - 1911 Parmly Hanford 466 - 1912 L. P. Castaldini 461 - 1913 Dr. I. R. Calkins 469 - 1914 George Armstrong 476 - -MATCH C--MILITARY CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; 75 -shots in strings of five shots on fifteen targets as in Match A; each -string must be shot within the time limit of 15 seconds, taking time from -the command, Fire; misfires and shots lost on account of the arm becoming -disabled while firing any string will be scored zero; if a shot is fired -after the time limit has elapsed, the shot of highest count will be -deducted from the score; no cleaning allowed; arm, any military revolver, -or any military magazine pistol within the rules; ammunition, the full -charge service cartridge, or equivalent factory loaded ammunition approved -by the executive committee, brought to the firing point in unbroken -packages; the score must be completed on the same day; no sighting shots -will be allowed after beginning the score; entrance fee, $5; to members -not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, the championship silver trophy (an elaborate -silver bowl, value $450), to be held by the winner until the next annual -competition; the trophy bears the inscription, "The Military Revolver -Championship of the United States of America"; the name of the winner, the -year, and the score are also engraved on the trophy each year; to the -winner is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), with the same -inscription on the reverse side as appears on the trophy. - -_Second_, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 500 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--The same as in Match A. - -Winners and Scores - - 1900 R. H. Sayre 300[19] - 1901 R. H. Sayre 325[19] - 1902 R. H. Sayre 579 - 1903 R. H. Sayre 565 - 1904 Thomas Anderton 585 - 1905 Thos. LeBoutillier 504 - 1906 R. H. Sayre 583 - 1907 R. H. Sayre 536 - 1908 C. F. G. Armstrong 568 - 1909 Col. W. H. Whigam 580 - 1910 Col. W. H. Whigam 591 - 1911 A. P. Lane 605 - 1912 Dr. J. H. Snook 621 - 1913 Dr. J. H. Snook 625 - 1914 C. M. McCutchen 627 - -MATCH D--MILITARY RECORD MATCH.--Open to everybody; distance, 50 yards; -five consecutive strings of five shots under the same conditions as Match -C; entrance fee, $2; to members not in arrears for dues, $1; entries -unlimited. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, a gold trophy, a laurel wreath surrounding a -scroll, mounted on an ebony shield; (value, $150); between the scroll and -the wreath is a ribbon on which, in raised letters, is, "The United States -Revolver Association"; at the top of the scroll is engraved, "Military -Record Match." The name of the winner, the year, and the score for each -year are engraved on the scroll below; this trophy is held by the winner -until the next annual competition, and is to become the property of the -competitor winning it three times. - -_Second_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every -competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 175 or better. - -This match was instituted in 1902. Being a re-entry match, it affords good -practice under the same conditions as Match C. - -No State prizes are awarded in this match. - -Winners and Scores - - 1902 Thomas Anderton 206 - 1903 Thomas Anderton 202 - 1904 Thomas Anderton 206 - 1905 Thos. LeBoutillier 178 - 1906 Thos. LeBoutillier 192 - 1907 Thos. LeBoutillier 191 - 1908 C. F. G. Armstrong 194 - 1909 C. F. G. Armstrong 204 - 1910 Samuel Peterson 215 - 1911 A. P. Lane 208 - 1912 Dr. J. H. Snook 212 - 1913 C. M. McCutchen 217 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 221 - -MATCH E--MILITARY REVOLVER TEAM MATCH.--Open to one team of four men from -any regularly organized Rifle or Revolver Club, the police force of any -city, or any Regiment, Battalion, or separate organization from any of the -organized Military or Naval forces of any civilized country. - -Distance, 50 yards; five consecutive strings of 5 shots each under the -same conditions as Match C; arm, any military revolver or magazine pistol -within the rules; ammunition, full charge factory loaded, brought to the -firing point in unbroken packages; entrance fee, $15; to affiliated clubs, -$10; no re-entries. - -PRIZES: _First_, the Winans Trophy (a "Broncho Buster" in bronze, mounted -on an elaborate red porphyry marble base; value, $500). The name of the -winning club or organization, the year and the score, will be engraved on -the base. The trophy to be held by the winning organization until the next -annual competition. A silver and gold medal will also be awarded to each -member of the winning team, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Second_, a silver medal to each member of the team, with inscription on -the reverse side. - -_Third_, a bronze and silver medal to each member of the team, with an -inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze medal to each member of the team, with an inscription -on the reverse side. - -This match was instituted in October, 1908, when Mr. Walter Winans (Life -member) presented the association with an appropriate trophy. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 Squadron "A," N. G. N. Y. 698 - 1910 1st Cavalry Ill. N. G. 708 - 1911 1st Cavalry Ill. N. G. 725 - 1912 Denver Rev. Club 774 - 1913 Denver Rev. Club 776 - 1914 Denver Rev. Club 799 - -MATCH F--POCKET REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; 25 shots at 50 -yards in strings of 5 shots on five targets, as in Match A; each string to -be fired within 30 seconds after the command, "Fire." Arm, any pocket -revolver of .32 or larger caliber or any pocket magazine pistol of .25 to -.38 caliber inclusive, weighing less than 1 3/4 pounds within the rules; -cleaning not allowed; ammunition, the same as Match C. Entrance fee, $4; -to members not in arrears for dues, $2; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, a gold medal, with inscription on the reverse -side. - -_Second_, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse -side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any competitor not a prize -winner making a score of 175 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--For five or more entries the following prizes will be -awarded: 1st prize, a gold and silver medal; 2nd prize, a silver medal; -3rd prize, a bronze medal. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 C. W. Klett 203 - 1910 C. E. Orr 202 - 1911 A. P. Lane 211 - 1912 Dr. O. A. Burgeson 208 - 1913 Col. W. H. Whigam 210 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 214 - -GRAND AGGREGATE MEDALS - -In addition to the regular matches the association awards Grand Aggregate -Medals to the contestants making the highest aggregate scores in -Championship Matches A, B, C, and F, as follows: - -_First_, a gold medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Second_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -The grand aggregate will be computed by adding the total scores of the -Matches A, B, and F, and one-fifth of the total score in Match C. - -The grand aggregate medals are considered the highest honors in the gift -of the association. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 C. Dominic 1187.8 - 1910 A. P. Lane 1215.8 - 1911 A. P. Lane 1236. - 1912 Parmly Hanford 1228. - 1913 A. P. Lane 1261. - 1914 A. P. Lane 1242. - -INDOOR MATCHES - -REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 20 yards; light must -be artificial; 50 shots on ten Standard American targets, bull's-eye 2.72 -inches and 10-ring 1.12 inches in diameter, respectively; arm, any -revolver within the rules; ammunition, any. The score must be completed in -one hour or less from the time of firing the first shot. Entrance fee, $5; -to members not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL PRIZES: _First_, a silver cup (value, $40), bearing the names and -scores of the winners, to be held until the next annual competition, the -cup to become the property of the person winning it three times. - -_Second_, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Third_, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fourth_, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -_Fifth_, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. - -A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any competitor, not a prize -winner, making a score of 425 or better. - -STATE PRIZES.--The same as in Match A of the Outdoor Matches. - -Winners and Scores - - 1901 W. E. Petty 439 - 1902 W. E. Petty 439 - 1903 W. H. Luckett 437 - 1904 Sidney E. Sears 478 - 1905 Sidney E. Sears 461 - 1906 Sidney E. Sears 451 - 1907 Wm. G. Krieg 454 - 1908 R. H. Sayre 454 - 1909 R. H. Sayre 455 - 1910 Oscar I. Olson 461 - 1911 C. C. Crossman 455 - 1912 Dr. J. R. Hicks 457 - 1913 P. J. Dolfin 469 - 1914 Dr. W. E. Quicksall 457 - -PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; distance, 20 yards; light must be -artificial; 50 shots on ten Standard American targets; bull's-eye 2.72 -inches and 10-ring 1.12 inches in diameter, respectively; arm, any pistol -within the rules; ammunition, any. The score must be completed in one hour -or less from the time of firing the first shot. Entrance fee, $5; to -members not in arrears for dues, $3; no re-entries. - -NATIONAL AND STATE PRIZES: The same as in the indoor Revolver -Championship, except that honor medals are awarded for scores of 435 or -better. - -Winners and Scores - - 1901 R. H. Sayre 433 - 1902 R. H. Sayre 448 - 1903 Thomas Anderton 460 - 1904 E. H. Kessler 450 - 1905 R. H. Sayre 451 - 1906 John A. Dietz 447 - 1907 John A. Dietz 455 - 1908 R. P. Prentys 455 - 1909 Frank Fromm 456 - 1910 R. H. Sayre 454 - 1911 George Armstrong 473 - 1912 A. P. Lane 469 - 1913 Dr. C. H. Wilson 465 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 468 - -POCKET REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.--Open to everybody; 25 shots at 20 yards in -strings of five shots on five Standard American targets; each string to be -fired within 30 seconds after the command, "Fire." Arm, any pocket -revolver of .32 caliber or larger, within the rules. Magazine pistols not -allowed. Ammunition, full charge, factory loaded, brought to the firing -point in unbroken packages. Entrance fee, $4; to members not in arrears -for dues, $2. - -PRIZES.--The same as in Match F of the Outdoor Matches. - -Winners and Scores - - 1909 Wm. G. Krieg 190 - 1910 Dr. M. R. Moore 202 - 1911 Col. W. H. Whigam 195 - 1912 John A. Dietz 205 - 1913 Hans Roedder 206 - 1914 Dr. J. H. Snook 213 - -MATCH G NOVICE LIMITED RE-ENTRY MATCH.--Open to all amateurs who have -never won an important prize in pistol or revolver contests. (Winners of -prizes in National contests and first and second prizes in State contests, -all expert shots, etc., are barred.) Twenty-five shots at 20 yards in five -strings on five Standard American targets. Time, 30 minutes to complete -the score after firing the first shot. Arm, any revolver or any pistol -within the rules. Ammunition, any. Entrance fee, first entry, $3; to -members not in arrears for dues, $2. There may be four re-entries at $1 -each, but the score for the last re-entry only to count. - -NATIONAL AND STATE PRIZES:--The same as in Match F of the Outdoor Matches. - -Winners and Scores - - 1913 R. S. Everett 231 - 1914 Robert Mills 229 - - -RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES OF THE U. S. R. -A. - -1. _General Conditions._--Competitors must make themselves acquainted with -the rules and regulations of the association, as the plea of ignorance -will receive no consideration. The rulings and decisions of the executive -committee are final in all cases. These rules are for general application, -but will not apply in cases where the special conditions of any match -conflict with them. - -2. _Classification of Arms._--(a) Any Revolver. A revolver of any caliber. -Maximum length of barrel, including cylinder, 10 inches. Minimum trigger -pull, 2 1/2 pounds. Sights may be adjustable but they must be strictly -open, in front of the hammer and not over 10 inches apart. - -(b) Any pistol. A pistol of any caliber. Maximum length of barrel, 10 -inches. Minimum trigger pull, 2 pounds. Sights may be adjustable but they -must be strictly open, in front of the hammer and not over 10 inches -apart. - -(c) Military revolver or pistol. A revolver, or a magazine pistol, that -has been adopted by any civilized government for the armament of its army -or navy. Maximum weight, 2 3/4 pounds. Maximum length of barrel, 7 1/2 -inches. Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. Fixed open sights. Rear sights of -magazine pistols may be adjustable for elevation only. - -(d) Pocket revolver. A revolver having a maximum weight of 2 pounds. -Maximum length of barrel, 4 inches; Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. Sights -and model must be such as not to hinder quick drawing of the weapon from -the pocket or holster. - -3. _Loading, Firing, Timing, and Cleaning._--In all revolver and pistol -matches the weapon must not be loaded until the competitor has taken his -position at the firing point. The barrel must always be kept vertical or -pointed towards the target. After the target is in position and a match or -record score has been begun, in case of an accidental discharge or of -defective ammunition, if the bullet comes out of the barrel it will be -scored a shot. The timing in matches C, D, E, and F will be as follows: -The competitor standing at the firing point with the arm loaded, not -cocked, and the barrel pointing in a direction not less than 45 degrees -from the target, will signify to the scorer when he is ready to begin each -string. The scorer, stop watch in hand, will then give the command, -"Fire," _after which_ the competitor may cock and aim his weapon and shoot -his string. At the expiration of the time limit the scorer will announce -"Time." Misfires will be scored zero, only in Matches C, D, E, and F. -Competitors may clean weapons in Matches A and B, and in the corresponding -Indoor Championships, but no time allowance will be given for time spent -in this way. All competitors will be required to finish their scores -within the time limits specified, except in cases of accident, when the -time may be extended at the discretion of the executive committee. Blowing -through the barrel, to moisten it, will be considered cleaning. - -In revolver matches the arm must not be used as a single loader or loaded -so as to use a limited number of chambers in the cylinder. The cylinder -must be charged with the full number of rounds for which it is chambered, -and these must be shot consecutively. If scores are shot in ten shot -strings, the cylinder shall be charged first with six rounds and then with -four rounds. If the cylinder only contains five chambers, then the -ten-shot strings may be shot in two strings of five each. In Matches C, D, -E, and F and indoor or gallery events, the arm shall in all cases be -charged with five rounds. - -4. _Position._--The position shall be standing, free from any support, the -pistol or revolver being held in one hand, with arm extended, so as to be -free from the body. - -5. _Arms._--Any revolver or pistol which in the opinion of the executive -committee complies with the conditions specified in the various matches -will be allowed to compete in those events. Revolvers or magazine pistols -that have been adopted by any government for the armament of its army or -navy, or such as in the opinion of the executive committee are suitable -for military service, will be allowed in Matches C, D, and E. Among the -arms which may be used in these matches are the .38-caliber Smith & Wesson -or Colt Military; .44 Smith & Wesson, Military or Russian model; .38, .44 -or .45 Colt New Service; .45 Smith & Wesson Scofield; .44 or .45 Colt, -Single Action Army, Webley & Scott Mark IV, and the following magazine or -automatic pistols: Colt, Webley & Scott, Luger, Borchardt, Mannlicher, -Mauser, Mors. - -6. _Sights._--In open sights, the notch of the rear sight must be as wide -on top as at any part. Aperture or peep sights or any covered or shaded -sights will not be allowed. The use of a notch for the front sight will -not be permitted. Sights may be smoked or blackened if desired. Sights on -military arms, if modified to suit individuals, must remain strictly open, -strong and substantial, and suitable for military use. - -7. _Trigger-Pull._--The trigger-pull as specified in the various events -shall be determined by a test weight equal to the minimum pull applied at -a point three-eighths of an inch from the end of the trigger and at right -angles to the pin through the trigger. - -8. _Ammunition._--In Matches C, D, E, and F, and in the medal competition, -where full charge ammunition is required, it may be the product of any -reputable manufacturer. It must in all cases be brought to the firing -point in unbroken boxes, with the label of the manufacturer intact. - -9. _Targets._--The 200-yard Standard American rifle target No. 1 -(containing the 4-ring), with an 8-inch bull's-eye and showing in light -lines the rings of the International Union target, shall be used in all -matches at 50 yards. The scores will be counted on the Standard American -target. The diameters of the rings of the Standard American target are as -follows: 10-ring equals 3.36 inches; 9-ring equals 5.54 inches; 8-ring -equals 8 inches; 7-ring equals 11 inches; 6-ring equals 14.8 inches; -5-ring equals 19.68 inches; 4-ring equals 26 inches; rest of target 28 -inches by 28 inches counts 3. The same target reduced so that the -bull's-eye or 8-ring is 2.72 inches in diameter and the 10-ring 1.12 -inches in diameter, including the 4-ring 8.84 inches in diameter and the -rest of the target 9 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches, counting 3, shall be used -for all matches at 20 yards. - -10. _Marking and Scoring._--In all matches new paper targets shall be -furnished for each competitor. Not more than ten shots are to be fired on -any target at 50 yards, and not more than five shots on any target in -Matches C, D, E, and F, and for all shooting at 20 yards; the shot holes -in all cases to remain uncovered and left as shot. Bullets touching, -striking, or within a line on the target are to be scored the count of -that line. The eye alone shall determine whether a bullet touches or not. - -11. _Ties._--Ties shall be decided as follows: (1) By the score at the -longest distance; (2) by the score at the next longest distance; (3) by -the fewest number of shots of lowest count; (4) by firing five shots each -under the same conditions as the match and these rules in regard to ties, -until decided. - -12. _Supervision._--The shooting in all the U. S. R. A. events must take -place in the presence of at least two witnesses familiar with the rules, -one of whom must be an authorized U. S. R. A. officer. This officer shall -certify that each contestant has complied with all the U. S. R. A. -regulations as to distance, weapon, time, ammunition, etc., noting same on -the blank spaces provided on the score cards, and both witnesses shall -sign the targets and said score cards in duplicate for each contestant. - -13. _Protests._--Any person who believes that an injustice has been done, -or who dissents from the decision of any authorized executive officer of -the association, may enter a protest on depositing $1 with said officer. -Such protest must be in writing, in duplicate, and must be made within 24 -hours after the incident on which it is based. One copy to be handed to -the executive officer of the club or organization conducting the matches -and the other copy to be mailed to the secretary-treasurer of the U. S. R. -A. All protests will be investigated and passed upon by the executive -committee, and, if sustained, the protest fee will be returned; otherwise -it will be forfeited. - -14. _Records._--The shooting for records shall, when practicable, be done -on the grounds or in a gallery of a regularly organized shooting -association, military organization or club, and in the presence of at -least two witnesses familiar with the U. S. R. A. rules, one of whom shall -be an officer of the U. S. R. A. New targets of regulation size shall be -used. The foregoing rules and regulations and the conditions governing the -championship matches of the U. S. R. A. must in all cases be observed and -followed. The record score shall begin with the first shot after the -shooter has announced his intention to shoot for record; only the first -ten shots will apply to the 10-shot record; the first twenty shots to the -20-shot record, and so on to 50 or 100 shots, as the shooter may elect. -Such scores (multiples of 5 or 10 shots) for record must in all cases be -completed within the same proportional time limit as is specified for the -corresponding championship match; thus, in Match A, for example, the first -10 shots within 12 minutes, the first 20 shots within 24 minutes, etc. -After finishing the record score, the targets shall be identified and -signed by the witnesses as above designated. The witnesses shall also -prepare and sign a certificate of prescribed form, which, with the -detailed score and all targets, shall be forwarded to the U. S. R. A., -addressed to the secretary-treasurer. If all the conditions, rules and -regulations have been complied with, the scoring correct, and if the score -is higher than or equal to any previously made under the same conditions, -it will be declared a new record. The score will then be entered as such -in the record book of the association, and the shooter formally notified -to that effect. - - -METHODS AND CUSTOMS TO BE FOLLOWED IN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL COMPETITIONS -OF THE U. S. R. A. - -The conditions under which local clubs may be authorized to conduct -Championship Matches of the U. S. R. A. are as follows: - -There must be not less than six members of the association residing within -twenty-five miles of the proposed place of holding the contest and there -must be not less than three entries in Championship Matches A, B, or C, or -five entries in Match F. In matches offering National and State prizes the -same entrance fee includes eligibility to both honors. - -On the application of six or more members in good standing under the -prescribed conditions, a U. S. R. A. official designated as the "governor" -is appointed by the Association's executive committee and vested with the -authority to supervise all Association shooting. The appointee is usually -a member nominated by the local members. Besides supervising all the U. S. -R. A. contests, the governor is the official representative of the -Association in his locality, and has the custody of all supplies and the -distribution of prizes, medals, etc. By this arrangement the U. S. R. A. -members in all sections of the country obtain the same privileges and -benefits and equal opportunity to enter the matches and competitions. - -The U. S. R. A. will furnish numbered and certified targets and score -cards, and will provide the prizes for the U. S. R. A. Championship and -re-entry events; the club or organization to pay the expressage both ways -on targets and all other supplies, to furnish the shooting facilities and -conduct the contests free of expense to the association and turn over to -the secretary-treasurer all the entrance fees for the U. S. R. A. events. -This plan has in all cases given satisfactory results, because the -practice shooting of the contestants in the local re-entry matches usually -affords sufficient revenue to pay the expenses of the tournament. - -When a competitor wishes to shoot in any of the events, he should exhibit -his latest membership card (if a member) to the officers in charge, and -after paying the entrance fee, a regular ticket or duplicate score card -(furnished by the United States Revolver Association) is filled out and -issued to him, which is his receipt for the entrance fee. His score need -not necessarily be shot immediately after issuing the ticket. Competitors -have the option of shooting in the order in which they pay for their -entries. Tickets not used are forfeited: no entrance fees shall be -refunded. - -The requisite number of targets are issued when the competitor wishes to -shoot his score. These must be numbered consecutively, they must have the -competitor's name and the number of his score card written on them for -identification, and must be shot in their numerical order. - -The targets are usually tacked at the corners on alternating frames -covered with canvas, over which heavy paper is pasted. Each target is left -in position until the required number of shots have been fired at it, each -shot being spotted and marked as fired [no pasters to be used]. When a -string has been finished the target is lowered and the alternating target -raised in position. After the score is completed the targets are brought -to the firing point and delivered to the range officer. - -When a competitor wishes to shoot his score, his arm must be inspected and -passed by the officer in charge, who must see that it conforms with the -rules and requirements of the event in which it is entered. Competitors -who wish to enter in any of the events are urged to have their arms -examined by the executive officer or committee in charge of the matches as -soon as possible, so that in case there should be any exceptions made to -the sights, the trigger-pull, or any other details, there will be an -opportunity to have these exceptions corrected so as to comply with the -requirements when the official test and inspection is made before shooting -the score. - -In Matches C, D, E, and F the scorer should have a reliable stop watch, so -that the timing will be accurate. It is well, whenever possible, to have -two men time the competitor, so as to have an additional check. A new -target must be furnished for each string of five shots at each range. -According to the rules, if a competitor starts to shoot a string of any -score and his arm becomes disabled from any cause, those shots which reach -the target within the time limit after the command, "Fire," will be -counted as the complete score for the five shots. In the case of a -disabled arm, the officer or committee in charge may allow the competitor -to complete the remaining strings of his score with another arm. Shots on -the paper target outside of the 4-ring count 3; shots missing the paper -target count zero. After completing the score, when the duplicate score -cards are filled out, the contestant takes the duplicate and the range -officer retains the original record. - -All unused targets and score cards are also to be forwarded to the -secretary-treasurer, with a complete detailed account of entrance fees, -supplies, etc. - -In the Medal Competition only those targets that actually count for medals -are to be witnessed, certified and forwarded to the secretary-treasurer -for verification and record. - -In order that the conditions may be uniform and eliminate as much as -possible the special conditions in regard to wind, etc., that may exist at -the different places where the matches may be held, the shooters should be -protected at the firing point by a shelter. This may be either the regular -shooting house of the club, or, if the shooting is done in the open, by a -suitable tent or temporary frame structure having an opening in the -direction of the target; the other three sides being inclosed. The -building or tent should be large enough to accommodate also the officer or -committee in charge of the match, so that the shooter may be at all times -in sight of the officer in charge of the range at the time the score is -made. A table of suitable size should be provided near the firing point -for holding ammunition and for the convenience of the competitor to clean -his arm in those events where cleaning is allowed. The firing point should -be plainly marked and so located as to be at least two feet from any -timbers, guards, ropes, tables, etc. - - -INSTRUCTIONS TO U. S. R. A. OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP -CONTESTS - -Supplies consisting of numbered and certified targets, score cards, record -blanks, a copy of the rules and regulations, etc., will be furnished by -the secretary-treasurer on the requisition of the local U. S. R. A. -representative. Such supplies shall be used only in the matches, and all -used and unused supplies shall be returned to the secretary-treasurer at -the close of the contests. The target and supply account of the club must -balance. - -A governor or other officer of the U. S. R. A. will be appointed in each -locality where the matches are to be held to act as range officer, -represent the association, and have charge of the contests. This governor -or officer shall _personally measure the range to verify the distance_ -and see that all the conditions of the matches are strictly complied -with. He will also see that at least one other person familiar with the -rules is present to witness all the shooting and he shall certify to the -correctness of each score and the conditions, by signing the score card -when the score is completed, and all the targets of each competitor shall -be signed by both witnesses. - -The other duties in detail of the governor or officer in charge of the -matches are as follows: When a competitor expresses his intention of -entering a match, a score card is made out in his name and delivered to -him on the payment of the higher entrance fee (unless the competitor -exhibits a membership card bearing the date of the current year, in which -case he is entitled to the lower entrance fee). These score cards are to -be issued in numerical order, and when more than one contestant wishes to -shoot at the same time, the man holding the score card first issued is -entitled to the preference of position and time. When the contestant is -ready to shoot, he hands his score card to the governor or other officer -of the association, who thereupon issues the required targets numbered -consecutively, with the name of the competitor and the number of his score -card written on each target for identification. The arm of the competitor -is then inspected to make sure that it complies with the rules and -regulations. The sights must be carefully inspected and the trigger-pull -tested by weighing in _just before the score is begun_. - -The records for which blanks are provided on the score card with reference -to the arm, ammunition, etc., must all be filled in. The competitor's -first target may then be placed in position. As soon as the contestant -begins his score, the time is taken from the firing of the first shot in -Matches A and B and in the Corresponding Indoor Championships, and the -entire score must be completed within one hour from this time. Scores in -Match G must be completed within 30 minutes after firing the first shot. -In Matches C, D, E, and F the time is taken from the command "Fire," and -the five shots must be fired within the specified time limit in each case -and a record is made of the actual elapsed time of each string which must -be written on the corresponding targets later when they are brought to the -firing point. The announcing of intermediate times or seconds is not -allowed. - -Ten shots are to be fired at each target in Matches A and B, and five -shots at each target in Matches C, D, E, F, and G, and in all the Indoor -Matches. After the score is completed, the separate targets are scored in -regular order as shot and the value of the shots as filled in the score -card are checked from the targets, _making corrections from the targets, -if mistakes have been made by the markers_. After filling in and signing -the score cards, the duplicate is handed to the competitor and the -original preserved for record. The targets are then signed by the governor -and preserved until the expiration of the period during which the matches -are held, when all targets, original score cards, and all other supplies, -used and unused, are to be sent to the United States Revolver Association, -addressed to the secretary-treasurer. - -It is recommended that all scores after being shot, verified, etc., be -wrapped in paper in separate packages, marked with the competitor's name, -and that no one be permitted to handle and examine these targets after -they have been scored and certified to. - - -THE U. S. R. A. LEAGUE - -The League is an alliance or compact between the clubs participating, the -details and conditions of which vary slightly from year to year, being -embodied in a signed contract. - -Any locality having six or more paid-up members in the Association may -apply for the appointment of an official U. S. R. A. representative and by -accepting the conditions and signing the contract, enter a team. - - -U. S. R. A. LEAGUE AGREEMENT FOR 1914-15. - -_Entrance Fees._--Each club with paid-up affiliation in the U. S. R. A. -shall pay an entrance fee of $10, others $15; this to cover cost of prizes -only. - -_Expense._--The association shall furnish all targets to the clubs and -shall pay the transportation from the association to the clubs and pay for -all necessary telegrams to or from the secretary-treasurer, and an -accurate account of these charges to be kept by the secretary and the -amount to be charged back to the clubs, each club paying an equal amount. -This is not to exceed $10. - -Secretaries of the clubs where shooting nights and distance will permit -are to use the mail, others the telegraph in the cheapest form. Results of -the week MUST reach the secretary by noon of the next Monday after the -shoot. The press has no use for stale news. Clubs shall pay a fine of $1 -for each failure to report on time; the fines to go into the club fund for -expenses. - -Targets are to be sent to the various clubs prepaid. Only clubs which -guarantee to stay through the series will be allowed to enter. - -_Shooting Night._--Clubs may shoot on one or two evenings of the week most -convenient for them, but it must be the same evenings each week all -through the match, unless a change be authorized by the -secretary-treasurer. Any club may be allowed at the discretion of the -executive committee to divide their shooters into two divisions and have -two shooting nights a week. The membership of the divisions must be kept -distinct, that is, a man may not change from one division to another and -each division must have its regular shooting night. Matches not shot -according to the above may be forfeited. - -_Teams_ to consist of five men, but each club may at its option shoot in -any match from five to ten men and pick the scores of the highest five. -_Qualifications_, _paid-up membership in the U. S. R. A._ and good -standing in the local club. _A man may shoot on the team of but one club._ -The scores of members in arrears for dues may be forfeited. - -_Conditions._--Revolvers and pistols will be allowed on equal terms, but -both must comply with the U. S. R. A. rules. Five strings of five shots -each will be required for each man. Target, Standard American. Distance, -twenty yards. Each individual score to be completed within twenty-five -minutes from the time of firing the first shot. - -_Scoring._--Official scoring to be done by the secretary-treasurer. In -close matches, where the count of doubtful shots will determine the -winner, at least two of the members of the executive committee shall be -called upon to assist the secretary in scoring these shots. - -_Supervision._--Members of the executive committee and U. S. R. A. -governors shall supervise matches within their jurisdiction, and certify -that all U. S. R. A. conditions have been fulfilled. _Any score not so -certified may be protested_, by any competitor and at the discretion of a -majority of the executive committee may be thrown out. - -Individual and club ties to be shot off. - -_Protests_ from the decision of any U. S. R. A. official may be made in -writing to the secretary-treasurer, if mailed within 48 hours after the -decision has been brought to the attention of the person or persons -feeling aggrieved. Each person concerned in making the protest must -forward $1, which will be returned if the protest is sustained, otherwise -forfeited to the association treasury. - -_In General._--The series to begin as quickly as arrangements can be made. -Matches to be shot weekly. - -Targets will be furnished marked for identification, and must be used only -for the match assigned and for no other purpose. For obvious reasons match -targets must be jealously guarded and their individual identity carefully -preserved. Clubs may purchase from the U. S. R. A. similar targets for -practice purposes. - -Scores on mixed targets may be forfeited. - -Clubs will be classified in groups of four matches to begin the week of -.......... - -Entries to close .......... - -_Fraud._--Any person found guilty by the executive committee of the U. S. -R. A. of cheating, evading or attempting to evade the regulations -governing these contests, shall be debarred from all U. S. R. A. contests -until reinstated by a vote of the members at an annual meeting of this -association. - -We hereby agree to all the above conditions and make application to enter -a team in the U. S. R. A. League. Our preferred shooting day of the week -is .......... - -Signed: .......... - -Date: .......... - -Witnesses: - - -RECORDS - -The following records have been made under the United States Revolver -Association rules since their adoption: - -REVOLVER, 50 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 458 - Sept. 7, 1904--Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 465 - June 6, 1911--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 467 - Nov. 26, 1911--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. - 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--94 - 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--96 - 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--94 - 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10--95 - 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10--96 - -- 475 - -_30 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 273 - Sept. 7, 1904--Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield Mass. 284 - Nov. 26, 1911--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 284 - -_20 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 185 - Sept. 7, 1904--Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 188 - Nov. 26, 1911--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 190 - Oct. 3, 1913--A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. 191 - -_10 Shots_: - - April 26, 1903--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 94 - Oct. 3, 1913--A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. 96 - -REVOLVER, 20 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - March, 1902--W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 439 - June 11, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 464 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. - 95 96 96 95 96-- 478 - -_30 Shots_: - - March, 1902--W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 271 - June 11, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 275 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 287 - -_20 Shots_: - - March, 1902--W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 177 - March, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 178 - June 11, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 184 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 191 - -_10 Shots_: - - March, 1903--Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 93 - March 4, 1904--S. E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 96 - June 11, 1904--J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 98 - Nov. 15, 1907--C. C. Crossman, St. Louis, Mo. 100 - -MILITARY REVOLVER, RAPID FIRE, 50 YARDS - -_75 Shots_; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: - - Sept., 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, Sea Girt, N. J. 579 - Sept. 16, 1904--Thomas Anderton, Creedmoor, N. Y. 585 - Sept., 1910--Col. W. H. Whigam, Chicago, Ill. 591 - Sept., 1911--A. P. Lane, Sea Girt, N. J. 605 - Sept., 1912--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 621 - Sept., 1913--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 625 - Sept., 1914--C. M. McCutcheon, Denver, Col. - 9 9 8 8 7--41 - 10 9 9 9 8--45 - 10 10 8 8 7--43 - 10 10 9 8 8--45 - 9 9 9 8 6--41 - -- 215 - - 9 9 9 8 8--34[20] - 9 8 8 8 7--40 - 10 10 9 8 7--44 - 10 9 8 8 7--42 - 10 10 9 9 8--46 - -- 206 - - 10 9 8 8 6--41 - 10 9 8 9 6--42 - 10 9 8 6 6--39 - 10 10 9 8 7--44 - 9 9 8 8 6--40 - -- 206 - --- - Grand Total 627 - -_25 Shots_; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: - - Sept., 1902--Thomas Anderton, Sea Girt, N. J. 206 - Sept., 1910--Samuel Peterson 215 - Sept., 1913--C. M. McCutchen, Denver Col. 217 - Sept., 1914--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. - 10 10 9 8 8--45 - 10 10 10 9 7--46 - 10 9 9 8 7--43 - 10 9 9 9 7--44 - 10 9 9 8 7--43 - -- 221 - -POCKET REVOLVER, 50 YARDS - -_25 Shots_; in strings of 5 shots in 30 seconds. - - Sept. 1909--C. W. Klett, San Francisco, Cal. 203 - Sept. 1911--A. P. Lane, New York, N. Y. 211 - Sept. 1914--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. - 10 10 9 8 6--43 - 10 10 9 9 7--45 - 10 9 7 7 5--38 - 10 9 9 8 8--44 - 10 10 9 8 7--44 - -- 214 - -20 YARDS (INDOORS) - - March, 1909--W. G. Kreig, Chicago, Ill. 190 - March, 1921--Dr. M. R. Morse, St. Louis, Mo. 202 - March, 1912--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 205 - March, 1913--Hans Roedder, New York, N. Y. 206 - March, 1914--Dr. J. H. Snook, Columbus, O. 213 - -PISTOL, 50 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. - 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10--99 - 9 9 10 10 10 9 10 9 9 9--94 - 9 10 10 9 9 9 10 10 10 10--96 - 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9--99 - 8 9 9 8 10 9 10 10 9 10--92 - -- 480 - -_30 Shots_: - - March 21, 1903--E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 287 - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 289 - Feb. 1, 1914--F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col. 291 - -_20 Shots_: - - March 21, 1903--E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 192 - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 193 - Feb. 1, 1914--F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col. 196 - -_10 Shots_: - - March 21, 1903--E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 96 - April 4, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 99 - Feb. 1, 1914--F. J. Dreher, Denver, Col. 100 - -PISTOL, 20 YARDS - -_50 Shots_: - - March 2, 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 448 - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 460 - March 25, 1908--L. R. Hatch, Portland, Me. 462 - Dec. 1, 1909--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 471 - March, 1911--George Armstrong, Seattle, Wash. 473 - Jan. 25, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 478 - March 4, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. - 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10--99 - 10 10 10 9 10 9 10 9 10 10--97 - 10 10 10 10 9 9 10 10 8 10--96 - 10 10 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 9--97 - 9 9 10 9 10 8 9 10 10 8--92 - -- 481 - -_30 Shots_: - - March, 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 260 - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 276 - March 20, 1908--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 278 - March 25, 1908--L. R. Hatch, Portland, Me. 279 - Dec. 1, 1909--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 283 - March, 1911--George Armstrong, Seattle, Wash. 284 - Jan. 11, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 287 - March 4, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 292 - -_20 Shots_: - - March, 1902--Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 173 - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass 189 - Dec. 1, 1909--J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 192 - Jan. 11, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 193 - March 4, 1912--George Armstrong, Portland, Ore. 196 - -_10 Shots_: - - March, 1903--Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 92 - March 24, 1906--John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y. 93 - March 24, 1906--J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass. 95 - May 18, 1908--F. L. Hayden, Portland, Me. 97 - May 20, 1910--A. M. Poindexter, Red Bank, N. J. 100 - April 16, 1914--Dr. D. Atkinson, West View, Pa. 100 - - - - -APPENDIX II - -NATIONAL PISTOL MATCH - - -This match is an annual contest, authorized by the National Board for the -Promotion of Rifle Practice and is conducted under the auspices of the -National Rifle Association of America. In alternate years the match is -held at a National shooting tournament, at a State or Federal range having -sufficient facilities. These National shooting tournaments have been held -at Camp Perry, Ohio, and Sea Girt, New Jersey. At these tournaments, in -addition to the National Pistol Matches, there are a number of other -pistol and revolver matches with extensive prize lists. - -Every other year the National Pistol Match is conducted in connection with -the National Divisional Matches, which in 1914 were held at Sea Girt, New -Jersey; Jacksonville, Florida; Sparta, Wisconsin; Fort Reily, Kansas; and -Portland, Oregon. - -The following are the conditions of this match: - -(a) Open to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, cadets United States Military -Academy, midshipmen United States Naval Academy, the Organized Militia, -the Naval Militia, members of the National Rifle Association of America -and affiliated clubs, members of the United States Revolver Association, -universities, colleges, and military schools and colleges. - -(b) Distances and classes of fire: - -SLOW FIRE (30 SECONDS PER SHOT) - - Yards - 2 scores (7 shots each) 50 - 2 scores (7 shots each) 75 - -RAPID FIRE, (30 SECONDS PER SCORE) - - 2 scores (7 shots each) 25 - 2 scores (7 shots each) 50 - -RAPID FIRE (15 SECONDS PER SCORE) - - 2 scores (7 shots each) 15 - 2 scores (7 shots each) 25 - -(c) Targets: Target L will be used for all firing. - -(d) Position: Without body or artificial rest; one hand only to be used. - -(e) Arm: Colt's automatic pistol, caliber .45, government model; -trigger-pull not less than six pounds. - -(f) Ammunition: The Ordnance Department shall manufacture and issue -ammunition for use in preliminary practice and in the National divisional -pistol matches; all such ammunition to be as nearly as practicable of the -same date of manufacture and of the same quality. - -(g) Sights: No alteration of sights will be allowed. The front or rear -sights may be blackened according to the judgment of the competitor. - -(h) Cleaning: Pieces can be cleaned upon the completion of the score. In -competitions at more than one distance, cleaning will be permitted between -distances. While such cleaning will be permitted, it will not be required. - -(i) Procedure, Rapid Fire; Pistol: The officer in charge of the line will -command "Load." The magazine will be inserted in the pistol, the pistol -loaded with one cartridge therefrom, and the safety lock engaged with the -thumb of the right hand. When all is ready in the pit, the targets to be -fired will be drawn fully down (the rear targets being blank or targets of -another class than those being fired upon) and a red flag hoisted at the -center target. When the red flag is displayed, the officer in charge of -the firing line will command "Ready," when the safety lock will be -disengaged and the position of "Raise pistol" assumed. - -The firing line being ready, the pit is signaled or telephoned "Ready on -the firing line." When this signal is received in the pit, the red flag is -waved and lowered, and five seconds thereafter the targets appear. At -exactly the proper number of seconds after the target is in position the -range officer commands or signals "Down," having preceded this command two -or three seconds by the warning command or signal "Ready." The target must -be fully exposed and stationary for the number of seconds called for in -the match and then must be withdrawn as quickly as possible. The number -and value of the hits and the number of misses will be signaled in the -usual manner after the score has been fired. - -In case of a defective cartridge or a disabled pistol, or when more than -seven hits are made on the target, the score will be repeated. In case a -competitor fires on the wrong target only such shots as he may have fired -on his own target will be counted on his score. He will be given misses -for the remainder of his score. - -Rules: As laid down in the Small Arms Firing Manual, 1913, except as -herein modified. - -Prizes: One gold medal to the competitor making the highest aggregate -score, one silver medal to the competitor making the second highest score, -and one bronze medal to the competitor making the third highest score in -each National divisional competition. To be eligible to win a prize in any -National divisional pistol match, a competitor must be a resident or a -member of an organization located within the division in which the -competition occurs. No competitor shall be eligible to win prizes in more -than one National divisional competition. - - - - -APPENDIX III - -TARGET PRACTICE REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT - -(_In Effect After Jan. 1st, 1914_) - - -The following is a digest of the target practice prescribed for the U. S. -Army, using the regulation Colt automatic pistol, caliber .45, with -service ammunition, as given in the "Small Arms Firing Manual" (War -Department Document No. 442). - -A very excellent and complete program for target practice is contemplated. -Chapter IX is devoted to "Preliminary Drills; Position and Aiming Drills," -in which the soldier is trained in all the motions of aiming and firing, -snapping the weapon. Exercises are provided for dismounted and mounted -soldiers. - -Chapters X, XI, and XII prescribe the actual practice shooting with -complete rules, regulations, and methods of procedure, together with -illustrations and diagrams. - -The regulation target practice is divided into two courses: the dismounted -course and the mounted course, each of which is separate and complete in -itself. - -The following schedule shows the general target practice scheme of each -course, a score in all cases consisting of five consecutive shots. - - -TARGET PRACTICE SCHEDULE - -DISMOUNTED COURSE - - _Instruction Practice_: NO. OF - SHOTS - - Slow fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 1 score at each - range. Target L. Time limit, none. 10 - - Rapid fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 2 scores at each - range. Target L. Time, 20 seconds per score. 20 - - Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, minimum of 2 scores at each - range. Target E--Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot at 15 - yards; 4 seconds per shot at 25 yards. 20 - - _Record Practice_: - - Rapid fire, at 25 yards, 2 scores. Target L. Time, 20 seconds - for each score 10 - - Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, 2 scores at each range. - Target E--Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot at 15 yards; 4 - seconds per shot at 25 yards. 20 - - _Expert Test_: - - Rapid fire, at 50 yards, 1 score. Target L. Time, 30 seconds - per score. 5 - - Quick fire, at 15 and 25 yards, 1 score at each range. Target - E--Bobbing. Time, 3 seconds per shot at 15 yards; 4 seconds - per shot at 25 yards. 10 - -- - Total 95 - -MOUNTED COURSE - - _Instruction Practice_: - - _Dismounted_-- - - Slow fire, 15 yards, minimum of 2 scores. Target L. Time - limit, none. 10 - - Quick fire, 15 yards, minimum of 2 scores. Target M--Bobbing. - Time, 3 seconds per shot. 10 - - _Mounted_-- - - Halt; minimum of 2 scores; one to the right and one to the - left. Target M--Bobbing. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 seconds - per shot. 10 - - Walk; minimum of 2 scores; one score firing to the right while - moving to the left and one score firing to the left while - moving to the right around the circumference of circle about - 12 ft. in diameter tangent to the track at the firing point. - Target M--Bobbing. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 seconds per shot. 10 - - Gallop; minimum of 8 scores. Target M. Range, 10 yards. Time - governed by gait of at least 12 miles an hour. 40 - - [_Note_:--Five M targets are placed 10 yards from the track and - 10 yards apart (20 yards apart for the revolver). Each trooper - makes eight circlings of the track (four in each direction) - firing four scores to the right and four to the left.] - - _Record Practice_: - - Halt; quick fire. Target M--Bobbing. 2 scores 1 to the right, - 1 to the left. Range, 10 yards. Time, 3 seconds per shot. 10 - - Gallop; Target M. Range, 10 and 14 yards. 4 scores--2, firing - to the right while circling to the left; 2, firing to the - left while circling to the right. 20 - - Time governed by gait of at least 12 miles an hour. - - [_Note_:--Three of the five M targets (the first, the center, - and the last targets) of the gallop stage, Instruction Practice, - are set at an angle of 45 degrees to the track, and the trooper - in making the run fires at each of these when facing them at - about 14 yards range. The firing of the full score and the - direction of the shots is therefore as follows: Right front, - right, right front, right, and right rear. In making the left - hand run, two targets are set at an angle and the firing is in - the following order: Left, left front, left, left front, left.] - - _Expert Test_: - - Halt; 1 score. Five E targets--Bobbing; unknown angles. Range, - 8 1/2 to 15 yards. Time, 2 seconds per shot. 5 - - Gallop; 1 score; group of three M targets. Range, 10 and 14 - yards; 3 shots to right advancing and 2 shots to left - returning. Time governed by gait of at least 12 miles per - hour. 5 - - [_Note_:--Two of the targets are set at an angle as in the gallop - stage. Record Practice, the firing being right front, right, right - rear, in advancing; and left front, left, in returning.] - - Gallop, extended; 2 scores. Range, 5 to 15 yards. Time governed - by gait. 10 - - [_Note_:--Targets arranged as follows: Target F, 5 yards to the - right; 20 yards further along track, Target E, 7 yards to the - right; 30 yards further, Target M, 10 yards to the left; 20 yards - further, Target M, 10 yards to the left; 30 yards further, Target - M, 15 yards to the right. Two runs are made firing at the targets - in the order named.] - --- - Total number of shots. 130 - -_Explanatory Notes, etc._ - -_Timing_: --Intervals of time are measured from the last note of the -signal or command, "Commence firing," to the last note or word of "Cease -firing." - -_Targets_:--Target L is illustrated on page 91. Targets E, F, and M are -full size silhouette figures of men in the kneeling, prone and standing -positions, respectively. When "bobbing" target is prescribed, it refers to -an operating device for turning the targets 90 degrees on a vertical axis -by means of ropes. The target is thus made to turn so as to appear -edgewise and flatwise from the firing point and remains flatwise or -"exposed" for the number of seconds stated in the time limit for each -shot, and "turned from view" between shots for an interval of 3 to 5 -seconds. - -_Procedure_:--In quick fire the soldier stands at the firing point, pistol -loaded with 5 cartridges, hammer down (in mounted practice hammer cocked -at safe), weapon in holster, flap, if any, buttoned. Upon the first -exposure of the target the soldier draws and fires, or attempts to fire, -one shot at the target before it is turned from view and keeps the weapon -in hand until he has fired five shots at successive exposures of the -target to complete the score. - -_Qualification Scores_: _Dismounted Course_--Sixty per cent. of the -aggregate possible score of the Instruction Practice for advancement to -Record Practice and 80 per cent. of the latter for advancement to Expert -Test. In Expert Test, 50 out of a possible 60. _Mounted Course_--Fifty per -cent. of the aggregate possible score of the Instruction Practice for -advancement to Record Practice and 70 per cent. of the latter for -advancement to Expert Test. In Expert Test, 13 out of a possible 20. - -_Competitions_:--In every alternate year department pistol competitions -are held simultaneously with the department rifle competitions at places -designated by the department commanders. - - -ORGANIZED MILITIA TARGET PRACTICE - -The prescribed course in effect in 1914 is adapted to the service -revolvers. Five shots constitute a score. All shooting is on Target L. The -course is divided into Instruction Practice and Record Practice. - -_Instruction Practice_: - -Slow Fire: Range 15, 25, and 50 yards; one score at each range. Time -limit, none. - -Rapid Fire: Range 15, 25, and 50 yards; two scores at each range. Time -limit, 30 seconds per score. - -Rapid Fire: Range 15 and 25 yards; two scores at each range. Time limit, -15 seconds per score. - -_Record Practice_: - -Rapid Fire: Range 25 and 50 yards; two scores at each range. Time limit, -30 seconds per score. - -Rapid Fire: Range 15 and 25 yards; two scores at each range. Time limit, -15 seconds per score. - -The rules, regulations, and procedure are the same as those governing the -U. S. Army practice. - -Qualification scores are as follows out of a possible 400: Second -classman, 250; first classman, 300, and expert pistol shot, 320. Insignia -badges and pins are awarded to those qualifying. - - -U. S. NAVY TARGET PRACTICE REGULATIONS - -The revolver practice in the U. S. Navy consists of three classes, -designated the Marksman's Course, the Sharpshooter's Course, and the -Expert Pistol Shot's Special Course. Each course is subdivided into -"Instruction Practice" and "Record Practice." - -All shooting in the Marksman's and Sharpshooter's courses is done on -Target A, which is a rectangle 6 ft. high by 4 ft. wide, with a circular -black bull's-eye 8 in. in diameter, counting 5, and concentric circles of -count with diameters as follows: 4 ring, 26 in.; 3 ring, 46 in.; 2 -rectangle, rest of target. Target L is used in the Expert Course. - -MARKSMAN'S COURSE (SLOW FIRE) - -_Instruction Practice_: - -At least 1 string of 6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; no time -limit. - -_Record Practice_: - -At least 1 string of 6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 5 -minutes. - -SHARPSHOOTER'S COURSE (RAPID FIRE) - -_Instruction Practice_: - -6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 30 seconds per score. - -_Record Practice_: - -6 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds.; time limit, 30 seconds per score. - -EXPERT PISTOL SHOT'S SPECIAL COURSE - -_Instruction Practice_: - -Slow Fire: 6 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds., 50 yds. No time limit. - -Timed Fire: One score of 5 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds., 50 yds. -Time limit, 30 seconds for each score. - -Rapid Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds. Time -limit, 10 seconds for each score. - -_Record Practice_: - -Timed Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 25 yds., 50 yds. Time -limit, 30 seconds for each score. - -Rapid Fire: Two scores of 5 shots, each range: 15 yds., 25 yds. Time -limit, 10 seconds for each score. - -Qualification scores are 80 per cent. of the possibles of each course. - -In rapid fire practice the timing is done at the target. On a signal that -all is ready at the firing point, the target appears and remains exposed -during the time limit, then disappears. - -In addition to the above regulation practice, the men are put through a -thorough preliminary course of position, sighting, and aiming drill. - -The more expert men are given advanced practice in snap, double-action, -and left-hand shooting, also firing alternately at targets at different -distances and at floating objects at unknown distances. - -Excellent practical suggestions and information is contained in Chapter V, -devoted to Pistol Practice, in "The Landing Force and Small Arms -Instructions," edition 1911. - - - - -APPENDIX IV - -DIGEST OF WAR DEPARTMENT TESTS OF AUTOMATIC PISTOLS - - -The board of officers appointed by the Secretary of War (Special Order No. -305, Dec. 28, 1906) to test automatic pistols and revolvers met at the -Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass., on January 15, 1907. The board -consisted of: Col. Philip Reade, 23rd Infantry; Maj. Joseph T. Dickman, -13th Cavalry; Capt. Guy H. Preston, 13th Cavalry; Capt. Ernest D. Scott, -Artillery Corps, and Capt. John H. Rice, Ordnance Department. - -The weapons referred to the board by the Chief of Ordnance for examination -and test with their weights (unloaded) were as follows: - - _Automatic Pistols, Caliber .45_ _Lbs._ _Oz._ - The Colt 2 2 1/2 - The Luger 2 8 - The Savage 2 3 - The Knoble (single action) 2 11 1/2 - The Knoble (double action) 2 10 1/2 - The Bergmann 2 3 1/2 - The White-Merrill 2 6 1/2 - - _Double Action Revolvers, Caliber .45_ - The Colt 2 7 - The Smith & Wesson 2 6 - - _Automatic Revolver, Caliber .45_ - The Webley-Fosbury 2 10 - -PROGRAMME OF TESTS OF AUTOMATIC PISTOLS[21] - -1. Examination of pistol as to design, appearance, balance, suitability -for mounted troops, etc. - -2. Special examination as to safety features. - -3. Dismounting and assembling. The times required for each of the -following operations: - - (a) To dismount the breech and magazine mechanism, with the exception - of the magazine catch. - - (b) To complete dismounting. - - (c) To assemble, except the breech and magazine mechanism. - - (d) To complete assembling. - -4. The number of-- - - (a) Pins and screws. - - (b) Small springs. - - (c) Other parts. - -5. The number and kind of tools required to dismount and assemble. - -6. Twenty rounds to be fired to observe working of pistol. The above tests -will be made with the pistol in the hands of and operated by the inventor -or his representative, if present. - -7. Velocity at 25 feet, mean of 5 shots. - -8. Accuracy and penetration at 75 feet; 10 shots for accuracy, 5 for -penetration. - -9. Rapidity with accuracy; target 6 by 2 feet, range 100 feet. Number of -shots fired to be three times the capacity of clip. Pistol fired from -hand. Time and number of hits to be noted in each case. To be conducted by -representative of company, if present. Firing to begin with chamber and -magazine empty, and clips or holders arranged as desired by firer. - -10. Rapidity at will. Same as preceding test, except that the pistol will -be fired without aim into a butt at short range, and hits will not be -considered. - -11. Endurance. Pistol will then be fired deliberately 500 rounds as a -self-loader, cooling after each 50 rounds. - -12. Velocity. Same as paragraph 7, above. - -13. Decreased charges. Pistol to be fired 12 rounds as a self-loader with -cartridge in which the powder charge has been decreased so that the first -four will give pressure of 25 per cent. less, the second four 15 per cent. -less, and the last four 10 per cent. less than the service pressure. - -14. Excessive charges. Pistol to be fired 5 times as a single loader, with -cartridges in which the charge of powder is increased to produce a -pressure in the chamber 25 per cent. greater than the regular pressure. - -15. Pierced primers. Pistol will be fired once with a cartridge in which -the primer has been thinned so as to insure piercing. Two rounds will then -be fired to observe action. - -16. Dust. With the mechanism closed and both ends of the barrel tightly -corked pistol will be exposed, in a box prepared for that purpose, to a -blast of fine sand for one minute. The surplus sand may then be removed by -blowing thereon, jarring the piece, or wiping with the bare hand only. - -The Magazine should be-- - - (a) Empty when exposed to dust. - - (b) Loaded when exposed to dust. - -In both cases pistol should be used as a self-loader, and in the second -the cartridge may be removed and wiped, then reloaded. In case of -self-loading failures to work in either case the piece will be tried by -operating by hand. - -17. Rust. The mechanism will be thoroughly cleansed of grease by boiling -in a solution of soda, the ends of the barrel tightly corked and the -pistol then placed in a saturated solution of sal-ammoniac for five -minutes. After being hung up indoors for 22 hours, five shots will be -fired into a sand butt, using pistol as a self-loader. In case the -self-loading mechanism fails to work, the pistol will then be tried by -operating by hand. - -18. Supplementary Tests. Any piece which successfully passes the foregoing -tests may be subjected to such supplementary tests, or repetitions of -previous ones, to further determine its endurance or other qualities as -may be prescribed by the Chief of Ordnance or by the board. - -General Remarks. During the above tests the pistol will be entirely in the -hands of the board, except when specifically stated otherwise, and no -alterations or repairs other than those possible on the ground will be -allowed, except by special permission of the board. If the pistol fails in -any test the remainder of the programme may be discontinued in the -discretion of the board. - -In case of misfires the cartridges will be opened to determine cause, and -if due to the ammunition the test will be repeated. - -The board thoroughly tested the merits of the various arms submitted to -them, and reported in 1907 the conclusion that in principle the automatic -pistol was better suited for service use than the revolver. - -The board also recommended a .45-caliber pistol. At the same time it was -stated that the automatic pistol had not been sufficiently developed in -reliability to warrant its adoption. A service test was ordered, and the -Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company and the Savage Arms Company -submitted automatic pistols according to specifications. - -Two troops of cavalry were assigned to make this test and the report -showed that neither pistol had reached a desired proficiency. The matter -was then turned over to the Ordnance Department for further experiment. -Both of the arms companies were given time to improve their pistols under -the direction of Brig.-Gen. William Crozier, Chief of Ordnance; -Lieut.-Col. John T. Thompson, Ordnance Department, and Capt. Gilbert H. -Stewart, Ordnance Department. After a number of informal tests by these -officers, which demonstrated that the arms companies had approached the -standard set by the Ordnance Department, a new board of officers was -appointed to determine which of the two pistols should be adopted. This -board consisted of Majors Kenneth Morton and Walter G. Penfield and -Lieutenants C. A. Meals and Arthur D. Minick, Ordnance Department. - -Two pistols were submitted to the board, one by the Savage Arms Company, -the other by the Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, and the -tests were conducted in March, 1911. The ammunition used was of recent -manufacture by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company, had a jacketed -230-grain bullet, and was loaded to give a muzzle velocity of 800 f.s. The -weight of the Savage was found to be 2 lbs. 8 oz.; the Colt 2 lbs. 7 oz. -The mechanical safety of both is convenient for operation with the thumb -of the firing hand. Time required to complete dismounting, Savage 29.6 -seconds, Colt 24.5 seconds.; to assemble, except the magazine, Savage 5 -min. 10.5 sec., Colt 4 min. 50 sec.; to complete assembling, additional -time, Savage 28.5 sec., Colt 12.5 sec. The number of parts in each pistol -was then counted, and found to be as follows: Total components, Savage 40, -including four in magazine; Colt 61, including seven in magazine. The -number and kind of tools required to dismount and assemble the pistols -were: Colt, one screwdriver; Savage, one combination tool (one -screwdriver, two drifts). - -Fifty rounds from each pistol were fired deliberately into a butt to -observe the operation. The two pistols functioned normally. The Savage -pistol ejected the empty shells upward and to the front, while the Colt -ejected upward and to the right and rear. The velocity of each pistol was -measured at twenty-five feet, and the mean of five shots was: Savage, -849.4 ft. per second; Colt, 828.0 ft. per second. Two targets of ten shots -from each pistol were made for accuracy at seventy-five feet, using a -muzzle rest, with the resulting mean radii of dispersion: Savage, first -target 1.97", second target 1.97", mean 1.97"; Colt, first target .89", -second target .82", mean 0.8555". - -Three magazines full of cartridges were fired from each pistol at a target -six feet by two feet, 100 feet distant, to test the rapidity and accuracy. -The firing was begun with the chamber empty and three full magazines for -each pistol with it on the table. Results: - - Savage Colt - Time 35 sec. 28 sec. - Number of shots 24 " 21 " - Hits 22 " 21 " - Mean radii 7.27 " 5.85 " - -The pistols were next fired for rapidity by the same persons into a butt -at short range and no hits considered: Savage, 24 shots, time 16 sec.; -Colt, 21 shots, time 12 sec. In all the above tests the pistols functioned -normally. - -The two pistols were then thoroughly examined, oiled, and fired -deliberately 6,000 rounds each, being cleaned thoroughly, examined and -oiled after each 1,000 rounds. Wherever examination showed the least sign -of deformation it was noted. Each pistol was fired 100 rounds and then was -allowed to cool while the other was fired, giving each pistol at least -five minutes to cool. Firing was not begun after cooling until the hand -could be placed on the slide over the barrel without discomfort. There was -an interval of about two seconds between shots in the same magazine when -the pistol functioned normally. - -During the firing of the first 1,000, in 1h. 29m., the magazine of each -pistol dropped about an inch, due to the fault of the operator. Second -1,000, in 1h. 48m., the Colt functioned perfectly; while the Savage missed -fire once, jammed twice and had trouble with the bolt twice. Third 1,000, -in 2h. 2m. the Colt functioned perfectly; in round 2,924 the bolt stop of -the Savage broke. Fourth 1,000, in 2h. 1m., the Colt functioned perfectly; -with the Savage there was a slight jam and two misfires, the bolt stop was -upset. Fifth 1,000, in 2h. 6m., the Colt functioned perfectly; the Savage -magazine dropped five times, the bolt stop was further upset and there -were two cracks in the bolt. Sixth 1,000, the Colt again functioned -perfectly, and there were five misfires with the Savage, two jams, -fourteen failures of the bolt to counter recoil fully, and a breakage of -the bolt lock spring. Minute examination of the Colt pistol after this -test failed to show any broken parts, the only defect being a minute -bulging of the frame near the front end of the grooves and a slight -upsetting of the bolt stop where it strikes the magazine follower. - -The pistols were then fired five times as single loaders in a recoiling -rest with cartridges in which the powder charge was increased to give a -calculated chamber pressure of twenty-five per cent. greater than normal. -The Colt pistol functioned normally. The sear of the Savage broke at the -fourth round. A new sear was inserted, also a new sear spring, broken in -removing the broken sear. The removal of the broken sear was difficult on -account of the design of the pistol, and other parts were deformed in -removing the breech plug. Upon reassembling, the pistol functioned -normally in the fifth round. Each pistol was fired in a recoiling rest one -round, in which the primer had been thinned so as to be pierced by the -firing pin. Afterward two rounds were fired automatically. Both pistols -functioned satisfactorily. The pistols were then disassembled, cleaned, -and thoroughly examined. Both were found to be in good condition, with no -broken parts. All misfire cartridges were examined and no defects found. - -The shock of recoil of the Savage was found much more severe than of the -Colt. The experienced operators who fired several thousand rounds in the -endurance test, in alternate five hundreds, estimated the fatigue of -firing 500 rounds with the Savage equal to firing 2,000 rounds with the -Colt. - -"Of the two pistols the board is of the opinion that the Colt's is -superior, because it is more reliable, the more enduring, the more easily -disassembled when there are broken parts to be replaced, and the more -accurate. It equals in these qualities the Colt caliber .45 revolver, -model 1909, while being superior to that arm in balance, safety, rapidity, -accuracy of fire, and interchangeability. The Colt pistol embodies all the -features considered essential, desirable, and preferable by the board of -officers convened by S. O. 305, W. D., Washington, December 28, 1906, -except that there is no automatic indicator showing that the pistol is -loaded or indicator showing the number of cartridges remaining in the -magazine. There are, however, a few riveted parts, and the board is -uncertain whether the pistol would function properly with non-jacketed -bullets. The board therefore recommends that Colt caliber .45 automatic -pistol of the design submitted to the board for test be adopted for use by -foot and mounted troops in the military service in consequence of its -marked superiority to the present service revolvers and to any other known -pistol, of its extreme reliability and endurance, and of its fulfillment -of all essential requirements." - -This report was approved March 23, 1911, by Col. S. E. Blunt, Ord. Dept., -U. S. A., commanding Springfield Armory, Mass. - - - - -APPENDIX V - -GUNSMITHING, REPAIRS, RELOADING EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, ETC. - - -Occasionally a firearm becomes disabled by the breaking of a spring or -some other part of the mechanism. All the manufacturers carry a stock of -duplicate parts and any broken or worn-out part can be obtained promptly -from the makers of the weapon and the replacement made with a screwdriver -and a few drifts. When any of the parts become worn, the simplest and most -inexpensive course to follow is to substitute new parts in the same -manner. - -The most frequent source of difficulty is the wearing light of the -trigger-pull. This may also be corrected by the substitution of a new -hammer and a new trigger; or an experienced mechanic can generally correct -the difficulty with an oil stone. Inexperienced persons are liable to ruin -the parts if they attempt to do this work themselves. - -The barrels of the weapons after long use, especially in the open on -camping expeditions, etc., become rusted or they are worn out by extensive -use so as to require renewal. In such cases a new barrel may be ordered -from the maker of the weapon, which should be sent to the factory to have -the substitution made and the necessary fitting and finish properly -executed. In the case of high-priced barrels, and especially where the -barrel is part of the action, it is sometimes less expensive to have a -good gunsmith bore out the interior of the barrel and insert a new sleeve -instead of replacing the entire barrel. - -Very often the marksman will conceive an idea or invent an improvement -which will add to the convenience in manipulation or usefulness of the -weapon, the reloading tools, etc. As he becomes interested in the sport he -may want to try special sights, a different shape of trigger guard, matted -trigger, and various other modifications and refinements, thinking they -may improve his shooting. Without the necessary mechanical skill to -execute their ideas successfully all such special work should be intrusted -to a competent and first-class mechanic who is equipped and prepared to -execute work of this character in the best manner. The following are the -names and addresses of a few of the leading manufacturers and gunsmiths, -with a brief statement as to the character of work that each undertakes -and specializes on: - -SMITH & WESSON, Springfield, Mass. - - This company maintains a repair department, but undertakes repair, - reblueing and replating only on arms of their own manufacture. A - limited quantity of special work is also undertaken, provided it meets - with the approval of the manufacturers as being useful, desirable, and - in nowise a detriment to the weapon. All repair and special work is - executed in the order in which it is received, and as a limited force - is engaged in this department a delay of a week or more sometimes - occurs before the work can be begun. In case of general repairs the - cost of same is quoted before repairs are started. - -COLT PATENT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING CO., Hartford, Conn. - - This company maintains a repair department devoted exclusively to arms - of Colt manufacture. Estimates of the cost of repairs are quoted - before work is begun. Special work, reblueing and replating, is also - executed in connection with Colt arms. - -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., New Haven, Conn. - - Reloading tools, bullet molds, bullets, shells, primers, etc. - -UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO., Bridgeport, Conn. - -UNITED STATES CARTRIDGE CO., Lowell, Mass. - -THE PETERS CARTRIDGE CO., Cincinnati, Ohio. - - Shells, bullets, and primers. - -H. M. POPE, 18 Morris Street, Jersey City. - - Manufacturer of the famous "Pope" barrels for rifles, revolvers, and - pistols. New barrels furnished for any of the leading makes of target - arms. Pope graduated automatic powder measures and reloading tools. - Telescope mountings. Special work and fine repair work of all kinds. - -J. E. WILBURN, 403 Riverside Ave., Spokane, Wash. - - Specializes on very accurate and high-grade pistol and revolver - barrels of .22 and .38 caliber. Fine repair work of every description. - -IDEAL MANUFACTURING CO. (Marlin Fire Arms Co., Successors), New Haven, -Conn. - - Reloading tools, powder measures, bullet molds, bullets, etc. - -H. H. KIFFE CO., 533 Broadway, New York City. - -J. P. DANNEFELSER, 19 Warren Street, New York City. - - Carry a full line of smokeless powders for rifle and pistol - ammunition. - -(Nearly all the sporting goods dealers in the large cities carry a stock -of black and smokeless powders.) - - -THE END - - - - -APPENDIX VI - -ADDENDA AND CORRECTIONS - - -_Add to first paragraph page 25_: - -The Colt Automatic Pistol is now supplied with the automatic grip safety -in all models. This prevents the discharge of the weapon unless properly -held. - -_Insert before last paragraph page 29_: - -The latest addition to the target arms is the Colt .22 cal. Automatic -Pistol. It has a longer barrel than any other automatic pistol and is -fitted with adjustable sights. It has good balance and the long distance -between the sights makes excellent work at the target possible. (See Fig. -17a, facing page 32.) - -_Add to first paragraph top of page 35_: - -This model is supplied with an additional safety which prevents accidental -discharge in the event a cartridge is left in the barrel when the magazine -is withdrawn. - -_Insert after Match F, page 177_: - -The following new matches have been added to the annual contests of the U. -S. R. A.: - -MATCH G--NOVICE LIMITED RE-ENTRY MATCH.--Outdoor Event.--Open to all -amateurs who have never won an important prize in our branch of sport. - -Winners of honors in our National Championships, first and second place -honors in our State Championships, National honors in this match, -professional shooters and those who have won place in important matches -other than those of the U. S. R. A. are barred. - -SCORE: Twenty-five shots in five strings of five shots each. - -TIME: Thirty minutes. - -WEAPON AND AMMUNITION: Any allowed in Matches A and B. - -PRIZES: National--As in Match A. - -STATE: As in Match F. - -An honor medal will be given for a score of 210 or better that wins no -other prize. - -ENTRANCE FEE: First entry $2. There may be four re-entries at $1.00 each. -As yet we have a silver cup for only the Indoor Match. - -MATCH H--REVOLVER HANDICAP.--Indoor and Outdoor Event.--Arm, any revolver -within the rules for Match A. Ammunition any. Twenty-five shots in strings -of five shots each. Time, thirty minutes per score. Entrance fee, $3 to -paid-up members, $5 to all other persons. - -The possible, 250, will be taken as a basis and a contestant allowed a -handicap thought likely to be necessary to make his score in this match -equal the possible. The fifty-shot and twenty-five shot revolver records -of the contestants on file with the secretary will be taken as the basis -of handicapping. The fifty shot records will be reduced to twenty-five -shot equivalents. - -PRIZES: National medals as in Match A. If the whole number of contestants -in this match exceeds twenty, then state medals will also be awarded as in -Match A. - -A bronze honor medal will be awarded for the highest score less handicap -if it wins no other prize. - -Winners and Scores - - Indoor Handicap Outdoor Handicap - 1915--F. J. Dreher 25 I. B. Humphreys 45.5 - 1916--F. L. Simmonds 47.5 - -MATCH I--PISTOL HANDICAP.--Indoor and Outdoor Event.--Arm, Colt .22 -automatic and any pistol allowed in Match B. Ammunition, any. Entrance -fee, $3 to paid-up members, $5 to all other persons. Twenty-five shots in -strings of five shots each. Time of score, thirty minutes. - -Prizes as in Match H. - -Each entrant may name his own handicap. It must be claimed and mailed in a -letter bearing a post mark prior to the shooting of the match. - -Scores with handicaps exceeding the possible will be penalized three -points for each point of excess. - -Winners and Scores - - Indoor Handicap Outdoor Handicap - 1915--Rich'd Henderson 75 J. H. Snook 16 - 1916--Stanley Runck 30 - -MATCH J--POLICE TEAM MATCH.--Indoor Only.--Limited to members of a -uniformed police force who must furnish credentials to the effect that -they have been enrolled one year or more. Five men teams. - -Arm, any revolver with a barrel not more than 4 1/2 inches long, trigger -pull not less than three pounds, calibre not less than .32. Twenty shots -per man. Five-shot strings. Time two minutes per string. Time to be -entered on target and signed by timer. Ammunition, the full factory charge -for the most powerful cartridge the arm will chamber. Entrance fee, $10 -per team. - -PRIZES: Medals for the members of the first three teams. Gold and silver; -silver; bronze. Six or more entries required to fill the match. Entry fees -refunded if "No contest." With ten or more teams entering, silver medals -emblematic of state championship honor will be awarded for three -contesting teams from one state. With four or more teams from one state, -silver medals will be given the first team, bronze medals the second. -National medals take precedence. - -Ties will be decided by the fewest shots of low count. - -Winners and Scores - -1915--Portland, Ore. - - R. H. Craddock 162 - J. H. Young 157 - W. D. Humphrey 155 - L. K. Evans 151 - J. T. Moore 146 - --- - 776 - -1916--San Francisco, Calif. - - S. Carr 165 - W. R. Proll 157 - J. M. Mann 157 - T. J. Sullivan 143 - E. C. Lange 140 - --- - 762 - -_Substitute for subject matter under U. S. Navy Target Practice -Regulations, pages 204 and 205, the following_: - -The new firing regulations and prescribed course of practice with the -automatic pistol are as follows:[22] - -Each officer or man may fire the pistol course for credits once per year -while attached to each division. - -The firing in the pistol course may be done at any range. - -Any target may be used. - -The course is as follows: - - Position Slow fire Rapid fire - Prone 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Kneeling 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Squatting 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Standing 5 shots 1 string of 5 shots - Total number of shots 20 20 - - Aggregate number of shots 40 - Possible aggregate score 200 - -All men are eligible to compete for prizes in this course once per year -while attached to each division. - -The value of a prize in the pistol course is $1. - -When scoring in the pistol courses, in order to prevent the markers from -knowing the names of the individuals who are firing, the name of the firer -will not be announced by the scorer, but the number of the target he fires -upon will be substituted for his name. - -Before automatic pistols are brought to a range, the magazines should be -removed and kept removed at all times except while the pistol is in actual -use at the firing point. - -Under no circumstances should any one handle a pistol, loaded or unloaded, -except when he is on the firing line fully abreast of the firers, and the -pistol should never be pointed in any other direction than the front. - - -NOTES ON PISTOL PRACTICE - -When a pistol is first taken in hand it should be examined to make sure -that it is not loaded. - -Both the front sight and the rear sighting groove should be blackened. -When the pistol is aimed the front sight should be seen through the middle -of the rear sighting groove and the top of the front sight should be flush -with the top of the groove. The part of the target to be aimed at must be -determined by practice. With most pistols at 25 yards the aim is usually -taken at the bottom edge or in the bottom part of the bull's-eye, and at -50 yards in the center or in the upper part of the bull's-eye. - -Grasp the stock of the pistol as high up as you can so that the barrel, -hand, and arm are as nearly as possible in one straight line. The thumb -should be extended along the upper part of the frame. The second joint of -the forefinger should be on the trigger. - -Start with a light grip and gradually squeeze with the whole hand, the -trigger finger squeezing gradually back as the grip is tightened, and -continue squeezing without a jerk until the pistol fires. Decide to call -the hold and to keep the right eye open. - -If the hits are bunched to one side they can be moved to the right by -increasing the pressure of the thumb against the left side of the pistol -or to the left by decreasing the pressure. - -Snapping--that is, aiming and squeezing the trigger with the pistol not -loaded--is most valuable practice. No man should load and fire until he -has snapped several times to get acquainted with the trigger pull of the -pistol. Expert pistol shots do a great deal of snapping instead of a great -deal of firing. Steady holding can be acquired only by much snapping -practice. - -In the prone position the right elbow has excellent support on the ground. -In the kneeling position the firer may kneel on either knee. Kneeling on -the left knee affords an excellent rest on the right knee for the elbow. -In the squatting position both elbows rest on the knees. In the standing -position face the target squarely, or nearly so. Stand upright, not -craning the head forward, and extend the arm to its full stretch. - -A coach should be at each firing point. In addition to the general duties -of a coach, his specific duties in pistol practice are: (1) to stand -slightly behind the right side of the firer in order to prevent the pistol -being pointed away from the front, (2) to see that the pistol is not -loaded until the proper time, (3) to require the firer to explain the line -of sight, (4) to see that the firer takes the proper position and holds -the pistol properly, (5) to require the firer to snap several times and to -call the hold, (6) to see that the firer loads properly, and (7) to see -that the pistol is unloaded before it leaves the firer's hands. - - -THE END - - - - -INDEX - - - - -INDEX - - - A - - Accidents, 100, 107, 126, 133, 135 - - Accuracy of Cartridges, 39 - - Accuracy of Revolvers, 23, 46, 50 - - Accuracy of Pistols, 29 - - Accuracy Muzzle loading Pistols, 14 - - Adjusting sights, 132-133 - - Aiming, 127-128 - - Air space for dense powders, 157 - - Annual Matches, 97, 171-180, 197-205 - - Ammunition, 37-61, 182 - - "Any" Pistol defined, 180 - - "Any" Revolver defined, 180 - - Arms, 18-36, 182 - - Arguments and Controversies, 139 - - Artificial Light, 66, 118 - - Automatic Pistol, 18, 25, 26, 34, 35 - - Automatic Pistol defined, 19 - - Automatic Pistol Tests, 206 - - Automatic Revolver, 24 - - - B - - Balance of Arms, 125 - - Ballistical Table, 60-61 - - BB Caps, 135 - - Bisley, 93 - - Blacking Sights, 141 - - "Blazing away" ammunition, 138 - - Bore, to measure, 153-154 - - Bullet holes, clean cut, 50 - - Bullets, exact diameter of, 60, 61 - - Bullets, 44, 149-155 - - Bullets, flat pointed, 41 - - Bullets, hollow pointed, 42 - - Bullets, mantled, 44 - - Bullets, soft nosed or "dum-dum," 55 - - Bullets, self-lubricating, 52 - - Bullets, weight of, 60, 61 - - Bullets stuck in barrels, 134 - - - C - - Care in handling arms, 107, 126, 127, 135 - - Carlin-Reynolds tests, 74-75 - - Carrying arms, 105 - - Cartridges, automatic pistol, 54-58 - - Cartridges, center fire, 43-61 - - Cartridges, rim fire, 39, 43, 60 - - Championship matches, 171-180, 197-205 - - Charges, 60-61 - - Cheap arms to be avoided, 122 - - Classification of arms, 180 - - Cleaning and care of arms, 143-146, 181 - - Cleaning fluids, 144 - - Clubs and Ranges, 111-121 - - Coaching, 132 - - Colt, Colonel, 14 - - Competing in matches, 138-143 - - Confinement of powder, 158 - - Corrosion, 145-146 - - Cowboy shooting, 137 - - Crimping shells, 39 - - - D - - Disputes, 139 - - Disqualification, 139 - - Double actions, 126 - - Drawing arms, 136 - - Duelling, 14 - - "Dum-dum" bullets, 55 - - - E - - Equipment and paraphernalia, 140-146 - - Exhibition shooting, 18, 31 - - Exact diameter of bullets, 60-61 - - - F - - Finish of arms, 124 - - Firing, 128-132, 181 - - First Pistols, 13 - - First Revolver, 14 - - Fit of arms, 121 - - Fit of bullets, 155 - - "Flinching," 26, 110, 125 - - Fluids, cleaning, 144 - - Fluxing lead, 150 - - Fouling, 37, 52, 54 - - Franco-American matches, 79-83 - - "Freak arms," 31 - - - G - - Gallery charges, 47-51 - - Gallery ranges, 116-121 - - "Gas cutting," 153 - - Gould, A. C., 72 - - "Grained gunpowder," 13 - - Grand aggregate medals, 171 - - "Gun men," 137 - - Gunsmithing, 213 - - - H - - Handles or stocks, 123-124 - - Hardening bullets, 154 - - Hat for shooting, 141 - - Hints for beginners, 122-146 - - Holding position, 131 - - Holster weapons, 23 - - Hunting charges, 42, 55 - - - I - - International matches, 79-85 - - Indoor Revolver championship, 178 - - Indoor Pistol championship, 179 - - Indoor Pocket Revolver championship, 179 - - Indoor Novice match, 180 - - Instructions to Officers in charge of U. S. R. A. championship contests, - 187 - - - K - - Keeping records, 138 - - - L - - Ladies' clubs, 109 - - Ladies, pistol shooting for, 107-110 - - Large calibers, 32, 35, 90, 92 - - Leading of barrel, 134 - - League, U. S. R. A., 97 - - Lesmok Powder, 156 - - Long range shooting, 94-95 - - Lubricant, 155 - - Lubricating bullets, 154, 155 - - - M - - Manipulation, 126-128 - - Mantled bullets, 44 - - Marking, 114-116, 183 - - Match shooting, 139 - - Matches and Competitions, 96-98, 138-143, 171-180 - - Measuring powder, 161, 162 - - Metal cased bullets, 44 - - Methods and Customs in conducting U. S. Revolver Association - competitions, 184 - - Military arms, 20-26 - - Military arms, requirements of, 20, 21, 55, 56, 181 - - Military championship match, 175 - - Military record match, 174 - - Military revolver team match, 175 - - Misfires, .22-cal., 134 - - Moulding bullets, 149-155 - - Muzzle loading Pistol, 13 - - Muzzle velocities, 58, 60, 61 - - Muzzle energy, 60, 61 - - - N - - National Guard revolver practice, 204 - - National organizations, 31 - - National pistol match, 107-199 - - National Rifle Association, 97 - - Night shooting, 65-66 - - Novice Re-entry match, 180 - - - O - - Oils, 145 - - Olympic Games Matches, 83-85 - - Opening mouth of shells, 161 - - Organized Militia target practice, 204 - - Outside lubrication, 41 - - - P - - Paine-Bennett match, 73 - - Paine sights, 63 - - Patridge sight, 63 - - Penetration, 60-61 - - Physical condition important, 143 - - Pistol championship match, 172, 179 - - Pistols, 27-29 - - Pistol, definition of, 18-19 - - Pistol muzzle loading, 13 - - Pistol shooting for ladies, 107-110 - - Pocket arms, 31-35, 181 - - Pocket Revolver championship match, 176, 179 - - Police, Revolver practice for, 99-106 - - Position, 127-128, 182 - - Possibles, 92 - - Powders, 37, 155-159 - - Powder charges, 60-61 - - Powder measures, 161 - - Practice shooting, 94-98 - - Practical shooting, 136-137 - - Primer difficulty, 42 - - Primers, 147 - - Proportion of charges, 38 - - Protection from rust, 145-146 - - Protests, 139, 183 - - Pulling the trigger, 129-130 - - Pull of trigger, 133 - - - Q - - Qualifications for shooting, 16 - - Quick drawing of weapons, 135 - - - R - - Rapidity of fire in automatic pistols, 25 - - Rapid fire shooting, 126, 142 - - Ranges, 111-121 - - Range officers, 139 - - Records, 77, 184, 191-196 - - Record, definition of, 76 - - Reduced charges, 60, 61, 163, 165 - - Reloading ammunition, 147-166, 213 - - Repairs, 215 - - Revolver championship match, 170, 178 - - Revolver practice, 94-98 - - Revolver practice for the police, 99-106, 132-138 - - Revolver, definition of, 18 - - Rim fire cartridges, 39-43, 60 - - Round bullets, 164 - - Rule to correct sights, 132 - - Rules, shooting, 106, 120, 121, 127 - - Rules and Regulations of the U. S. Revolver Association, 180-191 - - Rust, 42, 145, 146 - - - S - - Score, defined, 86 - - Scoring, 92, 183 - - Second-hand arms, 122 - - Selecting arms, 122-123 - - Self-lubricating bullets, 52 - - Shells, 148, 149, 160 - - Shelter for contestants, 112 - - Shooting matches, 139, 171-180 - - Shooting equipment and paraphernalia, 140-146 - - Shooting position, 67-69 - - Shooting rules, 106, 120, 121 - - Sights, 21, 59, 62, 67, 132, 133, 141, 182 - - Sizing bullets, 154-155 - - Small bullseyes undesirable, 93 - - Smokeless charges, 60-61 - - Smokeless powder, 156-159 - - Spectacles, 141 - - Splatter of bullets, 118 - - Sport of pistol shooting, 15 - - Spotting, 115 - - Squadded competitions, 141 - - Standard American target, 86 - - Stopping power, 20, 57 - - Strain in match shooting, 139 - - Supervision, 183 - - Supplies, 213 - - - T - - Targets, 86-93, 183 - - Target arms, 26-31 - - Target, definition of, 86 - - Target practice, 94-98, 102-104, 132-138 - - Target shooting, 70-85 - - Tests, 74-75, 206-212 - - Ties, 183 - - Timing, 181 - - Tin for bullets, 150 - - Training, 143 - - Trick shooting, 18 - - Trigger pull, 124-125, 182 - - "Trolleys," 116 - - - U - - United States Army Medals, 199 - - United States Army regulation practice, 200-203 - - United States Army Pistol target, 91 - - United States Navy regulation practice, 204 - - United States Revolver Association, 78-79, 167-191 - - U. S. R. A. _Bulletin_, 167 - - " " Constitution, 168 - - " " League Contest, 167, 189-191 - - - V - - Ventilation, 120 - - - W - - War Department Tests of Automatic Pistols, 206-212 - - Weather conditions, 141-142 - - Winan's trophy, 76 - - Wind, 141, 142 - - Winners and scores in past championship matches, 171-180 - - Wrong ammunition, 133 - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] The first pistols of which there is any authentic information were -made about 1540 by one Caminelleo Vitelli at Pistoia, Italy, from which -place the arm took its name. - -[2] For a detailed history of the evolution of the pistol and revolver, -the reader is referred to "Text-book for Officers at Schools of Musketry," -Longman & Co., London; "Kriegstechnische Zeitschrift," Heft I and II, -1901, Mittler & Sohn, Berlin; "The Modern American Pistol and Revolver," -Bradlee Whidden, Boston. Many interesting specimens of ancient and modern -pistols and revolvers are owned and exhibited by the United States -Cartridge Company of Lowell, Mass. - -[3] See Ordnance Reports, Department of War, Washington, D. C., for -complete details of tests, etc. - -[4] See Appendix for digest of these tests. - -[5] The United States Revolver Association, The National Rifle Association -of Great Britain, and the United Shooting Societies of France. For -programmes and details, address the secretaries of the respective -organizations. - -[6] For descriptions and illustrations of this style of shooting, see "The -Art of Revolver Shooting," by Walter Winans (G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York -and London). This elaborate work contains also much detailed information, -valuable suggestions, and many interesting personal experiences in -relation to revolver shooting. - -[7] The difficulty is probably caused by the priming composition used at -the present time in smokeless rim-fire ammunition. These compositions vary -with different manufacturers, but most of them contain fulminate of -mercury, chlorate of potash, powdered glass, etc. The trouble is probably -caused principally by the chlorate of potash and perhaps by the fulminate -of mercury. At any rate, a corrosive residue is left which attacks the -barrel and causes it to rust. A priming composition free from deleterious -substances, and which will not leave a corrosive residue, is urgently -needed for both rim-fire and center-fire ammunition. - -[8] So named after its adoption as the service ammunition of the Russian -cavalry. - -[9] California Powder Works. This brand of powder is not retailed to small -consumers. - -[10] Sold by American Specialty Co., 198 Fifth Avenue, New York City. - -[11] See "The Modern American Pistol and Revolver," by A. C. Gould -(Bradlee Whidden, Publisher, Boston, Mass.). - -[12] See Appendix for Constitution, Annual Matches, Rules and Regulations, -etc. - -[13] The position of a shot accurately indicated by a marker from a pit or -safe place near the target. A disc of sufficient size to be seen easily -from the firing point attached to the end of a pole is used for this -purpose, the marker placing the disc over the shot hole for a few seconds -immediately after each shot is fired. - -[14] For a complete detailed description of range construction, including -illustrations, practical working drawings, etc., the reader is referred to -"Rifle Range Construction," published by the E. I. du Pont Powder Company, -Rifle Smokeless Division, Wilmington, Del. - -[15] See Appendix. - -[16] Under this subject the author aims to give helpful practical -information and advice for the benefit of all who wish to acquire skill in -pistol and revolver shooting. - -[17] The Ideal Manufacturing Company (Marlin Firearms Co., successors) of -New Haven, Conn., publishes a handbook containing full information in -regard to moulding bullets, reloading ammunition, tables, and other useful -information relating to shooting. - -[18] See Gunsmithing, Repairs, etc., in the Appendix. - -[19] In 1900 and 1901 the military target with a 4x5-inch elliptical -bull's-eye was used. The bull's-eye counted 5 and the possible was 375. -Since then the Standard American target with the 8-inch bull's-eye has -been used. Prior to 1904 twenty-five shots were fired at each of three -ranges--25, 50, and 75 yards. That year the other ranges were discontinued -and the 75 shots have since been fired at 50 yards only. - -[20] Penalized best shot in this string for over time. - -[21] The tests for revolvers were similar, with suitable slight -modifications. - -[22] Reproduced from "Small Arms Firing Regulation U. S. Navy, 1917." - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_. - -Superscripted characters are indicated by {superscript}. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pistol and Revolver Shooting, by -A. L. A. 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