48 CENTRAL AFRICAN GAME AND ITS SPOOR. 



at ten yards with one shot from a Mannlicher, and with the same weapon failed to stop 

 a charging lion at two yards. 



The inference to be drawn from the first instance is that the Mannlicher is all 

 that is desirable for the most ponderous game, and from the second that the same 

 rifle is utterly useless, even for comparatively small game, neither of which inferences 

 are of the least value unless compared with hundreds of other cases. 



In the first case, had we had a heavy bore we think that we may not have been 

 able to have got in such a deadly shot, whereas, in the second case, with a heavy bore 

 or even a shot-gun, the shock of impact would in all probability have turned the 

 animal. 



We have touched on the disadvantages of double barrels, especially big bore, but 

 we have omitted to mention its greatest advantage, and that is, the rapidity with which 

 a second shot can be got in, which is a very serious consideration in a tight place. 



The first shot is the all-important one, and if this only wounds, the animal must be 

 stopped by sheer weight of lead and blow of impact. 



For the first shot we wish to use all the accuracy at our disposal, and something 

 that we can always have in our hand through a long and tiring day, hence we 

 advocate a small bore. 



If after firing this we had an automaton to hand us our big bore, it might be 

 useful to have one in reserve to meet a possible charge, but gunbearers are only 

 human, and rather than run the risk of having to look for it up a tree or some yards 

 in rear, perhaps it is as well to depend on your magazine and accurate shooting and 

 save yourself sixty guineas by not having a rifle which may be in the way when you 

 don't want it, and very possibly not available when you want it mighty badly. 



However, this is for the sportsman to decide for himself, and if he has a big 

 bore he should certainly get hold of it before following wounded lion or buffalo. 



As regards sights there are various kinds, some people prefer Lyman's, others 

 the ordinary V sight. 



Lyman sights are certainly very accurate owing to the increased distance between 

 fore and back sight. In wet weather, however, the peep-sight gets a bead of water 

 in it which has to be blown out before shooting. 



As to V sights, some prefer a broad and others a narrower V. A broad one is, 

 perhaps, quicker for a running shot. 



The backsight should have a silver line down the centre. The foresight should 

 be tipped with ivory, enamel, silver, or platinum. Ivory is the best for bush country, 

 as it shows up well against a dark background. Lyman peep-sights are useful for 

 standing shots, but should be made to fold down, so that the ordinary sights can be 



